Amazon tests Uber-like service for Prime Now deliveries
NEW YORK – Amazon is testing an Uber-like service for delivering its one-hour Prime Now packages that will enlist people to deliver packages for Amazon with their own cars.
In order to offer the speedy deliveries Amazon will pay drivers $18 to $25 an hour via its new Amazon Flex program. The move comes before the busy holiday shopping period.
And it comes as startup on-demand delivery services such as Postmates and Shyp proliferate. Ride-sharing service Uber itself has been rolling out a food delivery service UberEats.
Amazon has been expanding its Prime Now service for members of its $99 annual Prime loyalty program. The service delivers a wide range of items including paper towels, wine and beer, chilled and frozen items and televisions and Kindle device in one or two hours. Two-hour delivery is free and one-hour delivery is available for $7.99. It now offers Prime Now in 11 cities with across the country with plans to roll out to more.
– The Associated Press