Amazon Flex Requirements | Is Your Fleet Eligible?

Over 36% of Americans have a side hustle, and Amazon Flex is one of the most profitable side gigs. 

Unlike delivery employees, Amazon Flex drivers are self-employed. This means Flex drivers choose their schedules and deliveries. But like delivery employees, Amazon Flex drivers will also deliver packages and groceries to customers in their designated areas.

As of 2025, Amazon’s revenue was USD 637.96 billion, making the ecommerce giant a reliable source of income. But since you’re not an employee, you’ll be using your car to make deliveries. So, what are the Amazon Flex requirements? 

 

What is Amazon Flex?

Amazon Flex is a gig opportunity offered by the ecommerce giant. Unlike Amazon’s employed drivers or the partnered carrier program, drivers use their own vehicles to deliver products from Prime, Amazon Fresh, and other local stores.

How does Amazon Flex work? When using the Amazon Flex app, Amazon organizes deliveries in blocks of 2-4 hours. Each block has a start time, date, estimated earnings, and duration. You’ll arrange to work a block that suits your schedule.

When it’s your start time, you’ll check in at the pickup location. You’ll load the packages and follow the route recommended by Amazon. After you finish your deliveries, you’re done! If you don’t finish your deliveries by the timeframe, make a note of any undelivered parcels and Amazon will provide further instructions.

Remember that you’re an independent contractor. This means you’re responsible for paying taxes in addition to expenses, such as tolls, gas, and wear and tear on your car.

How Much Does Amazon Flex Pay?

On average, Amazon Flex delivery drivers earn between $18 and $25 per hour. But your rate depends on many factors. For example, if you have a large vehicle, you can deliver more packages and earn a higher wage.

Amazon Flex drivers should also have a strategy. Aim to work blocks with high customer demand to increase your earnings. Customers can also leave a tip, so go the extra mile with your delivery.

When you sign up for Amazon Flex, you’ll enter your bank account information. Amazon will direct deposit your funds into your account.

 

Amazon Flex Vehicle Requirements

Are you ready to start delivering packages with Amazon? First, you’ll need to determine if your car is eligible for the program. Here are the Amazon Flex requirements:

Size

Amazon requires drivers to have a mid to large-sized vehicle. This includes an SUV, a truck with a covered bed, or a van. Sedans also qualify, but they won’t earn as much as the larger vehicles.

 

Acceptable Vehicle Types

• Midsize sedan or larger. Most Flex drivers use sedans, SUVs, vans, or pickup trucks (as long as the bed is covered).
• 4-door vehicles only. Amazon requires four doors for easier loading and unloading.
• Good condition. Your car should be roadworthy and have no major visible damage.

 

Vehicles That Aren’t Allowed

• Two-door vehicles. These limit access and cargo space.
• Motorcycles or bikes. Even in cities, Amazon Flex does not currently support two-wheeled delivery methods.
• Trucks with open beds. Packages should be safely secured and shielded from weather conditions during transport.
• Taxis or rental vehicles. Your car must be privately owned, though some lease options are accepted in certain markets.

 

Insurance

All drivers must have personal auto insurance with a minimum coverage level that meets the type of vehicle and local requirements.

As long as you have personal insurance, you have additional benefits with the Amazon Commercial Auto Insurance Policy. This policy includes liability coverage of $1,000,000 for uninsured and underinsured motorists, as well as collision and comprehensive coverage. This coverage is available at no additional cost, but drivers in New York are not eligible. 

Other Amazon Flex Requirements

Your vehicle isn’t the only thing that Amazon will consider. Here are the additional requirements for signing up for Amazon Flex:

• Age. Amazon requires all drivers to be 21 years or older.
• Location. You must live in an area where Amazon Flex operates.
• License. All drivers must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and a Social Security number.
• Bank account. When signing up, Amazon requires you to provide your bank account information. This can either be a checking or a savings account.
• Phone. Since you’ll be using the Amazon Flex app, you’ll need a smartphone.

 

How to Get Started With Amazon Flex

The first step in becoming an Amazon Flex driver is to download the app and enter your location. Amazon only hires new drivers when there is demand or availability in the area. If your city isn’t hiring, you can still join the mailing list and receive updates when an opening becomes available.

If your area is hiring drivers, complete your application and all your onboarding on the app. On average, drivers are ready to drive in one week after completing the application.

 

Amazon Flex Restrictions

Amazon has some restrictions that drivers must follow. Here are the most important ones:

 

Vehicle Models

Your vehicle must have sufficient space to accommodate multiple packages. This means Amazon prohibits specific vehicle models from making deliveries, notably any car that’s smaller than a sedan. Additionally, motorcycles and motorized bicycles don’t qualify.

 

Year Cutoffs

Unlike other driving and delivery apps, Amazon doesn’t have stringent vehicle year cutoffs. That said, Amazon does put more value on vehicles that are safe and reliable. As a good measure, only sign up for Amazon Flex if your car is less than 20 years old.

 

Regional Exceptions

You can only deliver packages in an area where Amazon operates. But can you deliver for Amazon Flex in more than one city? It depends. 

Sometimes, the app allows drivers to sign up for different cities if there is too high a demand and not enough drivers available. Some users may accidentally sign up for a block in the wrong area. However, ensure that your home city is the one listed in your account. 

If you move, you must also change your location in the app. Remember that you can only continue using Amazon Flex after you move if the new city is hiring drivers.

 

Passengers

Amazon has a strict passenger policy. All passengers must remain in the vehicle at all times. The passenger can’t drive the car; only the person on the job can. Passengers also can’t assist with the delivery service in any way.

Service animals are the exception. Amazon allows all drivers to take service animals with them for any reason.

 

Hours Worked

Can you work Amazon Flex full-time? Absolutely, but you can’t exceed 40 hours per week. That said, you can choose as many blocks as you want, but you must stay within the 40-hour-per-week limit.

 

Amazon Flex Requirements FAQs

 

Do I need a specific type of phone for Amazon Flex?

Drivers must have either an iPhone or an Android, and a model that’s compatible with the app.

 

What type of items will I deliver?

This depends. You may deliver Prime packages of all sizes. If you choose Amazon Fresh, you’ll be delivering groceries and other household items. Orders from local stores may vary.

 

How often does Amazon pay?

Amazon will directly deposit your funds into your account on any weekday of your choice. You can also choose how often you get paid. 

For example, you can instantly receive the money you earned after one shift, or you get paid once a week. These payments won’t include tips, which take longer to process than wages (although you can receive your tips 2-3 days after earning them).

Remember that regardless of the payment day you choose, any deliveries made on Friday through Sunday won’t be available until Monday. If your payment day falls on a holiday, your payment will be deposited the next day.

 

Is Amazon Flex Worth It?

Working in ecommerce is a dream for many people, and you may be considering using Amazon Flex as a side hustle while you start your business. But after reading about the vehicle requirements for Amazon Flex, did you realize this option isn’t right for you?

Don’t worry, there are other ways to get your ecommerce business up and running. With our New to AMZ service, we help you prepare everything for your big launch. This includes your account setup, product optimization, and inventory management.

Author

Stephanie Jensen has been writing ecommerce content for seven years, and her copy has helped numerous stores rank on Amazon. Follow her on LinkedIn for more insight into freelance writing and creating high-quality content.

The post Amazon Flex Requirements | Is Your Fleet Eligible? appeared first on AMZ Advisers.