Amazon delivery drivers in frenetic race to deliver presents before Christmas Day

Georgia Holland
The Nightly
With less than a week until the big day 7NEWS was given a behind the scenes look at the massive operation making sure every package arrives on time.

Thousands of delivery drivers are criss-crossing the country in a race to drop off presents before Christmas Day.

Workers for American behemoth Amazon are in overdrive, ferrying parcels from warehouses to doorsteps.

Phil Rock has been an Amazon Flex driver for 14 months.

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We joined him as he delivered packages in Brisbane.

“It’s my own office on the run,” he said.

“Usually I have my music blaring, my drinks, my little snacks, and away you go.”

During his four-hour shift he can deliver up to 50 parcels, all while navigating unfamiliar suburban streets, traffic and the occasional barking dog.

“Typically, it’s about 75km each trip,” he said.

“That’s me recording from my house to the delivery location to collect all the parcels, then once I’ve done my route, then finish and back home.”

Amazon delivery drivers rush to get presents to people before Christmas.
Amazon delivery drivers rush to get presents to people before Christmas. Credit: 7NEWS

Extra drivers have been hired and working hours extended to cope with increased demand before Christmas.

Amazon’s Australian boss Janet Menzies is keeping a close eye on operations around the country.

“We’ve been building our network all year to make sure we’re ready,” she said.

“The role of the delivery driver is so important, we’re so grateful for all of our partners and team members at this time of year.”

Prime Members can order as late as December 22 for free delivery..

Non-members have until December 20 for select items.

For sending gifts with Australia Post, December 20 is the cut off for standard delivery, December 23 for Express.

Extra time is needed for WA, Tasmania and remote areas.

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