Classifying the runners as "contractors" is debatable, as lawsuits in Arizona and California have stated. But that's just the beginning.
I'm reading that owning a smartphone is a job requisite, for hosting Amazon software. Also, customers can set delivery instructions, including opting for some phone call alert. What should happen is that Flex/Prime Now drivers rely on their own maps and GPS if they're supposedly lost. If they can't find a stop or reach a gated community or for whatever reason get stuck, they should first be calling an Amazon dispatcher for help, which I understand is available and friendly. Then, for very good security and quality control reasons, only an Amazon office should be making tickler calls to consignees if needed, and while displaying useful Caller ID. That of course is an ideal arrangement.
As it stands, the drivers are thrown from the warehouse with a load of completely unsorted parcels, if they get a decent load at all. A lot of them apparently don't think to plan their routes and resort them in their vehicles by "last stop first" order. The Flex drivers are reportedly paid a flat rate for four hours, even if the load takes twice as long. Between the lack of guidance and false urgency there's ample room for newbies to panic and make dozens of phone calls every trip.
Assuming that, at the moment of order placement, consignees are consciously consenting to phone calls about a delivery, it should not be such a god-awful surprise when they get one, especially when the item is expected the same bloody day. I think the defensive chatter here about front porches and fear of theft is overblown, and fails to acknowledge regional differences in housing styles and neighborhoods. Amazon should not need unaffiliated websites like this to legitimize its customer service phone traffic. Said customers should not be piling in here in twos and threes to lob sunny and/or bratty remarks unless there is a serious problem no one wants to discuss.
Received this call, and did not have time pick it up. Later Amazon 877-252-2701 called me, because they are trying to deliver my package while I was not at home. Talk to them, I ask them to redeliver my package.
It was an Amazon driver calling for my gate code to get in my gated community. He looked like an Uber driver, he was in his POV. Also, he was delivering on Labor Day (Holiday).
Boy this guy is a busy beaver. 6 pages of "it is Amazon delivery" reports. So you knew who called you yet you looked up the number anyway? Yeah I always do that.
I received 2 calls, no message and I did not have an Amazon order pending. Also, Amazon does not have this phone number connected to my account. Suspicious!! Caller was BLOCKED.