The key to getting more blocks many times has to do with how long it takes you to get to the warehouse. Technically you can check-in up to 14 minutes past the hour of your scheduled arrival time. *(Update, check-in is now no later than 5 minutes past the hour!) Technically. But you don’t really want to arrive that late because you could miss the push for that block and end up sitting. Some people don’t mind this, but as you will learn, most of the money you make delivering for Amazon Flex comes from the tips. And you won’t get any tips just sitting at the warehouse waiting. It’s best to pick up the shift and be able to make it to the warehouse either before or right near the check-in time for the block. (Usually 15 minutes until the hour.)
So, when do notifications for blocks go out? Well…that can vary. I have seen blocks go out an hour and 45 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. And I have seen blocks go out 2 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. This can and will vary for each location. Your ability to take the block directly depends on your ability to get to the warehouse on time.
Some drivers will sit at the warehouse all day/night looking for shifts. These are the hustlers. They could get 6 blocks, 2 blocks or no blocks. It’s all about luck. Although they don’t have an advantage when trying to obtain a block (more on this later), they do have an advantage in that they are already at the warehouse and have no travel time. If an opportunity for a block becomes available at 2 minutes until the hour, these are the drivers that are going to get it. Especially when someone else, who is 20 minutes away, isn’t even looking anymore.
But don’t think for one moment that you have to go and sit at the warehouse to pick up blocks. I know many, myself included, that have better luck being at home. I do on occasion drive to a location that puts me closer to the warehouse. Say 10 minutes away rather than 20. That way I am able to try for a block up to 15 until the hour versus 25 until the hour.
Your success will depend on you figuring out what works best for you and your area. This will take time and effort to figure out, but as I’ve said before, it will be worth it.