Amazon Flex vs. Intelcom: Which Delivery Driver Job Pays More?

If you order a package from Amazon in Canada, it arrives one of two ways:

1. A person in a Honda Civic throws it on your porch (Amazon Flex).
2. A person in a white unbranded van hands it to you (Intelcom / Dragonfly).

Both drivers are delivering the same boxes, but they are doing two completely different jobs.

If you are looking for driving jobs in Canada, you need to understand the difference. One is a side hustle designed for students. The other is a business opportunity that requires you to incorporate a company and manage a full route.

Which one pays more? That depends on whether you want "pocket money" or "business revenue." Here is the definitive breakdown for 2026.

1. Amazon Flex (The "Gig" Option)

This is for people who want to work 3–4 hours a day using their own personal car.

• How it Works: You download an app, claim a "Block" (shift), and deliver packages from your trunk.
• The Pay: $22 – $28 per hour (Base Pay).
  • Surge Pay: In bad weather or holidays, this can jump to $35+/hour.
• The Vehicle: Your own sedan or SUV. You pay for gas, insurance, and repairs.
• The "Street" Verdict: Best for Part-Time.
  • Pros: Total freedom. If you don't want to work for a week, you don't have to.
  • Cons: Blocks are hard to get. You compete with "bots" to grab shifts. You cannot rely on this for full-time rent money.

2. Intelcom / Dragonfly (The "Business" Option)

Intelcom (often branded as Dragonfly in some provinces) handles the bulk of Amazon’s "last mile" delivery in Canada.

• How it Works: You are not usually an "employee." You are an Independent Delivery Contractor (IDC).
• The Pay: Piecework (Per Package).
  • You are paid roughly $1.30 – $1.60 per package.
  • A typical route has 100 – 160 packages.
  • Daily Revenue: $180 – $250 per day.
• The Vehicle: You usually need a white cargo van. Some contractors provide the van; others require you to rent or own one.
• The Catch: You must incorporate.
  • Intelcom often requires you to register a corporation (approx. $500 cost) so they can pay your business B2B. This means you are responsible for your own taxes (CPP, EI) entirely.

3. The "Sub-Contractor" Route (The Middle Ground)

There is a third option. You can work for a Broker who owns an Intelcom route.

• The Deal: A business owner has a contract with Intelcom for 10 routes. They hire you to drive one of their vans.
• The Pay: $18.00 – $21.00 per hour (or a flat day rate of $160).
• Verdict: This is safer than being an owner, but the pay is lower than Amazon Flex. However, it is guaranteed full-time work.

Comparison Table: Flex vs. Intelcom (Owner)

Practical Questions Answered

"Does Intelcom pay for gas?"

NO.

If you are an Independent Contractor, gas is your biggest expense.

• The Math: A cargo van burns more gas than a Civic. If you earn $250 for the route but spend $60 on gas, your take-home is **$190**.

"Which is less stressful?"

Amazon Flex.

• Flex: You have 30 packages. You finish in 3 hours. You go home.
• Intelcom: You have 140 packages. You are racing against the clock. If you bring packages back to the warehouse, you get penalized (fined). The pressure is much higher.

"Can I do Intelcom with a G2 license?"

Usually No.

Most logistics insurance policies require a Full G License (or Class 5 in BC/AB) and for the driver to be at least 21 or 25 years old. Flex is more lenient with younger drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Intelcom owned by Amazon?

No. Intelcom (Dragonfly) is a separate Canadian logistics company based in Montreal. They are a vendor for Amazon. This is why Intelcom drivers do not wear Amazon uniforms and drive unbranded vans.

How many packages does an Intelcom driver deliver per day?

A full-time route driver typically delivers between 120 and 180 packages per day. In dense city areas (condos), the count is higher. In rural areas, the count is lower, but the driving distance is longer.

Can I do Amazon Flex if I already work for Intelcom?

Yes. Many drivers do Intelcom during the day (8 AM – 5 PM) and pick up an Amazon Flex block in the evening or on weekends for extra cash. They are separate systems, so there is no conflict of interest as long as you meet the delivery standards for both.

Which job is better for students?

Amazon Flex is far better for students. Intelcom routes are generally full-day commitments (8–10 hours) that start early in the morning. Flex allows you to work a 5 PM – 9 PM block after classes finish.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

• Intelcom (Become an Independent Contractor): https://intelcom.ca/en/independent-delivery-contractor/
• Amazon Flex Canada (Pay & FAQ): https://flex.amazon.ca/
• Glassdoor (Driver Salaries Comparison): https://www.glassdoor.ca/

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.