Does sprinter-rentals.com rent to DSPs?

Yes, Sprinter-rentals.com rents out vans to Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs). We have a fleet of full-size Mercedes Benz Sprinter cargo vans that have all the features a DSP needs. This post will answer frequently asked questions about Amazon DSPs. Plus, we will inform you why renting a van may make more sense for a DSP.

Buckle up!

First, What are Amazon DSPs?

DSPs stand for Amazon Delivery Service Partners. They are companies that partner with Amazon to deliver packages on their behalf using delivery vans. The DSP receives the packages at an Amazon delivery station and transports them to customers’ locations. DSPs are allocated a delivery area or route, it could be in cities, towns, or rural communities.

DSP owners enjoy incentives like deals on insurance, fuel programs, a negotiated vehicle leasing program, high-quality branded uniforms, and rugged devices. To make your business sustainable, Amazon ensures a steady delivery volume and provides hands-on training and access to a suite of discounted business management tools, i.e., recruiting, payroll, tax, accounting, and logistics software. Today, there are around 2,000 DSPs in the US and Canada and more than 1,000 around the world.

What is The Application Process for Becoming a DSP?

To apply as an Amazon DSP, you first need to have access to $30,000 in liquid assets (cash). This amount ensures you have enough funds to cover both the business startup costs of around $10,000 and personal expenses while you are undergoing training and launching your business. Other requirements include strong financial/business management skills, ability to hire and develop teams, good people management skills, solid credit history, clean driving record, and passing a criminal background check. You also need to be committed to act as a full-time, hands-on DSP operator.

The application process is pretty straightforward. Provide your name, email address, physical address, and preferred delivery locations. Further, you’ll need an up-to-date resume with a full history, including dates of your employment, education, and military service (if applicable). Application takes 2 to 3 hours to complete, but it might take months before Amazon is able to get back to you on your application. You can always monitor the status of your request in the application portal.

What are the Potential Income and Profitability of the DSP Program?

According to Amazon, the net profit potential for a DSP business ranges between $75,000 and $300,000 after expenses are accounted for. Of course, this isn’t a guarantee. Notably, Amazon pays DSPs based on a delivery performance score. The higher the score, the more the financial bonuses.

To achieve a high score, you need to constantly look for ways to improve the overall efficiency of your business. Typically, DSPs get good scores if they have timely deliveries, experienced and diligent drivers, fewer accidents, and higher employee retention rates. Those with more routes also earn more.

Notably, some businesses gross millions from Amazon, but operation costs can add up and eat into your revenue. Remember that DSP owners have to pay the employees’ wages, taxes, van leases, insurance, gas, van repairs, employee work gear, and worker’s compensation, among other costs.

Are there Specific Requirements for the Delivery Vans in Terms of Size, Branding, or Technical Specifications?

Yes, there are specific vehicle requirements for the Amazon Delivery Service Partners program. Although the vehicle requirements vary based on your location and the type of delivery service you offer, there are general guidelines. First, each van should have at least 200 cubic feet of space and be no more than 5 years old from the current model year.

Second, every van needs to have commercial auto insurance, cargo legal liability, and workers’ compensation. On branding, Amazon requires that all delivery vans must have the Amazon logo and specific color elements. Sprinter-rentals does allow you to apply the logos during your rental. Of course, all vehicles should be well-maintained and meet all safety requirements. When renting, Sprinter-rentals will handle the maintenance for you. While you can start with a small fleet, plus rent from us in peak season, many DSPs scale to 40 vans as soon as possible.

Can I Take Part in the DSP Program with Rented Vans?

Yes, you can use rented vans for Amazon deliveries as long as the vans meet the above requirements. While Amazon has negotiated an option that enables you to lease branded vehicles, this option is not ideal for all DSP business owners.

The main advantages of renting vans for DSP program is cost-effectiveness. It reduces the startup cost as it’s cheaper to rent vans compared to buying or leasing. Purchasing requires a high initial investment, while leasing requires a large down payment and fleet maintenance while you’re tied into a long-term commitment.

Another reason to rent a cargo van for Amazon DSP is that you get to enjoy unmatched flexibility. Renting gives you the ability to easily scale up or down the number of vans based on your delivery volume. You only pay for the vans you need when you need them. With renting, it’s easy and inexpensive to upgrade to newer vans, unlike buying or leasing where you’re stuck with older models. Plus, you can choose different van sizes and specifications based on changing work circumstances.

Use our site to discover and book affordable van rental for DSP program.

What Types of Vans are Most Suitable for the DSP Program, and are There Any Specific Recommendations?

The best vans for DSP programs are Sprinter cargo vans, as they check most boxes. For delivery purposes, these vans offer a class-leading cargo space of up to 586 cubic feet, depending on the model. They also have ample interior standing room up to 6’5 inches, giving your crew the freedom to work faster. Moreover, they boast a payload capacity of up to 5,508 lbs..

Cargo Sprinter vans have plenty of other features to help you reach your daily targets. For instance, advanced safety technology helps reduce accidents. These vehicles also offer superior fuel efficiency (up to 22 mpg). Features like supportive heated seats, a backup camera, traffic awareness, outstanding handling, and a navigation system make Sprinters easier to drive for long hours, which means happier and more productive drivers.

Specifically, the Mercedes Benz 2500 Sprinters are a solid option for the DSP program, as they are allowed to enter most roads and tunnels without incurring additional toll fees. Read all about the tunnel you may take in the New York / New Jersey area here.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Distance or Duration for Which Rented Vans can be Used for the DSP Program?

Yes, many van rental options for Amazon's DSP program have distance restrictions. Once you exceed the set miles, you’re charged for the extra miles. Our company, sprinter-rentals.com offers unlimited mileage packages to ease anxiety if you cover long distances. Regarding duration, the maximum rental period is usually flexible. You can rent for a day, week, or on a monthly basis.

Can Individuals Under a Certain Age Rent Vans for the DSP Program?

Anyone who is age 18 years and above can rent (not drive) a van from sprinter-rentals.com. However, only individuals 21 years and above can drive our cargo vans. That means someone who is 18 years can rent the delivery van, but the driver will have to be at least 21 years.

Is a Sprinter Better or a Transit for a DSP?

A Mercedez Sprinter and Ford Transit are both great vehicles to use as DSP vans. If you’re looking to lower your operational costs, the Mercedes Sprinter 2500 with a 170 wheel base has the edge when it comes to fuel economy. Users get a combined fuel economy of around 18 mpg. On the other hand, Ford Transit 250 gets around 15 mpg.

If you’re buying, the cost per mile to operate a Mercedes Sprinter 2500 with a 170 wheel base for 5 years is $0.84 per mile, while the Ford Transit 250 is $0.98 per mile. The main advantage of Transit vans is they have the highest roof of any panel van. Compared to Sprinters, you’ll have 2.4 more inches of interior standing room.

Cargo Van Rentals: A Flexible Way to Run a DSP Business

Instead of spending a fortune to purchase new vans or being tied to an expensive long-term lease agreement, go for a flexible van rental arrangement. This way, you can rent more vans when you anticipate higher package volumes and rent fewer when business is slow. Feel free to talk to sprinter-rentals.com if you are looking for a dependable van rental company for DSP program.