Amazon has announced that it is offering employees US$10,000 to quit their jobs and become independent package delivery entrepreneurs.

This move comes in as the e-commerce giant ramping up its efforts to control its own logistics.  Amazon is seeking to reduce its dependence on services such as the US Postal Service and FedEx.

The statement released by Amazon reads, “The latest incentive would also include three months of wages for employees who want to start their own delivery enterprise, and that they would be assured "consistent delivery volume" from the company.”

Amazon first launched the "delivery service partner" program in 2018, requiring employees to invest in their own start and estimating revenues for up to US$300,000.Since last year, some 200 people have begun Amazon delivery start-ups, and the company said it expects "hundreds" more with the added incentives, available in the United States, Britain and Spain.

Dave Clark, Senior Vice-President of Worldwide Operations, Amazon shared, “We received overwhelming interest from tens of thousands of individuals who applied to be part of the delivery service partner program, including many employees.”

Apart from the monetary benefits, the company will offer access to the company's delivery technology, training, and discounts on assets and services, including Amazon-branded vans and uniforms and insurance.

The effort is part of Amazon to gain more control of its vast logistical network that includes its own employees, contractors and outside services that deliver its parcels.