How to become an Amazon Flex driver
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Amazon significantly caters to the population’s wants and needs. They cover everything from food and grocery to unique online items essential for various industries. That’s why the company needs a huge workforce to satisfy its logistics demands.
Are you interested in joining their fleet of delivery drivers and earning as part of their Amazon Flex program? Curious about how to apply for Amazon Flex, and if it is worth the hassle? Don’t fret; here’s everything you need to know about becoming an Amazon Flex delivery driver!
Amazon Flex
Amazon offers a delivery program for new and even seasoned delivery drivers who want to earn a good source of extra money. This is a viable option for people who don’t want to lock themselves in a full-time commitment with the company. But what exactly is Amazon Flex?
Amazon hires delivery partners as part of their logistic team to help spread the load of their delivery needs. Amazon Flex drivers deliver packages on behalf of the company, and Amazon pays them a good amount of money for the delivery blocks they fulfill. In short, they are independent contractors and work for themselves.
Benefits of working as an Amazon Flex delivery driver
Many delivery jobs share the same structure; however, an Amazon delivery driver, especially a Flex driver, enjoys a few perks that might not be available with other delivery services.
Flexible schedule
Amazon Flex delivery drivers work on a flexible time. The platform shares the same backbone similar to popular ridesharing and delivery apps on the market. Typically you don’t work a fixed schedule as you would working a 9 am to 5 pm shift.
Instead, Amazon Flex offers delivery blocks that usually run anywhere between two to four-hour delivery shifts. Locking in delivery blocks means Amazon Flex workers create their own hours when delivering packages.
This flexibility in their schedule makes it a perfect choice for students and people with full-time work who want extra money. An Amazon Flex driver may also reserve a package delivery slot in advance. This gives a Flex driver the ability to plan and make room for personal and family time.
Amazon delivery drivers get great pay
As an Amazon independent contractor, drivers usually earn between $18 to $25 per hour. However, on a lucky day when tips come raining in, that figure has the potential to bump up to $30 to $45. Considering a delivery block offers two to four-hour shifts, you can get a hefty payday every time.
Some drivers claim that it offers better pay than other jobs in the gig economy.
Customer interaction is kept to minimum
Unlike ridesharing hustles, Flex drivers face fewer customer interactions in their shifts. You’ll only get to talk to customers when you hand them over their Amazon packages.
Are you interested in applying as one of the Flex drivers? If you got your vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a smartphone, you should be all set. However, there is a list of eligible vehicles for the program, so you better take note of their requirements.
Requirements to become an Amazon Flex delivery partner
An aspiring Amazon Flex Driver should satisfy a few conditions to join the fleet. They first need to consider a few things. Do you have a vehicle? Do you have the qualifications and experience? Let’s find out the things you need.
Access to the Amazon Flex app
Amazon Flex delivery drivers consider the Flex app as their primary tool for doing business on the platform. Starting from the application stage all the way to completing deliveries, all the magic happens within the app.
Unfortunately, the Amazon Flex app is not compatible with all smartphones available on the market.
iOS Devices
Apple users with iPhone 6s and newer models running on iOS 13.0 and above may use the Amazon Flex app without worries.
Android Phones
Similar to iOS devices, not all Android users can use the Flex app. Android phones must meet the platform’s minimum requirements.
- Android phones with Android 6.0 or higher are necessary for the app to work.
- GPS location services enabled devices.
- Android smartphones must have a camera with a working flash.
- Phones with at least 2GB of RAM are also required.
Amazon Flex minimum driver requirements
Amazon logistics teams may sometimes need a helping hand, and that’s where their independent contractor, an Amazon Flex delivery driver comes in. Aspiring Flex drivers need to satisfy a couple of things.
- Age – an applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
- Legal Document – All applicants must own a valid driver’s license
- DMV Check – Candidates must pass a DMV check to proceed with the application process.
- Background Check – Applicants need to pass a background check. This is crucial for the application process, and failure with the background check may result in rejection from the program.
A background check is part of a standard procedure when looking for this job. This is to make sure you’re a safe and trustworthy driver.
Amazon Flex’s background check looks back for any significant criminal records and driving violations in the past seven years. In addition, past events related to violent crimes, theft, or any offenses similar in nature may result in disqualification.
Multiple driving infractions may also deter your chances. Make sure to keep your record clean to earn the most significant possibility of joining the program. Amazon needs two to five business days to get the most accurate background check.
The driving experience is also unnecessary, and anyone who wishes to apply for the program may do so. Even if you only got your driver’s license just a week prior, you have an equal opportunity to get the slot.
Vehicle requirements
Aside from essential things such as background checks and other necessary documents, an applicant needs a qualifying vehicle for the Amazon Flex program.
Delivery service providers need a spacious vehicle, which provides plenty of storage room for boxes and other stuff. The ideal vehicle for an Amazon Flex driver is a mid-sized four-door sedan or a pick-up truck with a covered bed. Alternative options are vans and minivans since they offer plenty of headroom and spacious interior for those packages.
Proof of auto insurance is also an important document to keep handy when applying for the post.
Amazon Flex driver sign up process
All applicants need to download the Amazon Flex app to begin the sign-up process. You can get the platform through the Amazon Flex website or the Apple Store for those using Apple devices. Android phone users must download the Flex app through their browsers.
After downloading the Amazon Flex app, the platform shows a list of cities that accepts applications. Major metropolitan cities such as Dallas, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas usually have slots available. Currently, Amazon Flex is hiring delivery drivers in over 50 cities in the U.S. A quick note, Amazon updates the list of available cities, meaning we can expect the cities available on the Flex app to grow over time.
If you’re wondering what will happen to your Application if your city is not on the list, don’t worry. Areas that are not actively recruiting delivery drivers can still join Amazon delivery partners’ waitlist.
Once you select your city, the following screen will ask about the applicant’s name, address, phone number, email address, and social security number. They also need to have their license ready.
The Flex app will also prompt qualifying questions about the applicant’s specific vehicle and availability. In addition, financial details such as tax and bank account information are also required for paying their Amazon dues via direct deposit.
Once everything is set, be ready for a series of training videos that spans anywhere between three to five minutes. It shows all the necessary information about the nature of the work, Amazon logistics navigations, delivery blocks, and other essential details every Amazon Flex driver needs.
The training videos also show how Amazon flex drivers should handle delivery, what to expect inside an Amazon delivery station, and essential troubleshooting guides when the Flex app experiences bugs. Expect to see some short exams between the videos to make sure you are aware of what you watched.
The sign-up process ends with consent for a background check. This process usually takes about two to five business days. Once they get the feedback, Amazon will notify them through the app and via email. Amazon will provide a quick checklist of things the applicant must satisfy if there are any additional details about the application.
Types of Amazon Flex jobs
Amazon Logistics
Large vehicle owners can opt for Amazon Logistics jobs. This job primarily handles the typical next-day delivery and same-day shipping. Most packages come in boxes, and delivery blocks hold a shift anywhere between three to six hours.
Delivery drivers may handle up to 50 packages or more in one block shift. That’s why having a larger vehicle makes the journey worth the time.
This type of delivery service has little to no customer interaction since most customers are away from their homes. Typically, delivery drivers drop the package in a safe spot or right on the customer’s doorstep. If they can’t get the package to a secure location, drivers usually return the items to the Amazon warehouse and attempt another delivery later.
Prime Now
Amazon Prime members enjoy first-rate delivery services. That’s why Flex driver takes extra care for this kind of delivery. Delivery blocks for Prime Now can be tricky to grab since this is the most competitive block for Flex drivers.
Tips are mainly why drivers constantly refresh their Flex app to get any Prime Now shifts.
Amazon Fresh
If you’re looking for a more customer-oriented delivery type, then Amazon Fresh delivery might be your best option. Amazon Fresh deliveries usually involve grocery items, which is Amazon’s response to their competitors, such as Instacart and PeaPod.
Distribution centers usually prepare all orders. These orders vary from a few items to a complete grocery list. Drivers pick up the order and deliver them to the drop-off point indicated in their Flex app.
Amazon Restaurants
Amazon Restaurants handles food delivery services, similar to DoorDash and UberEats. Like Amazon Fresh, interactions between delivery riders and customers are almost guaranteed. However, this is a good spot if ever you want to get a decent amount of tips.
This type of delivery suits part-time drivers looking for earning opportunities in a short amount of time. An average round of deliveries for Amazon Restaurants takes about two hours.
Things to expect after applying to Amazon Flex
After going through the application screen and submitting all necessary documents, you’ll get a message both on the registered email and on the Flex app. The message will tell you if you’re now part of the program or if the system denied your Application.
If you completed all necessary documents and still haven’t heard from them after five business days, it might be the right time to contact Amazon Flex support and follow up on the matter.
Rejected Application typically means one of these three things:
- Lack of appropriate documents
- Background check fail
- Vehicle and/or phone did not meet minimum requirements
Things you need to know before applying to Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is a fun and rewarding side hustle. They offer generous payouts and provide flexible schedule selection. However, there are things you should know before joining the program.
1099 Contractor
The IRS is very strict when it comes to tax reports. That’s why it is essential to know what form you need to get in each tax season. For independent contractors working for the delivery service industry, you need the 1099 form.
Self-employed status
Working with a self-employed status is an appealing feeling for some. They consider their employment status rewarding. However, it comes with plenty of responsibility on their part.
Companies process and compute necessary taxes and other financial obligations in a regular employee’s paycheck. Their responsibilities include auto insurance, fuel allowance, maintenance cost, repairs, and other expenses associated with your delivery job. However, you’ll be responsible for all payments if you’re self-employed.
Aside from the typical operating expenses, you’re also responsible for taking out a portion of your paycheck and setting them aside for the tax season.
Lock in your shift
Once you’re accepted within the program, you need to lock in delivery shifts within 180 days. Failure to secure a block within the given period may result in termination.
Drivers who want to re-apply for the program need a 12-month cooling period before proceeding with their Application.
Amazon Flex job FAQs
Is it easy to work as an Amazon Flex driver?
People consider delivering through Amazon Flex easy if you love driving around your neighborhood and passing over packages. On top of that, it offers good pay per hour compared to similar gigs from competitors.
When is the best time to apply?
The Holiday season and other busy months are the best time to apply for the program. Around these times, Amazon ramps up its hiring process, and you’ll have a higher chance of getting a position.
Alternatively, you can apply anytime, and Amazon places your profile on their waitlist if there’s no vacant slot.
Is Amazon Flex the best delivery platform for drivers?
Amazon Flex is a solid platform for earning money fast. However, just like any other delivery service provider, it has its pros and cons. For example, Flex drivers can get a higher payout if they can get consistent delivery block shifts from the app, but the number of open blocks may be limited at times.
Is Amazon Flex lucrative enough to become a full-time occupation?
There’s no right way to answer this question, but it all depends on the individual’s needs. For example, if you have full-time work and you’re looking to earn extra money during your free time, then it might be a good option for you.
However, if you’re only relying on the platform as your primary source of income, it might be tricky unless you are consistency working. Amazon Flex delivery drivers compete against other drivers for locking in delivery shifts. If you can’t get a shift, then you don’t have any work.
Disclaimer
Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries completed, time of day, location, and expenses. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90 day period and includes compensation from peak pay, tips, and other incentives.
