Bob Zaburov was a truck driver for 15 years before he launched iAte Inc out of Ohio. In between driving long hours, he learned everything about operations, dispatching, and customer relations. Over time, hard work paid off. Six years into business, iAte Inc has amassed over 70 trucks.
We talked to Bob about how Amazon Relay has supported his company’s growth, and how he’s focused on building a reliable team of people who shared his values of honesty, professionalism, and consistency.
How did you get into trucking?
I had no industry experience. I came to the U.S. over 15 years ago from Uzbekistan. I told my mom I wanted to apply for the Diversity Visas lottery to join our relatives here. She was against the idea of me going alone, because I was the man of the family – my father passed when I was 15. So, we filled the application out in her name. That way, if we won, our family could all go together. I had odd jobs once we arrived, working in a restaurant and then managing a business that bought scraps like jewelry and watches.
But I’ve always enjoyed being on the road. There’s something about driving long distances — the peace, the challenge, and the responsibility. Every trip teaches you something new. That constant learning is what made me love this industry. So, once I decided to make it a career, I got my CDL within 6 months.
Why did you decide to transition to business owner?
My family. My son was always asking when I was going to be back from the road, which was really hard. I bought my own truck in 2015, working as an owner-operator. I used lease-to-buy options to apply for my second and third trucks. In 2019, I opened my own authority. Most of my trucks since then have come from rentals and working with other owner-operators.
As I grew the business, I relied on the resilience I’d built since my father’s passing, but I was only able to make it this far because my mother and wife were always next to me. My mother helped with accounting and supported bills in Covid. My wife has always shown incredible strength and patience in raising all my children. I have deep respect for both her and my mother.
How has your driving experience influenced your management style?
I think about how decisions affect the drivers first — their comfort, safety, and motivation. Being a driver gave me a real understanding of what it’s like behind the wheel. I know how hard it can be to deal with long hours, tight schedules, and unexpected challenges. Our company motto, ‘Trust Matters,’ is something I live by. I want every driver to know we’re on their side, and that they’re part of something bigger than just a trucking company.
“Each new truck we added meant new opportunities for our drivers, new jobs, and new goals. Growth, for me, is not just about numbers but about creating something that lasts.”
How has Relay supported your company’s growth?
Relay’s power-only load options keep our trucks productive year-round. Being a 53’ dry van business gives us the flexibility to haul almost any kind of freight. It’s the standard trailer size most Relay loads require, and it allows us to take on both short and long-haul loads. We’re not limited by trailer type. And because of Relay’s consistency, we’ve been able to focus on expanding our fleet and building long-term customer relationships instead of constantly worrying about where the next load will come from.
What features of Relay do you use the most?
The load board and auctions are our daily tools, because as we expand, we focus on keeping a balance between winning dedicated lanes and finding spot loads. It’s easier to line up long-term, stable schedules with contracts, but in between, our dispatch team constantly analyzes available loads, delivery times, and routes to build round trips that keep trucks moving in both directions. This way, we save fuel, time, and money while making sure every driver has a load ready before they finish their current delivery.
I also appreciate Relay’s data and reporting tools. They give us insights into our performance, on-time rates, and areas where we can improve. That kind of feedback helps us grow smarter.
“Relay gives us the structure, visibility, and consistency we need to help manage our business effectively. With Relay’s assistance, we can plan smarter, move faster, and scale our operations in a sustainable way.”
How do you plan routes as your business grows?
Relay’s bulk bidding option for auctions means we don’t have to manually place bids one at a time and miss out on valuable contract opportunities. The auctions also make it fair — every carrier has the same chance to bid and prove their performance.
What do your company’s drivers like about Relay?
With other shippers, most over-the-road drivers are going coast to coast three weeks straight, then taking one week off. So, they think they’re getting a month of work. But with Relay, I’m able to give my drivers predictable, dedicated routes, which means they’re sleeping three days at home every week. They’re getting more consistent time with their families. Through Relay, we contract lanes across Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, so if a driver has a family event or emergency, they can get home right away.
“Relay has supported us in many ways — from steady freight flow to easy communication and payments. The system is very transparent, which helps us plan better and avoid unexpected problems.”
What advice would you give to other carriers considering Relay?
Be reliable. Always deliver on time, communicate clearly, and keep your commitments. Relay offers great opportunities, but it’s up to you to make the most of them.
What advice do you have for those interested in trucking?
Maintain control of your business from the very beginning. Many new owner-operators rush to hire dispatchers or operations managers right away, but moving too fast often leads to failing fast. Take your time, love what you do, build step by step, and show up every single day. And most importantly, never distance yourself from your business. Consistency is everything. You have to review your operations daily, stay hands-on, and keep full control as you grow.
When I left the truck and moved into the office, I thought I’d finally have more free time — but I actually work even more now, because I’m responsible not just for my own family, but also for my drivers’ families.
What are your goals for the future?
We want to grow in quality, not just in size. For us, that means safety. We’re investing in modern equipment, like two-way cameras, and maintenance. Our trucks are newer models, which means better fuel efficiency and fewer breakdowns. Our fleet team tracks each truck’s lifetime to see if the check engine light is on, or if there’s low pressure on tires, cooling problems, etc.
Most of my drivers have also been on the road over 10 years. They start with a fleet and safety team orientation, so they know how to use Relay and how to behave inside Amazon facilities. But we also give all drivers points to track their operations. We run weekly safety reports to track the safest drivers, detect speeding or phone usage, close following, etc. If the drivers run safely, we give them a bonus of a couple hundred dollars. Professionalism and discipline go a long way in this industry. If you build a good reputation, the loads and the success will follow.
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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.
