Amazon expanding on-demand delivery service by Flex drivers

Amazon is inviting Flex drivers for its on-demand delivery service to transport standard Amazon. com packages in an attempt to speed up delivery and cut down expenses in its logistics business. The company's move indicates it wants to have more control over its delivery services.

According to market analysts, this could help Amazon curb its shipping costs which grew more than 18%, to an estimated amount of $11.5bn (£8.06bn, €10.35bn) in 2015. Besides, it could create a logistics network that would rival United Parcel Services, FedEx and other local carriers. All the carriers are currently delivering Amazon packages.

Amazon launched its Amazon Flex service in 2015 under which drivers deliver Amazon Prime Now packages for $18-$25 per hour. The service is currently available in Seattle, Richmond, Nashville, Austin, Dallas, Baltimore, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Minneapolis and the Indianapolis metro area. The company promises to make the service available in New York, Chicago and Portland.

A few Flex drivers in northern Texas told Reuters that they had received an email from Amazon recently inviting them to participate in the new "opportunities to deliver Amazon. com orders".

The delivery service is currently limited to drivers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Drivers must have a mid-sized sedan or larger and would be paid $18 per hour. He can schedule shifts between 8am to 4pm, seven days a week.

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that Flex drivers in Texas are already delivering Amazon packages along with the Prime Now orders. The company said it will "explore new ways to provide customers with faster service and delivery partners with more opportunities".