GEAR Up is a brand new program. We’re starting small, with a limited number of spots for existing Relay carriers, but with their involvement and feedback, we plan to evolve this program.
Entrepreneurs of all sizes power Amazon’s transportation network. Our Supplier Development and Impact team is leading a new program built specifically for small carriers looking to grow their business with the help of Amazon Relay.
GEAR Up (Growing, Expanding, Accelerating with Relay) focuses on providing resources to help these carriers grow sustainably and successfully, not just bigger.
What is Amazon Relay’s GEAR Up program?
GEAR Up offers a chance for high-performing Relay carriers to receive the resources to grow their operations. It’s a 13-week crash course of educational content and third-party partnerships. Offering up to $15,000 in mileage incentives, GEAR Up also includes discounted truck leases, driver recruiting support, an expert-led Freightwaves masterclass in business development, coaching sessions, and a cash bonus for completing the program.
The savings and cash bonuses throughout the program amount to a $30,500 value.
How does Amazon Relay’s GEAR Up work?
To be eligible for Amazon Relay’s GEAR Up program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have been in trucking business for 2+ years
- Have an active status in Relay
- Maintain a Relay performance grade of B+ or higher
- Have 5-19 power units
- Operate at 4k+ miles per truck per month
You must have 6 weeks performance history to generate a grade. Applicants are limited and spots are chosen quarterly. Once your GEAR Up application is reviewed and if accepted, Amazon will introduce your company to the resources that can support your growth.
“GEAR Up has had a huge impact on my operations. Before, I didn’t know my actual minimum cost per mile, so whenever I looked at a load, I wasn’t always sure if it was profitable. Now I can confidently evaluate loads and make better business decisions.”
Cash bonuses for increased mileage with Relay loads
- $2,500 a month: For each additional 4,000 miles per month (above baseline), GEAR Up participants can earn an extra $500 on up to 20,000 miles per month
- Up to $15,000 total over the 6-month period ($2,500 per month)
Discounts through third-party vendors
- Ryder: Discounts on truck leasing and used truck purchasing. Includes access to Ryder’s expert team, who can help support you in building the right fleet and planning for your desired growth.
- Hire Velocity: Resources to help you hire and vet new drivers for your company.
- FreightWaves: Custom masterclass and coaching with Adam Wingfield and FreightWaves.
See additional deals and discounts available to all Relay carriers.
“My driver files, inspections, compliance documents, and many other operational processes are now structured and easier to manage. This course is a tremendous asset for anyone who wants to grow their trucking company and operate it the right way.”
What’s included in GEAR Up’s FreightWaves masterclass?
In addition to live coaching, Freightwaves walks carriers through three key areas: your financials, your systems, and your people.
- Your numbers: Not just what’s in your bank account—but your breakeven per mile, your cash flow, and what it’s really going to cost you to add another truck. You can’t grow a business when you don’t know what growth costs.
- Your glidepath: You’ll build a step-by-step plan of how you go from where you are now to where you want to be. You’ll leave with a real roadmap, not just motivation.
- Your drivers: Support to help you find and keep good drivers. It’s not about hiring fast, it’s about hiring right.
No one is going to scale your business for you. But GEAR Up is providing the resources so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
“The program has positively impacted my day-to-day workflow by giving me new ideas for improving efficiency and planning ahead. I appreciate the support and the opportunity to learn from the GearUp community.”
Start onboarding with Relay today
If you’re a small trucking business looking to grow and earn cash incentives, Relay has even more opportunities for approved carriers.
To apply to become a Relay carrier, click here. You can download the Relay app on iOS or Android to get started and track your application’s progress on the go.
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.
