Amazon Flex Getting Started Guide 2025

What is Amazon Flex?

Amazon Flex is Amazon's delivery partner program that allows independent contractors to deliver packages using their own vehicles. As a Flex driver, you choose when you want to work by selecting available delivery blocks, typically lasting 3-6 hours.

Unlike traditional employment, Amazon Flex offers complete schedule flexibility - you're not required to work set hours or accept specific blocks. This makes it ideal for supplementing income around other commitments.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet these basic requirements:

👤 Driver Requirements

✓ Age: 21 years or older
✓ License: Valid driver's license in your state
✓ Background: Clean driving record and criminal background check
✓ Legal Status: Authorized to work in the United States
✓ Tax Information: Valid Social Security Number or Tax ID

🚗 Vehicle Requirements

✓ Size: Mid-size sedan or larger (compact cars typically don't qualify)
✓ Age: 1999 or newer (may vary by location)
✓ Condition: Good working condition with functioning lights and clean interior
✓ Capacity: Able to fit multiple packages and bags

📋 Insurance Requirements

✓ Valid auto insurance policy in your name
✓ Coverage meets your state's minimum requirements
✓ Policy must remain active throughout your time with Flex

Step 2: Download and Complete the Application

📱 Getting the Amazon Flex App

1 Visit the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
2 Search for "Amazon Flex" (look for the official Amazon app)
3 Download and install the app
4 Open the app and tap "Get Started"

📝 Application Process

The application takes about 15 minutes and requires several pieces of information:

📋 Have These Ready:

📄 Driver's license (photo of front and back)
📄 Vehicle registration
📄 Auto insurance card or policy declaration
📄 Social Security Number
📄 Bank account information for direct deposit

⚠️

Important:

Take clear, well-lit photos of your documents. Blurry or dark images can delay approval.

Step 3: Background Check Process

After submitting your application, Amazon conducts a background check through a third-party service. This typically takes 2-7 business days but can occasionally take longer.

🔍 What They Check

• Driving Record: Looking for major violations, DUIs, or excessive speeding tickets
• Criminal History: Seven-year criminal background check
• Vehicle Verification: Ensuring your vehicle meets requirements

⚠️ Common Approval Delays

• Poor quality document photos
• Mismatched information between application and documents
• Recent address changes not reflected in documents
• Vehicle registration issues

Step 4: Understanding Amazon Flex Delivery Types

Once approved, you'll see different types of delivery blocks available:

📦 Amazon.com Logistics

• What: Standard Amazon package delivery
• Pay: Usually base rates ($18-25/hour)
• Tips: No customer tips
• Best For: Consistent, predictable work

🥬 Amazon Fresh

• What: Grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh warehouses
• Pay: Base rate plus customer tips
• Tips: Often $5-20+ per delivery
• Best For: Higher earning potential

🛒 Whole Foods

• What: Grocery delivery from Whole Foods stores
• Pay: Base rate plus customer tips
• Tips: Generally good, especially in affluent areas
• Best For: Consistent tips and shorter delivery windows

⚡ Prime Now (Limited Markets)

• What: Fast delivery of various items
• Pay: Base rate plus tips
• Best For: Quick deliveries in urban areas

Step 5: Essential Supplies and Vehicle Setup

Before your first block, prepare your vehicle and gather essential supplies:

❗ Must-Have Supplies

✓ Insulated Bags: For Fresh/Whole Foods deliveries (Amazon provides some)
✓ Phone Mount: Hands-free navigation
✓ Car Charger: Keep your phone powered
✓ Flashlight: For evening deliveries
✓ Hand Sanitizer/Wipes: Health and cleanliness

📝 Helpful Additions

• Dolly or Cart: For heavy packages
• Extra Insulated Bags: More capacity for grocery orders
• Backup Phone Battery: Power bank for long blocks
• Weather Protection: Umbrella, raincoat
• Snacks and Water: Stay energized during long blocks

Step 6: Claiming your first block

Once approved, you can start claiming delivery blocks:

📱 How Block Selection Works

1 Open the App: Check for available blocks throughout the day
2 Choose Your Block: Select time, location, and pay rate that works for you
3 Confirm: Tap to claim the block (be quick - popular times go fast)
4 Prepare: Arrive at the delivery station 15 minutes early

⏰ Best Times to Find Blocks

• Early Morning: 5-7 AM often has good availability
• Evening: 6-8 PM for next-day blocks
• Weekend Mornings: Sunday blocks often pay well
• Bad Weather: Surge pricing during storms or snow

Step 7: Your First Delivery Block

Here's what to expect on your first day:

📍 Arriving at the Station

1 Check In: Use the app to check in when you arrive
2 Get Your Route: Scan the QR code on your cart or wait for assignment
3 Load Packages: Organize packages in your vehicle efficiently
4 Review Route: Check delivery addresses and plan your route

📝 Delivery Best Practices

✓ Follow Instructions: Read delivery notes carefully
✓ Take Photos: App requires photo proof of delivery
✓ Be Safe: Don't enter private property or unsafe areas
✓ Communicate: Text customers if you can't find their address
✓ Handle Issues: Use app support for problems or undeliverable packages

Common First-Day Challenges

🗺️ Navigation Issues

⚠️ Problem: GPS sends you to wrong location
✓ Solution: Use customer's delivery notes and call/text if needed

📦 Package Organization

⚠️ Problem: Can't find packages quickly
✓ Solution: Organize by delivery order or street name

⏱️ Time Management

⚠️ Problem: Taking too long per delivery
✓ Solution: Stay organized, use delivery notes, don't overthink

After your first block

Following your first delivery block:

✓ Return Undelivered Packages: Bring any undelivered packages back to the station
✓ Complete Delivery Summary: Finish any required app actions
✓ Track Earnings: Your pay will appear in the app and deposit weekly
✓ Review Performance: Check your delivery metrics and customer feedback

💰 Getting Paid

Amazon Flex pays weekly via direct deposit:

• Pay Period: Tuesday through Monday
• Deposit Day: Following Tuesday
• Payment Includes: Base pay, tips (for Fresh/Whole Foods), and any adjustments
• Tax Responsibility: You'll receive a 1099 form - taxes are not withheld

🚀 Next Steps

Once you've completed your first few blocks successfully:

1 Establish a Routine: Find blocks that work with your schedule
2 Track Expenses: Mileage, gas, vehicle maintenance for tax deductions
3 Learn Your Market: Identify which stations and block types pay best
4 Optimize Strategy: Study our advanced tips guide for maximizing earnings

Important Reminders

⚠️ Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Don't use block-grabbing bots (risk of deactivation)
• Don't cancel blocks within 45 minutes of start time
• Don't deliver to unsafe locations - return packages instead
• Don't ignore customer delivery instructions
• Don't forget to track mileage for tax purposes

Getting started with Amazon Flex is straightforward, but success comes from understanding the platform, being organized, and maintaining good performance metrics. Take your time learning the system, and don't hesitate to return undeliverable packages rather than risk your safety or standing.

Quick Start Summary

✅ What You Need

⏱️ Timeline