A contractor working for the Amazon Inc. Flex program loads a package into a vehicle for delivery to a customer in San Francisco.
David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Amazon Relies on a corps of contracted Flex drivers to deliver packages from mall-based retailers, allowing sellers to ship goods from their stores using the e-commerce giant delivery service.
Amazon has informed some flex drivers in recent months that workers are testing a new program to take luggage from local retailers and unload it at the customer’s doorstep, Amazon said CNBC. Said in a notice to the driver viewed by.
“Amazon Flex is testing a new offer type near you,” the notice said. “Retail shipping offers allow you to receive and deliver pre-packaged orders directly from non-Amazon retailers in your local shopping center.”
Notifications will be sent to Las Vegas drivers and will only include orders at the Fashion Show Mall store, a 2 million square foot shopping mall on the Las Vegas Strip. It is unknown which stores are participating in the test.
Amazon is also testing services in Chandler, Arizona and Tysons Corner, Virginia. Bloomberg, First reported about the program. The company also appears to be experimenting with the program in Friendswood, Texas, southeast of Houston. According to the post In the popular Reddit group for Flex drivers.
Amazon spokesman Kate Kudolna said a small number of “existing Amazon sellers” are in the program and flex drivers work normally, but order from retailers rather than Amazon delivery stations and supermarkets. Said to receive.
“We have been delivering from third-party stores for many years,” Kudolna said in a statement. “This is another way to connect Amazon sellers and customers through convenient shipping options.”
Launched in 2015, Amazon Flex is a component of the company’s fast-growing in-house logistics division. This program uses everyday drivers to deliver luggage from your car and Over 50 cities.. Depending on the type of shift, you’ll earn between $ 18 and $ 25 an hour, paying for petrol, tolls, and car maintenance.
Amazon focuses on logistics as it aims to shuttle packages to the customer’s front door at a faster rate. Amazon in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic disrupts its fulfillment and delivery operations Said Expanding daily deliveries in the United States will cost $ 800 million over three months.
Recently, the company open Its extensive delivery and fulfillment network to other retailers allows them to apply prime benefits to their site’s ordering locations.
Amazon isn’t the only one offering fast delivery to retailers.On-demand delivery providers like DoorDash, UberPostmates and Instacarts Expanded beyond food and groceries To offer other products from local and national retailers.
look: As Prime One Day deliveries grow, the Amazon Flex delivery drivers will be:
