Starting as a new Amazon Flex driver can feel overwhelming. Unlike traditional jobs, there's no formal orientation session where someone walks you through everything. You download the app, get approved, and suddenly you're expected to deliver packages like a pro. The learning curve is real, but with the right preparation, you can crush your first day.

This comprehensive 2026 orientation guide covers everything Amazon doesn't explicitly tell you: what to expect before your first block, how to navigate stations efficiently, handling common first-day challenges, and building habits that lead to long-term success. Consider this your unofficial new driver handbook for starting strong in 2026.

1. Before Your First Block

Preparation is everything for your first Amazon Flex experience. The night before your first block, complete all administrative tasks so you can focus entirely on the delivery process. This mental and physical preparation sets the foundation for a smooth first day.

App Configuration: Ensure the Amazon Flex app is updated to the latest version. Test that notifications are enabled—you'll need alerts for delivery instructions and customer messages. Verify your payment information is correct and that you've completed all required training modules within the app.

Vehicle Preparation: Clean out your vehicle and create maximum cargo space. Check fuel levels—start with at least half a tank. Verify your phone charging cable works in your car. Test your phone mount to ensure it's secure and positioned for easy viewing while driving safely.

Route Familiarization: Know how to get to your assigned station. Drive there beforehand if possible to understand parking and building layout. Check typical traffic patterns for your block time. Knowing the station location removes one major stress factor from your first day.

Get adequate sleep the night before. First blocks are mentally taxing as you learn new systems and processes. Physical readiness matters—you'll be walking, climbing stairs, and lifting packages repeatedly. Starting well-rested helps you handle the unexpected challenges that every new driver encounters.

2. Essential Gear Checklist

Having the right equipment makes your first block significantly smoother. While you can technically complete deliveries with just your phone, proper gear prevents common problems and improves efficiency from day one.

Must-Have Items: A quality phone mount (suction or vent-clip style), portable phone charger with cable, comfortable walking shoes with good grip, water bottle (you'll get thirsty), and a flashlight or headlamp for address visibility. These items address the most common new driver frustrations.

Documentation: Keep your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance accessible—you may need them for station access or if pulled over. Some stations verify documentation for new drivers. Having everything ready prevents delays and demonstrates professionalism.

Weather Preparedness: Check the forecast for your block time. Prepare rain gear if needed—a compact umbrella or rain jacket protects both you and packages. In hot weather, bring extra water and consider cooling towels. Weather challenges compound other first-day stresses.

Optional But Helpful: Insulated bags (essential if you take grocery blocks), pen and small notebook for address notes, hand sanitizer, snacks for longer blocks, and a small dolly or cart if you have one. These additions become more valuable as you take more blocks, but having them initially doesn't hurt.

3. Mastering the Flex App

The Amazon Flex app is your command center for everything delivery-related. Spending time understanding its features before your first block prevents mid-delivery confusion and helps you work more efficiently from the start.

Key App Sections: The Offers tab shows available blocks—this is where you'll find and accept work. The Calendar shows scheduled blocks and their details. Earnings displays your payment history and pending income. Activity shows delivery history and performance metrics. Familiarize yourself with each section's purpose.

During-Block Features: Once you start a block, the app transforms into a delivery management tool. You'll see your route itinerary, individual stop details, customer notes, and navigation options. The "I've Arrived" and delivery confirmation buttons are your main interaction points. Practice tapping through example screens in your mind.

Navigation Settings: The app offers built-in navigation or can connect to Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Before your first block, choose your preferred option and test the integration. Many drivers prefer their familiar navigation app over the built-in option for more accurate routing.

Learn how to access support through the app—the help menu and calling options. You'll likely need support during your first few blocks for questions or issues. Knowing how to reach help quickly reduces stress when unexpected situations arise.

4. Arriving at the Station

Your first station arrival can feel intimidating—large facilities with loading bays, other drivers who seem to know exactly what they're doing, and uncertainty about where to go. A calm, observant approach helps you navigate this critical phase confidently.

Timing: Arrive 10-15 minutes before your block starts. This buffer allows time to find parking, locate the correct entrance, and observe station flow without rushing. Arriving too early may mean waiting in your car; arriving late creates immediate stress and potential impact on your standing.

Check-In Process: When you arrive, check in through the app—this notifies the station you're present and triggers package assignment. Follow signs for "Flex Driver" parking and staging areas. Most stations have clear signage, but don't hesitate to ask staff or other drivers if you're unsure.

Observing Others: Watch how experienced drivers navigate the station. Notice where they park, how they approach package staging areas, and how they interact with staff. This observational learning accelerates your understanding without requiring you to ask basic questions.

Station staff are generally helpful to new drivers—they want you to succeed because it means efficient operations. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Identifying yourself as new often prompts staff to provide extra guidance. Most stations have specific procedures, and asking beats guessing incorrectly.

5. Loading Your Packages

Loading packages efficiently is a skill that develops over time, but understanding the basics helps your first block go smoothly. How you load directly impacts how quickly you can find packages at each delivery stop.

Package Assignment: After check-in, you'll receive your package cart or staging area assignment through the app. Proceed to that location and verify packages match your assignment by scanning each one. This verification ensures you have the correct packages and helps identify any missing items before you leave.

Loading Strategy: Organize packages logically in your vehicle. Many new drivers find success grouping packages by the first few digits of the stop number or by geographic area shown in the app. Place the first several stops' packages in easily accessible positions. Heavy items go on the bottom; fragile items protected on top.

Scanning Tips: Scan each package barcode clearly. If a scan fails, try adjusting the angle or lighting. Smudged or damaged barcodes may require manual entry. Ensure every package is scanned before leaving—missing scans create problems later in your delivery process.

Don't rush the loading process on your first block. Taking an extra few minutes to organize well saves time during deliveries. As you gain experience, you'll develop a personal loading system that works for your vehicle and preferences. The goal is always being able to find any package quickly when you arrive at a stop.

6. Making Your First Delivery

Your first delivery sets the tone for your block. Approaching it methodically—rather than rushing—builds confidence and establishes good habits. Every experienced Flex driver remembers their first delivery, usually with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Navigation: Start navigation to your first stop before leaving the station parking lot. Give yourself time to understand the route before entering traffic. If the suggested route seems wrong, trust your local knowledge—navigation apps sometimes miss local shortcuts or construction.

Arrival Protocol: When you arrive, park safely and legally. Tap "I've Arrived" in the app. Locate the correct package—verify the address on the package matches the stop. Proceed to the delivery location following any customer notes about preferred placement.

Delivery Completion: Place the package as instructed (front door, side door, mailbox, etc.). Take a clear photo if required—ensure the house number is visible and the package is clearly shown. Complete any delivery notes if needed. Confirm delivery in the app and proceed to your next stop.

Your first delivery might take longer than subsequent ones—that's completely normal. Use this time to understand the full process. By your fifth or tenth delivery, you'll move much faster as the steps become automatic. Prioritize doing each step correctly over doing it quickly; speed comes naturally with repetition.

7. Common First-Day Challenges

Every new Flex driver encounters obstacles. Knowing common challenges and their solutions prepares you to handle them calmly rather than panicking. Most issues have straightforward fixes once you understand standard procedures.

Can't Find Address: GPS isn't perfect. If you can't locate an address, check the customer notes for additional instructions. Drive slowly through the area looking for house numbers. Contact the customer through the app if necessary. As a last resort, contact support for guidance.

Access Issues: Gated communities, locked apartment buildings, and businesses with limited access are common obstacles. Check customer notes for access codes. Use intercom systems to contact customers. If you can't gain access after reasonable attempts, the app provides options for marking the delivery as inaccessible.

Missing Package: Sometimes a package assigned to you isn't in your cart. Notify station staff before leaving if possible. If discovered during deliveries, contact support—they can remove it from your route without affecting your standing. Never guess or substitute packages.

App Problems: If the app crashes, freezes, or has connection issues, don't panic. Close and reopen the app. Restart your phone if needed. Most app issues resolve quickly. If problems persist, contact support—they can often complete delivery confirmations manually while you troubleshoot.

8. Contacting Support

Amazon Flex support is your lifeline for handling problems during deliveries. Understanding when and how to contact support—and what they can actually help with—ensures you use this resource effectively when needed.

When to Contact Support: Call support for missing packages, app malfunctions preventing delivery confirmation, serious access issues you can't resolve, safety concerns, or any situation where you're unsure of the correct procedure. Support exists to help—use them rather than guessing on significant issues.

How to Reach Support: Access support through the Flex app's help menu during an active block. You can also call the driver support number directly. During blocks, phone support typically responds quickly. Off-block issues may require email or app-based messaging with longer response times.

Information to Provide: When contacting support, have your block details ready: block date/time, station name, specific addresses or package tracking numbers related to your issue. Clear, specific information helps support resolve issues faster and more accurately.

Support agents vary in helpfulness and knowledge. If an agent doesn't resolve your issue satisfactorily, you can call back to reach a different agent. Remain calm and professional—frustrated calls rarely produce better results. Document support interactions including case numbers for future reference if issues persist.

9. Completing Your Block

Finishing your first block successfully is a significant accomplishment. Understanding end-of-block procedures ensures you complete properly and set yourself up for a smooth second block.

All Deliveries Complete: After your final delivery, the app will confirm your block is complete. You'll receive a summary of deliveries made. If you finished before your scheduled end time, that's great—you still receive full block pay. Efficiency rewards you from day one.

Undelivered Packages: If you have packages that couldn't be delivered (customer not home, access issues, etc.), the app provides return instructions. You may need to return packages to the station. Follow the app's specific instructions—don't leave packages in your car or make unauthorized delivery attempts.

Post-Block Review: After completing, take a moment to reflect on what went well and what challenged you. Note any addresses that were particularly difficult to find. This self-review helps you improve for future blocks and builds delivery area knowledge.

Check your earnings in the app—base pay should appear immediately, with tips (for grocery blocks) showing within 24-48 hours. Your first block's pay hitting your account confirms everything is set up correctly. Celebrate completing your first block—you've passed the biggest hurdle in becoming a Flex driver.

10. Your First Week Success Tips

Your first week sets the trajectory for your Flex career. Strategic decisions during this learning phase establish habits that either help or hinder long-term success. Focus on building skills rather than maximizing immediate earnings.

Block Selection: Start with standard logistics blocks rather than Prime Now or grocery blocks. Standard blocks have more forgiving time requirements and simpler procedures. Once comfortable with basic deliveries, expand to other block types that offer higher earnings but more complexity.

Scheduling Strategy: Take blocks during daylight hours initially—address visibility and navigation are easier. Avoid peak traffic times until you're comfortable with delivery procedures. Weekend blocks often have lighter traffic and easier parking.

Building Knowledge: Each block teaches you more about your delivery areas. Note apartment complex layouts, neighborhood quirks, and efficient parking spots. This local knowledge compounds over time, dramatically improving your speed and efficiency.

Don't overcommit in your first week. Taking too many consecutive blocks leads to fatigue that impacts performance. Start with one block per day, increasing as you feel comfortable. Your ratings during this period matter—prioritizing quality over quantity builds a strong foundation for long-term Flex success.

11. Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' mistakes accelerates your development as a Flex driver. These common new driver errors are entirely preventable with awareness and the right approach.

Ignoring Customer Notes: Customer delivery instructions exist for reasons—ignoring them leads to complaints and rating impacts. Always read and follow notes about delivery location, gate codes, and special handling requirements. Notes often contain crucial access information.

Poor Photo Quality: Blurry, dark, or unclear delivery photos create disputes. Customers claim non-delivery when they can't verify their package. Take clear photos showing the package, delivery location, and ideally the house number. Seconds spent on good photos prevent significant headaches.

Rushing Too Much: Speed comes with experience—forcing it creates mistakes. New drivers who rush deliver to wrong addresses, miss customer notes, and take poor photos. Focus on accuracy; efficiency develops naturally through repetition.

Not Asking Questions: Pride prevents some new drivers from seeking help. Station staff, support agents, and even other drivers can provide valuable guidance. Asking questions early prevents larger problems later. Everyone was new once—most people are happy to help.

Ignoring Self-Care: Skipping meals, not hydrating, and ignoring bathroom needs impacts your focus and mood. Take care of yourself during blocks. Brief breaks for water and restroom don't significantly impact your time but dramatically improve your performance and experience.

12. Frequently Asked Questions