Master your Amazon Flex schedule to maximize your earnings potential
Table of Contents
If you've ever stared at the Amazon Flex app watching blocks disappear in milliseconds, you're not alone. Block grabbing is the single biggest frustration for new Flex drivers, and even experienced drivers struggle during competitive periods. But here's the truth: drivers who consistently get blocks aren't lucky; they're strategic.
In 2026, Amazon has refined its block distribution system with new algorithms that reward reliability, updated drop patterns, and expanded reserved offer programs. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to go from constantly refreshing to having a full schedule every week.
By the end of this guide, you'll understand exactly when blocks drop at your station, master the techniques that let you grab blocks before the competition, and build a sustainable scheduling strategy that maximizes your earnings.
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Gear for Busy Schedules
- Anker PowerCore 20000mAh - Never miss a block notification
- iOttie Easy One Touch Car Mount - Quick access to grab blocks
- Anker USB-C Car Charger - Stay charged while waiting for blocks
- Drive Auto Trunk Organizer - Be ready to start immediately
1. Understanding How Amazon Flex Blocks Work
Before you can master scheduling, you need to understand how Amazon's block system actually works. This knowledge is the foundation of every strategy in this guide.
Types of Blocks
Logistics Blocks (Amazon.com Packages)
Standard package delivery from Amazon warehouses. Usually 3-5 hour blocks. These are the most common and competitive blocks.
Whole Foods/Fresh Blocks
Grocery delivery from Whole Foods or Amazon Fresh. Typically 2-4 hours with potential for tips. Often drop closer to shift time.
Prime Now/Instant Offers
Ultra-fast delivery offers that appear with little notice. Usually 1-2 packages for quick delivery. Can be lucrative with tips.
Reserved Blocks
Pre-scheduled offers sent to reliable drivers. You have 10 minutes to accept. These are the holy grail of Flex scheduling.
How Block Distribution Works
Amazon uses an algorithm to distribute blocks based on several factors:
- 1. Standing Level: Fantastic standing drivers see more blocks and get reserved offers first
- 2. Activity Level: Drivers who work regularly get priority over sporadic workers
- 3. Station Affinity: Working consistently from one station can improve your offers there
- 4. Demand Matching: Amazon increases block rates during high-demand periods
2. When Do Blocks Drop? Complete Time Analysis
Understanding drop times is the single most important skill for getting blocks. Each station has its own patterns, but there are common trends across the network.
Common Block Drop Windows (2026)
| Time Window | Block Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 AM - 12:30 AM | Logistics (next day) | Major drop for next-day morning blocks |
| 5:00 AM - 6:00 AM | Early morning blocks | Same-day early blocks released |
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Whole Foods/Fresh | Grocery blocks for same day |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Afternoon logistics | Second major drop of the day |
| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Evening blocks | Late afternoon and evening blocks |
| 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Next-day preview | Some stations release next-day blocks here |
Important Note
These are general patterns. Your specific station may differ significantly. Spend 1-2 weeks monitoring your local stations to identify their exact drop patterns. Write down every time you see blocks appear.
How to Track Drop Times at Your Station
- 1 Set hourly alarms throughout the day for 1 week and check the app at each alarm
- 2 Record what blocks are available and their rates in a spreadsheet
- 3 Note exactly when new blocks appear (not just when you check)
- 4 After 1 week, analyze your data to find the consistent drop windows
- 5 Set precise alarms 2 minutes before identified drop times
3. The Art of Grabbing Blocks: Proven Techniques
Blocks can disappear in under 2 seconds during peak competition. Here's how top earners consistently beat the rush.
The Pre-Drop Positioning Protocol
2 Minutes Before Drop
- - Close all other apps
- - Ensure strong WiFi or 5G connection
- - Open Amazon Flex app
- - Navigate to Available Blocks screen
30 Seconds Before Drop
- - Finger hovering over refresh area
- - Phone angled for fast tapping
- - Full attention on screen
- - Begin light pull-to-refresh motions
The "Tap First, Read Later" Method
When blocks appear, you don't have time to read the details. Here's the split-second process:
- 1. See block appear - Don't look at rate or time
- 2. Tap immediately - Anywhere on the block listing
- 3. Tap confirm - Yes, accept immediately
- 4. Now read details - See what you got
- 5. Forfeit if necessary - You have 45+ minutes to forfeit without penalty
Technical Optimization for Speed
Optimize Your Connection
WiFi is faster than cellular. If using cellular, 5G is essential. Test your connection speed before drop times. Aim for under 20ms ping.
Device Matters
Newer phones with faster processors respond quicker. iPhone 13+ or Samsung Galaxy S21+ are excellent. Keep your phone charged above 50%.
Clear App Cache Weekly
A cluttered cache slows the app. Clear it weekly in your phone settings. Also restart your phone before major drop times.
Warning: Block Grabber Apps
Third-party apps that automatically grab blocks are against Amazon's Terms of Service. Using them results in immediate deactivation with almost zero chance of appeal. Don't risk your account. Master the manual techniques instead.
4. Unlocking Reserved Offers in 2026
Reserved offers are blocks sent directly to you, giving you 10 minutes to accept before they go to the general pool. They're the key to stress-free scheduling.
How to Qualify for Reserved Offers
Requirements:
- - Fantastic standing
- - Consistent weekly activity
- - Low forfeit rate (under 5%)
- - 95%+ on-time delivery
Timeline:
- - First 2-4 weeks: Build history
- - Week 4-8: May start seeing offers
- - 8+ weeks: Regular reserved blocks
2026 Reserved Offer Changes
Amazon updated the reserved offer system in 2026 with several key changes:
- Weekly Consistency Bonus: Working 15+ hours weekly increases reserved offer frequency by up to 40%
- Station Loyalty: Working 80%+ of your blocks from one station improves your offer priority there
- Surge Acceptance: Accepting blocks during low-demand periods (early morning, late night) improves algorithm scoring
- Notification Timing: Reserved offers now drop Wednesday-Friday for the following week
5. Understanding Surge Pricing and When to Wait
Surge pricing can increase block rates by 50-100% or more. Understanding when to grab base rate and when to wait for surge is crucial for maximizing earnings.
When Blocks Surge
High Surge Probability
- - Last 60-90 minutes before block start
- - Bad weather days (rain, snow, extreme heat)
- - Holiday periods (especially last-minute)
- - Early morning blocks (4-6 AM)
- - Late night blocks (after 8 PM)
Low Surge Probability
- - Blocks dropped 24+ hours in advance
- - Perfect weather weekends
- - Mid-morning to early afternoon
- - First week of the month
- - Over-saturated markets
The Surge Waiting Strategy
This strategy is risky but can significantly increase earnings:
- 1. Monitor without grabbing - Watch blocks you want but don't take at base rate
- 2. Track rate changes - Note when rates start increasing
- 3. Set your threshold - Decide your minimum acceptable surge (e.g., +$20)
- 4. Accept the risk - If too many drivers wait, blocks may not surge
- 5. Have a backup - If surge doesn't happen, grab a less desirable block
Warning: This strategy works best in competitive markets. In areas with fewer drivers, Amazon may not need to surge.
2026 Surge Rate Examples
| Block Type | Base Rate | Typical Surge | Max Surge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-hour Logistics | $54-$63 | $72-$85 | $100-$120 |
| 4-hour Logistics | $72-$84 | $96-$115 | $130-$160 |
| 2-hour Whole Foods | $36-$44 | $50-$60 | $70-$85 |
*Rates vary by region. Major metros typically have higher base and surge rates.
6. Strategic Station Selection
Not all stations are created equal. Choosing the right stations can dramatically impact both your ability to get blocks and your actual earnings per hour.
Factors to Consider
Distance from Home
Factor in unpaid drive time. A station 30 minutes away costs you an hour per block in unpaid time. Calculate your true hourly rate including commute.
Competition Level
Some stations are over-saturated with drivers. If blocks disappear in under 1 second, consider less popular stations where you can actually get work.
Delivery Area
Some stations deliver to spread-out rural areas (more driving), while others serve dense neighborhoods (more stops, less driving). Learn which works better for you.
Load Time Efficiency
Some stations have their process down and get you loaded in 10 minutes. Others take 30+ minutes. Faster loading means more actual delivery time.
Pro Tip: The Multi-Station Strategy
Many successful drivers work from 2-3 stations strategically:
- - Primary Station: Your main station for reserved offers and consistency bonuses
- - Secondary Station: Backup for when primary has no blocks
- - Surge Station: A station known for high surge rates during certain times
Just remember: 80%+ of your blocks should come from your primary station to maximize reserved offer eligibility.
7. Building Your Optimal Weekly Schedule
Consistency beats random hustling. Here's how to build a sustainable weekly schedule that maximizes earnings while maintaining work-life balance.
Sample High-Earning Weekly Schedule
| Day | Block Time | Type | Est. Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Logistics | $84-96 |
| Tuesday | 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Logistics (Early) | $90-110 |
| Wednesday | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Whole Foods | $65-85+tips |
| Thursday | 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Logistics | $84-96 |
| Friday | OFF | - | - |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Logistics (2 blocks) | $170-200 |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Logistics | $84-100 |
| Weekly Total (27-28 hours) | $577-687 | ||
Best Days for Scheduling
- Saturday: Highest volume, best tips on grocery
- Sunday: Good volume, slightly less competition
- Monday-Tuesday: Post-weekend catch-up = more blocks
Challenging Days
- Wednesday: Mid-week lull, fewer blocks available
- Thursday: Can be slow until evening
- Early month: Lower online shopping volume
8. Common Scheduling Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Checking Randomly Instead of at Drop Times
Refreshing the app randomly throughout the day wastes time and energy. Blocks appear at predictable times. Learn your station's schedule and check only at those windows.
Mistake #2: Only Looking for High-Pay Blocks
Being too picky kills your consistency and hurts your algorithm standing. Take reasonable blocks to maintain activity levels, even if they're not at maximum surge.
Mistake #3: Forfeiting Too Many Blocks
Every forfeit hurts your standing and reserved offer eligibility. Only forfeit when absolutely necessary. Accept blocks you can actually complete.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Off-Peak Hours
Early morning and late evening blocks often have less competition and better surge rates. They're also weighted favorably in Amazon's algorithm for reliability.
Mistake #5: Not Tracking Your Performance
Without data, you're guessing. Track which times, stations, and block types give you the best results. Use a simple spreadsheet to identify patterns.
9. Advanced Strategies from Top Earners
The "Saturation Escape" Strategy
When your main station is too competitive, here's how top earners find work:
- 1. Identify 3-4 stations within 45-minute drive
- 2. Monitor all stations for 1 week to learn drop patterns
- 3. During high-competition periods, focus on less popular stations
- 4. Accept slightly lower rates in exchange for guaranteed work
- 5. After establishing history at new station, reserved offers follow
The "Surge Stack" Technique
Advanced drivers use weather and timing to maximize surge earnings:
🌧️
Weather Watch
Check 5-day forecast. Work heavy on bad weather days when others stay home.
⏰
Last-Minute Grab
Check 60-90 minutes before block start for maximum surge rates.
📅
Holiday Stack
Work major holidays when most drivers take off. $40-60+ surge per block is common.
The "Multiple Device" Question
Some drivers ask about using multiple phones to grab blocks faster. Here's the truth:
- - You can only be logged into one device at a time
- - Amazon detects multi-device attempts and may flag your account
- - The risk of deactivation isn't worth the marginal speed benefit
- - Focus instead on optimizing your single-device technique
10. Optimizing Your App Settings
Essential App Configuration
Enable All Notifications
Go to Settings > Notifications and enable everything. Reserved offers are time-sensitive and you need instant alerts.
Set Location Services to "Always"
Amazon uses your location for Instant Offers. Set location permission to "Always Allow" for the Flex app.
Enable Background App Refresh
In your phone settings, ensure background refresh is enabled for the Flex app so it can receive updates.
Disable Battery Saver During Drop Times
Battery saver mode can slow app performance. Turn it off when actively trying to grab blocks.
Station Filter Settings
In the Flex app, you can filter which stations appear in your offers:
- - Add all viable stations within your driving range to see maximum opportunities
- - Remove very distant stations that aren't worth the commute
- - Include different block types (Logistics, Fresh, Whole Foods) to maximize options
- - Review quarterly as new stations open and your preferences change
11. Troubleshooting: When You Can't Get Blocks
Problem: Blocks disappear before I can tap
Solutions:
- - Check your internet speed (need 50+ Mbps)
- - Upgrade to a faster phone if yours is 3+ years old
- - Position closer to your WiFi router
- - Be on the Available Blocks screen 30 seconds before drop time
- - Practice your tapping speed on other apps
Problem: I never see blocks in the app
Solutions:
- - Verify your account is fully activated
- - Check that you've completed all required training
- - Ensure you haven't violated any policies
- - Try force-closing and reopening the app
- - Delete and reinstall the Amazon Flex app
- - Contact support if issues persist for 48+ hours
Problem: My standing dropped and now I see fewer blocks
Solutions:
- - Complete every block without forfeiting for 2 weeks
- - Focus on 100% delivery success rate
- - Arrive on time to every pickup
- - Avoid marking packages as undeliverable unless absolutely necessary
- - Standing typically recovers within 2-4 weeks of perfect performance
Problem: I get blocks but they're always base rate
Solutions:
- - Check closer to block start times for surge pricing
- - Monitor during bad weather days
- - Look for early morning (before 6 AM) or late night blocks
- - Check during holidays and Prime events
- - Base rate is still profitable; don't let perfect be the enemy of good
12. Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Amazon Flex blocks drop?
Block drop times vary by station, but common patterns include midnight, 6 AM, 10 AM, and early afternoon. Most stations release blocks 24-48 hours in advance. Monitor your local station for 1-2 weeks to identify specific patterns.
Why can't I get any Amazon Flex blocks?
Common reasons include: checking at wrong times (blocks drop at specific times), slow internet connection, not being fast enough, low standing limiting your offers, or high competition in your area. Focus on learning drop times and improving your tapping speed.
How do I get Amazon Flex reserved offers?
Reserved offers are given to drivers with Fantastic standing who consistently complete blocks with high ratings. Maintain on-time delivery rates above 95%, keep your reliability high by not forfeiting blocks, and work regularly from the same stations.
Are Amazon Flex block grabber apps legal?
No. Amazon prohibits third-party apps and bots for grabbing blocks. Using them can result in immediate and permanent deactivation. The only approved method is using the official Amazon Flex app manually.
How far in advance should I book blocks?
It depends on your strategy. Booking 24-48 hours in advance secures your schedule but at base rates. Waiting until closer to block time risks missing out but offers surge pricing potential. Most successful drivers use a mix of both approaches.
Can I work at multiple stations?
Yes, you can add multiple stations to your preferences and work from any of them. However, working 80%+ of your blocks from one primary station improves your reserved offer eligibility at that station.
What happens if I forfeit a block?
Forfeiting blocks, especially less than 45 minutes before start time, negatively impacts your standing. One forfeit won't ruin your account, but frequent forfeitures will reduce your block access and reserved offer eligibility.
Ready to Master Your Amazon Flex Schedule?
Now that you know the strategies, it's time to put them into action. Start tracking your station's drop times today.
