Amazon flex is a program that allows drivers to deliver packages with their own vehicle in order to make some extra cash. Drivers can select their preferred hours of work, and can reserve specific blocks in their area for delivery coverage.
In this article, we’ll explain some of the details of Amazon’s Flex program, and how you can get started making money by delivering for Amazon in your spare time.
What Is Amazon Flex?
Amazon flex is an app-driven program that allows third party users to deliver amazon packages, as well as grocery orders with their own vehicle in order to make some extra cash. The idea was inspired by ride-sharing programs such as Lyft and Uber, and has some similarities to those platforms.
Flex drivers cover the last stretch of a package’s journey; from the regional fulfillment center to the customer. The program is available in more than 50 cities across the US, and that number is always growing.
How Does Working For Amazon Flex Work?
According to Amazon’s website, Drivers wanting to deliver packages through Amazon flex must first download the app and register any relevant information. As a driver, you will be responsible for delivering packages through a number of Amazon programs, including Amazon Prime and Amazon Fresh.
This means you will be delivering a wide variety of goods, and must be prepared to properly handle anything you may have to deliver. Amazon Prime deliveries must frequently be performed in a timely fashion, in order to fulfill same-day or next-day delivery requirements.
Amazon restaurants also require drivers to pick up food from restaurants for delivery to customers, similar to Uber eats or DoorDash. Between all the different programs that Amazon runs, you shouldn’t have any problem picking up regular work.
If amazon flex is not yet available in your area, you can register to be put on a waitlist in case the service becomes available near you. You will be notified of new opportunities in your area as they pop up.
If there are open opportunities in your area for Amazon Flex, you should be able to start working right away. You will need to provide your Social Security number and submit to a background check prior to starting the job.
Amazon will also require you to fill out information about your vehicle. Amazon flex requires drivers to use a four-door vehicle in order to safely accommodate the different types of packages you will have to deliver.
Although larger vehicles are generally preferred since they can deliver more packages, smaller vehicles may still be eligible for Amazon Prime and Amazon Restaurant deliveries. Some locations allow delivery by bicycle.
Once you’re all set up with the app, you can begin reserving blocks of time that you are available to work. Over time, you will also receive impromptu offers based on your history of availability. You are free to decline these offers if you so choose.
The flex app will regularly be updated with available blocks of time for you to work. Depending on your region, these blocks may be competitive. The reservations work on a first-come-first serve basis, similarly to Uber or Lyft.
Amazon will regularly fire Flex drivers for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Remaining inactive for 180 days or more
- Consistently being late for deliveries
- Missing scheduled blocks of work
- Undelivered packages
- Bad reviews from customers
- Stealing or delivering damaged goods
Drivers can use the in-app support feature to get assistance while on the job to help ensure everything goes smoothly.
How Many Hours A Week Can You Work For Amazon Flex?
The upper limit on the amount of hours you can work for Amazon Flex is 40 hours. There will be some opportunities to go over this allotment, particularly during the holiday season.
Although it is technically possible to work ‘full time’ for Amazon Flex, many drivers report that the competitive nature of the app makes it difficult to consistently reserve blocks of time.
If you have a larger vehicle that is capable of delivering more packages at once, you may be eligible for larger blocks of time. Regular blocks are up to three hours, while special blocks for larger vehicles go up to five hours. The requirement for this is 41 cubic feet of space within your vehicle.
How much Does Amazon Flex Actually Pay?
Amazon Flex drivers typically earn between $18 and $25 per hour. You will be paid a fixed rate for the block of time you sign up for. This means that it’s possible to get paid for three full hours even if you completed all the deliveries within two hours.
The pay rate for each block is determined by the region, time of day, and a number of other factors such as weather conditions and/or seasonal factors. Drivers are also eligible for tips while delivering packages for Prime Now, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Restaurant. Tips are at the discretion of the customer receiving the package.
Payment is processed twice per week, on Tuesday and Friday. You will have to set up direct deposit on the app in order for the funds to be delivered to your bank account. Amazon will also offer bonuses or incentives for drivers from time to time.
An important thing to note about delivering for Amazon Flex is that drivers are not considered Amazon employees. Like Uber or Lyft, drivers are actually considered private contractors, so certain responsibilities and liabilities will apply.
Does Amazon Flex Pay For Fuel?
Since driving for Amazon is a private contracting job, the driver is responsible for their own operating costs. This includes fuel, insurance, and damage to the vehicle. However, certain expenses, such as fuel, may qualify as tax-deductible if you declare it as a business expense on your tax forms. Keepertax.com has a page detailing many of the details in this regard.
Remember that it’s always important to fill out tax information as accurately as possible. For this reason, you should keep an accurate tally of how much fuel you have used while delivering for Amazon, as well as any other expenses you wish to claim on your tax forms.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask away in the comments section.
Want to learn more about working at Amazon? Learn if how long does it take for Amazon Flex drivers license verification, does Amazon Flex take out taxes, you get paid for personal time off at Amazon and do Amazon employees get a discount?
Conclusion
Amazon Flex is an app that allows third-party users to deliver Amazon packages in their own car to make some extra money. It is amazon’s version of UberEats and Lyft.
It is an easy and quick way to make some extra cash without being a full-time Amazon employee. However, since it is an independent contracting job, Amazon does not pay for fuel, insurance or damage to the car.