Amazon Reverts to Gig Workers After Scrapping Kia Delivery Trial
Amazon has terminated its two-year experiment with Kia hatchback deliveries, reverting to gig economy workers for last-mile logistics. The tech giant informed Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) this month that the program—tested across six states since 2023—would wind down within months.
The failed initiative aimed to reduce reliance on Flex drivers who use personal vehicles. "The DSP model isn't currently the right fit for Same-Day Delivery," conceded Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly. Market analysts note this underscores persistent challenges in balancing cost efficiency with delivery control.