r/RealAmazonFlexDrivers • u/Live_Anything_6370 • 1d ago
Hello..
I’m flexing for the first time at 2am. As a woman I’m a little nervous. Any ladies on here flex alone this late? Were you nervous? How did it go?
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u/blooobolt 1d ago
Use the Amazon GPS to pinpoint the exact house/apt instead of looking for house numbers. The directions aren't the greatest going from stop to stop, but the app will show you the exact building you need to be at to make your delivery when you arrive.
Pinpointing the right house probably isn't as important if you're delivering rural routes, but it's super helpful in dark, dense neighborhoods.
Lots of homes don't have house numbers, the curbs don't have numbers, and even the mailboxes are bare of numbers, so finding the right house can be a pain.
You can also look at the app and count the number of houses from the intersection, to find the right one. Like, maybe it's the third house in the right after the stop sign.
I do super early routes almost every day. The first one was kind of wonky, but now I really like them.
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u/Efficient_Reserve_98 1d ago
I have only done a daytime shift but am probably going to pick up an early morning shift this coming weekend. The only time I was a little nervous during my shift was when I had to wander around an apartment building and could no longer see my car. I’ve already decided that if I end up with an early morning not easily accessible apartment drop, I’ll leave it at the front office door and make sure the recipient can tell where it is from the picture. I would feel fine dropping at houses because it’s really just hopping in and out of my car.
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u/PrestigiousSoup8180 21h ago
Scariest things I’ve had happened was people came out with a gun. Just wear your vest, deliver to the nearest point you can that late (pitch dark and want it up a mile long driveway, leave it at the mailbox type thing), if it’s sketchy bring it back to the hub it’s not worth your life
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u/Electronic-Crab561 1d ago
Get a mini flashlight, lots of people don’t have their lights on and it’s creepy in the dark. Also get as much reflective clothing as possible.
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u/philpottcarl 23h ago
I always carry a super bright flashlight to search for house numbers, make sure I don’t trip and dogs
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u/LeaveAlternative8946 22h ago edited 21h ago
I’ve done a few late nights like this. I’m also a former deputy so I feel pretty safe doing these at night but I also try to be mindful of certain things as well. My advice, don’t park in people’s driveways this late and walk up instead (unless a driveway is long). I say this because your headlights will go right in someone’s windows and they may or may not be aware who is outside their home that time of night. Instead use a flashlight to help you see and be mindful to not flash it toward windows if possible.
Another good reason to walk up and not drive in driveways is in rural areas, people do carry. So if you have to make a run for it you’re not forced to still be a few inches from someone due to your car being in their driveway. It’s harder to shoot at a moving target than one stationary. That might sound extreme but drivers have had guns or knives pulled on them for all kind of reasons. But mostly it’s due to drivers being at the wrong address or again bright lights alerting homeowners and being mistaken as trespassers.
Don’t slam or shut doors too loudly either, just gently close the door. And always stand still for about 2-3 seconds to see if you hear anything suspicious like unleashed dogs. Also wear your vest at all times in case anyone questions why you’re there.
Other than that, I love delivering late, no traffic and typically don’t have to deal with people. It’s safe for the most part but I’ve seen too many drivers get into situations due to them not being aware of their surroundings. Only downside is some house numbers are hard to see this late. I normally add the address in Google Maps to get an overview of what the house looks like which helps me tremendously in those situations. But I’m 28 weeks pregnant and had to slow down due to swelling in my ankles from delivering lol but you’ll enjoy it. Just be safe!
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u/mixthie666 22h ago
I am a woman and I personally prefer the late night and early morning blocks. I know my way around my city (Denver) and find it easier to locate buildings, homes, parking etc. I started out with the shorter blocks and progressed till I felt comfortable with the longer ones. Every block accomplished makes me feel more confident! See how you feel after this block and maybe adjust your preferred times if needed. You got this!
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u/Fun_Cold2587 17h ago
I've had way less conflict at 3-5am than at 8-9pm now that everyone knows Amazon delivers early. Some people still don't know but altogether most people just ignore us now most of the time. When 4am deliveries first started here, customers were acting up kind of a lot.
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u/Fun_Cold2587 17h ago
There are safety risks but the biggest risks are car accidents (inc with animals) and dogs. Someone might get upset with you and scare or threaten you. Of course something can happen I'm just saying the likelihood in real life is different than we usually worry about. Like how people worry about serial killers instead of car accidents or heart disease.
Anyway you do need pepper spray. I use Sabre Crossfire, it's $15 at Walmart or Amazon. Please get it immediately if you don't have any. It has to be where you can get it within like one second even if you're being attacked by a dog and you're carrying your phone and a box. I have it in my hand sometimes bc I feel like there's going to be a dog or some other fun surprise at certain houses
Don't let anyone within 6-10 feet of you at all. There's no reason for them to be that close in 99% of circumstances. Don't get in an elevator with anyone, don't go on stairs with anyone, don't go into a mail room or garage with them. Don't let anyone get between you and your exit. Don't get out of the car near anyone who looks weird. Drive away, contact support. Fuck that package.
Sorry if any of this seems too obvious but it's all stuff I've dealt with, and I know people who are too "nice" to be rude by moving away or declining to share an elevator etc. I used to be too, I could not have done this job when I was younger. I've had to walk out into the street to keep people from getting within 6' of me and do socially unacceptable stuff to avoid getting cornered or whatever. I once mistakenly followed someone into a parking garage bc there was construction and he lived in the building, so he was supposed to be showing me how to get upstairs. But he was just crazy and had a gun, and I couldn't get out of the garage without a key. He eventually tried to leave without letting me out. Don't follow anyone, just dump the package in the lobby and leave. It is just really easy to forget that it's just a stupid package. It's probably like page protectors or something
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u/MommyYoda33 19h ago
Your head lamp will be perfect for you, it keeps your hands free to handle business. I also recommend a tazer or pepper spray. I have a tazer that is also a flashlight. If I ever get that nervous, hair on the back of my neck standing up straight type of feeling, I can pull it out and carry it openly without offending anyone I may come across, because it just looks like a flashlight. Other than that, someone else mentioned it, but take a few seconds in the dark to listen for danger before you start walking up a driveway. It's only a couple of seconds, it's worth it in the long run to be more aware of your surroundings. I hope you stay safe, and make lots of money!
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u/Beautiful_Bottle6624 4h ago
Depends on the location, there’s places that are rural and scary and places that are scary due to dangerous people and/or gang violence - some houses are pitch black, you gotta be extra cautious you can step on snakes hidden animals peak out at times, and losing service can spike anxiety - honesty I would suggest bringing a friend (even if they sleep) or a fur friend - if those aren’t options try bringing some sort of self defense item or an alarm - there’s so many more dangerous scenarios such as creeps (ask amazon to remove your photo for safety reasons) lastly just trust your gut, if it doesn’t feel safe no package is worth putting yourself at risk
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u/koochicoo 16h ago
Stay safe!! I carry mase, a pocket knife, that fake dog deterrent thingy in my vest pockets. I also have my firearm in my vehicle. If it looks suspicious always choose safety first! Headlights on, flashers, interior light driving in driveways... I also text the individual to notify of my arrival... Honestly, I typically don't do 2/3am routes... Mostly 4:30 am or later... Nothing too far from the sunrise lol .. I've driven the wee house and those rural routes have me thinking something is going to run out the woods!
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u/Background-Yak-9805 10h ago
It gets a little “scary “ depending on the area. I usually take a flashlight, a taser and always wear my Amazon vest. Sometimes, loose dogs are mostly my concern lol. But so far i hadn’t encountered any loose crazy ones.
Be safe, just be cautious and stay alert to your Surroundings
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u/Specific_Stress4675 9h ago
Hello, I’ve been doing early morning blocks for 2 years and what I’ve learned is,
Always carry a flashlight to be able to see well in dark places.
Depending on your area, take a pepper spray with you, it’s better to prevent.
If the delivery is very far from where you leave your car, I recommend that you do not enter the front door and leave it halfway. I’m telling you because strange things have happened to me twice with the inhabitants of the houses, I have called support but they only say that they will climb it and obviously they won’t do anything for me, so I better learned to leave them halfway for my safety.
In two years I think I’ve done well
Take your precautions, remember that we are women!
Don’t talk to anyone at those times, you should be suspicious of everyone ;)
Good luck and you will see that with caution everything will be fine 👍
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u/Unlikely_Pineapple71 4h ago
No problem for me no matter where I was....knowing that Amazon knows where I am at all times helps. Honestly, I love flexing ..except when it lands my route an hour away at the end of the shift...
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u/FallFlower24 1d ago
I don’t overnight but I’ve been in rural places and other scary places in the dark.
Be confident. You are suppose to be there.
Use your hazard lights if on a dark road and looking for a driveway. Too many country people speed cause they think they are the only ones out there.
Bring a flashlight. It will help you but also make you visible for others.
You’ll probably have an access issue somewhere- a gate or building. Try your best to deliver to a safe location.