Thinking about a truck driving career with Amazon? You’re looking into one of the largest logistics networks on the planet. But there’s more to these roles than meets the eye. This guide breaks down the different types of driving jobs, what they really entail, and the key details many people don’t realize before they apply.
The term “Amazon driver” covers several very different jobs. Understanding the distinction is the most important first step. Each role has unique requirements, responsibilities, and employment structures. Let’s explore the main options, from delivering packages in a van to hauling freight in a semi-truck.
This is the role most people picture: driving the familiar blue Amazon-branded vans and delivering packages directly to customers’ doors. However, here is the single most important thing to understand: DSP drivers are not Amazon employees.
This is the traditional truck driver role where you are a direct employee of Amazon. These drivers are the backbone of Amazon’s “middle mile” logistics, moving huge amounts of inventory between massive company sites.
This program is not for someone looking for a job, but for an entrepreneur who wants to start their own trucking business.
If you already own your own truck and have your own operating authority, you can partner with Amazon as a carrier.
Beyond the different job types, several aspects of driving for Amazon’s network are often misunderstood. Being aware of these points gives you a much clearer picture of the reality of the work.
As mentioned, the biggest point of confusion is the DSP program. Because the vans are Amazon-branded, many drivers assume they are working for Amazon. In reality, the pay, benefits, and company culture can vary significantly from one DSP to another. When applying for a van delivery job, you are applying to a local small business, not the global corporation. Direct Amazon employees in the semi-trucks, however, receive the full package of corporate benefits.
Many people associate a Class A CDL with long-haul, over-the-road (OTR) trucking, where drivers are away from home for weeks at a time. Amazon’s logistics network is different. A large percentage of their direct-hire CDL jobs are local or regional routes designed to get drivers home daily or at least several times a week. The focus is on predictable, repeatable runs between their own facilities, which provides more stability than many traditional trucking jobs.
Amazon is a tech company first and a logistics company second. This philosophy extends to its drivers.
Amazon’s systems closely monitor performance and safety. For DSP drivers, this includes metrics like on-time delivery rates and successful delivery percentages. For CDL drivers, this involves in-cab cameras and telematics that monitor driving behavior such as hard braking, speeding, and following distance. The environment is highly structured and data-driven, which can be a positive for those who value clear expectations but a challenge for those who prefer more autonomy.
How much do Amazon truck drivers make? Pay varies widely by role, location, and experience. DSP van drivers are typically paid an hourly wage set by their local employer. Direct Amazon CDL drivers are also paid hourly (not by the mile, which is common in trucking) and generally earn a competitive wage for the industry, often with opportunities for overtime. Owner-operators on Relay are paid per load, and their net income depends on how well they manage their business expenses.
Do I need to buy my own truck? No, not unless you want to be an owner-operator or start a business as an Amazon Freight Partner. For direct employee CDL positions and DSP van driver roles, the company provides the vehicle.
Are these jobs physically demanding? The DSP van delivery role is very physically demanding, involving constant movement and lifting packages up to 50 pounds. The direct-hire CDL trucking jobs are much less physically strenuous, as most freight is “no-touch,” meaning you are not responsible for loading or unloading the trailer.