Safety First
No delivery is worth risking your safety. If conditions are dangerous, forfeit your block. Amazon will not penalize you for weather-related cancellations made with reasonable notice.
Pre-Shift Preparation
Winter driving success starts before you leave home. Proper preparation can mean the difference between a smooth shift and a dangerous situation.
Winter Driving Checklist
Vehicle Prep
- ☐ Check tire pressure (cold weather drops it)
- ☐ Verify windshield washer fluid is full
- ☐ Test all lights and signals
- ☐ Clear all snow/ice from windows
- ☐ Keep gas tank at least half full
Personal Gear
- ☐ Waterproof boots with good traction
- ☐ Warm, layered clothing
- ☐ Hand warmers (for phone use)
- ☐ Flashlight (early darkness)
- ☐ Phone charger (cold drains battery)
Driving in Snow and Ice
Reduce Speed Significantly
The posted speed limit is for ideal conditions. In snow or ice, reduce your speed by at least 30-50%. Stopping distances can be 10x longer on icy roads.
Increase Following Distance
Maintain at least 8-10 seconds of following distance instead of the normal 3-4 seconds. This gives you reaction time if the vehicle ahead loses control.
Pro Tip: The "Smooth" Rule
Everything should be smooth in winter driving: smooth acceleration, smooth braking, smooth steering. Sudden movements cause loss of traction.
Delivery-Specific Winter Tips
Watch for Black Ice
Driveways and shaded areas are prime spots for black ice. When walking packages to doors, take small steps and watch your footing. Slip-and-fall injuries are common in winter.
Protect Packages from Elements
Look for covered areas to place packages. If none exist, consider placing packages in a plastic bag to protect from snow/rain. Customers appreciate this extra care.
Plan Extra Time
Everything takes longer in winter. Add 20-30% more time to your estimated completion. Start checking in early when weather is expected.
Keep Your Phone Warm
Cold temperatures rapidly drain phone batteries and can cause touchscreen issues. Keep your phone in an inside pocket when not in use. Consider a hand warmer near it.
Emergency Kit Essentials
Every winter driver should have an emergency kit in their vehicle. This isn't just for extreme emergencies - even minor delays can become dangerous in cold weather.
Winter Emergency Kit
Recommended Winter Gear
Essential gear to stay safe and comfortable during winter deliveries:
Snow Brush & Ice Scraper
Extendable brush clears snow fast. Don't start your shift with a frozen windshield.
View on Amazon →Waterproof Winter Boots
Insulated boots with good traction. Prevents slips on icy driveways and keeps feet warm.
View on Amazon →Hand Warmers (Bulk)
Keep your hands and phone warm. Lasts 8+ hours - perfect for long shifts.
View on Amazon →Touchscreen Winter Gloves
Use your phone without removing gloves. Game-changer for winter deliveries.
View on Amazon →Portable Car Shovel
Collapsible shovel fits in your trunk. Dig yourself out when stuck in snow.
View on Amazon →Emergency Blanket
Mylar blanket retains 90% body heat. Essential if stranded in cold weather.
View on Amazon →Portable Jump Starter
Cold kills batteries. Jump your own car without waiting for help.
View on Amazon →LED Headlamp
Hands-free light for early darkness. See house numbers and avoid icy patches.
View on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
When to Cancel Your Block
Sometimes the safest decision is to not drive at all. Here's when you should consider forfeiting your block:
- Active winter storm warnings in your delivery area
- Visibility below 1/4 mile
- Untreated roads with accumulated snow/ice
- Your vehicle isn't equipped for conditions (summer tires, rear-wheel drive without weight)
- You feel unsafe at any point - trust your instincts
Forfeit Without Penalty
Amazon generally doesn't penalize weather-related forfeits if done with reasonable advance notice. Forfeit as early as possible - ideally the night before if bad weather is forecast.
The Silver Lining: Winter Surge Pay
Bad weather often means surge pricing. When many drivers forfeit blocks, pay rates increase significantly. If you're comfortable driving in winter conditions with a properly equipped vehicle, winter can be one of the most profitable times of year.
Just remember: no surge pay is worth an accident. Only take winter blocks if you can do so safely.
Track Your Winter Earnings
Use our route analyzer to track which blocks perform best during winter conditions.
Open Route Analyzer