Amazon is launching a program that will help entrepreneurs build their own companies delivering Amazon packages. The Seattle-based company will take an active role in helping interested entrepreneurs start, set up, and manage their own delivery business.
Successful owners can earn as much as $300,000 in annual profit operating a fleet of up to 40 delivery vehicles. Individual owners can build their business knowing they will have delivery volume from Amazon, access to the company's delivery technology, hands-on training, and discounts on a suite of assets and services, including vehicle leases and comprehensive insurance. The vehicles could be offered with a commercial open TRAC lease from a fleet management company.
Over time, Amazon hopes to empower hundreds of new, small business owners to hire tens of thousands of delivery drivers across the U.S., joining an existing community of traditional carriers including UPS and FedEx, as well as small- and medium-sized businesses that already employ thousands of drivers delivering Amazon packages.
The program will provide technology and operational support to individuals with little to no logistics experience the opportunity to run their own delivery business. To help keep startup costs as low as $10,000, entrepreneurs will also have access to a variety of exclusively negotiated discounts on resources to operate a delivery business. The deals are available on Amazon-branded vehicles customized for delivery, branded uniforms, fuel, and insurance coverage.
Additionally, the company is committing $1 million toward funding startup costs for military veterans and plans to offer $10,000 reimbursements for qualified candidates to build their own businesses.
"I had prior experience running my own business but not in logistics,” said Olaoluwa Abimbola, one of Amazon’s beta participants, in a statement. "I was driving for Amazon Flex when I learned about the opportunity to start my own delivery company. Backed by Amazon's resources and logistics experience, and its encouragement to learn while I earn, this opportunity was a no-brainer. In just five months, I have hired more than 40 employees, and it's encouraging to know that any driven individual can use Amazon’s support and the delivery service partner community to build a successful, thriving business."
