Amazon Launches Uber-Like Delivery Service
Amazon has launched an Uber-like service, but instead of connecting passengers to drivers who use their own cars, Amazon is enlisting people to deliver packages for Amazon with their own cars. According to CBS, Amazon is testing out the service for its one-hour Prime Now packages.
This means drivers who decide to partner with Amazon will be able to make themselves some money. Amazon is doing this in an effort to provide fast deliveries. As for how much money drivers will make, Amazon will pay them $18-$25 per hour via its program called Amazon Flex. The move comes just as the busy shopping season is approaching.
Also, Amazon is making the move just as other startup on-demand delivery services are becoming more and more popular. These startups include Postmates and Shyp. Uber has been rolling out a food delivery service called UberEats. Postmates enables local goods to be delivered around a city in under an hour, and local couriers are used. However, Postmates is only available in select cities. Shyp operates in a similar way and they operate on an international level.
Those who decide to drive for Amazon can choose to drive in two-, four-, or eight-hour shifts. Amazon will not supply drivers with vehicles, which means they will need to supply their own car. Drivers also need a valid driver’s license and they will need to have an Android phone. An Android phone is needed in order to install Amazon’s driver app, according to the Washington Post.
People interested in driving for Amazon must be at least 21 years old, and they need to pass a criminal background check. Aside from that, Amazon wants drivers to pass a motor vehicle records review. If drivers meet all of those requirements, then there is a good chance that they can participate in Amazon Flex. The first step in the application process is to fill out a short form on Amazon Flex’s website.
Amazon’s requirements aren’t that different or outrageous. As a matter of fact, the requirements are pretty much what is expected by Uber and other driving services. However, one of the main differences between Amazon and most other driving services is the fact that Amazon clearly defines how much drivers will earn per hour. Drivers who drive for Uber are not paid an hourly wage, as the amount drivers are paid depends on how many passengers they get.
As of right now, Amazon Flex is only available in Seattle. However, Amazon is expected to roll out the service to other major cities across the nation, including NYC, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Austin, Portland, Indianapolis, and Baltimore.
Amazon has been expanding Prime Now service for members. The service delivers various items such as paper towels, wine and beer in Seattle, as well as milk, ice cream, televisions, and Kindle devices. Items are delivered within one or two hours. Those who choose the two-hour delivery option don’t have to pay anything, but the one-hour delivery costs Amazon customers $7.99. Prime Now is offered in 11 cities, but Amazon does have plans to expand the service to more cities.
As of right now, Amazon says the program is only available to drivers. However, in the future, Amazon may offer the program to those who want to bike or walk packages to their destinations.
According to Amazon Flex’s website, drivers will pick deliveries up at a location near them. Drivers will receive items to deliver in a local radius that is based on length of the delivery block that they signed up for. Also, drivers will be able to work as much as they want, and there are delivery opportunities available seven days per week.
[Image by David McNew/Getty Images] [Image of Amazon Prime by Zach Copley/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0] [Photo of box by Aurelijus Valeiša/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0]
