Amazon is getting into the gig economy with the launch of a new service that pays part-time drivers to deliver packages on their behalf.
An obvious nod to Uber and the like, Amazon Flex promises to pay drivers between $18 and $25 per hour to deliver packages ordered using the company's one-hour delivery service, Amazon Prime Now.
Interested parties must be at least 21 years of age, supply their own vehicle, have an Android-based smartphone and pass a background check. It's unclear what factors - number of available workers, delivery distance or package size, for example - play into exactly how much a driver will earn per hour of work.
Due to the nature of the service, it's not quite as flexible as something like Uber. Part-time drivers can take on two-, four- or eight-hour shifts to supplement their income when free time presents itself (or perhaps even work "full-time").
Amazon says drivers can work as much as they want with delivery opportunities available seven days a week.
Amazon Flex launched today in Seattle although the e-commerce giant has plans to eventually bring the service to Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis, Manhattan, Miami and Portland. No timeline was provided for the expansion, however.
Would you be interested in Amazon Flex? Does the idea of delivering packages solo versus hauling people around town with a service like Uber offer any safety benefits? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.