Amazon plans to roll out a program that will allow individuals to own and manage their own delivery companies for Amazon packages for a minimum investment of $10,000, according to The New York Times.
Amazon estimates that owners can make as much as $300,000 in annual profit through operating a fleet of up to 40 vehicles. These owners will not be Amazon employees, though they will receive vehicles and uniforms with company branding. The independent delivery program could potentially help Amazon more effectively deliver packages from its sorting centers. It is unclear how the program will affect Amazon's relationships with UPS and the U.S. Postal Service.
The company expects hundreds of people to sign up for the service in the next 12 to 18 months and will offer $10,000 reimbursements for qualified candidates who are military candidates. The program is separate from Amazon Flex, which pays people hourly to deliver packages from their own cars.
Olaoluwa Abimbola is a Nigerian immigrant who has driven for Amazon Flex, and said he was excited about the opportunity to become a business owner.
"This means the world to me," said Mr. Abimbola, according to The Times. "This opportunity provides a future for my family, for my daughters. I’m living my dream and having the time of my life."