Global e-commerce is estimated to reach $36 trillion by 2026, up from $4.9 trillion in 2021. That provides a load of trucking opportunities. Here’s the latest in trucking industry news, and how Amazon Relay’s booking tools and features can help carriers thrive in today’s freight market.
Trucking tech is keeping carriers streamlined & competitive
Tech has evolved to save trucking companies time and money. Here’s how Amazon Relay’s tech is contributing to improved efficiency and lower operating costs for carriers.
- Load search & automation: Relay’s load board has recommendations for loads, reloads, and cancellation replacements to help eliminate the need to scan for fronthauls and backhauls. Recs are based on the carrier’s past trip preferences for distance, equipment, roundtrips, etc. Carriers can also use Relay’s Post A Truck feature to list their availability and instantly book matching loads.
- Route optimization: Relay’s in-app navigation is designed to reduce detours and unnecessary mileage to save your company fuel. With truck-friendly routing and weather forecasts, the app also helps carriers make informed scheduling decisions.
Trucking safety & compliance is expanding
Safety audits are getting more attention across the trucking industry — and carriers who stay ahead of the curve are the ones who keep their loads moving and their businesses growing. Here’s a look at the tools Amazon Relay makes available to help carriers stay informed.
- Industry regulations: Relay’s Safety Scorecard gives carriers visibility into their BASIC score and roadside inspection violation rates. That way, they can see how their fleet is tracking against compliance metrics for FMCSA and Amazon. Carriers can use the data to identify safety patterns that should be addressed before they become bigger problems.
- Tech solutions: Dash cams, driver monitoring systems, collision avoidance, lane departure warnings, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) — major enhancements are available industry-wide for trucking safety and compliance. Amazon offers per-mile cash bonuses to Relay carriers for collision-free miles with an approved dash cam.
Trucking company operation costs are increasing
Ownership has always required financial adaptability. Amazon’s freight volume stability and Relay’s maintenance and operations discounts can help carriers sustain a profit.
- Fuel: Fuel was the 2nd-highest trucking-related expense in 2022 (28% of all costs), and continues to be as global events disrupt oil pricing and trade routes. Relay offers eligible carriers a Comdata fuel card to save on diesel fuel from leading vendors. Amazon-negotiated pricing on FlowBelow Aerokits also help curb fuel usage.
- Trucks: Rising labor costs and a scarcity of parts can lead to price hikes on trucks and maintenance. Relay’s TravelCenters of America discounts can help cut costs on preventative maintenance, tractor lube, and more.
- Insurance: Premiums have risen for both drivers and fleets. Relay’s partnership with McGriff Insurance offers carriers competitive quotes that meet Amazon’s trucking insurance requirements.
Transportation fraud persists
From cargo theft to identity theft, carriers need to learn how to protect all of their assets. Here’s how Amazon is helping carriers recognize fraud schemes and safeguard data.
- Double brokering: Increasing significantly each year, fake load transfers are the biggest target for cargo theft. Amazon will never tender a Relay load on another site, and only tenders to approved, onboarded carriers, with an aim to ensure cargo is only brokered once.
- Phishing: To avoid email scams asking for sensitive information, carriers should always ensure communications are secure and authentic. Relay’s Learning Center offers a variety of free, optional digital courses on phishing prevention and more.
- Identity theft: Relay requires verification processes for carriers and drivers before they can access loads. This includes driver identification checks and carriers having their own active DOT number. Additionally, Relay’s pickup/dropoff instructions, load tracking, and pre-planned routes all contribute to successful delivery.
Flexibility aids carrier needs
Rather than relying on one source of freight, many carriers are blending on-demand loads with consistent, dedicated routes. Amazon Relay offers both booking options.
- Changing market demands: Relay gives carriers the opportunity to stay agile in their operations by mixing partial- or full-week contracts with spot loads, depending on their performance grade. With thousands of loads available on Relay daily, carriers don’t have to scramble to fill gaps. There’s always freight waiting.
- Seasonal variations: While e-commerce allows for a steady stream of freight year-round, Amazon always sees peaks in demand during Prime Day and other major sales events - especially the holiday season. That means a truckload of freight for carriers.
- Driver wellness: Driver turnover is one of the most talked-about challenges in trucking right now, and carriers across the industry are looking for ways to keep qualified drivers behind the wheel. Relay’s scheduling flexibility allows carriers to find loads that fit the times and routes that their drivers prefer. And Relay’s weekly payments for completed loads can help manage operations.
Amazon Relay’s amount of spot freight and trucking contracts has a lot to offer for those who haul. To apply to become a Relay carrier, click here. You can also download the Relay app on iOS or Android to get started and track your application’s progress on the go. But first, check out Relay’s carrier requirements to make sure hauling for Amazon is the right fit for your business.
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.
