Kenard Hill first considered entering the trucking industry in 2022. With a background in cybersecurity and military service as an overseas base postmaster, he knew he wanted to build something scalable that combined logistics and technology.
Starting with a single box truck in January 2023, Kenard took a calculated leap of faith. We talked to him about how he’s built his growing fleet and Relay’s load opportunities along the way.
How did you hear about Amazon Relay?
I heard about Amazon’s middle mile from a friend, so I researched box truck carriers on YouTube. I was impressed by their success and how Relay could help, so I applied.
I understood tech risk management and security controls from my time in government. When I discovered Relay’s structure, it felt familiar. Relay’s feedback is timely – when you’re late or reject work, your performance score takes the hit. But if you maintain your score, the growth opportunities are there.
How did you first build your business?
My government supervisors supported my vision, allowing me to work part-time as I built my fleet. By March 2024, I’d added two more trucks. Three months later, my fleet had grown even further. Relay’s contracts during that time helped me avoid empty miles, so I had peace of mind.
I told my wife I’d take leave of absence for a year to see what I can do with the business. She was nervous but always believed that I could make it happen. And one of my daughters had to be homeschooled for a time, so being an independent contractor gave me flexibility and the opportunity to be there for her.
Which Relay features do you continue to use?
I started with Relay’s 8-hour contract blocks but tested 13-hour contracts when my drivers said they wouldn’t mind longer routes. I’ll book a spot load and run it myself first. If a lane seems profitable, and I know we can get there on time, I’ll start putting my drivers on it as contracts.
They actually preferred the 13-hour blocks because of the compensation and predictable weekends.
How do you identify which Relay opportunities to pursue?
I’m good at getting ahead of trends. I pay attention to what Amazon’s sending out on the road and in the yards, because it tends to become a contract opportunity on Relay a few months later. For example, one thing that attracted me to the semi side of trucking was Relay’s shuttling and hostling routes. I saw trucking companies running trailer moves between local facilities. I saw that opportunity could add value to my business because I wouldn’t have to use a lot of fuel.
“Because of Relay’s contract consistency, I can always work through pain points. Instead of worrying about finding a broker, I know I’ll have the cash flow to pay for maintenance or repairs, and a sustainable pay scale for drivers.”
How does Relay help you attract & retain drivers?
We’re one of the few carriers in the area doing box truck contracts through Relay. We can offer routes for 6 days a week and drivers know exactly what they’ll earn. I never look at cost per mile, because I pay drivers a flat rate, no matter where they go. While I book based on Relay’s upfront contract rate, drivers know if they run a certain number of days, they get a certain amount of money.
How do you encourage accountability for safety?
We have regular safety briefings with tough conversations. If a driver is the reason our performance score dropped, they present on that topic and explain to the team why. No weak links. Once we’re done, we eat and laugh. There’s no shaming – we learn, pivot, and grow.
My fleet was also in the beta test for Relay’s mileage bonuses, rewarding drivers for safe hauling. We created internal incentives: drivers with the highest safety scores got half the safety bonus for the quarter, and the other half went to maintenance.
“We have standards and expectations for the company, but instead of pushing, I ask about the drivers’ goals and help fulfill them.”
What inspires your leadership style?
I draw from my experience coaching girls’ high school basketball and raising six daughters. I’ve learned to approach everyone differently. It’s people-first, accepting as they are, meeting where they are.
We helped a driver who was a single father gain custody of his daughter. I said give me a monetary amount, and we’ll work to get you there. So, we planned routes to help him achieve it – car, housing, furniture, creating a safe space. Within two months, he had custody and now we’re working on his next goals. Those finances were possible in part due to the consistency Relay provides.
What are your growth plans for your business?
By 2027, I want to have 20 trucks in this area. Long-term, I’m aiming for 100 trucks minimum. Relay helps provide the tools we need to meet those goals and scale efficiently.
Find success through structure
For Kenard, Relay’s systematic approach assisted in scaling his business. If your trucking company thrives given high standards, check if you meet Relay’s carrier requirements. Then, start your Relay application on your desktop or in our app on iOS or Android.
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.
