Amazon flex drivers are hanging smartphones in trees to get more delivery work

Delivery drivers in Chicago are hanging smartphones in trees near Amazon delivery stations and Amazon-owned Whole Foods stores in order to better compete with other drivers.

Drivers place several smartphones close to the stations, and then sync those devices with their own personal smartphones, in order to better receive fast delivery Instant Offers - quick-fire jobs that drivers only have a few minutes to accept.

The close proximity to the delivery stations means the smartphones in the trees would get the notification – and send it to the synced devices – significantly earlier than another driver waiting further away, Bloomberg reported.

Drivers link with the Amazon Flex app, which lets drivers make deliveries using their own cars, to make extra money.

This is combined with separate software that endlessly monitors Amazon’s systems to alert drivers to new jobs, achieving a minor advantage when competing with other drivers.

However, drivers who have seen this process take place believe that an unknown person or persons is acting as a middle-man between Amazon and the drivers, charging drivers a premium for greater access to routes.

This behaviour is against Amazon’s policies, but great economic stress due to the coronavirus pandemic has seen workers desperate for money, with more people entering the gig economy in order to supplement lost work.

Multiple smartphones are left in trees in order to try and avoid detection from Amazon. Flex contractors are required to have a valid license and be authorised to work in the United States.

Using this method, however, someone could download the Flex app, receive a route for a high fee and then pay another driver a lower fee to complete it, according to a driver speaking to Bloomberg under the condition of anonymity.

The Independent has reached out to Amazon for comment.