Industry data shows increasing demand for trucking routes under 800 miles. While traditional long-haul routes remain important, many carriers are finding success with regional and roundtrip loads. Here’s how Amazon Relay’s 1-2 day opportunities align with this trend.
How the regional trucking market’s reshaping freight
The benefits of regional trucking go beyond just mileage. Shorter routes offer distinct advantages.
- Strategic networks: Jeff Helbling, who oversees Amazon Shipping, recently discussed how AI is improving shipping efficiency: “Think about more accurate placement of goods to reduce transit time to customers. Inventory positioned strategically closer to demand points, simultaneously reducing transit times and environmental impact.”
- Improved operations: Rising transportation costs are making longer routes less sustainable for carriers. Regional loads can mean lower fuel consumption, less overhead on maintenance and repairs, and more predictable scheduling.
- Driver satisfaction: The industry is facing ongoing driver shortages, and there’s a growing emphasis on retention and recruitment. Regional routes help get drivers home more often, preventing as much turnover.
Making Relay’s regional routes work for your business
With Amazon facilities across the U.S., Relay offers thousands of regional loads daily.
- New opportunities: Relay continues expanding local freight as Amazon’s shipment volume increases and the network attracts more third-party shippers. That includes same-day grocery loads, box truck city runs, and yard moves.
- Reliable planning tools: Relay’s load board makes it easy to search by trip length and your preferred radius. Access real-time rate data as you plan single- or multi-day routes. You can even negotiate pickup times on certain loads.
- Set rates & regular lanes: Book short-term contracts to instantly secure predictable schedules weeks in advance.
Find regional trucking routes with Relay
The rise of regional trucking is shifting every carrier’s future planning. Amazon Relay’s load opportunities are designed to support carriers making the transition. Check if your business meets Relay’s carrier requirements, then start your 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.
