While you have some leverage over rates when using Relay’s features, manage your expectations. Looking for set rates? You can also instantly book transparent rates upfront on Relay’s spot loads and short-term contracts.
As a carrier, you could spend hours searching for the right loads at the right rates. But Amazon Relay gives you three flexible ways to name your own price*. Here’s how Relay’s technology saves you valuable time: automated load matches, contract auctions, and real-time spot freight negotiations.
*Your rate preferences are considered when submitting them to each feature, but final rates reflect current market conditions and other factors.
Post A Truck for automated matches
Post A Truck will automatically book loads with freight rates that meet your requirements. It’s available for power-only loads (tractors), box trucks (dock height and lift-gate required), and live loads using your own tractor-trailer.
How it works: Just create a load order with your minimum trucking rate per mile. Add your equipment availability, preferred destinations, maximum stops and stem time – then let the opportunities that fit within your specified criteria come to you.
How it saves time: Posting the rates you’re looking for can save hours of manual searching and skips the back-and-forth with brokers. You can build multiple orders for different trucks and lanes and edit or cancel orders any time. Plus, saved searches, load recommendations, and match statistics help you quickly find the most relevant loads.
How to find more load matches: The more specific your criteria, the more targeted your load matches will be, though this may reduce the overall number of potential opportunities. Consider adjusting your criteria if you’re not seeing the matches you want - being open to slightly different routes or times could help you find more loads. Keep in mind that loads are also matched based on several factors including market rates and Relay performance scores.
Auctions for consistent opportunities
For stable, longer-term loads, place competitive bids on multi-week contracts in regular lanes – (most bids require a Relay performance grade of at least C+). Most of Relay’s auction lanes are one-way, great for finding backhauls and positioning your equipment efficiently. Auctions are available for trailer-required, power-only, box truck, and reefer contracts – all up to 6 months.
How it works: You’ll have full visibility into each auction’s remaining time and leading freight bid. Offer the rate that works for your business, and if you win, that rate is locked in for the entire contract. While strategic bidding increases your chances of finding loads that match your criteria, auctions are awarded depending on the highest bid, performance score, and other factors.
How it saves time: Secure multiple weeks at once by submitting in bulk (import a spreadsheet of contract bids all at once) and/or set up a minimum bid (Relay will automatically lower your bid for you as prices go down, stopping at your limit).
“Short-term contracts and auctions allow me to find dependable loads for my drivers that I know will get them back home.”
Relay Assistant for spot negotiations
When an urgent load needs coverage, you can now negotiate freight rates and pickup times through this AI-powered chat. Only top-performing Relay carriers with strong Relay performance scores can access this feature.
How it works: Relay Assistant will consider any details you offer to negotiate the rate, and immediately evaluate your rate request. If approved, you can book the load right away. You may receive a counteroffer. Being strategic about when and where you request certain rates can help, though final rates still depend on real-time supply and demand.
How it saves time: Relay Assistant is ready 24/7 for eligible load board listings. No waiting for broker callbacks or missing opportunities. Just look for the chat bubble icon to pitch your price and ask questions about promising loads.
Take control of your freight rates
Don’t let rate uncertainty limit your growth. With thousands of loads on Relay, you have the power to set rates that drive your business forward. Check if your business meets 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.
