Amazon logistics careers are on the rise. The retail behemoth now delivers half of its own packages with their Amazon Flex delivery service, and this has opened doors for CDL drivers across the country.
Amazon freight pay varies greatly depending on your region, but most drivers can expect to earn a competitive salary. There is no official Amazon CDL program. Drivers who want a CDL position will be working for independent companies that are part of Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs).
Types of Amazon Trucking Jobs
If you want to drive for Amazon in some capacity, there are two main types of jobs you can choose from:
- DSPs: These are Delivery Service Partners and are independent of Amazon. These are individual carriers that work with Amazon to transport their freight. Drivers can work for a DSP and will be considered an employee of the DSP. As an employee, you will enjoy a reliable schedule, competitive pay and benefits. You also have the option of becoming a DSP yourself if you have dreams of running your own fleet. Learn more about Amazon DSP driver earnings here.
- Flex: The Flex program is really more for everyday drivers who don’t have a CDL. Your job would be to deliver packages to customer doors using a regular vehicle. Flex jobs are less consistent and don’t offer nearly the same pay rates.
In this guide, we’re only going to look at CDL positions and pay available through Amazon DSPs.
Does Amazon Pay Per Mile or By the Hour?
Truckers are used to getting paid by the mile with minimum weekly payouts. It’s the industry standard. But when you drive for an Amazon partner, you will be paid by the hour.
CDL drivers for Amazon earn different rates depending on their location and the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) they are driving for.
Most positions are regional, which means that you get more home time.
Some positions offer daily home time and local routes, but these positions are harder to come by due to low turnover rates.
How Much Does Amazon Pay Their Truck Drivers? As we said before it varies by widely by region so the easiest way to get a real idea is to look at some current job openings from CDL companies.
Amazon Truck Driver Jobs
You know that drivers are paid by the hour, so how much do Amazon trucking jobs pay? Hourly pay rates can range from $15 to $25 an hour or more.
But to get a clearer picture of how much you can expect to earn, let’s take a look at a few CDL specifc Amazon jobs and listings.
Roman Freight Lines – Regional Solo
- Full-time position
- $57,000-$74,000/year
- $220-$240/day
- $27.5-$30/hour
Drivers will be working for Roman Freight Lines out of Salt Lake City, UT. Along with this base salary, drivers will also receive the following benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- 401(k) plans available
- Guaranteed raises twice a year after the first year
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Bonus programs
Amazon Team Drivers CDL A – Roman & BAC Freight Lines
- Full-time position
- $80,000-$90,000/year
- Guaranteed $1,500-$1,700/shift
- $38.45-$43.25/hour
Drivers will be working in teams. The work is more demanding, but the pay is higher. Drivers will also receive benefits, including:
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- 401(k) plans available
- Bonus programs
- Paid time off
- Raises 2 times a year after the first year
Local Route CDL A
- Full-time position
- $65,000-$80,000+/year
- $220-$250/day
- $27.5-$31.25/hour
This position is based out of Troutdale, Oregon, so the pay is a little higher than in other regions. Drivers also receive valuable benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(k)
- Bonus programs
- Referral program
- Raises every six months after the first year of employment
Amazon Committed Linehaul Program – Lions Logistics
- Full-time position
- $22+/hour
Lions Logistics has a Committed Linehaul Program that offers drivers a consistent, reliable schedule. Regional routes are available, and the pay is competitive. Drivers are home every day, and benefits are available:
- Health benefits
- Paid vacation
Owner Operator Position – Dedicated Freight LLC
- Full-time position
- Must be owner operator
- $3,200-$4,200/week
- $166,400-$218,400/year
- $80-$105/hour
Owner operators can also take advantage of Amazon’s reliable freight supply. Dedicated Freight LLC in Charlotte, NC works with owner operators, and 90% of the work is contract Amazon terminal to terminal freight.
You need to have at least two years of verifiable tractor trailer experience within the last three years to qualify, but the pay is great, and the loads are 100% drop and hook.
Competitive Salaries and Reliable Schedules
As you can see, the pay rates for Amazon truck drivers will depend on the carrier, location and the type of position. Team drivers get paid much higher rates, but the work is more demanding. Teams average 3,500-5,500 weekly tour miles.
Even as a solo driver, you can expect to earn at least $22/hour.
If you have experience, you can expect to get paid closer to $30/hour or more. Earnings are competitive, and there’s no shortage of loads. Amazon is one of the biggest retailers on the planet, and a leader in online shopping.
There are many driving positions available through Amazon DSPs. Drivers are paid hourly, but most listings will show you the average yearly salary. Benefits, vacation and referral programs add to your yearly earnings. The work is much like any other company driver position. You will be given a truck and route. Some carriers will require you to wear a uniform. The competitive pay is a fair trade-off for a few additional rules and requirements.
When searching for driving positions, it’s important to make sure that you’re narrowing your search to only CDL positions. Hourly delivery positions are often intermingled with the CDL positions. Their pay rates are much lower, and with delivery positions, you will be in charge of delivering packages directly to customer doorsteps.