Updated November 1st, 2026.
Amazon Relay lets approved carriers book box truck loads for 26' and 16' trucks, with more loads for 26' trucks. Carriers book through three free options: Relay’s load board, Post A Truck, and contracts. Most of Amazon’s box truck hauls are post office runs from Amazon sort centers.
- Who qualifies: DOT authority for at least 6 months, approval as a Relay carrier, and no fleet-size minimum.
- Truck: a 26' or 16' box truck with a tuck-under lift gate and a clearly displayed DOT number, even on a rented truck.
- License: no CDL needed if the truck weighs under 26,000 pounds. Relay still requires a DOT medical card.
- Box truck load types: post office shipping, same-day service, and sort center to sort center hauls.
If you’re looking to haul in your community and be home in time for dinner, Relay has lots of out-and-back trips just for box trucks.
Box truck vs. semi
A box truck, also called a cube truck or straight truck, has a fully enclosed cargo area on the same frame as the cab, and cargo loads from the back. On a tractor-trailer combination, the cargo area can be swapped. On a box truck, it stays put.
| Factor | Box truck | Semi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Usually 22', 24' or 26'. Bigger than a cargo van and smaller than a semi | 48' to 72' |
| Learning curve | Not as steep. No trailer hookups or big-rig maneuvering | Requires advanced skills |
| Cost | Cheaper upfront, with better fuel efficiency, lower insurance prices and lower maintenance | Higher upfront cost and higher running costs |
| Maintenance | Less wear and tear, common parts, no diesel certification needed | Diesel mechanic needed |
| Distance | Local or regional work | Long-distance loads |
| Load effort | Drivers usually do the lifting | Power-only. Trailers can be exchanged and loaded by shippers |
| CDL | Not needed under 26,000 pounds | Needed |
| Accessibility | Readily available to rent | Bigger commitment |
Box trucks are a way to break into the commercial vehicle business at a lower cost. By comparison, box truck owner-operators often cut back on mileage, opting for the freedom and flexibility of a one-person operation.
How to grow a box truck business with Amazon
Even though you don’t need as much licensing to get going with box trucks vs. semis, you’ll need a DOT authority for at least 6 months to become a carrier with Amazon Relay. We want to work with tenured, reliable carriers that prioritize safety.
Once you’re approved as a Relay carrier, you’ll be able to book box truck loads for 26' and 16' vehicles–we have more loads for 26’. Because box trucks are compact, we’ll get you moving with local loads. Keeping it close to home has its advantages if you’re working toward a profitable box truck business, or starting with one truck. Relay has no fleet size requirements.
That being said, you’ll have to meet our other equipment standards.
What are the requirements to haul box truck loads for Amazon Relay?
Not all box trucks are made equal. Amazon has a few truck regulations to ensure safe and legal transportation.
- Drivers must have a functional tuck under lift gate.
- Your DOT number must be clearly displayed on the truck’s exterior, even if you’re using a rented truck.
- The box truck must be clean and free of debris and holes.
- Drivers must arrive on site with a pallet jack and load straps.
- Drivers must not use on-site equipment.
- Drivers will be responsible for loading and unloading all freight.
- Drivers must have a smartphone with the Relay app installed.
Do I need a CDL to drive a box truck for Amazon Relay?
Depending on the weight of your truck, you may not need a CDL. You can use a normal license to operate a vehicle that weighs less than 26,000 pounds. Amazon Relay still requires a DOT medical card to drive anything commercial, but owner-operators don’t have to go through the time and expense of getting a CDL if their box trucks are under the weight limit.
What types of box truck loads does Amazon Relay offer?
Not every route was made for a tractor-trailer. Amazon is always expanding its supply types to give box truck carriers the opportunity to grow their business.
| Load type | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Post office shipping | Most of Amazon’s box truck hauls. Tens of thousands of runs per night from Amazon sort centers to post offices across the country | Truck must be able to load at least 12 pallets to join the mail fleet |
| Same-day service | Box trucks right-size the equipment to move freight between locations for same-day shipping | |
| Co-mingling | Mix and match load types to fill drivers’ time. Box trucks can now book sort center to sort center hauls |
Relay’s load board lets carriers specify loads by the type of truck and the type of load. You can look at a domicile and see everything available to your equipment. See trucking work on Amazon Relay for out-and-back trips.
Where can I find box truck loads on Amazon Relay?
There are three ways to book Amazon box truck loads, and they’re all free: Relay’s load board, Post A Truck, and contracts.
- Load board Even though a box truck is the same thing as a straight truck or cube truck, we call them box trucks on Relay’s load board. We offer a variety of filter preferences, so you can browse and bid on spot freight that makes the most sense for your business.
- Post A Truck You have the chance to instantly load match with Post A Truck. Tell us where you want to go and how you want to haul, and you could automatically book a fit for your box truck’s dimensions.
- Box truck contracts Whether you’re local, independent, or non-CDL, Amazon offers 16' and 26’ contracts for box trucks to help carriers book consistent lanes. But in order to qualify, you’ll have to prove yourself as a high-performing carrier.
Now that you know how to get loads for box trucks, sign up for Amazon Relay. You can also download the Relay app on iOS or Android to get started and track your application’s progress on the go. Book the freight that fits your business (and your truck) on desktop or mobile.
Box truck loads near you
Want to see what’s moving near you? Search your city below (for example, “Ontario, CA”) for a snapshot of what’s available in your area right now.
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.
