1. Block Types Overview
Amazon Flex offers work through different block types. Understanding each type helps you maximize your schedule and earnings. The system offers flexibility but rewards drivers who understand how it works.
The Four Main Block Types
- Scheduled Blocks: Standard offers in the Offers tab, first-come-first-served
- Reserved Offers: Pre-assigned blocks offered to you specifically
- Instant Offers: Real-time delivery requests when you're near a station
- Surge Blocks: Higher-paying blocks during high-demand periods
Each type has advantages and drawbacks. The best strategy uses a mix of all types based on your schedule, location, and goals.
2. Scheduled Blocks Explained
Scheduled blocks are the standard way to get work. They appear in your Offers tab and are available to all drivers in your area on a first-come-first-served basis.
Advantages
- Always visible when available
- Can pick preferred times/stations
- Plan your week in advance
- Predictable earnings base
- No special requirements to access
Disadvantages
- High competition for good blocks
- Popular times get claimed instantly
- Requires constant app checking
- Base rate (no guaranteed premium)
- May go to new drivers first
How Scheduled Blocks Work
Blocks typically appear 24-48 hours before the shift time. They show station location, time window, estimated duration, and pay rate. Tap to accept, and it's added to your calendar. Once claimed, the block is your commitment—forfeiting affects your reliability rating.
3. Reserved Offers Deep Dive
Reserved offers are pre-assigned blocks sent specifically to you. They appear in a special Reserved section and are held for you for a limited time to accept or decline.
Amazon's algorithm selects drivers for reserved offers based on performance, reliability, and activity patterns. Getting reserved offers is a sign the system values your work.
Reserved Offer Characteristics
- Time-limited: Must accept/decline within window (usually 10-30 minutes)
- Guaranteed: No competition—it's yours if you want it
- Notification: App push notification alerts you
- Often weekly: Common for recurring weekly schedules
- Performance-based: More reserved offers for reliable drivers
How to Get More Reserved Offers
- Maintain high on-time arrival rate (arrive early)
- Keep delivery completion rate high
- Work consistently at same stations
- Accept reserved offers when sent (builds pattern)
- Avoid forfeiting blocks after claiming
- Build history over weeks/months
4. Instant Offers
Instant offers are real-time delivery requests sent when you're near a station and available. They're shorter than regular blocks—often just a few packages for quick delivery.
How They Work
- Enable Instant Offers in app settings
- Location services must be on
- Sent when you're near eligible station
- Accept quickly—time-sensitive
- Usually 1-2 hours, small package count
Best For
- Filling schedule gaps
- Quick extra earnings
- Testing new stations
- Flexible daily schedule
- Drivers living near stations
Instant Offer Tips
Instant offers don't replace scheduled blocks for consistent income—they're supplemental. The pay per hour can be good, but volume is unpredictable. Keep instant offers enabled to catch extra opportunities, but don't rely on them as primary income.
5. Surge Pricing Blocks
Surge blocks offer higher pay rates during high-demand periods. When Amazon needs more drivers than are available, rates increase to attract workers.
Surge pricing is dynamic—rates can increase from base rate up to 2x or more depending on demand and driver availability.
When Surges Happen
- Peak shopping days: Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday
- Holiday seasons: Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day
- Bad weather: When many drivers don't want to work
- Same-day demand: Unfilled blocks close to start time
- New station openings: Building driver base
- Driver shortages: Local events, illness waves
Surge Hunting Strategy
- Check app frequently during high-demand times
- Watch 1-2 hours before block start
- Consider working undesirable times
- Weather app helps predict surges
- Know your area's surge patterns
Surge Risks
- Not guaranteed to appear
- Competition can be fierce
- Waiting wastes unpaid time
- May mean harder routes
- Weather surges mean tough conditions
6. Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's how all block types compare across key factors.
| Factor | Scheduled | Reserved | Instant | Surge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | All drivers | Selected drivers | Near station | High demand times |
| Competition | High | None | Medium | Very High |
| Pay Rate | Base | Base or higher | Varies | Premium |
| Predictability | Medium | High | Low | Low |
| Planning | 1-2 days ahead | Days to weeks | Real-time | Hours ahead |
| Best For | Base schedule | Reliable income | Extra earnings | Max hourly rate |
7. Optimal Block Strategy
The best approach combines multiple block types strategically based on your goals.
Strategy 1: Consistency Focus
Goal: Predictable weekly income
- Accept all reasonable reserved offers
- Fill gaps with scheduled blocks
- Keep instant offers enabled for bonuses
- Skip surge hunting (time cost)
Strategy 2: Maximum Earnings
Goal: Highest possible hourly rate
- Reserve morning for surge hunting
- Take reserved offers for guaranteed base
- Be flexible with timing
- Work undesirable hours when surged
Strategy 3: Part-Time Flex
Goal: Supplement other income
- Take reserved offers matching your schedule
- Check for surge blocks during available times
- Use instant offers opportunistically
- Don't stress about scheduled block competition
8. Getting More Offers
Whether you want more scheduled blocks or more reserved offers, these strategies help increase your options.
- Check frequently: New blocks drop throughout the day, not just at set times
- Enable notifications: Get alerted when new offers match your preferences
- Expand station radius: More stations mean more opportunities
- Be flexible on times: Less popular times have less competition
- Maintain high ratings: Algorithm favors reliable drivers
- Stay active: Regular work keeps you in the offer rotation
- Update availability: Tell the app when you're available
- Refresh strategically: Pull-to-refresh at known drop times
Avoid Block Bots
Third-party apps or scripts that auto-claim blocks violate Amazon's terms and can result in permanent deactivation. They're also often scams that steal your login credentials. Stick to manual block claiming through the official app.
9. Best Times to Check
Block availability follows patterns. Knowing when to check increases your success rate.
Peak Drop Times
- Early morning (5-7 AM)
- Mid-morning (10-11 AM)
- Early afternoon (1-2 PM)
- Evening (6-8 PM)
- 24 hours before block start
Surge Watch Times
- 1-2 hours before unpopular blocks
- During bad weather
- Holiday/shopping event days
- Very early morning blocks
- Late night blocks
Patterns vary by location and station. Observe your local market over time to identify the best checking times for your area.
10. Station-Specific Patterns
Different station types have different block patterns and characteristics.
Logistics Stations (DSP Partners)
Large volume, longer blocks (3-5 hours), more packages. Blocks often drop in batches. Routes can be far-ranging.
Prime Now / Fresh
Shorter blocks, fewer stops but time-sensitive. More instant offers. Tips can significantly boost earnings.
Whole Foods
Grocery delivery, tip-heavy. Blocks may require waiting at store. Customer interaction important for tips.
Same-Day Delivery
Urban-focused, tight delivery windows. Often surge during high-demand periods. Quick turnaround blocks.
11. Common Mistakes
Avoid these errors that cost drivers money and opportunities.
- Ignoring reserved offers: Declining too many can reduce future offers
- Forfeiting claimed blocks: Major reliability hit—only do when necessary
- Only checking at drop times: Blocks appear throughout the day
- Waiting only for surges: Unpaid waiting time erodes earnings
- Overcommitting: Taking blocks you can't reliably complete
- Ignoring instant offers: Free money when you're available
- Limiting to one station: Multiple stations multiply opportunities
- Poor timing: Missing business hour blocks for commercial deliveries
12. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between scheduled and reserved blocks?
Scheduled blocks appear in the Offers tab and must be manually claimed. Reserved blocks are pre-assigned to you based on your performance and appear in a separate Reserved section. Reserved blocks are guaranteed for you but scheduled blocks have competition.
How do I get more reserved offers on Amazon Flex?
Maintain high reliability (show up on time, complete blocks), keep strong delivery ratings, work consistently at preferred stations, and build a history of accepting reserved offers when sent. Amazon rewards reliable drivers with more reserved offers.
Are surge blocks worth waiting for?
It depends. Surge blocks pay more but are unpredictable. If you have flexibility, watching for surges can significantly boost earnings. However, relying only on surges is risky as they're not guaranteed. A mix of base rate and surge blocks is ideal.
Can I reject reserved offers without penalty?
Yes, you can decline reserved offers without direct penalty. However, consistently ignoring reserved offers may result in receiving fewer offers over time. Accept offers you can reliably complete and decline those that don't work for your schedule.
Master Your Block Strategy
Get the right blocks at the right times for maximum earnings. Explore more guides for Amazon Flex success.
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.