This interview was conducted during RelayCon 2025. It’s been edited and condensed for length. This carrier’s experience is unique. Lendistry, an independent lender, evaluates applications based on their own criteria, including Relay performance metrics.
Ellis Sandifer, owner of 2’Eazy, LLC, started with one truck and has built his business into a growing fleet. He was able to scale operations through a combination of initiatives, including Amazon loads and capital from Lendistry based on Relay’s referral.
Lendistry, a community development financial institution, offers revenue-based financing opportunities to eligible small- and medium-sized carriers who haul with Amazon Relay. Monthly payments adjust based on carrier earnings, with flexible payment terms up to two years. Carriers can apply for loans up to $150,000 based on these criteria:
- Active on Relay for at least 1 year
- $100K-$5 million in annual revenue (at least $5k monthly in the trailing 12 months)
- Relay performance score of C+ or better
We talked to Ellis about his journey with Amazon Relay and how he took advantage of the opportunity with Lendistry to achieve his business goals.
How did you get in the trucking business?
I used to work for another trucking company and wasn’t making much money. I realized I could do it myself. When I saved enough, I got my own truck and applied for my business license. I put everything I had into it.
Once I got the truck, I secured a furniture contract and hired my family members. We worked hard, every day of the week for years. When my son was born, we learned that he had a heart conditions, and he needed open heart surgery. The people I had contracted with were behind in paying me, and I needed to figure something out for my son, so I started looking for other shippers. When I was searching, I came across Amazon. They pay every week, so I applied, and I’ve been hauling loads for Amazon Relay ever since. About three years now.
“I like Relay’s load board because the routes are quick and flexible, which lets me to focus on getting my drivers back home to their families every night.”
How has Relay supported your business needs?
I run box trucks. They’re simpler to operate than an 18-wheeler and the hours aren’t as overwhelming. They require less credentialing, which broadens the hiring pool of drivers. Relay’s box truck routes tend to be local, so my drivers don’t have to go out as far. They can rest up and do another route, allowing me to book more on the load board and grow quickly.
How did you learn about Lendistry?
I saw an email come through from Lendistry with information about Relay’s referral for a business loan. Because I was a high-performing carrier, I had access to this special opportunity. I decided to give it a try. Seeing that it had worked for other carriers helped me feel confident. Lendistry communicated with me really well throughout the whole process.
“Lendistry let me know what I needed to do, submitting my business articles and tax forms, then right away they told me what I was approved for. It was all really easy.”
What was the financing process like?
The loan structure was easy for me to work with. Lendistry took 10% out of my weekly earnings. I thought this was fair. I feel like if you’re a hard worker, you aren’t going to feel it. That was true for me, because I was able to pay off the loan in 6 months. I did that by booking Relay loads every week, because the more money you make, the faster pay it off. It was a win-win situation. And Amazon’s peak season offers so many opportunities to support those loan payments.
How has this trucking loan impacted your business?
It was always my vision to have more than one truck. So, after I paid off the first loan quickly, I thought, why not apply for another one? It doesn’t hurt to try. Except this time, I didn’t ask for the minimum, I asked for the maximum. I was able to get two more box trucks - and now I’m up to four.
My business is scaling, and I have more time to be active with my son and family members. I coached his baseball team this year. My team can lead the business without me there, so I’m adjusting now with all this free time.
“This program that Lendistry offers with Relay carriers has been stress-free and provided me with a chance for growth.”
What advice would you give to other carriers considering Lendistry financing?
If you’re serious about the growth - this opportunity is worth it because the repayment is simple. It was a dream when I started hauling. I envisioned this happening. But don’t get the grant and think you’re rich. Be strategic about how you’re going to use the capital to support your business. And if you don’t use it right away, save for when might need it. You can use it for any business expense – equipment, payroll, tires.
What advice would you give to other carriers wanting to join Relay?
You always have to think about the cost of business. Picture 6 months of breakdowns. That’s a lot of money on maintenance. Be prepared when those pitfalls come around, because they will.
Business rewards you the more time you put into it. If you have a clear vision – sometimes I don’t know if you can see it because it can be so dark in that tunnel – keep going. My business is running from the heart, drive, passion, not wanting to fail. Knowing my son depends on me, and I need to be his crutches.
What are your business goals for the future?
I want my business to be the machine behind my catalog, whether it’s property, tow trucks, etc. I’m just starting off with box trucks.
Two weeks ago, I had a conversation with my parents where they said they were proud of me. My mom’s always wanted to see me in a suit, and I’ve actually hired my dad to run three nights a week in one of my trucks. I’m also teaching my son that these trucks make us money. When I write checks, I take him bank, things like that. I want him to see the entrepreneurial, executive side of business.
Ready to grow your business?
Ellis’s journey from owner-operator to fleet owner demonstrates how combining consistent loads with strategic financing can support business growth. Relay offers access to regular load opportunities, tools to help manage your business, and potential access to financing through third-party lenders.
Interested in hauling Relay loads? Start your Relay application on desktop or our app on iOS or Android. But first, check out Relay’s carrier requirements to make sure hauling for Amazon is the right fit for your business.
Disclaimer: Amazon does not tender loads through any third-party load boards. Any Amazon loads posted on third-party load boards will only be tendered directly to approved and onboarded carriers via the Relay web portal or Relay mobile app. If you are interested in hauling loads for Amazon, sign up and book directly on relay.amazon.com. For more about our efforts against fraud and cargo theft, see our trustworthy transportation page.
