WASHINGTON: Amazon announced on Monday it was offering employees US$10,000 to quit their jobs and become independent package delivery entrepreneurs as the online giant ramps up efforts to control its own logistics.
The move comes with Amazon seeking to reduce its dependence on services such as the US Postal Service and Fedex. Amazon first launched the"delivery service partner" program in 2018, requiring employees to invest in their own start and estimating revenues for up to US$300,000.Since last year, some 200 people have begun Amazon delivery startups, and the company said it expects"hundreds" more with the added incentives, available in the United States, Britain and Spain.
"We've heard from associates that they want to participate in the programme but struggled with the transition. Now we have a path for those associates with an appetite for opportunities to own their own businesses."Amazon said it would offer access to the company's delivery technology, training, and discounts on assets and services, including Amazon-branded vans and uniforms and insurance.