Working with the world’s largest e-commerce corporation doesn’t mean you need to give up the flexible schedule you want.
Just like a rideshare driver, you can earn money from the comfort of your car with your smartphone as your co-pilot.
Your opportunity to be your own boss, while getting paid by a trillion-dollar brand, starts when you apply for Amazon Flex.
Amazon didn’t become a massive, online marketplace by chance.
In order to get there, it has recruited hundreds of thousands of employees over the years — as well as many independent contractors on the Amazon Flex team.
As part of this team, you can start making money while helping consumers get the reliable service they need.
We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about becoming an Amazon Flex driver.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Amazon Flex?
- Benefits of Applying for Amazon Flex
- The Different Types of Amazon Flex Jobs Available
- Things to Note Before Applying
- Amazon Flex Requirements
- Things You’ll Need to Apply for Amazon Flex
- How to Apply for Amazon Flex [Tutorial]
- What to Expect After Applying for Amazon Flex
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Earn Cash With Package Delivery
What Is Amazon Flex?
Amazon Flex is one of many Amazon delivery driver jobs the ecommerce giant offers.
Flex is a program that connects everyday drivers with opportunities to deliver packages on behalf of the e-commerce brand.
Independent contractors who are accepted into the program essentially help fill in the driver supply gaps when there’s high demand — and you can simply accept the offers that fit into your schedule.
If you’ve ever received an Amazon delivery from someone without a uniform or branded vehicle, you’ve already seen the program in action.
Amazon Flex delivery drivers can be found throughout the United States, helping fulfill many of the same duties as the company’s part-time and full-time drivers.
Benefits of Applying for Amazon Flex
The biggest benefit to applying for Amazon Flex will be familiar if you’ve worked in other gig-based jobs.
It’s already in the name: flexibility.
- This isn’t an 8-5 job with a set schedule. Instead, it offers plenty of time off when you need it.
- You have the opportunity to work when you want and for as long as you want.
You can also make being an Amazon Flex delivery partner a part-time or full-time job if you want to put effort into it.
Make Your Own Hours
Becoming a delivery driver for Amazon Flex means you make your own hours and create your own schedule.
The flexibility makes it a great job opportunity for students who have to plan their time around classes or someone who works another job part-time.
Take as many or as few two, four, or six-hour delivery blocks depending on your area availability as you want by claiming them through the Amazon Flex app either on the day or by reserving them in advance.
Reserving them allows you to plan out your week to accommodate other valuable things in your life.
Good Pay
Amazon estimates that you’ll make between $18 and $25 per hour as a delivery driver making deliveries for them.
Unlike other gig-based jobs, you don’t have to wait to cash out or receive payment monthly.
With Amazon Flex, your earnings are processed either every Tuesday or Friday through direct deposit and go straight into your bank account.
Of course, receiving this estimated per hour wage is based on your location, tips, and how many delivery blocks you claim.
Like driving for a ride-sharing service, you often get back the effort you put in.
Little Customer Interaction
However, unlike ride-sharing gigs, being an Amazon Flex delivery driver offers a perk that others don’t: low customer interaction.
Aside from the few minutes that you may interact with the customer at the door passing over their package, you’ll mostly be driving alone from delivery to delivery and leaving packages on doorsteps.
The solo aspect of the job makes it a great alternative to ride-sharing gigs for people who are maybe more introverted but still want to be their own boss.
The Different Types of Amazon Flex Jobs Available
Amazon Flex offers two main types of driver jobs to choose from across the United States.
These are offered in recruiting cities like New York City, the Greater Los Angeles area, San Francisco, St. Louis, Chicago, and many more.
Amazon Flex driver jobs move items from location to location, and Amazon Flex Warehouse jobs that sort, organize and set up routes.
The four types of outlets Amazon Flex drivers can take are:
1. Amazon Logistics
Amazon Logistics is a good choice for large vehicle owners but offers little to no tips.
This type of shift encompasses regular, next-day and same-day shipping of Amazon packages.
Reserving or claiming this type of job will mean delivering mainly boxes in delivery blocks or shifts of 3 – 6 hours.
- A delivery partner can expect to deliver upwards of 50 packages, and a larger vehicle will make it easier to hold all the boxes.
- This delivery type offers little customer interaction as most customers are away from home and often require a box to be left on a doorstep or in a safe and secure place.
If the pack can’t be left safely, the delivery driver brings it back to the distribution center, where delivery will be attempted again at another time.
In busy or congested cities making multiple stops can be tricky unless you secure blocks that focus on apartment complexes.
2. Prime Now
Prime Now is an ultrafast Amazon delivery service only available for Amazon Prime members is also an ultra-competitive block for Amazon Flex drivers.
It’s highly competitive because of tips.
Amazon Flex drivers can claim 100% of the tips given to them, and Prime Now offers customers the chance to add a tip directly to the delivery driver.
It’s also because of the delivery routes, which are great for crowded and congested cities since they’re quick and time-sensitive.
Deliveries for Prime Now are delivered in insulated bags containing perishables and alcohol from grocery stores like Whole Foods gathered by a store shopper and then delivered by a delivery partner.
3. Amazon Fresh
Amazon created their Amazon Fresh grocery delivery service to compete with other services like PeaPod and Instacart.
Unlike Logistics, Amazon Fresh is one of the more customer-oriented types of Flex driver jobs requiring regular interaction with customers, which extroverted drivers may enjoy.
The distribution center fills the order, which can be very large or only a few items, and then the Flex driver brings the groceries to the customer or a pickup location.
Whether you bring the groceries in paper bags to a waiting customer called an “attended” delivery or leave them in an insulated tote for an “unattended” delivery.
As part of this delivery, you’ll have to liaison on the phone or through the app with the customer to get them their groceries quickly and securely.
4. Amazon Restaurants
Amazon Restaurants was the Amazon delivery option created to compete with popular food delivery services like DoorDash, UberEats and Postmates by bringing hot and fresh food from the restaurant directly to the customer’s door.
This is the most customer service-oriented Flex job, and all deliveries must be handed directly to the customer.
It also qualifies for tips.
Delivery blocks are roughly 2-hours in length and often assigned based on where you already are in the city, making it great for part-time drivers who only deliver for a short amount of time per day.
The non-driver option for Amazon Flex is Amazon Flex Warehouse Jobs which include sorting packages and organizing deliveries for local routes.
Shifts at local stations are between 4-10 hours but can be completed late at night and early morning.
Things to Note Before Applying
Working as an Amazon Flex driver can be fun and rewarding, but there are few things to note before you apply.
1. You Are a 1099 Contractor
1099 refers to the form you’ll fill out for the IRS each tax season to report your income as an independent contractor for the delivery service.
2. You Are Self-Employed
Being self-employed can be rewarding but comes with specific responsibilities.
Traditional employees receive a paycheck with taxes already taken off and aren’t responsible for their daily expenses.
You will be responsible for your own expenses, including fuel, auto insurance, maintenance costs and repairs.
You will also have to deduct enough to cover taxes from each paycheck.
Not taking out taxes will mean a big surprise when tax season rolls around and you suddenly could owe thousands of dollars to the IRS.
Amazon Flex Requirements
Before you apply to be an Amazon Flex delivery partner, make sure you can meet their requirements.
While anyone can apply to the delivery program, your ability to meet Amazon Flex driver requirements is the deciding factor in whether or not you’ll be approved.
Minimum Driver Requirements
In order to become a delivery driver, you must:
- You must be 21 or older to make deliveries for Amazon Flex and live in a city where Flex operates.
- Have a valid driver’s license in the US and a social security number.
- You don’t need to have any special fitness requirements except those necessary to move a package from your vehicle to the customer’s door.
- Previous experience in ride-sharing or delivery experience is helpful but not necessary. Having a clean, safe driving history is far more important and will make you stand out.
- Drive a mid-sized or larger vehicle. Most deliveries will need a 4-door, midsize or larger sedan. Other options are an SUV, van or a truck with a covered bed.
- An iPhone or Android smartphone is required for deliveries.
- Your vehicle has to have valid auto insurance and proof of registration.
- Successfully passed an Amazon Flex Background Check.
While smaller sedans may not be eligible for the Flex program, these requirements overall are far easier to meet than those of Uber and Lyft since you won’t be driving any passengers around.
Things You’ll Need to Apply for Amazon Flex
Once you know you meet all of these driver requirements, applying for Amazon Flex is a breeze.
To apply for Amazon Flex, you’ll need these documents on hand:
- Social security number
- Valid driver’s license
- A bank statement
- Vehicle insurance and registration
You’ll use all this information to prove you are meeting the Amazon Flex requirements.
How to Apply for Amazon Flex [Tutorial]
Once you have all the information required, you can begin the process of applying for Amazon Flex.
1.Download the App
Download the Amazon Flex app on your smartphone.
You can find the app on the Apple store for iOS devices or Google Play for Android phones.
Android users, on the other hand, must head to this download page from their smartphones and tap “Download Android App” (you must provide permissions to complete the download).
Create a new account or sign in with your existing Amazon account and click “Get Started” to begin the application.
From here, you just have to follow the onscreen prompts.
2. Tap “Create an Account” at the bottom of the screen.
Navigate to the section that says “CREATE AN ACCOUNT”
3. Enter Details
Fill in your name, email address, and preferred password, then tap “Create your Amazon account.”
Alternatively, if you have an existing Amazon account, you can tap “Sign-in now” and log in with your email or phone number and password.
4. Grant Access
Provide the location permissions, camera access, and phone state permissions requested by the Amazon Flex app.
5. Tap “Get Started”
Tap “Get Started” to answer some qualifying questions.
You’ll be asked to provide your zip code, availability, and vehicle type.
6. Complete the Application
Complete the written application and provide your documentation.
Amazon asks typical job application questions such as educational background and work history, and Amazon will use all the information on your application to conduct a background check.
From here, you may be able to move on and provide required documents, tax information, and payment details.
Otherwise, you’ll be asked to join an Amazon Flex waiting list if no opportunities are available in your city.
If you were able to continue and complete all prompts for sign-up, the next steps will be waiting for your background check to be approved and watching some helpful training videos.
What to Expect After Applying for Amazon Flex
Once you’ve applied to become an Amazon Flex driver, you will need to wait to be approved or denied by the system.
The main time-consuming part of the approval process is the background check, which isn’t automatic, and the length of time it takes can vary from person to person.
On average, background checks usually take between 2-5 business days, although sometimes, depending on the city, it can take up to 10 days to complete the application.
After completing the background check, the Flex app will notify you of the results, and the app will tell you whether your application is approved or denied.
If your application is denied, Amazon will usually give a reason why, such as:
- Insufficient documentation
- A failed background check
- A vehicle or smartphone that doesn’t meet their requirements.
Make sure you review the background check if it fails, and any inaccurate information should be reported to a lawyer and removed from your record.
After termination, whether you requested it or Amazon initiated it, you must wait 12 months before reapplying to become an Amazon Flex delivery partner again.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process to apply for Amazon Flex is just as easy as qualifying for the gig.
Read these frequently asked questions for more insight into opportunities with the delivery program.
Is being an Amazon Flex driver easy?
Working for Amazon Flex is much like other gig economy jobs like driving for Uber or Lyft or delivering for Postmates.
It’s flexible, can be a good source of quick cash, and the work isn’t that demanding.
When can I find the most Amazon Flex job openings?
The holiday season tends to be the best time to apply for Amazon Flex gigs.
During this busy time for package deliveries, Amazon — much like UPS with their Personal Vehicle drivers — ramps up its hiring across the country to keep up with rising demand.
Can I work for Amazon Flex full-time?
Absolutely.
If you want to apply for Amazon Flex and turn it into more than a side hustle, you’re not alone.
Many drivers have successfully worked 40-hour weeks on a consistent basis since opportunities are available every single day of the week.
However, because you’re not a traditional employee and other drivers can pick up available blocks before you, you’re not guaranteed any amount of hours.
Can a passenger be in my vehicle with me when I’m delivering?
Amazon advises against it, but if you choose to have a passenger in your vehicle with all your deliveries, they have rules that you must follow.
Some of the rules include:
1) The passenger must remain in the car at all times
2) can’t drive between deliveries
3) Can’t accompany the amazon delivery driver to the customer’s door
All deliveries and the driver must fit in the vehicle along with the passenger
Does Amazon Flex offer a debit card for driver payouts?
Yes.
In 2020, Amazon released the Flex Debit Card for contracted delivery drivers in partnership with the bank Green Dot and connected to a no-fee banking account.
The card offers cashback on purchases when using the card for fuel and groceries, which can help when using your own vehicle for deliveries.
Will Amazon Flex deactivate you for inactivity?
The terms of the Amazon Flex delivery partner agreement state that after 180 days without claiming or scheduling a shift, Amazon may deactivate your account for inactivity.
What will happen if you report late for your block when working for Amazon Flex?
If you’re more than five minutes late after the start of your delivery block, you’ll be marked late, and after five late reports, you could have your account deactivated.
However, the delivery stations you report to for deliveries have the discretion to waive or ignore late reports.
Unlike driving for Lyft or Uber, applying for Amazon Flex isn’t complicated and only requires a handful of documents, your own vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and that possess a good driving record.
Earn Cash With Package Delivery
If you’re looking for a way to earn on the road without inviting passengers into your car, Amazon Flex offers plenty of gigs with great pay, all across the country.
Whether you want to deliver traditional packages or help fulfill grocery delivery requests, this program makes earning easy with guaranteed payments for every delivery block you accept.
fAt the same time, you’ll still have the flexible schedule you’ve always wanted.
Hi, Brett. Where do you do step 6 Complete the Application? After I finished step 5 it told me to stay tuned and you can close this app for now. There is no place to fill the application… Thank you!
I have having trouble with my backround check it says see your email we sent link but I didn’t get that
I have completed everything and now Im waiting to schedule my training. I haven’t heard anything back yet. All the steps are completed. I’m trying to get my training dates. Please help me!!!