In recent months, Amazon Flex drivers have been reporting a sharp decline in their earnings. In large urban centers, pay has dropped by as much as 15% per block, according to driver forums and independent reports. This shift directly impacts thousands of gig workers who rely on Flex as a main or secondary income source.

The reason behind this trend is clear: market saturation. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami are flooded with new drivers. With more supply than demand, Amazon adjusts its algorithm to lower payouts, confident that many will still accept the reduced rates.

The effect is immediate: three-hour blocks that once paid around $60 are now offered for less, often failing to cover fuel, parking, and car maintenance costs. For drivers, this is a wake-up call.

Today, accepting every block is risky. Many drivers reject “bad blocks” to avoid losses, but this requires more advanced strategies and better tools. That’s where smart automation solutions come in.

These tools filter blocks in real time, excluding low-paying or long-distance routes. They also help drivers map high-demand zones and maximize efficiency. Those already using such systems claim they can sustain profitability despite lower base rates.

And here lies the opportunity: not depending solely on Instacart, Amazon, or DoorDash, but instead leveraging technology to regain control. For drivers who want to protect themselves from constant app changes, platforms like NexoGo, which provides automation services from ShopperX for Instacart and Veho, can be a smart solution to capture automatic orders and increase income predictability.

The takeaway is simple: sticking to old methods in a shifting gig economy can cost you dearly. Those who embrace automation can turn uncertainty into strategy. At the end of the day, automation is not the enemy — it’s the ally. Drivers who master these tools gain more control, more predictability, and more opportunities to thrive in the gig economy.

Sources:

Reddit: Base pay getting lower and lower

Reddit: They Lowered the Base Rate AGAIN?!

Jacobin: Amazon Flex Drivers Are Constantly at Risk

Business Insider: Amazon Flex schedules not so flexible

Everlance: Amazon Flex Earnings Guide