Ted S. Warren / AP
Dave Clark, senior vice president of worldwide operations for Amazon.com, talks to reporters, Wednesday, June 27, 2018, in Seattle, at a media event to announce a new program that lets entrepreneurs around the country launch businesses that deliver Amazon packages. It’s another way for Amazon to gain greater control over how its packages are delivered.
Thursday, June 28, 2018 | 8:11 a.m.
Looking to take the delivery side of operations into its own hands, Amazon is enlisting the help of entrepreneurs to develop a nationwide delivery system in the U.S.
The ecommerce giant today launched the Amazon Delivery Service Partner program, which gives small-business operators the chance to create their own company focused on delivering Amazon packages. Amazon already offers a program in which individuals deliver Amazon packages using their own vehicles.
The Las Vegas Valley is one of over 70 areas in the U.S. where Amazon is launching the delivery service. Amazon has two fulfillment centers in North Las Vegas.
In a statement, the company said it would help entrepreneurs start, set up and manage delivery businesses, offering discounts on Amazon-branded vehicles and uniforms, a fuel program and comprehensive insurance coverage to help keep startup costs under $10,000.
“We have great partners in our traditional carriers, and it’s exciting to continue to see the logistics industry grow,” said Dave Clark, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide operations, in the statement. “Customer demand is higher than ever and we have a need to build more capacity. As we evaluated how to support our growth, we went back to our roots to share the opportunity with small- and medium-sized businesses. We are going to empower new, small businesses to form in order to take advantage of the growing opportunity in e-commerce package delivery.”
Operators can start their business with the assurance that they will have delivery volume from Amazon. A typical team of drivers will deliver along 20 to 40 routes per day, serving thousands of customers.
Once established, businesses will have opportunities to hire additional drivers and deliver more packages, with the ability to earn up to $300,000 in annual profit operating a fleet of up to 40 delivery vehicles, according to Amazon.
Additionally, Amazon is committing $1 million towards funding startup costs for military veterans, offering $10,000 reimbursements for qualified candidates to build their own businesses.
Interested parties learn more about the Amazon Delivery Service Partner program or get started by clicking here.
