Are you an Amazon Flex or UPS driver and fail to compare them and choose which one is better than them?
Before knowing exactly about their different aspects such as earning, scheduling, where they are available for you, and so on, It can cost you time, energy, and attention If you make a bad choice.
So, Today, I am going to compare Amazon Flex vs UPS from all aspects you need that’ll definitely help you make the right choice.
Now, let’s get started
Key Points To Compare
Both Amazon Flex and UPS PVD offer flexibility in choosing when to work, but UPS PVD also provides options for full-time employment with fixed hours.
Amazon Flex has lower initial expenses for drivers compared to UPS PVD.
Amazon Flex allows for part-time work, offers flexibility, and provides information on earnings and delivery details before starting. but lacks employee benefits and may have competitive block availability.
What is UPS?
UPS or United Parcel Service is a company that delivers packages from one place to another. They use big trucks and vans to bring these packages to specific places called warehouses.
Inside these warehouses, workers in brown uniforms help sort and organize the packages.
After the packages get ready, a person called a courier takes them from the warehouse and brings them into their delivery van. These couriers often wear a brown vest with the UPS logo.
Then, they use a map and GPS to find the best way to bring the package to customers’ doorstep.
For customers or you, UPS gives you a special perk called a tracking number, so you can see where your package is on the journey.
They even have their very own airplanes, like the Boeing 747, to make it more convenient for customers to receive packages from faraway places.
Further, To ensure package safety, UPS employee gives customers a receipt to show that they got exactly what ordered.
What is Amazon Flex?
Amazon Flex is a delivery company associated with Amazon. It delivers many kinds of packages ordered by customers from different locations, and one of the major package types is ordered by online buyers on Amazon.com.
Along with Logistics, it also delivers Prime Now, Amazon Restaurants, and Amazon Fresh packages through flex drivers.
Drivers on this platform work as independent contractors, meaning all costs related to the job, vehicle, and repair go into their responsibility.
In similar fashion
How Amazon Flex and UPS (Person Vehicle Drivers) Delivery Services Work
How UPS PVD Works
First of all, To become a UPS PVD (Personal Vehicle Driver) which is a part of UPS, drivers meet the requirements and apply through the UPS website.
After that, they’ll review your driving records through a background check. Once accepted, UPS provides training regarding delivery, safety, package handling, and how to use the UPS technology.
As compared to Uber Eats, or Doordash, UPS lets drivers decide work days and hours based on their availability.
Further, on the scheduled day, PVDs arrive at the UPS hub to pick up pre-sorted and ready-to-load packages they’ll deliver.
These packages are loaded into their vans, and sent by using UPS mobile app for navigation help.
Drivers during delivery work, ensure to wear brown uniforms and vests to follow the platform’s safety guidelines.
How Amazon Flex Works
Before anyone becomes a Flex driver, they meet the requirements and apply online at the Flex website or wherever allowed.
Once they apply, drivers have to pass the background check process which is common in almost all delivery gigs if you compare Amazon Flex with Walmart Spark, Shipt, or anyone else.
If you pass, you’ll fire up the Amazon Flex App, start scheduling the blocks, and deliver packages from the warehouse to the demanding location.
Otherwise, If your city doesn’t have delivery demand when you just started, you may be added to the waiting list. It’s where drivers wait and get notified on the Flex app when there’s an opportunity for them.
Further, as long as you complete blocks, you’ll get paid per block you complete successfully.
Now, this is the place where I’ll compare them
How To Compare Amazon Flex vs UPS PVD
When you want to review Amazon Flex with UPS or any delivery jobs, the best way to compare them is by knowing their different aspects from availability, and payment, to scheduling and more.
Availability
UPS is available in many cities in the U.S. including Allentown, Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Los Angeles, and more. In addition, drivers from all around the world can apply as it’s a global platform.
On the other hand, Amazon Flex operates in more than 100 cities in the United States such as California, Virginia, Nevada, New Mexico, Delaware, and so on.
🏆 Winner: Amazon Flex has more locations in the U.S.
Scheduling
Unlike other delivery gigs, UPS offers both full-time and part-time scheduling, such as full-time employees having fixed timings with consistent hours, while part-time employees may have variable schedules.
Fortunately, UPS lets drivers make a broad schedule, and choose the time and day they want to.
In the matter of Amazon Flex drivers, as they work as independent contractors, they have full control over when and how long they want to work.
Also, when they schedule a block on the app, they can take a glance at the app about how much they’ll earn and, the time and distance they’ll complete before they begin delivery.
🏆 Winner: Both platforms’ drivers have flexibility, but UPS drivers can work full-time.
Requirements
When it comes to requirements, some UPS driver posts require a GED or School diploma. If you have completed the diploma, you’ll need to pay $200 to $900 to begin delivery with UPS or $120 to $150 for GED.
Moreover, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driving license and, a clean driving record, ability to lift 70 lbs weight, and be able to communicate with customers.
On the flip side, Amazon Flex drivers must be at least 21 years or older, have a valid driving license, insurance coverage, and a vehicle depending upon the types of packages required to deliver such as SUV, Sedan, Truck, Van, or other.
And an Android, iPhone, or iOS device that can download and install the Amazon Flex App.
🏆 Winner: Amazon Flex drivers don’t need to pay a penny during signing up.
Income
As the UPS company has been in delivery service for quite a while since 1907, drivers get paid more than the many delivery jobs, around $20 to $50 an hour.
Further, Drivers may also get tips during delivery, but there’s no tip policy with UPS.
In Amazon Flex, If you compare it with Veho delivery driver pay, Instacart, or other gig opportunities that require independent contractors, flex drivers usually make between $18 to $25 an hour.
And there’s full support from the platform to receive %100 of the tips.
🏆 Winner: UPS drivers make more than the flex drivers as they are employees.
Expenses
To become a UPS driver, you’ll have to pay $200 to $900 if you have a higher school diploma or $120 to $150 for a GED.
After becoming a driver, they have to pay for gas but receive mileage reimbursement and often receive employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.
On the other hand, drivers in Amazon Flex are responsible for all spending happens related to their jobs such as gas expenses, parking, oil changes, repair, etc.
But the good news is, flex drivers have a rewards program where as long as they complete blocks successfully, they’ll get points and at the end of the day, they’ll receive discounts on gas and payments for vehicle parts, etc.
🏆 Winner: Amazon Flex has fewer expenses compared with UPS PVD.
It’s time to compare them by their advantages and disadvantages:
What Are Amazon Flex And UPS PVD Pros and Cons
If you heard something bad about a platform, you might already know that pros and cons are everywhere as given below:
UPS PVD Pros
- Drivers receive a steady income with a fixed hourly rate or salary as they are employees.
- UPS PVDs have access to employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- UPS PVDs work regularly, which can be easier to plan around compared to irregular gig work schedules.
UPS PVD Cons
- It is also fixed, which may not provide the same level of flexibility as gig work options like Amazon Flex.
- Following company policies and procedures may not suit everyone’s work style.
- This job can be physically demanding as drivers have to lift and carry packages, especially during busy periods.
Amazon Flex Pros
- There are many cities available in the United States, from where drivers can apply and work for Amazon Flex.
- Amazon Flex lets drivers work part-time.
- Before delivering packages, drivers can make sure earnings, time frame, and distance need to be covered.
Amazon Flex Cons
- If there’s no demand to deliver packages, drivers have to wait on the waiting list.
- Getting blocks regularly to deliver is competitive.
- Drivers need to have big-sized vehicles if they want to deliver logistics packages.
Now, this is also important to know:
What Are Similar and Dissimilar with Amazon Flex and UPS PVD Delivery Services
👍Similarities
Both jobs require delivering e-commerce orders, parcels, and other goods through their own personal vehicles.
To start and finish delivery, both platforms require an Android phone or other device to use the Amazon Flex App and UPS App.
Both options offer some level of flexibility in choosing when to work. Drivers can select shifts or availability based on their schedules.
👎Dissimilarities
One of the biggest differences is, that Amazon Flex drivers work as independent contractors while UPS drivers are employees.
Depending upon your location and job role, UPS drivers get access to employee benefits. Conversely, Amazon Flex drivers don’t have such benefits, as they have rewards programs.
There’s no rule for flex drivers to wear a safety vest every time they work. UPS drivers often wear a brown uniform or vest for company identification and recognition.
Final Decision
In a nutshell, If you want to get paid consistently, becoming a UPS driver is the best choice.
Otherwise, If want to have a side income source and work part-time, Amazon Flex is a better delivery gig in the market.
There may be several more reasons for you to consider a platform better than others. Hence, ensure your lifestyle, and workflow and choose the work you can do.
FAQs
Is there a UPS version of Amazon Flex?
Yes, there’s a UPS version of Amazon Flex called UPS PVD or UPS Personal Vehicle Driver, where drivers deliver through their personal vehicles.
In Conclusion
I hope you liked this guide on Amazon Flex vs UPS PVD comparison.
If you have finished this article until here, you know about your answer.
So, Which platform is good for you?
Meet Ayush, a finance enthusiast and founder of moneyfeever.com dedicated to helping people make money, manage their finances, and budget effectively. With his expert knowledge and passion for personal finance, Ayush provides valuable insights and practical tips to help his readers achieve their financial goals. Follow his website to stay up to date with the latest money-making strategies and financial trends.