Welcome to Flex!
Congratulations - you've been approved and you're ready to start delivering! Your first week will be a learning experience. Some things will feel awkward. You might make mistakes. That's completely normal.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect each day, help you avoid the most common new driver mistakes, and set you up for long-term success.
The goal for week one: Complete your blocks successfully, maintain a good standing, and learn the basics. Don't worry about maximizing earnings yet - that comes with experience.
Day 0: Preparation (Before Your First Block)
Do this the night before your first delivery
Vehicle Setup
- ✓ Clean your car: You need space for packages. Remove personal items from trunk/cargo area.
- ✓ Full tank of gas: Don't start a block on low fuel.
- ✓ Phone mount: You'll need to see navigation constantly. Holding your phone is dangerous and inefficient.
- ✓ Phone charger: The Flex app drains battery fast. Bring a car charger or power bank.
Essential Supplies
Must-Have:
- Phone charger (car or battery pack)
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Flashlight (for night deliveries)
Nice-to-Have:
- Insulated bags (for groceries)
- Umbrella
- Hand sanitizer
- Comfortable shoes
Recommended Gear for New Drivers
Get the essentials before your first block. These are the products experienced drivers actually use:
Phone Mount
Hands-free navigation is essential. Mount your phone where you can easily see it.
View on Amazon →Portable Charger
The Flex app drains battery fast. A 20000mAh power bank keeps you charged all day.
View on Amazon →Insulated Delivery Bags
Required for Whole Foods/grocery. Keeps food hot or cold and shows professionalism.
View on Amazon →LED Flashlight
For night deliveries and finding house numbers. Compact and rechargeable.
View on Amazon →Trunk Organizer
Keep packages organized and prevent them from sliding around. Saves time at stops.
View on Amazon →Comfortable Insoles
You'll walk thousands of steps. Gel insoles save your feet and back.
View on Amazon →Water Bottle
Stay hydrated on long blocks. Insulated bottles keep drinks cold for hours.
View on Amazon →Hand Sanitizer
Touch hundreds of packages daily. Keep hands clean between deliveries.
View on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
App Prep
- 1. Familiarize yourself with the Amazon Flex app interface
- 2. Make sure notifications are enabled
- 3. Download Google Maps or Waze as backup navigation
- 4. Know where your assigned warehouse/station is located
Day 1: Your First Block
The big day - your first delivery experience
Pro Tip: For your first block, choose a 3-hour block if possible. Shorter blocks are less overwhelming while you learn the ropes.
At the Warehouse
- ● Arrive 10-15 minutes early: Find parking, check in, and get oriented.
- ● Follow the signs: Look for "Amazon Flex" or "Delivery Partners" signage.
- ● Scan your ID: Check in through the app when you arrive.
- ● Load your car: A worker will bring your cart. Load packages with labels facing you.
Loading Tip
Organize packages by the last stop first principle. Put the first delivery on top/closest to you, last delivery at the bottom/back. This saves time during delivery.
During Deliveries
- 1. Follow the app: It routes you to each stop. Trust it for now.
- 2. Read delivery notes: Customers may specify "back door" or "leave in garage".
- 3. Take clear photos: Show the package and address if possible.
- 4. Don't rush: Accuracy matters more than speed on day one.
Common Day 1 Mistakes
Don't:
- Leave packages visible in apartment lobbies
- Ignore customer delivery instructions
- Skip the photo - it protects you
- Panic if you're running behind
Do:
- Call/text if you can't access building
- Mark packages as undeliverable if needed
- Return undelivered packages to station
- Check package count before leaving warehouse
Days 2-3: Building Confidence
You've done it once - now refine your process
Day 1 probably felt chaotic. That's normal. Days 2-3 are about getting more comfortable with the routine.
Focus Areas
-
1Loading efficiency: Pay attention to how packages are organized. Group by area if possible. The faster you load, the faster you start earning.
-
2Navigation shortcuts: Start noticing when the app takes inefficient routes. Learn your city's shortcuts.
-
3Apartment tricks: Learn to use building directory signs, check for call boxes, and find package rooms.
Try Different Block Types
If you've only done logistics (warehouse) blocks, try a Whole Foods or Prime Now block. Each has different rhythms:
Logistics
Many packages, route given to you
Whole Foods
Fewer stops, grocery handling, tips!
Prime Now
Time-sensitive, often 1-2 hour delivery windows
Days 4-5: Getting Faster
Speed comes from repetition - you're building muscle memory
Efficiency Tips That Work
- ✓ Park smart: Face your exit to leave quickly. Don't back into driveways unless necessary.
- ✓ Organize while driving: At red lights, glance at next few stops to mentally prepare.
- ✓ Use landmarks: "House with blue door" is faster than re-checking the address.
- ✓ Photo routine: Develop a consistent photo-taking method so you don't forget.
Track Your Stats
Start paying attention to:
?/hr
Packages per hour
?
Finish time vs block end
?
Miles driven
$?
Effective hourly rate
Days 6-7: Review & Plan Ahead
Reflect on week one and prepare for week two
Week 1 Self-Assessment
Ask yourself:
- What block types do I prefer? (Logistics, Whole Foods, Prime Now)
- What times of day worked best for me?
- Which areas had the easiest deliveries?
- What slowed me down the most?
- What would I do differently?
Check Your Standing
In the app, check your delivery standing:
Fantastic
You're doing great!
Fair
Room for improvement
At Risk
Focus on delivery quality
Week 2 Goals
- ➤ Try to finish blocks 15-30 minutes early
- ➤ Start looking for surge pricing opportunities
- ➤ Track your mileage for tax deductions
- ➤ Consider adding a second gig app for gap filling
Week 1 Key Takeaways
What Matters Most:
- Deliver to the correct address
- Take clear photos as proof
- Follow customer instructions
- Return undeliverable packages
- Be on time for block starts
What Can Wait:
- Maximizing hourly rate
- Learning every shortcut
- Finding the "best" blocks
- Multi-apping
- Tax optimization
Ready for Week 2 and Beyond?
Now that you've survived week one, it's time to optimize. Use our tools and guides to maximize your earnings.
About Glen Meade
Founder of FlexDriverGuide and SideQuestHustle.com. I've spent years researching gig economy platforms and interviewing hundreds of drivers to bring you strategies that actually work. My goal is to help you maximize your earnings while avoiding common pitfalls.