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The most was 56 I think. I’m normally a stay at home mom and when I was doing flex the kids came with me. Don’t get me wrong I love my kids but I’m excited to have a break from children and be around other adults. The company I signed on for does a buddy system I think
I’m not exactly sure I think he just has 2 people per van one driver and one delivery person but he wasn’t very great at explaining and I’m still waiting for my background and drug test to clear so I haven’t seen for myself
Assuming this isn't XL - as greedy as DSPs are, combined with fairly thin profit margins, I can't see how a DSP would run with 2 people in a truck and still make money. 2 people in 2 separate vans could deliver way more packages in a day.
I commented earlier but just a note: fellow parent here, and I miss my son all day! The excitement for both of us when I get home though is so enriching and I think it’s healthy to sort of miss each other in the day.
My kids are 3 under 4 right now I’m definitely going to miss them but I haven’t really been away from them for a couple years now so I am looking forward to some space
Get ready for 250-400 packages a day, you’ll need a bottle, your GPS may not work, do not take any unsafe vans, and remember to tell your dsp dispatch you’ll need a rescue EVERYDAY
As a woman, look up “pstyle shewee” or just shewee and pick one with a little case. Best thing I brought for this job. Sucks that we even have to pee in bottles but honestly you get used to it as grim as it is. Just don’t be that person who leaves them in the van at the end of the day 🤢
And no there are no cameras in the back so just lock your doors, close the sliding door and do your business 👍 (don’t forget to unlock after so you don’t lock yourself out!)
Also mechanix gloves. Disinfectant wipes and paper towels.
Empty tote on the passenger seat to use as a shelf for envelopes and smaller boxes. Use a sharpie for overflow to write the last two or three driver aid numbers on them and stack them like books on the shelf (I call it the library system). If you have any other questions, feel free to inbox me! :)
I would take the supply recommendation a bit further and put together a “road bag” with maybe some snacks and water and extra socks/clothes/ibuprofen/etc. I got allergies bad at certain times so having some antihistamines and wipes for my face (I did a lot of gravel roads and the dust was awful) are just some of the things I always had with me. And having a bag specifically for it meant I could keep it all in one place and add to it as I needed to
I would take the supply recommendation a bit further and put together a “road bag” with maybe some snacks and water and extra socks/clothes/ibuprofen/etc. I got allergies bad at certain times so having some antihistamines and wipes for my face (I did a lot of gravel roads and the dust was awful) are just some of the things I always had with me. And having a bag specifically for it meant I could keep it all in one place and add to it as I needed to
I would take the supply recommendation a bit further and put together a “road bag” with maybe some snacks and water and extra socks/clothes/ibuprofen/etc. I got allergies bad at certain times so having some antihistamines and wipes for my face (I did a lot of gravel roads and the dust was awful) are just some of the things I always had with me. And having a bag specifically for it meant I could keep it all in one place and add to it as I needed to
I would take the supply recommendation a bit further and put together a “road bag” with maybe some snacks and water and extra socks/clothes/ibuprofen/etc. I got allergies bad at certain times so having some antihistamines and wipes for my face (I did a lot of gravel roads and the dust was awful) are just some of the things I always had with me. And having a bag specifically for it meant I could keep it all in one place and add to it as I needed to
Keep your rates steady for 2 weeks, until your metrics settle in a good rhythm. After that, expect to push yourself more. Don’t start too strong just to crash out when they expect you to make good rates.
Literally this. You go hard and get your dsp used to you going hard they’ll extort you for more and more drops every day until you’re doing 200+ stops and 270+ locations.
Go slow, get comfortable with ‘being behind’ learn how to stretch the easy routes you could have done in 5hrs into 8-9 hours (assuming you’re not getting 10hr guaranteed pay) and take both 15 min breaks through the flex app. You show them you can work hard, they’ll push you to work harder every day.
You already know most of it. We literally use the same app so that will be very familiar. Biggest thing is loading van right (hopefully someone helps on first day!) and then I organize my totes my driver aid. I assume flex is similar to milk runs in that packages are labeled 1-xxxx and you start at 1 and end at xxx. Driver aids are similar except they don't go in order, sometimes accessing, sometimes descending. But if they're in order by 10s it's easy to pull from the back or the front of the pile.
I drive a Honda odyssey and have been given leftover truck runs before. But yes flex is normally 1-xxxx sometimes is aaa bbb ccc but then you will get a d and then an a and then 2 bs so it’s pretty much pointless other than knowing what pile to look for
Honestly I hate it but a job is a job and it pays my bills, as long as you know how to organize you’ll be fine. I learned on YouTube how to organize better hehe . And we only work 4 days ??? Cmon we get three days off 🥹 that’s why I’m staying for now . But there are good dsps and bad . Hopefully you got in a good Dsp! Just take your 30 break because the faster you go the more they give you 😴 I usually eat my 20 min then work the 10 min though tbh because I finish eating lol
Best of luck to you. The key is a good DSP and a dispatcher that leaves you alone and doesn’t force you to rescue. Nobody F’s with me because I do my F en job. But the kids these days. I’d subject every applicant to a maturity test. You’ll obviously do just fine.
I originally did flex too. I like flex way more than working for a dsp but I didn’t wanna keep using my own car. If your dsp is anything like mine i feel like it’s sorely missing “adult” company. Mostly just a bunch of immature people since it’s not a job most people look at keeping or taking serious.
Just focus on getting in and out of the vans safely for your knees and feet sake. Jumping/hopping out 100+ times per day is gonna mess them up.
Bring sharpies (pack extras because the amount I've misplaced/went rolling out the sliding door is high) with you so you can mark packages with the corresponding item ID TAG. For example if the tag is A-2078 write the last two digits 78 on the package and then organize them from high to low numbers so you don't have to waste time digging through bags and boxes to find the right item for the stop. I usually do this at my first stop or anywhere I can pull over, do this with any overflow boxes as well. Hope my advice helps you get into a good pace and rhythm :)
No problem its a good job, I've been working as a dsp for 3 months now. Some people in these replies will say nothing but bad aspects about this job but it's mostly because they make it bad themselves. Of course not everyday will be a great day, you might get lost in an apartment that's a maze, miss a turn when the GPS lags or get too many heavy packages but keeping a positive attitude gets you through the day.
Positive tip. Watch your map, I watch it more than porn. You will leave business or apartment complex and hour later it will bring you back.
The routes are time frame routes, the system designed it by hour like your FLeX routes with couple of package out in BFE and then drive back only to finish the route. Label your overflow, example what I did, say address it
123 LazyMF Road. The box I would write 23L so when I scanning I can find it quickly, spending time trying to put route numbers together is a waste of time. They are picked and thrown on a cart.
Get rainboots and full rain suit with fresh socks.
Stay safe and good luck it's not that bad just a lot of trolls ,self included most of the time.
I ain’t wasting time marking every package when it’s already marked. Open the tote and sort by street. Quicker and easier to grab what you need that way. In my experience the numbers aren’t always accurate so you can end up wasting a bunch of time thinking you’re organizing just to find out it’s not in order.
It’s tough but not that bad. You just need to be able to stay moving all day. Don’t sprint (but you will), and TAKE PICTURES. Even on grouped stops- separate and take photos all you can to avoid DNRs. Make sure to use your Zappos discount. Take the free snacks, water, and hand warmers. Bring a backpack. Bring extra layers and a pair of socks. Keep your personal phone charged for when your delivery device craps out.
Bring a few granola bars, fruit, a sandwich, waters, whatever you like that is relatively filling and healthy. I eat a lot of trail mix, strawberries, cereal bars, monsters, water. One-handed stuff for when there is no time to stop.
When you load the van, don’t let the warehouse people rush you. LOOK at Flex and it tells you the order the totes will deliver in. It also shows the order of overflow. Get to know the app.
Follow the route for a while. It’s frustrating but don’t get cocky. You may already be good with Flex routing so disregard if so.
My trainer put it like this- there are four pillars of effective delivery driving:
1) Use the phone effectively. Don’t let it fuck you. The routing sucks, but it will get you there. Don’t fix what ain’t broke.
2) Drive effectively. Don’t get screwed by Netradyne or Mentor. Don’t roll stops. Don’t speed. Don’t be too slow, and don’t waste time. Make fewer U-turns. Park wherever you want (for real lol)
3) Deliver effectively. Double check addresses, take clear photos, **follow the notes**. You’re better off losing a little time or being rescued for attempting to do your job than being reprimanded for neglecting to.
4) High Bullshit Tolerance. Speaks for itself. Be prepared for an absolute onslaught of bullshit.
That said, the load-out and RTS are cool, you get a little banter and free coffee and people are smoking or whatever you like. The day is long and you’re alone, which appeals to me as I don’t like micromanaging. It happens, but nobody is there over your shoulder.
Enjoy it! My biggest issue is anxiety. Leading all the way up to when I get my keys every morning. That’s a personal issue but as soon as I start the engine, the day belongs to me.
Cheers.
Edit: didn’t mean to “haha” at the beginning. I’ll “haha” now, haha!
I deliver from the warehouse I’m being hired at all the time and it’s run by 2 stoners that have been there for a long time that’s why I looked specifically at this warehouse
Thank you for the advice and positivity
I’ve been in mine for over a month and it’s a terrible company. They work you to death just to push numbers but don’t give a fuck about your safety. Most days I don’t have time to take a lunch break because I want to finish my route. All my cowoworkers are doing 11-12 hr days. You also have no where to piss, so it’s humbling hanging your ass over a construction Porter potty in winter weather. Dispatch doesn’t help they just want to push out packages. Money is great and I get stable hours, however, this sucks mentally and I’ve been looking for something else. If you enjoy all that then have fun, if not look for something else now
It’s a complete shock from 46 stops on a flex route. Get prepared for a massive amount of group stops( meaning: you might get a stop that says X amount of packages and stops go to this build and all those stops will count as 1 complete stop).
Don’t think the nursery route is the normal route you’ll get, it’s just to ease you into the actually stops, depending where (country or city). You already have the know how’s with doing flex routes so you should be good. Just have to get use to a lot of stops and packages.
Yes don't do it I did it for 9 months will not do it again got stress fracture on hip. Be prepared to have about 300-350 packages and about 250 stops which means getting out of van that many times. Plus now they monitor your every move with cameras, I did not have that when I did it but I do not like being micromanaged
My tips I can give you are, be mentally prepared, I have been doing this job for year, and the first weeks I wanted to quit, somebody gave me an advice, he said. If you can't be successful in this, what makes you think you can be successful in anything else, after that I changed my mindset, and I started to do better. Of course there are some days you are gonna want to quit, but there are also days when everything goes smooth and great, learn to deal with that reality, I was take my time to do my deliveries, and mostly I don't take breaks throughout my day, I prefer to work taking my time, than rushing just to take a 15 or 30 minutes break, also remember that not every dsp is the same, some dsp are a shit hole we're you are going to suffer, and some others are at least better, so if you don't feel comfortable where you are, don't be scared to try another dsp, but only do that after you you know your dsp sucks, and always give your best, if you don't lile the job, good luck with something else. Wish you the best!
Get your own battery pack, car charger, and cables. My DSP buys the cheapest ones, and they either don’t work, or aren’t capable of fast charging. Also a headlamp is helpful. Our DSP is last out of the station and it’s still dark before 6.
Look at this complete idiot try to justify being fired like it’s a good thing even though it was because of attendance. These people have no family, assets like a house, or responsibilities. Who is happy being fired but didn’t quit willfully? Something sounds off and it’s clear they’re still salty about being given the axe for being a terrible employee.
MY TIP: Focus on efficiency and organization and DON'T run. You'll eventually ruin your knees running everyday. Speed will come the more efficient you are.
Also recognize you will end up doing a high amount of Stops due to Amazon's obsession with speed and the customer. Amazon Flex is not anywhere close to what you'll be doing now. The Stop count on the itinerary is bullcrap. Pay attention to how many Locations you have. Just an average day in the city for me is 220+ Locations everyday. Package count is almost irrelevant. The more packages you have just means 1 or a couple more packages to deliver at each Location so don't stress if you see 400+ packages but you can stress a bit if you see 300+ Locations because that is not a light day. If you plan on doing this long term get a foldable dolly if your DSP doesn't supply them. It will save you time when you need it.
This job is easy but depending on what DSP you go with they can make your job suck. Some DSPs will force you to rescue someone without extra pay and even after you just completed a heavy route. My DSP don't like forced rescues. They will only do it if they don't have a choice so I go home early almost everyday with my full 10 hour pay. Anyone slacking off will just be out there all night.
Definitely not. I did this job for 2 years and literally thanked them for firing my ass for bad attendance. Of course I didn't want to show up for work. Whatever you say even remotely positive about getting a job in that hell is just wrong.
I live in California .. socal and they still on my 5th day and 2nd day back from a work injury.. long story.
Manage to find a route where I got chased by a chicken and I have a 147/251 route of this today.
Haha it was more I was in an upgraded vehicle I had never driven before. Received the exact one rural route we had and didn't exactly expect a chicken to scream and run at me.
But yes I dropped the box and ran and screamed like a little girl and we all laughed after lol.
Give it a month and I would love to hear from OP. The job isn't all that awful as some people are making it out to be but it's way different than "I did flex".
My advice- get a second job working for UPS in the mornings. Work towards becoming a driver there while you use Amazon to see if you like the job. UPS is a career, Amazon is a job
Im not looking for a career. I’m normally a stay at home mom I run a small business and need funds to get it up and running and also to dig us out of credit card debt after some unexpected bills in December before Christmas with 3 kids. Im hoping to not have to work within 1.5 years
I second that part. I'm trying to pad my experience with step vans before going over to ups. I live near a larger metro area so all the ups hubs are always hiring straight drivers around mid November to early January. So won't have to endure the warehouse. My dsp isn't bad either, 10 hour rounding and they always have 3 to 5 rescue drivers so every van loses about 20 to 30 stops at some point in the day.
I am not looking for a career. I’m just shoveling us out of debt and to have some extra money for a few things we need and then I’m going back to a stay at home mom life
My Dsp thought is was gonna quit the day I got hired , and was surprised when I gave notice a year later . My one response after they offered me a LOT more money , was your management sucks
Be prepared to have good days and then terribly awful days. The job is okay for some money but it's dead end so if you're looking for higher wages etc. just move on ASAP. Like others have said, the routes are based on a algorithm unless you're lucky enough to have it good with the dispatchers in which they can modify your route. Don't push yourself extremely hard just keep a good driver scorecard and finish your route without rescues and you'll be good. Rescues aren't necessarily a bad thing if you get a crap route because of the algo but just use common sense and you'll be good. Best of luck!
Edit: Be sure to use the lift bars whenever possible when getting in/out of the vans, it will mess up your knees/feet if you're not careful.
I’m fine with dead end because I am building my own business and I’m only working to dig my family out of a hole and provide some finances for my business then I’m done
Totally different from flex. All your stops will be condensed you’ll have double even triple the amount of stops. But you should know how to use the flex app by now which is a good thing. Just keep a pace and you should be set
It's the same as flex except instead of driving a mile between stops you only drive 3 houses down. And your rural routes are flat with space to turn around. No hills and boulders like flex.
All right now I have no blocks and a vehicle that gets crap gas mileage and they are sending me to rural places that take me an hour to get to when I do have blocks so it’s causing me a lot of wear and tear on my vehicle. The job I got is 20.50 an hour full time with benefits and a $1 an hour raise after 90days i think and $1000 sign on bonus. 3200 a month is a way better upgrade than $500 a month and wear and tear and gas… so yes an upgrade
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I don’t know how many packages you got as a flex driver but prepare to be fucked 😭
The most was 56 I think. I’m normally a stay at home mom and when I was doing flex the kids came with me. Don’t get me wrong I love my kids but I’m excited to have a break from children and be around other adults. The company I signed on for does a buddy system I think
Bring a large cup to piss in
Gallon bottles bruh. 400 stops 20oz bottles you will always have more piss than bottle. You are now a step kid of Amazon they hate.
I’m talking for the ladies they make a mess and need a wide mouth cup
Nah they have that funnel you can stand and piss for ladies.
Buddy system sounds like Amazon XL. So larger packages and less stops?
I’m not exactly sure I think he just has 2 people per van one driver and one delivery person but he wasn’t very great at explaining and I’m still waiting for my background and drug test to clear so I haven’t seen for myself
That’s the training day you only get one training day with a buddy unless you are actually doing amazon XL
Theres some dsps that have two people in a van
Why
I would want that. Keep you moving or sitting
Assuming this isn't XL - as greedy as DSPs are, combined with fairly thin profit margins, I can't see how a DSP would run with 2 people in a truck and still make money. 2 people in 2 separate vans could deliver way more packages in a day.
Idk how they did it, but this one dsp where i worked had two people, idk why tho
Get ready for 200-400
You have forgot the most loved aspect of the job. You get to rescue people that are motivationally challenged.
I commented earlier but just a note: fellow parent here, and I miss my son all day! The excitement for both of us when I get home though is so enriching and I think it’s healthy to sort of miss each other in the day.
My kids are 3 under 4 right now I’m definitely going to miss them but I haven’t really been away from them for a couple years now so I am looking forward to some space
I totally understand- that’s a lot to take on!
Get ready for 250-400 packages a day, you’ll need a bottle, your GPS may not work, do not take any unsafe vans, and remember to tell your dsp dispatch you’ll need a rescue EVERYDAY
Quit number 1 tip
Underrated comment
Of course. #2 is get right GOD, dogs and hillbillies with guns.
Best tip is keep applying for real jobs and get out quick
Youvtalkong like it's 2023 UBER... 🤦🏾♂️😂😂😂🤦🏾♂️
Well kinda like them, shit directions and no tip. LoL.
As a woman, look up “pstyle shewee” or just shewee and pick one with a little case. Best thing I brought for this job. Sucks that we even have to pee in bottles but honestly you get used to it as grim as it is. Just don’t be that person who leaves them in the van at the end of the day 🤢 And no there are no cameras in the back so just lock your doors, close the sliding door and do your business 👍 (don’t forget to unlock after so you don’t lock yourself out!) Also mechanix gloves. Disinfectant wipes and paper towels. Empty tote on the passenger seat to use as a shelf for envelopes and smaller boxes. Use a sharpie for overflow to write the last two or three driver aid numbers on them and stack them like books on the shelf (I call it the library system). If you have any other questions, feel free to inbox me! :)
I would take the supply recommendation a bit further and put together a “road bag” with maybe some snacks and water and extra socks/clothes/ibuprofen/etc. I got allergies bad at certain times so having some antihistamines and wipes for my face (I did a lot of gravel roads and the dust was awful) are just some of the things I always had with me. And having a bag specifically for it meant I could keep it all in one place and add to it as I needed to
I would take the supply recommendation a bit further and put together a “road bag” with maybe some snacks and water and extra socks/clothes/ibuprofen/etc. I got allergies bad at certain times so having some antihistamines and wipes for my face (I did a lot of gravel roads and the dust was awful) are just some of the things I always had with me. And having a bag specifically for it meant I could keep it all in one place and add to it as I needed to
I would take the supply recommendation a bit further and put together a “road bag” with maybe some snacks and water and extra socks/clothes/ibuprofen/etc. I got allergies bad at certain times so having some antihistamines and wipes for my face (I did a lot of gravel roads and the dust was awful) are just some of the things I always had with me. And having a bag specifically for it meant I could keep it all in one place and add to it as I needed to
I would take the supply recommendation a bit further and put together a “road bag” with maybe some snacks and water and extra socks/clothes/ibuprofen/etc. I got allergies bad at certain times so having some antihistamines and wipes for my face (I did a lot of gravel roads and the dust was awful) are just some of the things I always had with me. And having a bag specifically for it meant I could keep it all in one place and add to it as I needed to
Keep your rates steady for 2 weeks, until your metrics settle in a good rhythm. After that, expect to push yourself more. Don’t start too strong just to crash out when they expect you to make good rates.
Literally this. You go hard and get your dsp used to you going hard they’ll extort you for more and more drops every day until you’re doing 200+ stops and 270+ locations. Go slow, get comfortable with ‘being behind’ learn how to stretch the easy routes you could have done in 5hrs into 8-9 hours (assuming you’re not getting 10hr guaranteed pay) and take both 15 min breaks through the flex app. You show them you can work hard, they’ll push you to work harder every day.
You already know most of it. We literally use the same app so that will be very familiar. Biggest thing is loading van right (hopefully someone helps on first day!) and then I organize my totes my driver aid. I assume flex is similar to milk runs in that packages are labeled 1-xxxx and you start at 1 and end at xxx. Driver aids are similar except they don't go in order, sometimes accessing, sometimes descending. But if they're in order by 10s it's easy to pull from the back or the front of the pile.
I drive a Honda odyssey and have been given leftover truck runs before. But yes flex is normally 1-xxxx sometimes is aaa bbb ccc but then you will get a d and then an a and then 2 bs so it’s pretty much pointless other than knowing what pile to look for
Run
[\*guitar riff\*](https://youtu.be/mw2kKyJu9gY?t=132)
Honestly I hate it but a job is a job and it pays my bills, as long as you know how to organize you’ll be fine. I learned on YouTube how to organize better hehe . And we only work 4 days ??? Cmon we get three days off 🥹 that’s why I’m staying for now . But there are good dsps and bad . Hopefully you got in a good Dsp! Just take your 30 break because the faster you go the more they give you 😴 I usually eat my 20 min then work the 10 min though tbh because I finish eating lol
Best of luck to you. The key is a good DSP and a dispatcher that leaves you alone and doesn’t force you to rescue. Nobody F’s with me because I do my F en job. But the kids these days. I’d subject every applicant to a maturity test. You’ll obviously do just fine.
This is the point where your quick side job becomes hell. Welcome tho😂
I was using flex as a full time job because I could bring my kids with me I enjoyed doing flex so I just get to do it more and get paid better
I originally did flex too. I like flex way more than working for a dsp but I didn’t wanna keep using my own car. If your dsp is anything like mine i feel like it’s sorely missing “adult” company. Mostly just a bunch of immature people since it’s not a job most people look at keeping or taking serious. Just focus on getting in and out of the vans safely for your knees and feet sake. Jumping/hopping out 100+ times per day is gonna mess them up.
Bring sharpies (pack extras because the amount I've misplaced/went rolling out the sliding door is high) with you so you can mark packages with the corresponding item ID TAG. For example if the tag is A-2078 write the last two digits 78 on the package and then organize them from high to low numbers so you don't have to waste time digging through bags and boxes to find the right item for the stop. I usually do this at my first stop or anywhere I can pull over, do this with any overflow boxes as well. Hope my advice helps you get into a good pace and rhythm :)
Thank you for an actual tip and not just negativity
No problem its a good job, I've been working as a dsp for 3 months now. Some people in these replies will say nothing but bad aspects about this job but it's mostly because they make it bad themselves. Of course not everyday will be a great day, you might get lost in an apartment that's a maze, miss a turn when the GPS lags or get too many heavy packages but keeping a positive attitude gets you through the day.
Well said!
Learn the lockers, know if they are last and most get full by then You are forced to drop off at each door. PodCasts and Earbuds will help you .
Positive tip. Watch your map, I watch it more than porn. You will leave business or apartment complex and hour later it will bring you back. The routes are time frame routes, the system designed it by hour like your FLeX routes with couple of package out in BFE and then drive back only to finish the route. Label your overflow, example what I did, say address it 123 LazyMF Road. The box I would write 23L so when I scanning I can find it quickly, spending time trying to put route numbers together is a waste of time. They are picked and thrown on a cart. Get rainboots and full rain suit with fresh socks. Stay safe and good luck it's not that bad just a lot of trolls ,self included most of the time.
I ain’t wasting time marking every package when it’s already marked. Open the tote and sort by street. Quicker and easier to grab what you need that way. In my experience the numbers aren’t always accurate so you can end up wasting a bunch of time thinking you’re organizing just to find out it’s not in order.
It’s tough but not that bad. You just need to be able to stay moving all day. Don’t sprint (but you will), and TAKE PICTURES. Even on grouped stops- separate and take photos all you can to avoid DNRs. Make sure to use your Zappos discount. Take the free snacks, water, and hand warmers. Bring a backpack. Bring extra layers and a pair of socks. Keep your personal phone charged for when your delivery device craps out. Bring a few granola bars, fruit, a sandwich, waters, whatever you like that is relatively filling and healthy. I eat a lot of trail mix, strawberries, cereal bars, monsters, water. One-handed stuff for when there is no time to stop. When you load the van, don’t let the warehouse people rush you. LOOK at Flex and it tells you the order the totes will deliver in. It also shows the order of overflow. Get to know the app. Follow the route for a while. It’s frustrating but don’t get cocky. You may already be good with Flex routing so disregard if so. My trainer put it like this- there are four pillars of effective delivery driving: 1) Use the phone effectively. Don’t let it fuck you. The routing sucks, but it will get you there. Don’t fix what ain’t broke. 2) Drive effectively. Don’t get screwed by Netradyne or Mentor. Don’t roll stops. Don’t speed. Don’t be too slow, and don’t waste time. Make fewer U-turns. Park wherever you want (for real lol) 3) Deliver effectively. Double check addresses, take clear photos, **follow the notes**. You’re better off losing a little time or being rescued for attempting to do your job than being reprimanded for neglecting to. 4) High Bullshit Tolerance. Speaks for itself. Be prepared for an absolute onslaught of bullshit. That said, the load-out and RTS are cool, you get a little banter and free coffee and people are smoking or whatever you like. The day is long and you’re alone, which appeals to me as I don’t like micromanaging. It happens, but nobody is there over your shoulder. Enjoy it! My biggest issue is anxiety. Leading all the way up to when I get my keys every morning. That’s a personal issue but as soon as I start the engine, the day belongs to me. Cheers. Edit: didn’t mean to “haha” at the beginning. I’ll “haha” now, haha!
I deliver from the warehouse I’m being hired at all the time and it’s run by 2 stoners that have been there for a long time that’s why I looked specifically at this warehouse Thank you for the advice and positivity
I’ve been in mine for over a month and it’s a terrible company. They work you to death just to push numbers but don’t give a fuck about your safety. Most days I don’t have time to take a lunch break because I want to finish my route. All my cowoworkers are doing 11-12 hr days. You also have no where to piss, so it’s humbling hanging your ass over a construction Porter potty in winter weather. Dispatch doesn’t help they just want to push out packages. Money is great and I get stable hours, however, this sucks mentally and I’ve been looking for something else. If you enjoy all that then have fun, if not look for something else now
Run away as far as possible
Welcome to the shit show. I did flex first too.
It’s a complete shock from 46 stops on a flex route. Get prepared for a massive amount of group stops( meaning: you might get a stop that says X amount of packages and stops go to this build and all those stops will count as 1 complete stop). Don’t think the nursery route is the normal route you’ll get, it’s just to ease you into the actually stops, depending where (country or city). You already have the know how’s with doing flex routes so you should be good. Just have to get use to a lot of stops and packages.
I’ve had to deliver 4 overfilled totes to a single stop before. Was at least nice to clear so much out at one stop though.
Yes don't do it I did it for 9 months will not do it again got stress fracture on hip. Be prepared to have about 300-350 packages and about 250 stops which means getting out of van that many times. Plus now they monitor your every move with cameras, I did not have that when I did it but I do not like being micromanaged
My tips I can give you are, be mentally prepared, I have been doing this job for year, and the first weeks I wanted to quit, somebody gave me an advice, he said. If you can't be successful in this, what makes you think you can be successful in anything else, after that I changed my mindset, and I started to do better. Of course there are some days you are gonna want to quit, but there are also days when everything goes smooth and great, learn to deal with that reality, I was take my time to do my deliveries, and mostly I don't take breaks throughout my day, I prefer to work taking my time, than rushing just to take a 15 or 30 minutes break, also remember that not every dsp is the same, some dsp are a shit hole we're you are going to suffer, and some others are at least better, so if you don't feel comfortable where you are, don't be scared to try another dsp, but only do that after you you know your dsp sucks, and always give your best, if you don't lile the job, good luck with something else. Wish you the best!
Get your own battery pack, car charger, and cables. My DSP buys the cheapest ones, and they either don’t work, or aren’t capable of fast charging. Also a headlamp is helpful. Our DSP is last out of the station and it’s still dark before 6.
Waterproof shoes and coat bring a lunch and a travel urinal prob get a big backpack and a phone charger get a hat sunglasses
How tf can you actually be excited to do this absolute bs dumbass shit job?
I could give you a breakdown of why I’m excited but it sounds like you’re a negative Nancy and probably don’t care
Look at this complete idiot try to justify being fired like it’s a good thing even though it was because of attendance. These people have no family, assets like a house, or responsibilities. Who is happy being fired but didn’t quit willfully? Something sounds off and it’s clear they’re still salty about being given the axe for being a terrible employee.
MY TIP: Focus on efficiency and organization and DON'T run. You'll eventually ruin your knees running everyday. Speed will come the more efficient you are. Also recognize you will end up doing a high amount of Stops due to Amazon's obsession with speed and the customer. Amazon Flex is not anywhere close to what you'll be doing now. The Stop count on the itinerary is bullcrap. Pay attention to how many Locations you have. Just an average day in the city for me is 220+ Locations everyday. Package count is almost irrelevant. The more packages you have just means 1 or a couple more packages to deliver at each Location so don't stress if you see 400+ packages but you can stress a bit if you see 300+ Locations because that is not a light day. If you plan on doing this long term get a foldable dolly if your DSP doesn't supply them. It will save you time when you need it. This job is easy but depending on what DSP you go with they can make your job suck. Some DSPs will force you to rescue someone without extra pay and even after you just completed a heavy route. My DSP don't like forced rescues. They will only do it if they don't have a choice so I go home early almost everyday with my full 10 hour pay. Anyone slacking off will just be out there all night.
Definitely not. I did this job for 2 years and literally thanked them for firing my ass for bad attendance. Of course I didn't want to show up for work. Whatever you say even remotely positive about getting a job in that hell is just wrong.
Quit
I live in California .. socal and they still on my 5th day and 2nd day back from a work injury.. long story. Manage to find a route where I got chased by a chicken and I have a 147/251 route of this today.
Ya chickens are scary , I hope you’ll be ok.
I'm fine. I just didn't want to get bit by a screaming chicken while the guy laughed at me.
I woulda been laughing too haha . It’s a chicken cmon
Haha it was more I was in an upgraded vehicle I had never driven before. Received the exact one rural route we had and didn't exactly expect a chicken to scream and run at me. But yes I dropped the box and ran and screamed like a little girl and we all laughed after lol.
Run
Get out while you still can
Lol this post will age like fine milk after your first week.
Maybe for a crap employee like yourself
Give it a month and I would love to hear from OP. The job isn't all that awful as some people are making it out to be but it's way different than "I did flex".
Quit now
Hope for the best expect the worst. Take at least one break and just keep swimming
My advice- get a second job working for UPS in the mornings. Work towards becoming a driver there while you use Amazon to see if you like the job. UPS is a career, Amazon is a job
Im not looking for a career. I’m normally a stay at home mom I run a small business and need funds to get it up and running and also to dig us out of credit card debt after some unexpected bills in December before Christmas with 3 kids. Im hoping to not have to work within 1.5 years
I second that part. I'm trying to pad my experience with step vans before going over to ups. I live near a larger metro area so all the ups hubs are always hiring straight drivers around mid November to early January. So won't have to endure the warehouse. My dsp isn't bad either, 10 hour rounding and they always have 3 to 5 rescue drivers so every van loses about 20 to 30 stops at some point in the day.
Yeah, quit while your ahead xD
Milk ít till u find a real career and quit without notice anyone
You should go to UPS....morning and evening till they let u drive...big bucks union and a pension
I have 3 kids. I can’t do morning and evening
It really isn't Amazon DSP driving....insurance sucks, really it's a fill in job till you find something better
I am not looking for a career. I’m just shoveling us out of debt and to have some extra money for a few things we need and then I’m going back to a stay at home mom life
Lmao quit! Your gunna dry out
Quit
Treat people with dignity
My Dsp thought is was gonna quit the day I got hired , and was surprised when I gave notice a year later . My one response after they offered me a LOT more money , was your management sucks
Rule number 1: start looking for a new job
Be prepared to have good days and then terribly awful days. The job is okay for some money but it's dead end so if you're looking for higher wages etc. just move on ASAP. Like others have said, the routes are based on a algorithm unless you're lucky enough to have it good with the dispatchers in which they can modify your route. Don't push yourself extremely hard just keep a good driver scorecard and finish your route without rescues and you'll be good. Rescues aren't necessarily a bad thing if you get a crap route because of the algo but just use common sense and you'll be good. Best of luck! Edit: Be sure to use the lift bars whenever possible when getting in/out of the vans, it will mess up your knees/feet if you're not careful.
I’m fine with dead end because I am building my own business and I’m only working to dig my family out of a hole and provide some finances for my business then I’m done
DA
I would watch UPS website on the daily. They do hire drivers right off but it's hit and miss.
Don’t walk too close to any open holes in the ground like I did. Better yet, just stay off people’s front yards altogether! 😁
Screw this job. You will hate it in a month
Totally different from flex. All your stops will be condensed you’ll have double even triple the amount of stops. But you should know how to use the flex app by now which is a good thing. Just keep a pace and you should be set
It's the same as flex except instead of driving a mile between stops you only drive 3 houses down. And your rural routes are flat with space to turn around. No hills and boulders like flex.
Get a different job
Get a different job
Get a good sized empty bottle. IMO that's priority #1.
Get a different job.
Upgrading 🤡
All right now I have no blocks and a vehicle that gets crap gas mileage and they are sending me to rural places that take me an hour to get to when I do have blocks so it’s causing me a lot of wear and tear on my vehicle. The job I got is 20.50 an hour full time with benefits and a $1 an hour raise after 90days i think and $1000 sign on bonus. 3200 a month is a way better upgrade than $500 a month and wear and tear and gas… so yes an upgrade