Working for an Amazon DSP Vs FedEx ISP

Both Amazon and FedEx use independent contractors for last mile delivery. At Amazon, these contractors are called delivery service partners (DSPs), and at FedEx, they are called independent service providers (ISPs) and serve FedEx Ground.

DSPs and ISPs move goods from warehouses (AKA delivery stations ) to the customer.

If you’ve ever wanted to work as a delivery driver for either of these companies you may have wondered how they compare to each other.

If you work for either an Amazon DSP or FedEx ISP, you might wonder if the grass is truly greener on the other side.

Below are lists of differences and similarities between these two options which may help you to make an informed decision on where you’d want to work.

Differences between working at Amazon DSPs and FedEx ISPs

On average, Amazon DSP drivers have more stops than FedEx ISP drivers.

FedEx ISPs handle bigger and heavier packages (up to 150lbs) than Amazon DSPs (which have a weight limit of 50lbs to 75lbs). Heavy items can be detrimental to the delivery driver’s body (e.g., it can cause back pain issues).

Overall, FedEx has less micromanagement of their contractors compared to Amazon. This makes ISPs more laid back places to work for compared to DSPs. For example,

  • there’s stricter driver monitoring at Amazon using Netradyne and Mentor systems.
  • At Amazon, you are forced to take photos of most packages after delivery whereas at FedEx, you can just mark it as delivered in most cases.
  • Unlike FedEx drivers, Amazon drivers have to stick to the route given by Amazon even if it’s not optimal.
There’s more pay at FedEx ISPs compared to Amazon DSPs (but not by much).

Unlike Amazon, there are no grouped stops (where multiple stops are combined into one) at FedEx which means less effort and time spent on your delivery routes.

Most DSPs have a 4 day work week as compared to ISPs which mostly work 5 days.

DSPs pay delivery drivers only on an hourly basis while ISPs either per day, per hour, or by number of stops.

Amazon DSPs provide better benefits (e.g. health insurance) to their employees. FedEx ISPs rarely have benefits.

FedEx has a worse routing system (eStar) than Amazon.

FedEx delivery drivers rarely do rescuing (helping out other drivers at the end of their shift) compared to Amazon drivers where it’s a common occurrence for them.

Generally, DSP fleets are better maintained compared to ISP fleets.

Similarities between working at Amazon DSPs and FedEx ISPs

Both FedEx and Amazon delivery drivers lack union representation.

You are not directly employed by the respective companies (i.e. Amazon and FedEx) but by their contractors.

Having looked at both options, you may decide to choose one over the other based on your lifestyle preferences, where you live, etc.

The comparisons highlighted are general and the quality of the job will depend on your contractor at the end of the day since they are independent companies.

Being a FedEx Express driver is better than FedEx Ground since you’ll be directly employed by FedEx (with full benefits) as opposed to working for a contractor.

If you want to make delivery driving a career, it’s better to work at UPS for the higher pay and union representation (you will likely have to start as a package handler and work your way up to driving within a few years, however).

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