There are several delivery and grocery gig platforms for independent drivers to choose from, including Doordash and Instacart. One of the more popular delivery platforms is Amazon Flex, part of the Amazon Delivery Network. In this blog article, we’ll review what Amazon Flex is, what to expect when you sign up to deliver, and how it compares with other delivery platforms and gig apps available. 

Amazon Flex 

Amazon Flex is a delivery program offered by Amazon that allows individuals to earn money by delivering Amazon packages using their own vehicles. Amazon Flex drivers, also known as "delivery partners," use the Amazon Flex app to sign up for delivery shifts, known as "blocks." These blocks typically range from 2 to 6 hours, and workers can earn between $18-$25 per hour on average.

Delivery Blocks 

One of the major differences between Amazon Flex and other gig-apps is the ability to schedule your working time in delivery “blocks”. Blocks are scheduled shifts that range between 2 to 6 hours typically and are reserved in advance. When you schedule your delivery block in the driver app, you’ll also be able to view the expected earnings for the block, and the expected time it will take you to complete. Also, depending on the blocks you schedule for your shift, your delivery order types may vary.

Types of Amazon Flex Delivery Offers  

There are four types of delivery offers that drivers may have the opportunity to work through Amazon Flex: Amazon.com orders, Prime Now or Amazon Fresh orders, Store orders, and Instant Offers. Delivery offers will also determine the length of the delivery block you are scheduled for.

Amazon.com orders are orders where as the driver, you pick up packages from an Amazon delivery station and deliver the packages directly to the customers. Amazon.com delivery blocks are typically between 3-6 hours in length. 

Prime Now and Amazon Fresh are also picked up from an Amazon delivery station and delivered directly to the customer, however rather than packages, the delivery is made up of groceries or other household items. These types of delivery blocks are typically between 2 to 4 hours. 

‍Store orders are picked up from local stores in the Amazon network and delivered directly to customers. Store order delivery blocks range between 2 to 4 hours. 

Instant Offers are the shortest delivery blocks that start near your current location and typically last between 15-45 minutes. Instant offers are not available nationwide, however. 

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How much can you earn with Amazon Flex?

Amazon Flex may be a good earning source for drivers if delivery is your preferred option. Amazon estimates that drivers will earn between $18-$25 per hour, though this will depend on the area you are working in, the type of block you are scheduled for, and how long your delivery block takes to complete. 

Solo found that the highest paying cities for Amazon Flex in 2023 were Seattle, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, Atlanta. When compared to other delivery platforms, Solo found that Amazon Flex drivers earn $25.07 per hour worked, putting them at the top spot nationally. Uber rideshare fell just below, at $22.96, while Instacart, UberEats, and DoorDash drivers earned $16.45, $16.37, and $13.55 per hour respectively. 

Of course, earnings will fluctuate depending on the specific market you are driving in. For a more specific view of your market’s earnings on Amazon Flex, check out Pay Insights. It’s also worth noting that drivers will take home100% of tips added to the delivery by the customer.

Amazon Flex Rewards

In addition to the earnings made through blocks, Amazon Flex also offers a loyalty rewards program to delivery partners where you earn points for each delivery you make. The more points you earn (or deliveries you make), the more rewards you unlock by moving to a new “level.” Through Amazon Flex rewards, you’ll have access to benefits like cash back with the Amazon Flex Debit Card, Preferred Scheduling access so you can always work your favorite time block, and access to thousands of discounts. You’ll start earning points as soon as you complete your first delivery. 

Payment through Amazon Flex 

After you complete your delivery block and all orders have been completed, Amazon pays drivers via direct deposit. With Amazon Flex, you can determine how often you want to get paid — whether that is every weekday, once a week, or somewhere in between. If your situation changes, you can always update your payment selections and timing. 

Where is Amazon Flex available?

Amazon Flex is available in over 100 cities in the U.S. When you download the Flex driver app, you’ll be prompted to put in the city you work in and see the shift availability by city. You can also check out Amazon’s website to see the cities they are actively recruiting drivers in. 

How do you sign up for Amazon Flex?

To sign up for Amazon Flex, you must be 21 years of age or older and eligible to work in the U.S. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license, access to a mid-size or larger vehicle, and an iPhone or Android smartphone. 

If you meet these initial requirements, the next step is to download the Amazon Flex driver app and use either your existing Amazon account or create a new one. You’ll be prompted to start the onboarding process which includes video tutorials on best practices for delivering with Amazon Flex, and submitting information on your delivery preferences. Finally, you’ll then provide tax and payment information and select your service area.

Interest List

If Amazon Flex is available in your city, but is not actively recruiting new drivers due to the consumer demands in the area, you will have the option to join the Interest List and be made aware of delivery opportunities as they become available. Amazon recommends that you complete the onboarding process after you sign-up even if you are on the interest list so you can secure your spot where limited deliveries are available. Waiting time will depend on how many drivers are on the list in your service area, so it’s recommended you sign up for another earning opportunity in the meantime. 

In Conclusion 

Amazon Flex can be a lucrative earning opportunity for drivers looking to do deliveries and earn income with their own vehicle, and without any passengers. Because of the way Amazon schedules their delivery blocks, earnings tend to be higher than other platforms like DoorDash or Instacart where more deliveries need to be made to see the same return. However, due to the popularity of Amazon Flex, it can be competitive to book delivery blocks in your area and you may have to wait on the Interest list prior to booking a slot. 

Check out Solo’s Pay Insights to find out what Amazon Flex is paying in your market, and how it stacks up against the other platforms available in your area.