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Have you ever wondered about how to become an Amazon delivery driver? In many cases, it can seem a little difficult to know where to begin in terms of starting a new career ' and beginning as a self-employed worker is even more complex! However, starting work as an Amazon driver isn't that tricky, and today's guide covers some of the key things you need to know about working for Amazon as a delivery driver.
WHAT PLATFORMS CAN I WORK ON TO BECOME AN AMAZON DELIVERY DRIVER
If you've wanted to begin driving for Amazon but don't know where to start, it might come as something of a surprise to learn that there are actually two different platforms you could choose between as an Amazon delivery driver.
These are Amazon Flex and Amazon Fresh, and each offers a slightly different type of shopping experience for consumers. Similarly, your preference as a driver may also vary.
Amazon Flex (Parcel Delivery)
Amazon Flex is the most commonly used platform, and this offers a simple solution for individuals wanting to take on a delivery-driving role. With Amazon Flex, drivers provide parcel and package delivery services directly to customers' doors, helping Amazon meet its rapid delivery times while offering a flexible earning opportunity for parcel drivers.
Amazon Fresh (Grocery Delivery)
However, Amazon's one of the world's biggest companies; as a result, there's more than just one option with this massive firm. And, in line with this, there's also a great appeal for the Amazon Fresh platform.
Fresh is Amazon's answer to grocery shopping, offering a simple way for customers to get their favorite home snacks and groceries delivered directly to their door. In some ways, it's a similar business model to other grocery delivery apps such as Instacart. However, the Amazon Fresh platform still works similarly to Flex, with delivery drivers collecting groceries directly from Amazon's warehouses and delivering them to the customer's home.
HOW TO BECOME AN AMAZON DELIVERY DRIVER
If you are ready to become an Amazon delivery driver, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to complete an application process first. Fortunately, this is usually pretty straightforward.
First, simply head to the Amazon website and find the hiring pages for Amazon Flex and Amazon Fresh. From here, you should be able to kickstart your application to become a driver; however, this will depend largely on whether or not Amazon is hiring drivers in your region or if there's a waiting list for roles. As such, if you notice that your region isn't included in the list of available areas, make sure that you sign up for the waiting list instead.
Key Requirements to Become an Amazon Delivery Driver
You'll need to meet a handful of requirements to become an Amazon delivery driver for Fresh or Flex. But don't worry; these aren't too complex. Some of the main things you'll need to meet are as follows:
- Be at least 21 years old. Applicants below the age of 21 years may need to delay their application for a delivery driver role.
- Hold a valid driving license. Perhaps unsurprisingly, in order to become a delivery driver for Amazon, you'll need to hold a valid driver's license with full insurance on your vehicle. Your car insurance should cover liability coverage since you'll be working as a self-employed contractor.
- Own your own vehicle. Since you're an independent contractor, you'll need to provide your own vehicle. Generally, any vehicle that's safe, reliable, and large enough to take the full number of parcels per block in one go will be acceptable.
- Access an internet-enabled smartphone. One of the key requirements to become an Amazon driver is to own an internet-enabled smartphone. This simple step allows Amazon to ensure that all team members can access instructions for their deliveries while on the go.
In addition to the aforementioned points, there are several other factors that Amazon will likely look for when you apply to become a delivery driver. You'll need to complete and pass a background check, which may include reviewing your driving record and criminal history. In addition, you may need to demonstrate suitable physical fitness to be able to safely lift and carry (potentially heavy) parcels and packages.
HOW AMAZON DELIVERIES WORK FOR DRIVERS
Thanks to the scale of Amazon's brand, there are well over one thousand fulfilment centers across the US. And in turn, this makes it incredibly easy for delivery drivers to meet their orders and get groceries and parcels to their waiting customers.
The process of delivering Amazon parcels is relatively straightforward. Once a driver has applied for an account and been approved, the process of taking on deliveries for Amazon looks as follows.
Accepting a Block.
Before you can begin working for Amazon on either Flex or Fresh, you'll need to accept a delivery bloc. To accept a delivery bloc, simply head to the relevant app and search for available jobs. Once you've found a block that matches your availability and commitments, simply accept the block and wait until the time starts.
Collecting Parcels.
Once the countdown begins on the delivery block, simply arrive at your designated Amazon delivery station, where you should be able to check in using your Amazon driver credentials. Then, simply load up the packages that need to be delivered, and you can head out on your way.
Heading Out.
Once your car's all ready to go, you can head out on your first delivery. You'll have multiple parcels or groceries to deliver at once, usually, but don't fret! The Amazon Flex app provides navigation assistance to drivers, helping you reach your customers more efficiently; this provides more timely services while simultaneously helping you make more of your time on the road.
Delivering Parcels to Customers.
Once you arrive at your first address, you'll need to scan the package to reassure customers that it was delivered properly. Then, following the pre-defined delivery instructions, as provided by the customer, deliver the item directly. Usually, this will be in person, but some customers may leave different delivery instructions (e.g., in a porch). Then, simply mark the delivery as complete within the app, and head on to the next customer.
HOW TO MAKE MORE FROM YOUR TIME ON THE ROAD
At this point, we've covered most of the things you'll need to know about how to get started as an Amazon delivery driver. But how can you make more from your time on the road? Well, there are several possibilities you may want to consider in this regard to help.
#1 Consider Multiapping to Overcome Downtime
One of the easiest ways to make more from your time on the road as an Amazon driver is to consider multiapping. Now, it's worth considering here that you won't be able to take on additional deliveries alongside your Amazon parcels since you'll typically be given multiple parcels to deliver at once; taking on any more than that can get a little overwhelming!
However, with that being said, it's worth keeping in mind that getting Amazon blocks for deliveries isn't always a guaranteed factor. As such, if you have been looking to begin working for Amazon Flex or Amazon Fresh, having additional options in place to support your work is important.
Multiapping allows you to work for several gig apps at once alongside your Flex/Fresh work and is being increasingly considered a necessity for any gig driver. Some great options to consider as part of this include:
- Uber
- UberEats
- GrubHub
- Lyft
- ParaWorks
- Shipt
- Caviar
- Instacart
In short: there are loads of brilliant apps out there that can offer a great rate of pay, so these are well worth integrating into your own driving strategy. Better still, the Para delivery driver app allows you to know before you accept whether a job is worth taking, making it a great option to try.
And don't forget to link the ParaWorks app, too! ParaWorks is one of the most up-and-coming delivery driver platforms, partnering with numerous companies across the US to provide better-paying delivery driver jobs. There are also numerous different types of gigs available, making the platform increasingly popular for gig drivers wanting more freedom in their work.
#2 Focus on Efficient Delivery Routes
Another key factor to consider in your Amazon driving is your choice of the delivery route. Indeed, although Amazon Flex / Fresh workers are self-employed contractors, they are hired hourly ' meaning that the time taken to complete a delivery may be less influential than other platforms.
But, with that being said, completing your deliveries sooner can allow greater freedom overall, making this a highly important factor to consider. If you're also multiapping, finishing all the deliveries in your block sooner can allow you to get on with other delivery jobs instead.
And remember: as part of this, you'll also need to keep in mind how you're driving and how this can influence your vehicle's fuel efficiency. On average, fuel economy for American vehicles is around 25 miles per gallon (MPG). As such, if you're traveling a long distance each day, this can undoubtedly eat into your earnings. Thus, reducing your fuel consumption where possible can be a simple way to keep more of what you earn in your pocket.
Steadier driving by applying less RPM when you're trying to accelerate, keeping your car tires fully inflated at all times, upgrading your next car to a more eco-friendly model, keeping the windows up when traveling at high speeds to prevent air resistance increases, and the like are all simple options in this regard that can be a big help.
#3 Make the Most of Flex Rewards
Did you know that there are numerous different opportunities available that can help you make the most of your work with Amazon Flex and Fresh, such as Flex Rewards? This scheme offers numerous great opportunities to make a little extra from your time on the road, including cashback on fuel and EV charging, Amazon.com purchases, and more.
In fact, the platform claims that thousands of offers are available for drivers, making it a great option to consider if you've been looking for a new way to bolster your income and financial gains through Amazon.
#4 Look to Drive During Peak Hours
As a final option, it's also worth looking to drive during peak hours (busier times), which can help bolster your income and give you greater confidence in your earnings through Amazon Flex.
Peak hours on Amazon flex blocks typically offer much greater freedom and flexibility for drivers while simultaneously also allowing drivers a greater chance to win blocks and more earning opportunities. Peak time typically involves much more deliveries, which also increases the chance of receiving tips from customers ' giving even higher earning opportunities overall.
Plus, it's well worth noting here that Amazon Flex typically also offers higher basic rates of earning for its drivers during these busier times. So, if you want to earn a rate closer to the higher end of $25 per hour, focusing on peak times is an incredibly effective strategy to consider alongside the other tips we've mentioned above.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Finding new job opportunities can often seem tough, but this shouldn't have to be the case. With this thought in mind, it's well worth looking at the potential options to help you find new employment ' and luckily, if you're going down the self-employed route, becoming an Amazon delivery driver can be a brilliant option to consider overall.
There are countless great benefits associated with becoming an Amazon delivery driver. However, to enjoy the maximum benefits from your efforts, try other courier service jobs that pay well, such as the ParaWorks platform.
Indeed, the ParaWorks app is one of the best gig apps for delivery drivers in the US, connecting brands needing delivery support with a massive pool of talent. As such, it's perhaps no surprise that it's rapidly becoming one of the go-to destinations for laborers for hire.
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