Amazon Driver Exposes Harsh Realities of Delivery Work

A delivery driver for Amazon has shed light on the challenging conditions faced by workers in the logistics industry, revealing alarming practices that include the need to urinate in plastic bottles during long shifts. In a candid account, Matthew Cole, 44, described how drivers are pressured to meet demanding targets of up to 350 parcels each day, often leading to exhaustion and unsafe driving conditions.

Cole, a father of seven, has been employed with BEAZ Logistics since April 2024, a company that serves as a Delivery Service Provider (DSP) for Amazon. He shared a disturbing photograph of a pile of urine-filled bottles discarded near a bin outside the Amazon distribution center in Ipswich. According to Cole, drivers frequently work nine-hour shifts covering routes that can exceed 180 miles, often without adequate breaks.

“I urinate in a plastic urine bottle because using regular drinking bottles is messy,” Cole explained. He emphasized the lack of sufficient facilities and the overwhelming pressure to complete deliveries. “Drivers are expected to deliver an unreasonable number of parcels, especially during the busy Christmas period, where stops can reach 200,” he added.

Cole highlighted that the pay for drivers is around £121.50 per shift, and failure to meet performance targets can result in job loss. He described the work environment as “physically and mentally draining” and expressed concern over the absence of a supportive structure for voicing grievances without fear of repercussions.

Other drivers echoed Cole’s sentiments, describing their experiences as akin to “slavery” due to excessive working hours and inadequate compensation. One anonymous driver who previously worked for TK Prime Limited in Ipswich stated, “We basically felt like slaves driving non-stop,” reporting shifts that often extended beyond the designated nine hours.

In response to these claims, Amazon stated that while the majority of their drivers in the UK are independent contractors, the company expects all DSPs to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of their workers. An Amazon spokesperson noted, “We are looking into these claims as a matter of urgency. We require our partners to ensure vehicle safety checks are part of every driver’s day.”

Cole recounted a troubling incident where he was involved in a collision due to fatigue. “I reversed into another vehicle because I was extremely tired,” he said, recounting another occasion where he was told to continue working after being shaken up from a rear-end collision with a lorry. Such incidents raise significant concerns about the safety of drivers on the road.

The drivers have also reported mechanical issues with their vehicles, including faulty brakes and warning lights, which they argue are indicative of a broader neglect of safety standards. Amazon has stated that they are committed to improving the safety of their drivers through the use of technology and monitoring systems.

While both BEAZ Logistics and TK Prime Limited were contacted for comments regarding these allegations, they did not respond. As the holiday season approaches, the issues surrounding delivery drivers’ working conditions remain pressing, with many calling for greater awareness and change within the industry.

The experiences shared by Cole and his colleagues have highlighted the urgent need for reforms to ensure fair treatment and safer working environments for delivery drivers across the sector.