What Is Amazon Flex? The Complete Guide to Becoming an Amazon Delivery Driver

Hey there! Have you ever seen those Amazon delivery drivers dropping off packages in your neighborhood? If you‘ve been looking for a flexible way to earn extra cash, signing up for Amazon Flex is a great option worth considering.

This in-depth guide will tell you everything you need to know about how Amazon Flex works, driver requirements, pay, getting delivery blocks, and what it‘s like to deliver for Amazon.

What is Amazon Flex?

Amazon Flex is the company‘s network of independent contractors who deliver packages directly to customers‘ doors. As an Amazon Flex driver, you get to set your own schedule and choose which delivery blocks you want to work.

When you deliver with Flex, you earn money by picking up packages from Amazon warehouses called Delivery Stations and then driving to customers‘ homes and businesses to drop them off. It‘s an excellent way to earn solid pay with a schedule that fits your needs.

A Day in the Life of an Amazon Flex Driver

Wondering what it‘s like to deliver for Amazon Flex? A typical day might go like this:

You start your morning by opening up the Amazon Flex app to browse available delivery blocks. You select a 4 hour evening block from 6pm to 10pm that works for your schedule.

Later in the day, you head to the Amazon Delivery Station to pick up your packages for the block. There you load up your car with the packages the app tells you to deliver.

Using the Flex app, you follow turn-by-turn directions to each address. At each stop, you verify the recipient, scan the package, take a photo for confirmation, and hand it to the customer.

After you successfully complete the last delivery, you mark the block as completed in the app and head home, having earned around $80 to $100 for the evening shift.

How Does Amazon Flex Work?

Amazon Flex uses everyday people like you to provide super-fast package delivery from Delivery Stations to customers‘ homes. Here are some key things to know about how it works:

• Choose your own schedule – With Flex, you decide which delivery blocks fit your availability using the app

• 2 to 6 hour blocks – Blocks range from 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 hours for Prime Now and Amazon.com orders

• No minimums – Work as much or as little as you want, you can do this as a side gig

• Make deliveries – Pick up packages at an Amazon location, then deliver to customers guided by the app

• Earn per package – You earn per successful delivery based on the block you choose

• Paid weekly – Amazon directly deposits earnings into your account weekly

It‘s a great option for anyone looking for a flexible way to earn money on your own terms.

What Are the Requirements to Deliver for Amazon Flex?

Not just anyone can deliver for Amazon. To be approved as a Flex driver, you‘ll need to meet these minimum requirements:

• 21 years or older
• Valid driver‘s license and auto insurance
• Reliable 4-door vehicle from 1996 or newer
• Smartphone with Flex app (Android only)
• Pass a background check

Your car will also need to be in good shape for frequent deliveries. Sedans or small SUVs are typical, but trucks, vans, and some larger vehicles can work too.

What Cities is Amazon Flex Available in?

As of 2022, the Amazon Flex program is available in over 50 major metro areas across the United States. With Prime members demanding faster delivery times, Amazon keeps expanding Flex to more locations.

Some of the most popular Amazon Flex cities right now include:

• Atlanta, GA
• Austin, TX
• Boston, MA
• Chicago, IL
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO
• Houston, TX
• Las Vegas, NV
• Los Angeles, CA
• Miami, FL
• Nashville, TN
• New York City, NY
• Philadelphia, PA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington D.C.

Not near one of these cities? Don‘t worry, Amazon rolls out Flex to new regions all the time. Be sure to check Amazon Flex website to see if it‘s available in your area.

Types of Deliveries Drivers Can Make

One thing that makes Amazon Flex fun is the variety – you never know what exactly you‘ll be delivering on a given block. Based on your city, you may pick up packages from:

• Amazon Delivery Stations – Where Amazon.com merchandise packages are sorted
• Prime Now Hubs – For 1-2 hour Prime Now and Amazon Fresh orders
• Whole Foods – Grocery deliveries from Whole Foods stores
• Local Stores – Small business and retail location packages

Some of the most common types of Amazon Flex deliveries include:

• Amazon.com packages – Anything ordered on Amazon.com
• Prime Now packages – 1-2 hour delivery of groceries, gifts, household items
• Amazon Fresh groceries – Food and grocery delivery
• Whole Foods orders – Fresh grocery delivery
• Local store and restaurant orders – Packages from local retail establishments

So while every block will be different, you‘ll be handling many Amazon Prime and Amazon Fresh deliveries as a Flex driver.

How Much Do Amazon Flex Drivers Make?

Many people considering Amazon Flex are curious about the pay and earnings potential. So how much money can you make delivering packages for Amazon?

According to Amazon, drivers earn an average of $18 to $25 per hour. However, Amazon Flex drivers don‘t get paid an hourly wage. Your earnings are based per package delivered, determined by your delivery block rate and route.

For example, say you choose a 4 hour evening block that pays $72 total. If it takes you the full 4 hours to complete the 30 deliveries assigned during that block, you would earn $18 per hour.

However, if you‘re able to finish the route in just 3 hours, you‘d earn $24 per hour for that block. The faster and more efficiently you can deliver, the more you can potentially earn per hour.

Many drivers report average earnings of $20 per hour when factoring in tips. According to data from Ridester, average earnings range from $17.50 to $21.65 per hour [1].

Your actual pay will depend on factors like:

• Your location – Bigger cities tend to have higher rates
• Demand – Blocks during peak times often pay more
• Route efficiency – Faster delivery means better hourly pay
• Type of block – Prime Now and Fresh blocks can include tips

Amazon pays Flex drivers every Friday for the blocks completed the previous week. Earnings are deposited directly into your bank account associated with your Amazon account.

How do Amazon Flex earnings compare to other delivery apps?

Flex pay tends to be higher overall than popular apps like DoorDash, UberEats, or Instacart. For example:

• DoorDash drivers earn an average of $15 – $17 per hour [2]
• Uber Eats drivers make around $14 – $18 per hour on average [3]
• Instacart shoppers earn up to $15 – $22 per hour [4]

So Flex drivers tend to earn equal or higher pay compared to other popular delivery apps.

Getting Delivery Blocks with Amazon Flex

Scoring good delivery blocks is key to earning with Amazon Flex. Here are some tips:

• Open the Flex app and set your availability whenever you can work

• Enable notifications so you don‘t miss newly added blocks

• Check the app frequently for new blocks added throughout the day

• Schedule availability during peak times – mornings, evenings, weekends

• Cast a wide net with your schedule to have more options

Amazon adds new blocks as orders come in and delivery demand increases. The busiest peak times are often:

• Mornings – 7AM to 11AM
• Evenings – 5PM to 10PM
• Weekends – Especially Sundays when people order for the week ahead

Blocks get claimed very quickly during peak demand. So turning on notifications and having the app open is key to grabbing good blocks for weekends and holidays.

Once you accept a block, you are committed to completing it. You can forfeit any unstarted blocks in the app, but it impacts your driver rating.

How many blocks should you work per week? Most Flex drivers recommend working 20-30 hours per week to earn $400 or more. But many drivers work fewer blocks as a side gig for extra cash.

Costs and Expenses for Flex Drivers

Since Amazon Flex drivers are independent contractors, all costs related to your vehicle and delivery duties come out of your earnings. Here are some typical expenses to be aware of:

• Gas – Be prepared for high gas usage while completing routes

• Vehicle Wear and Tear – Frequent driving leads to more repairs and maintenance

• Insurance – Depending on state laws, you may need commercial coverage

• Phone Plan – Make sure you have adequate data to run the app

• Hot/Cold Bags – Useful for grocery deliveries and some restaurants

• Water/Snacks – It gets tiring out on the road driving all day!

To help offset costs, be sure to track your mileage for tax deductions. Also take advantage of discounts through the Flex Driver Offers program for fuel, tires, maintenance, and more.

While expenses do add up, many drivers feel the ability to choose your own schedule and earn solid pay makes it worth it!

Support System for Amazon Flex Drivers

Driving for Amazon Flex means you are an independent contractor, not an Amazon employee. But Amazon does provide helpful support resources:

24/7 Support – Get help via phone, email, or in-app chat

Online Forums – Connect with other Flex drivers in your area

Videos/Guides – Learn the ropes through training materials

Driver Feedback – Give input on your experience to improve Flex

Bonus Programs – Earn rewards through referral bonuses and incentives

Discounts – Save on work essentials like cell phone plans and roadside assistance

Having a support system enables Flex drivers to get help navigating any challenges with deliveries, the app, support issues, and more.

Why Amazon Flex is a Good Option

At this point, you may be wondering – should I drive for Amazon Flex?

For anyone looking for extra income, Flex provides a great opportunity with:

• Choose your own schedule – Fit blocks around your life

• No minimum hours – Work as much or as little as you want

• Make $18-$25 per hour – Strong pay rates with tips included

• Weekly pay – Get paid quickly through direct deposit

• Gain experience – Looks great on a resume to work for Amazon

• Tax deductions – Write off work-related mileage and expenses

• Workouts included – All the walking and lifting serves as a workout!

• Explore your city – See new neighborhoods while making deliveries

Who is Amazon Flex good for? Flex is ideal for college students, retirees, stay-at-home parents, and anyone who wants to supplement their income. It‘s designed for people who value flexibility.

If you like driving, meeting new people, working independently, and making money on your schedule, Flex can be extremely rewarding.

Ready to Get Started as a Flex Driver?

Now that you know what it‘s like to deliver with Amazon Flex, you may be ready to get started!

Here is an overview of the steps to become a driver:

1. Check if Flex is available in your city

2. Download the Amazon Flex app

3. Complete the online application

4. Get approved and set up your account

5. Reserve your first delivery block

6. Pick up packages and start delivering!

7. Get paid every Friday directly into your bank account

Driving for Amazon Flex provides an opportunity to earn excellent pay while maintaining total flexibility. With strong demand for fast delivery, it‘s a great option for anyone looking to make money on their own terms.

I hope this guide gave you a complete overview of what to expect as a Flex driver. Now that you know how it works, try it out for yourself and start earning!