What is Amazon Flex? (Get paid to drive!)
Amazon flex is a program that allows drivers to use their own vehicles to deliver packages to earn extra cash. Drivers can choose their preferred hours of work and can reserve specific blocks within their area for delivery coverage.
In this article, we’ll explain some of the details of Amazon’s Flex program and how to start making money by shipping for Amazon in your spare time.
What is Amazon Flex?
Amazon flex is an app-driven program that allows third-party users to use their own vehicles to deliver Amazon packages as well as grocery orders to earn extra cash. The idea was inspired by ride-sharing projects like Lyft and Uber, and shares some similarities with those platforms.
The elastic driver covers the final segment of the package journey; from the regional fulfillment center to the customer. The program is available in more than 50 U.S. cities, and the number keeps growing.
How does working for Amazon Flex work?
According to Amazon’s website, drivers who want to deliver packages through Amazon flex must first download the app and sign up for any relevant information. As a driver, you’ll be responsible for delivering packages through many Amazon programs, including Amazon Prime and Amazon Fresh.
This means that you will be delivering a wide variety of goods and must be prepared to properly handle any items you may have to deliver. Amazon Prime fulfillment must always be timely to meet same-day or next-day shipping requirements.
Amazon Restaurants also requires drivers to pick up meals from restaurants for delivery to customers, similar to Uber eats or DoorDash. Between all the different programs Amazon runs, you shouldn’t have any issues doing your regular work.
If Amazon Flex is not yet available in your area, you can sign up for a waitlist in case the service is available near you. You will be notified when new opportunities pop up in your area.
If there are open opportunities for Amazon Flex in your area, you should be able to get started right away. Before starting work, you will need to provide your Social Security number and submit a background check.
Amazon will also ask you to fill in 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 have to deliver.
Although larger vehicles are generally preferred because they can deliver more packages, smaller vehicles may still be eligible for Amazon Prime and Amazon Restaurant delivery. Some places allow delivery by bike.
Once you have all the settings for the app, you can start reserving time slots where you can work. Over time, you will also receive impromptu offers based on your availability history. You are free to decline these offers if you wish.
The flex app will periodically update the available time blocks for you to work on. Depending on your region, these blocks may be competitive. Similar to Uber or Lyft, reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amazon periodically fires Flex drivers for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- remain inactive for 180 days or more
- Always late for delivery
- Missing planned work blocks
- Undelivered packages
- Bad reviews from customers
- Stealing or shipping damaged goods
Drivers can use the in-app support feature to get help at work to make sure everything goes smoothly.
How many hours per week can you work for Amazon Flex?
The maximum time you can work for Amazon Flex is 40 hours. There will be some opportunity to exceed this allocation, especially during the holidays.
While it’s 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 time blocks.
If you have a large vehicle capable of delivering more packages at once, you may be eligible for a longer time slot. Up to three hours for regular sections and up to five hours for special sections for larger vehicles. The requirement for this is 41 cubic feet of space in the car.
How much does Amazon Flex actually pay?
Amazon Flex drivers typically earn between $18 and $25 an hour. You will receive a flat rate for the time period you sign up for. This means that even if you complete all deliveries within two hours, it is possible to get paid for the full three hours.
The wage rate for each neighborhood is determined by region, time of day, and many other factors such as weather conditions and/or seasonal factors. Drivers are also eligible for tips when delivering packages for Prime Now, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Restaurant. Tipping is at the discretion of the customer who receives the package.
Payments are processed twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday. You must set up direct deposit on the app to transfer funds to your bank account. Amazon also offers drivers bonuses or incentives from time to time.
An important thing to note when shipping for Amazon Flex is that drivers are not considered Amazon employees. Like Uber or Lyft, drivers are effectively considered private contractors and therefore have certain responsibilities and obligations.
Does Amazon Flex pay for gas?
Because driving for Amazon is a privately contracted job, drivers are responsible for their own operating costs. This includes fuel, insurance and vehicle damage. However, some expenses, such as fuel, may qualify as tax-free if you declare them as business expenses on your tax return. Keepertax.com has a page detailing many of the details on this.
Remember, it’s always important to fill out your tax information as accurately as possible. For this reason, you should record exactly how much fuel you use when shipping for Amazon, as well as any other expenses you wish to report on your tax return.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask them in the comments section.
Want to learn more about working at Amazon? Find out how long Amazon Flex driver license verification takes, does Amazon Flex deduct taxes, do you get paid for your personal leave at Amazon, and do Amazon employees get discounts?
in conclusion
Amazon Flex is an app that allows third-party users to ship Amazon packages in their own vehicles to earn extra income. It’s Amazon’s version of UberEats and Lyft.
It’s an easy and quick way to earn extra cash without being a full-time Amazon employee. However, since this is an independently contracted job, Amazon doesn’t pay for fuel, insurance, or car damage.
