Amazon has two main programs that let you deliver packages using your own car, and they work very differently
Amazon Flex is a gig delivery program where you pick up packages from an Amazon facility and deliver them on your own schedule. You keep your own car, set your own hours, and are paid per delivery block (usually a few hours of work). Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partner) is different — you work as an employee or contractor for a small delivery company that contracts with Amazon, using your own vehicle but following a set schedule and route.
The key difference: Flex is truly flexible and independent, but you have no benefits and no may provide income. DSP offers more structure, sometimes benefits, and steadier work — but less control over your schedule and route. Both require your own vehicle, valid driver's license, and insurance that covers commercial delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Flex lets you choose when and how often you work, picking up delivery blocks that typically pay $15 to $25 per hour depending on your location and demand.
- Amazon DSP positions are jobs with a local delivery company, not Amazon directly, and usually offer more consistent hours and sometimes health insurance or 401(k) options.
- Both programs require your own vehicle, a valid driver's license, insurance that covers commercial use, and a background check.
- Your personal auto insurance may not cover commercial delivery — you need to check your policy or add a commercial rider before you start.
- Flex drivers are independent contractors with no benefits; DSP workers may be employees or contractors depending on the company, which affects taxes and benefits.
How Amazon Flex works and what you actually earn
Amazon Flex is a smartphone app where you log in, see available delivery blocks in your area, and claim the ones that fit your schedule. A block is usually 2 to 4 hours of work. The app tells you the pay rate before you accept — it might say "$54 for a 3-hour block" or "$18 for a 2-hour block." You pick up packages at a local Amazon facility (called a Flex Hub or Whole Foods location), load them into your car, and deliver them to customers in your area.
Pay varies by location, time of day, and demand. During peak seasons (holidays, Prime Day) or during bad weather, rates tend to be higher. Off-peak rates can be as low as $15 per hour; peak rates sometimes reach $25 per hour or higher. You see the exact rate before you accept the block, so you can choose whether it's worth your time. There is no may provide minimum number of blocks per week.
You are classified as an independent contractor, which means Amazon does not withhold taxes, provide benefits, or cover vehicle wear and tear. You pay self-employment tax (15.3% of your net earnings) when you file your taxes. You also bear the full cost of gas, maintenance, insurance, and any vehicle damage.
How Amazon DSP delivery jobs differ from Flex
An Amazon DSP is a small business that contracts with Amazon to deliver packages in a specific area. When you work for a DSP, you work for that company, not Amazon directly. The DSP owner hires you, sets your schedule, assigns your delivery route, and pays you. Some DSPs are one-person operations; others have dozens of drivers.
DSP jobs typically offer more consistent hours — often 40 hours per week or close to it — and a set schedule. You know when you start and end each day. Pay is usually hourly (often $15 to $18 per hour, though it varies by location and company) rather than per-block. Some DSPs offer benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matching, or paid time off, though not all do. You need to ask the specific DSP what they offer.
Your employment status depends on the DSP. Some classify drivers as W-2 employees (taxes withheld, may be able to access for benefits); others use 1099 independent contractors (you pay your own taxes). This matters for your taxes and whether you get benefits. Ask before you accept an offer.
Vehicle and insurance requirements for both programs
Both Flex and DSP require you to own or lease a vehicle in good condition. The vehicle must be at least 2016 (or sometimes 2015, depending on Amazon's current rules) and pass a vehicle inspection. You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record — Amazon and DSPs run background checks that include driving history.
The critical issue is insurance. Your personal auto insurance almost certainly does not cover commercial delivery. If you deliver packages for money and get into an accident, your insurer may deny the claim because you were using the vehicle for commercial purposes. Before you start either Flex or DSP, contact your insurance company and ask whether they offer a commercial rider or endorsement for delivery work. Some insurers add it for $10 to $30 per month; others do not offer it at all. If your current insurer will not cover delivery, you may need to switch to a commercial auto policy or a gig-economy-friendly insurer.
You also need to register your vehicle and keep registration and insurance documents in the car at all times. Both programs verify your insurance before you start.
How to get your free guide with Amazon Flex
read the Amazon Flex app from the App Store or Google Play. Create an account with your name, email, phone number, and driver's license information. You will need to upload a photo of your driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registration document. Amazon runs a background check, which typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
Once approved, you can see available delivery blocks in your area. Blocks appear in the app a few days to a few hours before the delivery time. During busy periods, blocks fill up quickly — you have to tap fast to claim one. If you do not see blocks available, it may mean demand is low in your area that day, or all blocks have been claimed.
On the day of a block, you drive to the Flex Hub, check in using the app, load your packages, and follow the app's navigation to deliver them. The app shows you each delivery address and confirms when you arrive. After you complete all deliveries, you mark the block complete in the app and you are done.
How to find and explore for Amazon DSP jobs
Amazon DSP jobs are posted on the Amazon Flex website (under the "Delivery Partner" or "DSP" section), on Indeed, LinkedIn, and on local job boards. Search for "Amazon DSP driver" or "Amazon delivery driver" in your area. You can also contact DSPs directly — they are small businesses, and many post on Google, Facebook, or Craigslist.
When you find a DSP job posting, explore through their website or job board. You will need to provide your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and consent to a background check. The DSP will contact you for an interview, usually by phone or video. They will ask about your driving history, availability, and why you want the job. The interview is typically brief — 15 to 30 minutes.
If the DSP offers you the job, you will receive an offer letter that states your pay, schedule, benefits (if any), and employment status (W-2 or 1099). Read it carefully and ask questions about anything unclear before you sign. Once you start, you will attend a brief orientation and training, then begin delivering on your assigned route.
Comparing Flex and DSP: which is right for you
| Factor | Amazon Flex | Amazon DSP |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | You choose when to work; blocks vary daily | Set schedule, usually 40 hours per week |
| Pay structure | Per-block ($15–$25+ per hour depending on demand) | Hourly ($15–$18+ per hour, varies by company) |
| may provide income | None; depends on available blocks | Yes, if you work your scheduled hours |
| Benefits | None | Varies by DSP; some offer health insurance, 401(k) |
| Employment status | Independent contractor (1099) | W-2 employee or 1099 contractor (depends on DSP) |
| Taxes | You pay self-employment tax (15.3%) | Withheld if W-2; you pay if 1099 |
| Route control | App assigns deliveries; you control order | DSP assigns route; you follow it |
| Vehicle wear and tear | You bear all costs | You bear all costs |
Choose Flex if you want maximum flexibility, do not need steady income, and prefer to work on your own terms. It works well if you have another job and want to earn extra money on your schedule, or if you live in an area with high demand and good pay rates.
Choose DSP if you want steady, predictable income and hours, prefer working for a local company with a clear schedule, and value the possibility of benefits. It works well if you need reliable paychecks and want a more traditional job structure.
Common issues and what to watch for
With Flex, the biggest issue is block availability. In some areas, blocks are plentiful and pay well; in others, they are scarce or pay poorly. If you live in a rural area or a market with low demand, you may struggle to find blocks. There is no may provide Amazon will offer you blocks, and they can reduce or eliminate blocks in your area without notice.
Another Flex issue is that you are responsible for all vehicle costs. Gas, maintenance, insurance, and repairs come out of your earnings. If your car breaks down, you lose income until it is fixed. Many Flex drivers find that once they account for these costs, their actual hourly rate is lower than the block rate suggests.
With DSP, the main issue is that you work for a small business, not Amazon. If the DSP owner is disorganized, pays late, or goes out of business, you have limited recourse. Some DSPs are well-run; others are not. Before you accept a DSP job, try to find reviews of that specific company online or ask other drivers about their experience.
Both programs require you to pass a background check. If you have a recent DUI, serious traffic violations, or a criminal record, you may be rejected. Amazon and DSPs have strict standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need commercial auto insurance to do Amazon Flex or DSP delivery?
Yes. Your personal auto insurance does not cover commercial delivery work. Contact your insurer and ask about a commercial rider or endorsement for gig delivery. If they do not offer one, you will need to switch to a commercial auto policy or a gig-economy-friendly insurer before you start. This is not optional — driving without proper coverage puts you at serious financial risk.
Can I do both Amazon Flex and work for a DSP at the same time?
Yes, many drivers do both. You could work a set schedule with a DSP during the week and pick up Flex blocks on weekends or evenings. However, check your DSP employment agreement — some DSPs have non-compete clauses that restrict outside delivery work. Ask before you accept a DSP job if you plan to do Flex as well.
What happens if I get into an accident while delivering?
If you have proper commercial insurance, your insurer covers the accident. If you do not have commercial coverage, your insurer may deny the claim because you were using the vehicle for commercial purposes, leaving you liable for all damages. This is why insurance is critical. For Flex, you are also responsible for any packages damaged in the accident.
How much can I actually earn after vehicle costs?
This varies widely. A Flex driver in a high-demand area might earn $20 per hour in block pay, but after gas (roughly $0.15 to $0.20 per mile), maintenance, insurance, and self-employment tax, net earnings might be $12 to $15 per hour. A DSP driver earning $16 per hour as a W-2 employee has taxes withheld but no vehicle-cost burden beyond normal driving. Calculate your own costs based on your vehicle's fuel economy and local gas prices.
What if Amazon stops offering blocks in my area?
Flex blocks are not may provide. Amazon can reduce or eliminate blocks in your area at any time. If this happens, you have no income from Flex. There is no notice period or severance. This is why Flex works best as supplemental income, not your primary job. If you need reliable income, DSP is more stable because you have a set schedule and employment agreement.