During the pandemic, many have struggled financially and have had few options. One of them is to become slaves to the gig economy; primarily Uber and Amazon (Flex). If you don’t know what Amazon Flex is, it allows pretty much anyone with a car, a smartphone (to use the Amazon Flex app) and a driver’s license. I, as a student, have found Amazon Flex to be a decent source of income, and at times, feel profitable. But here’s the deal: Amazon Flex in Fresno isn’t always in Fresno. DFA2, the only Amazon warehouse in Fresno is also the only Amazon warehouse in the Central Valley. As such, in my own experience, there’s a modest likelihood of traveling to Visalia, Madera, Exeter, and even to residential areas in the Sierra Nevada.
So, how exactly do you make a decent profit off routes like that? First of all, avoid doing low paying routes (2 hours/$50), as gas expenditures for travel can easily reach over $20; choose routes that pay at least $80, preferably over $100. In the app, finding great routes may not be easy, as competition is high, so you have to check the app constantly for routes before they’re all picked up. As for driving tips, if you’re not in a hurry, drive the speed limit on the highway (or lower, if possible and safe at all). This will use less gas (or electricity) per mile, as higher speeds start to consume more energy per mile in fighting drag (air resistance). This is why big semi-trucks tend to sustain speeds of 55-60; any higher is wasting precious fuel to drag. Of course, take to the app or online for additional tips, specifically for delivering packages.
The final thing to consider is your own mood, dealing with the plethora of garbage drivers on the road, and the Amazon Flex app itself. Do your best to maintain a positive outlook; you do not want negativity to influence your productivity and safety! You should maintain plenty of awareness when driving, as there will be plenty of unexpected turns, roads, or vehicles in the countless new roads you will be experiencing as you travel across the Central Valley. In rural areas, there is very little lighting, so you cannot afford to be distracted should something present itself out of the darkness. So, about the app… It’s not the best. Sometimes, it will work flawlessly during your route, or it will have a few hiccups, or just completely fail. Luckily, you have Amazon associates to assist you, either personally at the warehouse (as the app can prevent you from scanning packages or even getting a route), or via the app on the road.