The huge rush of Black Friday is now finished, but your biggest earning opportunity is just starting! The week leading up to Christmas is when customers panic and order last-minute gifts, meaning Amazon needs you more than ever.
This is the most profitable time to find blocks and boost your net income, especially as you prepare for the quieter months of January and February.
Amazon advertises between £14 and £18 per hour (Gross Earnings).
However, during this Christmas rush, you can earn much more:
Surge Rates: If Amazon needs drivers quickly, the rate for a block goes up—sometimes far past £20 per hour.
The Reality: These high rates are your chance to build a buffer. You must remember to subtract your costs (fuel, tax, insurance) to find your true Net Earnings (the money you keep in your pocket).
In a busy season, blocks disappear instantly. Here are the simple hacks to help you get the best blocks:
Blocks often drop (become available) at specific times, but the best Surge Blocks are often dropped when another driver cancels.
The most experienced drivers know the exact times their local depot releases new blocks.
Action: Take note of the time new blocks appear over a few days (e.g., 7:06 am or 2:30 pm). Be ready to tap at that exact minute.
Avoid booking low-paid reserved blocks far in advance. During the Christmas rush, the highest pay comes from urgent slots.
Action: Wait for the higher rates. If you see a standard £45 block, check again 30 minutes before the start time—it could jump to £70 or more!
Once you have the block, you must work efficiently to increase your true hourly rate.
Try these top tips:
Arrive early: Get to the depot up to 15 minutes before the block time. This helps you skip the queue, get your packages faster, and start delivering sooner.
Sort packages: Before you leave the depot, sort your packages in the car (use boxes/bags) according to the delivery order on the app. This saves minutes at every stop.
Finish fast: Amazon pays you for the full block time (e.g., 4 hours), even if you finish the route in 3 hours. Finishing fast is the best way to boost your true hourly pay!
The cost of insurance is the biggest factor that reduces your answer to how much Amazon Flex drivers make. You need to protect your profit, especially before the slow January period.
INSHUR 'Pay as you Flex' insurance is designed to work alongside your personal car insurance policy (SD&P). This means you can use your car as usual for personal driving, and then when you pick up a delivery block, your 'Pay as you Flex' insurance automatically 'kicks in' to provide the necessary Hire & Reward cover for your job.
This system saves you money because you avoid paying for a much more expensive full-time delivery policy, which is perfect for part-time deliverers or during the quieter months in the New Year.
Legal note: Pay As You Flex insurance doesn't include Social, Domestic and Pleasure (SD&P) use or continuous motor insurance. You are required by law to have a separate, continuous underlying SD&P insurance policy in place on your insured vehicle for personal use at all times.
Use these official and community resources to drive smarter this Christmas:
Amazon Flex FAQ (UK): Official information on earnings, vehicle requirements, and rules for delivering.
UK Amazon Flex Driver Forums: Community advice on the best Surge times and local depot issues in your area.
Mileage Tracker App: Essential for tracking business miles to reduce your tax bill at the end of the year.
Find out how 'Pay as you Flex' protects your Christmas income: