50 Amazon Flex Tips & Tricks (2025)
Secrets top drivers use to earn $1,000+ per week. Proven strategies for block grabbing, surge pricing, route optimization, and more.
Table of Contents
1 Tips 1-10: Getting Started Right
1. Arrive 15 Minutes Early to Every Block
Top drivers never risk being late. Arriving early gives you time to find parking, use the restroom, and be ready when packages are assigned. Late arrivals can hurt your standing and cost you future blocks.
2. Start with Morning Blocks
Morning blocks (5-10 AM) are typically easier for beginners. Less traffic, easier parking, and more forgiving customers. Save evening and night blocks until you're experienced.
3. Keep Your Standing Rating "Fantastic"
Your standing affects block availability. Drivers with "Fantastic" ratings see more blocks and get priority access to surge-priced offers. Complete every block successfully.
4. Download Offline Maps for Your Delivery Areas
Cell service can be spotty in residential areas. Download offline maps in Google Maps for all your common delivery zones. This prevents navigation failures mid-route.
5. Take a Photo of EVERY Delivery
Even when the app doesn't require it, photograph every package at the door. This protects you from false "not delivered" claims. Include the house number in the frame.
6. Get a Quality Phone Mount
A sturdy phone mount is essential. Choose a magnetic or clamp-style mount that won't fall on bumpy roads. Position it for easy glancing while keeping eyes on the road.
7. Carry a Portable Charger (20,000mAh+)
The Flex app and GPS drain battery fast. A high-capacity portable charger prevents dead phone emergencies. Many drivers keep two - one charging, one ready.
8. Use Both Waze AND Google Maps
Waze is better for traffic updates; Google Maps handles apartment complexes better. Switch between them based on the delivery type. The Amazon app navigation can be unreliable.
9. Dress Appropriately for Weather
You'll be in and out of your car 30+ times per block. Dress in layers and have rain gear ready. Weather-appropriate clothing keeps you fast and comfortable.
10. Track Every Mile from Day One
Use an app like Stride or MileIQ to automatically track mileage. At $0.70/mile deduction for 2025, a driver doing 100 miles/day saves $5,000+ annually on taxes.
2 Tips 11-20: Block Grabbing Secrets
Pro Insight: Block grabbing is the #1 skill that separates $500/week drivers from $1,000/week drivers. Master these techniques.
11. Learn Your Market's Release Schedule
Blocks typically drop at :15 and :45 past the hour, but this varies by market. Spend a week logging when blocks appear. Once you know the pattern, you'll grab blocks consistently.
12. Refresh Every 3-5 Seconds During Drop Windows
When blocks are about to drop, pull down to refresh constantly. The fastest finger wins. Blocks can disappear in under 2 seconds in competitive markets.
13. Position Your Finger Before Blocks Appear
Know exactly where the "Accept" button will appear and hover your finger there. Every millisecond counts. Practice the tap-accept motion until it's muscle memory.
14. Use Strong WiFi, Not Cellular
WiFi connections are typically faster than cellular for the quick data exchanges needed to grab blocks. Position yourself near your router during release times.
15. Close All Other Apps Before Grabbing
Free up your phone's RAM by closing all other apps. A laggy phone will cost you blocks. Restart your phone before prime grabbing times if needed.
16. Check for Cancellation Blocks 30-45 Minutes Before
Drivers cancel blocks constantly. Check the app 30-45 minutes before block start times for last-minute openings. These often come with surge pricing.
17. Target Unpopular Time Slots
Early morning (4-6 AM) and late night blocks have less competition. If you can work these hours, you'll grab blocks more easily and often at surge rates.
18. Check Multiple Stations
Don't focus on just one warehouse. Monitor multiple stations in your area. Some have more block availability than others. Learn which stations release blocks when.
19. Enable Push Notifications
Turn on Amazon Flex notifications for instant alerts when new blocks appear. This is especially valuable for surge blocks that drop randomly throughout the day.
20. Never Use Bots or Third-Party Tools
Amazon actively detects and deactivates drivers using automated block-grabbing tools. It's not worth risking permanent deactivation. Manual methods work - be patient.
3 Tips 21-30: Delivery Efficiency Hacks
21. Sort Packages Before Leaving the Warehouse
Take 5-10 minutes to organize packages by delivery order or street name. This saves 30+ seconds per stop. Put the first deliveries on top or closest to the door.
22. Use a Trunk Organizer with Dividers
Invest in a collapsible trunk organizer to separate packages by zone or delivery order. This eliminates searching through a pile of packages at every stop.
23. Park Strategically - Think Exit First
Park facing the direction you'll be leaving. Pull into driveways rather than parallel parking when possible. Saving 30 seconds per stop = 15 minutes per route.
24. Leave Your Car Running (Sometimes)
For quick drops in safe neighborhoods, leave the car running. This saves startup time and keeps AC/heat going. Use common sense - never in sketchy areas.
25. Carry a Flashlight for Night Deliveries
A bright LED flashlight helps find addresses and navigate dark porches. Many drivers keep one in their pocket during evening blocks. Headlamps free up your hands.
26. Read Delivery Instructions BEFORE Arriving
Check customer notes while approaching the address. Gate codes, buzzer numbers, and special instructions read in advance save fumbling at the door.
27. Master the "One Trip" Method
When delivering to apartments or multi-package addresses, grab everything in one trip. Use a collapsible dolly or large bags for heavy loads. Double trips kill efficiency.
28. Override Bad Amazon Routing
Amazon's suggested route isn't always optimal. Look at your deliveries on a map and group nearby stops together. Experienced drivers often deviate from the suggested order.
29. Use the "I've Parked" Button Strategically
Tap "I've Parked" as you're approaching, not after you've parked. This gives you those extra seconds of navigation info while you're finding the best parking spot.
30. Pre-Stage Photos While Walking
Have your camera app open and ready before reaching the door. Position the package, snap immediately, and go. Photo-taking should take 2 seconds, not 10.
4 Tips 31-40: Maximize Your Earnings
Money Tip: Top earners don't just work more hours - they work smarter. These tips can double your effective hourly rate.
31. Target Surge Pricing During Bad Weather
Rain, snow, and extreme heat drive surge pricing up 50-100%. Other drivers stay home, but you can earn $30-40/hour. Have weather gear ready and capitalize on storms.
32. Work Every Major Shopping Holiday
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and Christmas week offer the highest surge rates of the year. Plan to work these periods heavily - earnings can triple.
33. Focus on Whole Foods Blocks for Tips
Whole Foods and Fresh blocks include customer tips that can add $5-15 per delivery. A good WF block can net $40+/hour with tips included.
34. Wait for Surge, Don't Take Base Rate
If you're not desperate, wait for blocks to surge. A 3-hour block at base ($54) vs surge ($90) is a $12/hour difference. Patient drivers earn more per hour worked.
35. Track Your True Hourly Rate
Calculate earnings AFTER gas, car maintenance, and taxes. A $25/hour block that uses $8 in gas is really $17/hour. Focus on high-efficiency routes with less driving.
36. Multi-App During Slow Amazon Periods
Combine Amazon Flex with DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart during slow periods. Fill gaps between blocks instead of sitting idle. This maximizes your hourly earnings.
37. Finish Routes Early for Better Hourly
A 4-hour block finished in 3 hours pays the same but gives you a higher hourly rate. Efficiency = money. Use the extra time to grab another block.
38. Avoid Long Drives to Distant Warehouses
If a warehouse is 30 minutes away, that's 1 hour of unpaid driving round trip. Calculate true earnings including commute time. Nearby stations are almost always better.
39. Target Same-Day Delivery Blocks
Same-day blocks often pay more and have fewer packages. Customers tip better for urgent deliveries. These are high-value blocks worth prioritizing.
40. Maximize Tax Deductions
Beyond mileage, deduct phone bills (business %), car washes, parking fees, tolls, and equipment. A good tax strategy can save you $3,000-5,000 annually.
5 Tips 41-50: Pro Tricks & Advanced Hacks
Advanced Level: These tricks are used by drivers earning $1,000+/week consistently. Master the basics first, then implement these.
41. Build Relationships with Warehouse Staff
Be friendly and professional with check-in staff. They occasionally provide helpful tips about route difficulty or give you easier carts. Reputation matters.
42. Use the "Return to Station" Option Wisely
If you have undeliverable packages, returning them properly protects your standing. Never dump packages or mark delivered when they're not. Documentation is key.
43. Screenshot Everything Important
Screenshot delivery confirmations, unusual addresses, and any issues. If there's ever a dispute, you'll have evidence. Many experienced drivers keep a folder of screenshots.
44. Get a Dash Cam for Protection
A dash cam protects you from false claims and accidents. Front and rear cameras are ideal. Some drivers have avoided deactivation by providing dash cam footage as evidence.
45. Join Local Driver Groups (But Be Careful)
Facebook groups and Discord servers share valuable market-specific info. Learn block drop times, good stations, and areas to avoid. But don't share your best strategies with everyone.
46. Use Insulated Bags Even for Regular Packages
Carrying packages in an insulated bag looks professional and protects items from weather. For Whole Foods, it keeps groceries perfect and can improve tips.
47. Learn the "Problem Address" Database
Keep notes on difficult addresses - gate codes, hidden apartment buildings, aggressive dogs, etc. Over time, you'll know your area better than any navigation app.
48. Time Your Gas Purchases
Use GasBuddy to find cheapest gas. Fill up during off-peak hours. Get gas station rewards cards. Small savings per gallon add up to hundreds annually.
49. Prepare Your Car the Night Before
Charge all devices, clear your trunk, check tire pressure, and ensure your car is clean and ready. Morning scrambling costs time and creates stress.
50. Know When to Take a Break
Burnout reduces efficiency and increases mistakes. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and don't overwork yourself. Consistent sustainable work beats occasional grinding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Amazon Flex tips for beginners?
The best tips for new Amazon Flex drivers are: 1) Always arrive 15 minutes early to the warehouse, 2) Sort packages by delivery order before leaving, 3) Use both Google Maps and Waze for navigation, 4) Take photos of every delivery, 5) Start with morning blocks which are easier and less competitive.
How do I get more Amazon Flex blocks?
To get more Amazon Flex blocks: 1) Check the app at peak release times (usually :15 and :45 past the hour), 2) Refresh every 3-5 seconds during release windows, 3) Be ready to tap immediately when blocks appear, 4) Maintain a high standing rating, 5) Enable notifications and keep your app updated.
What tricks do top Amazon Flex drivers use?
Top Amazon Flex drivers use these tricks: 1) They know exact block release times for their market, 2) They target surge pricing during bad weather and holidays, 3) They organize packages by street address before starting, 4) They use insulated bags even for non-food deliveries to look professional, 5) They track their mileage for tax deductions.
How can I make $1,000 a week with Amazon Flex?
To make $1,000/week with Amazon Flex: Work 30-35 hours targeting surge blocks ($25-35/hr), focus on Whole Foods blocks for tips, work during peak seasons (holidays), combine with multi-app strategy during slow periods, and minimize expenses by tracking mileage deductions.
What are the best times to get Amazon Flex blocks?
The best times to grab Amazon Flex blocks are: Early morning (6-8 AM) when new blocks drop, evening release windows (5-7 PM), late night (10 PM-midnight) for next-day blocks, and 30-45 minutes before block start times for last-minute cancellations with surge pricing.
Ready to Boost Your Earnings?
Use our free tools to calculate your potential earnings and find the best strategies for your market.