RelayCon 2026 recap | Why now is the best time to be an Amazon Relay carrier

Amazon expects to move over 4 million loads through the holidays, with volume hitting 300,000 per week by December. That’s 11% more freight than last year. For carriers who know how to plan ahead, peak season isn’t just busy. It’s where businesses take off.

RelayCon is where that planning starts. Over 1,000 carriers came together in Las Vegas from September 9th-11th—twice the attendance of last year—to map out their peak strategies, meet the people who build the tools they use every time they haul for Relay, and walk away with the information to create a real plan for the months ahead.

Here’s what you missed.

Peak season strategy, straight from leadership

Peak is the biggest freight opportunity of the year. RelayCon attendees sat down with Amazon’s transportation leaders to talk through ways they can position their fleets, maximize their earnings, and stay ahead of the volume curve.

In this video, John Hartland, Director of North America Surface Transportation, breaks down Relay’s opportunities that carriers can take advantage of to make the most of peak season.

More shippers, more loads

• The good news: Amazon Supply Chain Services opened Relay’s logistics network to shippers of all sizes and industries. That means the freight on Relay isn’t just Amazon packages anymore. It’s a broader, more diverse set of loads across more lanes.
• The on-site difference: RelayCon 2026 introduced three breakout tracks (build, scale, optimize), so every carrier walked into sessions built for where their business actually is. They got to connect with carriers running similar operations, so they could walk away with both the info and connections to help them execute their plan for a load board that looks different than it did a year ago.

Longer contracts, more stability

• The good news: Carriers can now access contract offers for even longer commitments (previously up to 6 months). That’s the kind of predictability that lets you plan routes and stop guessing what next quarter looks like.
• The on-site difference: RelayCon attendees strategized their peak season in workshops led by Amazon leaders and industry experts, booking contracts weeks before the freight surge hits. By the time peak volume ramps, their schedules are already set.

New freight types are expanding

• The good news: Relay’s intermodal, reefer, hostler, and less-than-a-truckload options are all growing. If you’ve got specialized equipment or you’re looking to diversify, there are more ways to put your fleet to use.
• The on-site difference: RelayCon 2026 attendees sat across the table from Relay’s planning and tech teams. They could ask about lane availability, equipment requirements, and timeline to know which new load types fit their fleet and when to expect volume in their region.

Your biggest costs just got smaller

• The good news: Through Relay’s Deals & Discounts, vendors will offer new savings on insurance, fuel, and equipment. Those are the three expenses that eat into your margins the most, and Relay is negotiating deals with vendors, so you don’t have to.
• The on-site difference: At RelayCon, vendors were on the expo floor ready to connect directly with carriers, so attendees could walk away with leads on discounted offerings tailored to their fleet.

Higher per-mile safety rewards

• The good news: Safe driving has always been good business. Now it pays even better. Relay safety rewards offers all eligible carriers $0.02 to $0.05 extra for every collision-free mile while using a qualified dash cam (Motive, Netradyne, Verizon Connect, Samsara).*
• The on-site difference: RelayCon attendees have the opportunity to earn an extra $300 on their first post-signup payout after scanning their badge at the event. Curious to see how much you could earn? Calculate your payout below.

Get in on peak season at Amazon Relay

Amazon’s freight volume is climbing. The network is expanding. The tools and rewards are getting better. If you’ve been thinking about hauling with Amazon, now’s the time to start.

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.

Preview what’s live on the load board now.

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.