Amazon increases driver salary and perks

By Samantha Allen

Published: September 14, 2022 | 12:54 AM GMT

The e-commerce behemoth is increasing pay and perks for its delivery personnel.

The business said on Tuesday that it will double the pay of drivers who transport products in its vans while working for its so-called delivery service partners (DSP).

DSP drivers working in the United States will also be able to enrol in a 401(k) plan, and Amazon has promised to contribute $60 million in the first year to assist company owners match employee contributions.

Beginning in January 2023, a new programme will provide educational benefits to Amazon DSP drivers up to $5,250 annually, including college courses, high school completion programmes, and skill certifications. Amazon will cover the cost of tuition for its delivery partners.

Amazon said that it would spend a total of $450 million to increase perks and sweeten remuneration for delivery workers.

The programme comes at a time when the nation’s unemployment rate is still low and employers in the transportation sector are vying for employees in the shipping, trucking, and other sectors.

According to the firm, Amazon employs more than 275,000 drivers and more than 3,500 delivery partners globally.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.