Relay-approved carriers are independent contractors, not Amazon employees. Carriers are responsible for their own drivers. We take data privacy seriously. All driver data is handled according to our Privacy Notice, which outlines how we collect information, where data is stored, how long we retain it, and how we protect driver privacy.
When a carrier is approved to join Relay, their drivers will go through a thorough but efficient verification process to haul Amazon loads. This requirement helps ensure the security of every load and transportation professional in Amazon’s network.
If you’re looking to grow your business through Relay’s opportunities, here’s what to expect about Amazon’s safety standards for driver identity.
Driver profile creation
Drivers can only create Relay profiles through invitations from Relay-approved carriers. This helps protect carrier businesses from unauthorized access and potential fraud. Drivers can’t share their accounts.
Once the driver downloads the Relay app (iOS or Android), they’ll log in to an existing Amazon account or create a new account. Then, the secure onboarding process requires inputs such as commercial driver’s license and contact details.
Driver identity verification
We verify each driver’s identity through license verification (front and back). Drivers also submit a selfie during onboarding. Amazon typically reviews the information within 48 hours. Only drivers who successfully complete an identification check can haul Relay loads.
Driver background checks
All drivers who work for your company and want to onboard to Relay must meet standardized background check requirements before hauling Amazon Relay loads. The background check process kicks off during onboarding in the driver’s Relay app.
Amazon works with our approved background check provider to look for past criminal or motor vehicle record violations. We won’t approve checks supplied by other providers. This helps ensure consistent safety standards across our network.
Driver facial recognition
Relay uses facial recognition technology to verify driver identity at specific times during loads. The Relay app will request periodic selfies – for example, at pickup and/or drop-off. Our technology then matches these photos to the initial selfie submitted during onboarding. Amazon manually reviews unsuccessful selfie checks. We don’t use facial recognition technology without first alerting the driver.
The whole process takes seconds to help avoid unauthorized access to yards and assets. While drivers can decline to provide selfies, this will prevent them from hauling Relay loads. Multiple failed selfie checks can impact a driver’s and carrier’s access to Relay.
How does federal compliance impact driver eligibility for Relay?
While Relay helps support carriers in their compliance efforts with our verification tools, carriers are independent businesses. Carriers manage their drivers, including drug and alcohol screening, hours of service (HOS) compliance, medical certification, regular license verification, and ongoing driver qualification. Carriers should only assign Amazon loads to drivers who have successfully passed background checks and drug screenings that meet or exceed federal regulations.
Amazon Relay also maintains strict safety criteria for BASIC scores, roadside violations, and more. Meeting these standards is required to access our load opportunities.
Join a safety-first culture with Relay
Your commitment to safety helps keep roads secure and deliveries moving. Before you consider joining Relay, see 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.
