How Amazon Flex Works and What to Expect as a Driver

What Amazon Flex is and how you get paid

Amazon Flex is a delivery program where you use your own vehicle to deliver Amazon packages on a schedule you choose. You pick delivery blocks — usually two to four-hour windows — through the Amazon Flex app, and Amazon pays you per block rather than per hour or per package. The payment for each block is posted before you accept it, so you know what you will earn before you commit.

You keep all the money you earn; there are no deductions for vehicle wear, gas, or insurance. Amazon does not withhold taxes, so you are responsible for setting aside money for federal and self-employment taxes at the end of the year. You will receive a 1099-NEC form from Amazon if you earn $600 or more in a calendar year.

Payment arrives in your bank account within two business days of completing a delivery block. You can cash out instantly to a debit card for a small fee, or wait for the standard deposit.

Key Takeaways

• You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets Amazon's requirements to drive for Flex.
• You choose your own schedule by picking delivery blocks through the app, with no minimum hours or shifts you must work.
• Amazon pays a set amount per block before you accept it, not per package or per mile, and you keep all earnings without deductions.
• You are responsible for your own taxes, vehicle maintenance, gas, and insurance — Amazon does not cover these costs or withhold taxes.
• Earnings vary by location, time of day, and demand, and can range from $15 to $25 per hour depending on the block and area.

Requirements to become an Amazon Flex driver

To drive for Amazon Flex in South Carolina, you must meet several baseline requirements. You need to be at least 21 years old, have a valid U.S. driver's license, and provide proof of auto insurance that covers commercial delivery. Your vehicle must be a 2000 model year or newer (some areas require 2005 or newer), pass a vehicle inspection, and have a valid registration and inspection sticker.

Amazon will run a background check that includes a driving history review. You cannot have more than three moving violations in the past three years, more than one at-fault accident in the past three years, or any felony convictions. A DUI or reckless driving charge will disqualify you.

You will also need a smartphone with the Amazon Flex app installed, a valid Social Security number or ITIN for tax purposes, and a bank account to receive payments. Some areas require you to complete a vehicle inspection at an Amazon-approved location before your first delivery.

How to sign up and get your free guide

Download the Amazon Flex app and create an account with your email address. You will be asked to provide your driver's license number, vehicle information, insurance details, and Social Security number. Upload photos of your driver's license (front and back), proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

Amazon will review your documents and run a background check, which typically takes three to five business days. Once approved, you may be asked to complete a vehicle inspection at a participating location — this is a quick check that your vehicle is safe and meets the requirements. The inspection is free and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

After inspection approval, you can open the app and start browsing available delivery blocks in your area. Blocks appear throughout the day, and you tap to claim one. New drivers sometimes see fewer blocks initially, but availability usually increases after you complete your first few deliveries with good ratings.

Understanding delivery blocks and how to choose them

A delivery block is a time window — typically two, three, or four hours — during which you will pick up packages from an Amazon Flex warehouse and deliver them to customers. The app shows you the block length, the may provide payment, the pickup location, and sometimes the general delivery area before you accept it. You decide whether the pay is worth your time and accept or skip it.

Blocks during peak hours (early morning, evening, and weekends) usually pay more than midday blocks. During the holiday season, block pay increases significantly because demand is higher. You can claim multiple blocks in a single day if you want, but you must complete one before starting another.

Once you accept a block, you drive to the warehouse at the pickup time shown, load your vehicle with packages, and follow the app's directions to deliver them. Most blocks include 20 to 40 packages, though this varies. You scan each package with your phone as you deliver it, and customers can track their delivery in real time.

What you earn and what it costs you

Block pay varies by location, time of day, and how busy Amazon's delivery schedule is. In South Carolina, blocks typically pay between $15 and $25 per hour, though peak-season blocks and early-morning or late-evening blocks may pay more. A three-hour block might pay $45 to $75 depending on demand and time of day.

However, you are responsible for all operating costs. Gas, vehicle maintenance, oil changes, tire repairs, and insurance are your expense. If your vehicle breaks down, you do not get paid for that block. Many drivers find that once they account for gas and wear on their vehicle, their actual hourly earnings are lower than the block rate suggests — often $12 to $18 per hour after costs.

You should also budget for taxes. As an independent contractor, you owe self-employment tax (currently 15.3 percent on net earnings) plus federal income tax. Set aside 25 to 30 percent of your earnings for taxes, or make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS.

Ratings, deactivation, and what can go wrong

Amazon tracks your performance through customer ratings and on-time delivery. After each block, customers can rate you one to five stars. Your rating appears in the app and affects which blocks you see — drivers with lower ratings may see fewer blocks or lower-paying ones. If your rating drops below 4.6 stars, Amazon may deactivate your account.

You can also be deactivated for safety violations: speeding, reckless driving, or an accident during a delivery block. Amazon uses GPS data from the app to monitor your driving, and excessive speeding or harsh braking can trigger a warning or deactivation. If you are in an accident, report it to Amazon immediately through the app.

Canceling blocks you have accepted counts against you. If you cancel too many blocks, Amazon may restrict your access to future blocks or deactivate you. Arriving late to pickup or failing to complete a block also damages your standing.

Taxes and record-keeping for Flex drivers

You are self-employed, which means you report your Flex income on Schedule C of your federal tax return. Keep records of all earnings, mileage, and expenses. The IRS allows you to deduct the standard mileage rate (currently 67 cents per mile for 2024, though this changes yearly) or your actual vehicle expenses — whichever is larger.

Track your mileage from home to the warehouse and from the warehouse to your last delivery, not just the delivery miles. You can also deduct a portion of your insurance, maintenance, and registration based on the percentage of miles driven for Flex. If you use a home office to manage your Flex schedule, you may deduct a portion of rent or mortgage interest.

Amazon sends you a 1099-NEC form by January 31 if you earned $600 or more in the previous year. File this with your tax return. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes, make quarterly estimated payments to avoid penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do Amazon Flex part-time while working another job?

Yes. You choose your own schedule and pick blocks whenever you want. Many Flex drivers work other jobs and use Flex for extra income. Just make sure you have time to complete blocks on schedule — canceling too many blocks will hurt your rating and access to future blocks.

What happens if I get into an accident during a delivery?

Report it to Amazon through the app immediately and file a claim with your own insurance. Amazon does not cover accidents or damage to your vehicle. Your personal auto insurance is responsible. If the accident was your fault, it may affect your Flex rating and could lead to deactivation if it is serious.

Do I need commercial auto insurance to drive for Flex?

No, but your personal auto insurance must cover commercial delivery. Some personal policies exclude commercial use, so contact your insurance company and tell them you will be delivering packages. You may need to add a commercial endorsement or switch to a policy that covers delivery work.

How often do blocks show up in the app?

Blocks appear throughout the day as Amazon's delivery needs change. During busy seasons (holidays, Prime Day), blocks appear more frequently. New drivers may see fewer blocks initially. Blocks are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis, so you have to check the app regularly or turn on notifications to catch them.

What if a customer says a package was not delivered?

Take a photo of the package at the delivery location before you leave it. The app allows you to photograph deliveries, and this protects you if a customer claims they never received it. If a customer disputes a delivery, Amazon investigates using your photo and GPS data from the app.