“Wanted: Hundreds of Entrepreneurs to Start Businesses Delivering Amazon Packages”
In a move that many have been anticipating for sometime, Amazon has launched a new offering that it says will “help entrepreneurs build their own companies delivering Amazon packages”.
In a statement issued today (28 June), the online retail giant said: “Over time, Amazon will empower hundreds of new, small business owners to hire tens of thousands of delivery drivers across the U.S., joining a robust existing community of traditional carriers, as well as small-and-medium-sized businesses that already employ thousands of drivers delivering Amazon packages”.
Painting a very rosy picture of life in the delivery industry, the company added: “Amazon 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 sophisticated delivery technology, hands-on training, and discounts on a suite of assets and services, including vehicle leases and comprehensive insurance. ”
Amazon said that the new “offering” provides “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, added Amazon, “entrepreneurs will also have access to a variety of exclusively negotiated discounts on important resources they’ll need to operate a delivery business. The deals are available on Amazon-branded vehicles customized for delivery, branded uniforms, fuel, comprehensive insurance coverage, and more.”
Seasoned Amazon-watchers will note that the company has taken care to say that the new-breed entrepreneurs will be working alongside the “traditional carriers” and SME delivery firms. However, it also clear that Amazon is looking to give the industry a significant shake-up – as it could mean that in a few years we will be seeing thousands of Amazon-branded vehicles operated by Amazon-liveried drivers, delivering Amazon products across the US.
