Package delivery is not a new concept. Humans have moved goods from point A to point B for millennia. While the means have changed, the fundamentals remain the same. Modern parcel delivery has been around for more than a century. But ever-changing customer demands have transformed it into a multi-billion dollar industry. With 2018 parcel delivery revenues at $119 billion in the US, the industry isn’t slowing down.

This article explores some basics and gives you a starting point for delivering packages with Amazon Flex.

Related Topics:

• Gig 101: What Is Last Mile Delivery?
• How You Can Make $1,100 A Week Delivering For Amazon

What is Package Delivery?

Package delivery refers to the transportation of parcels from one point to another. These items are small, light, and packed into boxes. They typically weigh less than 100 pounds and can be moved without much assistance.

Package Delivery and the Gig Economy

Package delivery facilitates the movement of goods between locations. It eliminates the need for the sender to travel the distance. For most customers, reliability was the initial requirement. But, with the explosion of e-commerce, the focus has shifted to other aspects. Customers want faster deliveries and more control over delivery times. They want to schedule deliveries in the evenings and on weekends. And they want all this at little or no cost. Without a large workforce, these demands are hard to meet. More employees mean a higher wage bill which is not feasible in a competitive and price-conscious industry. To reduce last-mile delivery costs, companies are turning to the gig economy. Amazon has launched the Flex platform to tap into this vast supply of on-demand labor.

How To Start Delivering Packages

If you’re looking for package delivery gigs, Amazon Flex is a platform you might consider. As a delivery partner, you’ll pick up packages from Amazon’s delivery stations and drop them off at the customer’s doorstep. While $18-$25 an hour may sound attractive, here are some things to know before you sign up.

Eligibility

To start working with Amazon Flex, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

1. Be at least 21 years old.
2. Valid US driver’s license and social security number.
3. Have a 4-door mid-sized (sedan) or larger (SUV, van, or truck) vehicle.
4. Have an Android 6.0 or higher, or iPhone 6S or newer.

How Amazon Flex Works

To register:

1. Download the Amazon Flex app.
2. Sign up using your existing Amazon account or create a new one.
3. Go through videos created by Amazon to learn about best delivery practices.
4. Provide pickup and delivery preferences for packages.
5. Share payment and tax information.
6. Choose a service area for package pickup and delivery.

Once your account is set up, you can:

1. Search for available delivery slots.
2. Reserve one that suits your schedule.
3. Pick up packages from the designated location on the selected date.
4. Use the Flex app to navigate and deliver packages.

Important Points

1. Amazon provides free commercial auto insurance for partners in all states except NY. The coverage is only available when you’re on the job. And you will need personal auto insurance to qualify. 
2. Slots are limited and not guaranteed. It’s better to schedule one in advance.
3. Delivery slots are 3-6 hours long.
4. For each slot, the app displays the delivery duration and potential pay.
5. Amazon pays out twice a week by direct deposit.
6. Some packages may require heavy lifting.

Conclusion

The parcel delivery industry is expected to become a $200 billion industry worldwide by 2025. Customer appetites for fast and low-cost delivery will play a big part in this growth. Until more cost-effective options come up, gig work in the industry is here to stay.