Nicole Pereira, the Atlanta-based owner of PNG Logistics, has launched ventures across five industries and counting. We caught up with Nicole to hear how Amazon Relay’s trucking opportunities are helping her write her latest chapter from behind the wheel.
Tell us what led you to your career change.
My husband passed in 2021. We ran a helicopter tour business, but he ran about 75% of it, so learning it from the ground up was almost impossible. When it came to my next business, I wanted to be able to do everything from every aspect so I could jump in.
I’ve always been a serial entrepreneur. I worked in real estate. I also have a party rental business in an event space. Before trucking, I was mostly working from home, but I’ve been running with Amazon Relay for about a year now.
“My typical mornings now are getting the kids up getting ready for breakfast—one hand’s got a spatula flipping eggs, one hand’s on that phone flipping through the load board.”
Why trucking?
The helicopter business was tourist-based. During Covid in Atlanta, the city was shut down completely. But the bills were still coming.
The trucking industry gained my focus because I thought to myself, “Who’s going to work?” The goods still have to move and our groceries still have to get here.
How has your schedule changed as a trucker?
Amazon Relay really does offer flexibility, since it runs 24/7. You’re able to haul either one in the morning or one in the afternoon, 200 miles or 10 miles. It helps someone in my position by being able to pick their own schedule. My kids get on the bus at 6:30. I can pick a local run that’ll take about four hours to do. I’m done before they get off at 2:30.
And I don’t have to worry about putting in a request with the boss, like, “Hey, I want to be off for two weeks” and somebody denies it.
You started trucking from scratch. Why box trucks?
The benefit of Relay isn’t just flexibility. It’s also determining how much income you’d like to make for yourself. My box truck is actually my third vehicle, but it’s the most lucrative one.
I went from a cargo van. I did hot shot, pulled a 40ft trailer, and then I went on to the box truck. I was honestly scared of it to begin with. It sat in my driveway for about two months, and I just paid the note on it. Until one day I said, “You know what? I’m going to get in there and I’m gonna go.”
My son is excited that I drive a box truck. He goes on Roblox and likes to imitate me.
What were some of the other biggest challenges starting out in trucking?
Finding consistent loads that work for your business. Before Amazon Relay, I’d have to pick up the phone, call the broker, negotiate, get the load. Somebody might get there before you.
But with Amazon Relay, you just go on the load board and book it. It’s done. It’s just easier. I have a lot of Amazon location choices in Atlanta, and I schedule loads from my phone. The Relay app makes everything convenient. No computer needed, unless you want to be on one.
What keeps you going on your hard days?
It’s the pleasure of being your own boss. If you’re having a hard day, just don’t book anything. Success for me looks like moving on my own time.
Now that I’m head of household and doing everything on my own, it pushes me to go harder. I have two little ones dependent on me. I knew it was time to step my game up. Their lives have changed, but I don’t want their lifestyle to change. So, the challenge may be the loss of my husband, but it’s also what keeps me going.
I learned to gather myself and smile more and give out the energy that I want people to have around me. And if they don’t have that energy, to separate myself.
What excites you most about the future of your business?
My goal is to expand, add more trucks. I’d like to take myself out of the driver’s seat. I’d rather be home with my children.
My family is proud of me. I actually come from a family of CDL drivers. My dad drove for the city of New York. My brothers are diesel mechanics. I’m the youngest, and the first entrepreneur. It’s only been a year of hauling with Relay. But with good work ethic and always pushing forward, you’ll be surprised what you’re capable of doing through Relay’s opportunities.
Join Relay
Start your Relay application on desktop or our app on iOS or Android to join Amazon’s freight network. But first, check out Relay’s carrier requirementsto make sure hauling for Amazon is the right fit for your business. Here’s a snapshot of what the load board has to offer approved carriers.
Rates and volume shown are based on recent averages and may vary. Live rates are provided at the time of booking.
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.
