This page supplements the FAQ found on the https://www.reddit.com/r/AmazonFlexDrivers subreddit
I ‘amckern’ have been a DP in Amazon Flex Logistics in Sydney Australia from May 2021 and have enjoyed doing it as a form of exercise and exploring my city.
I prefer to work out of XNS2 – but find myself normally taking a trip down to DNS2.
American English is not my first language, I have attempted to write this in American, but lots of Australian English Slang may still be present.
· WF / Wholefoods – You are a Personal shopper – some stores will pick, and pack and you just need to deliver, others store you need to pick, pack, and deliver (and try and work around the manager)
· DSP – Delivery Service Partner – these are small businesses that contract against Amazon directly – they normally drive vans and have much large quotas to get through each day.
Please go back to the subreddit and ask your questions or join the affiliated door dash discord.
· Get a toll pass for your city, the amazon app will get you to the first stop as fast as it can, and this will involve toll roads.
· Check your preferred mapping app for the location of the centre you need to get to, I know that if I use the Amazon App that it sends to be the next block over.
· Ensure you are at the centre fifteen minutes before your block starts, follow all the details on the screen, and any training videos & material you have been supplied by Amazon in the onboarding.
o Ensure you follow local regulations such as NSW Blue Card training to ensure OSHA compliance
· Talk to the person that shows you the arrival QR code and tell / ask them:
o Ask for a yellow vest
o Tell them is your first block (they may be kind enough to give you a nursery cart)
o Confirm what lane they want you in if it is not a self-service centre
o If it is not a self-service centre also tell the person that brings you the cart its your first block – just in case, they are just pulling the next one for a more experienced DP. Most of the staff are happy to help.
· Every box will have a yellow stick on it that shows ‘drivers aid’ – these stickers have a 4-digit code that shows up on each stop on your route in the app – these are very helpful in getting your block done as quick as possible
· Carry a marker or 2b pencil – you are going to need to draw on some boxes to help YOU out
· Load up your car – heavy items will normally be loose – do not forgot to lift accordingly.
o Advice aplenty here – each driver has their own tips – find out what works for you
§ Order your driver aids from smallest to largest
§ Envelopes go into a tub or laundry basket, so they do not slide around the car
· You can also drop them into the foot well of the passenger’s seat
§ If your car is filling up with lots of boxes, and you are not going to be able to read the driver aid without moving 5 boxes out of the way draw the driver aid code it on the side of the box
· Diesel engines work best over a longer period if kept running – if you are driving a normal ICE, stop start could be better, but can cause a lot of strain on the starter engine – check with your trusted mechanic.
· EV Drivers, please confirm the best way to drive with your dealer or community support group e.g., https://www.reddit.com/r/tesla
· Check your cities parking rules – you are driving a car, but are doing deliveries – can you use a loading zone, or do you need to find a proper park?
· Do not drive down supper narrow private or public roads if you know your NOT going to get out or be able to turn around. I found a super narrow road in inner Sydney, ended up having to move about 20 trash bins so I could reverse out.
· HOA is a PIA but are they controlling the gate to get out? If yes, try and follow their rules or you are going to be stuck in the estate longer then you might like.
· Know what brands in your city have rest rooms for non-paying customers, has Chevron or MacDonald’s got rest rooms?
· GPS not allowing you to mark “I’ve Parked”
o Exit Navigation
o Tap?
o Tap GPS Not working at address
· Scan package as normal
Because I work in Sydney, where it is a warmer and humid climate, I cannot offer any advice on how to best tackle snow, ice, or real cold days with doing flex – consider sharing your experiences with the community.
· Bring an Eski, or cooler with the ice bricks you can refreeze
· Bring an insulated Water Bottle filled with power aid or a sports drink mix
· Drive with your windows down for as long as you can stand it
o Blast the AC for the rest of the time
· Try not to eat dry foods (for example cookies) or drink hot coffee (dehydrates you)
· Consider putting on Wicking under clothing like Hanes X-Temp Socks and Under Pants
· Lose fitting shirt will also help your body to breath
· Bring fresh fruit in your cooler like Water Mellon or grapes (these help to rehydrate you, and help when your hungry)
· Consider investing in a two-wheel dolly cart and a crate for apartment buildings.
· Be prepared for old school walk ups with no AC – your worn out after 5 flights of stairs.
· Be prepared to be dumped in the projects – amazon gift card frauds have a reason.
· Safety is key – dogs, building site, super tight access between you and the customers car to get to the front door? Do not even think about it. Mark package as not deliverable.
· If you need help right now! Call the flex support number
· Feel your gut if an area looks shifty
· Plenty of chances to listen to pod casts, have long chats with family interstate or out of country (Mexico, India, etc) or learn a new language (I am learning Mandarin)
· If your returning packages, they must be returned same day, and to the same centre you picked them up from
· Share your experiences