Frequently Asked Questions

In order to join Amazon’s freight network, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A DOT number, with interstate authority and that has been active for minimum of 180 days, and a valid MC number
• A “Carrier” entity type that is Authorized for Property and for Hire
• A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Safety Rating of “Satisfactory,” “None,” or “Not Rated”
• Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASIC) scores:
  
  • Unsafe Driving below 60%
  • HOS Compliance below 60%
  • Vehicle Maintenance below 75%
  • Controlled Substances / Alcohol below 75%
  • Driver Fitness below 75%
• All required insurance policies including:
  
  • Commercial General Liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate
  • Auto Liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, including a trailer replacement coverage of $50,000
  • Cargo coverage of at least $100,000
  • Workers’ compensation insurance in all jurisdictions where your company operates
  • Employer liability not less than $100,000 per occurrence
    

In order to carry loads for Amazon, you need to meet the following minimum insurance policies:

• Commercial General Liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate
• Auto Liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, including a trailer replacement coverage of $50,000
• Cargo coverage of at least $100,000
• Workers’ compensation insurance in all jurisdictions where your company operates
• Employer liability not less than $100,000 per occurrence

Amazon uses a variety of tools, including our internal compliance teams and a third-party compliance monitoring service, to validate and continually monitor carrier compliance.

Once we receive your completed application, your application will be approved or rejected within 2-3 business weeks. Delays, if any, will be due to validation of insurance information. Amazon urges you to have all data ready prior to applying and reach out to your insurance provider in the event of any delays. Once approved, you will immediately be able to book loads from our load board. You will also be able to access Amazon Relay Portal FAQs and operating guides for existing carriers that will provide useful information on how to operate successfully within our network.

Amazon Relay is a suite of technology products that enable carriers to self-register with Amazon and find, book, and execute Amazon loads. This includes capabilities to accept loads, assign drivers, access Amazon’s Relay Load Board, track performance, view and download payment details and raise issues. Carriers also get access to our mobile based Relay app (iOS and Android) which enables drivers to view and manage load status, report delays, and use truck friendly commercial navigation. All carriers and drivers are required to use our Amazon Relay products for all Amazon loads.

Amazon works with the following equipment types:

Tractor: Day cab, 26' Box Truck*, and Sleeper Cab
Trailers: 28’ Trailer, 53’ Dry Van, and Reefer

*Box Truck: 26’ dock height box truck with tuck-under lift gate required. Interior cargo dimensions at least 26’x8’x8’ (LxWxH)

Amazon provides 24/7 operational support for our carriers through the Relay Operations Center (ROC). ROC can be reached through the Relay portal or Relay mobile.

Yes, Amazon is committed to Supplier Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We work with carriers of all sizes and backgrounds and we have developed programs designed to provide more equitable access to opportunities and inclusive experiences for diverse and small carriers through the Amazon Supplier DEI Program. You can contact us at ats-carrier-dei@amazon.com to learn more.

Amazon requires that carriers ensure the highest level of safety and performance, including:

• Compliance with safety, DOT and insurance requirements.
• On-time delivery to delight our customer promise.
• Consistent tender acceptance.
• Execute loads using Amazon Relay technology.

You can view our complete performance expectations in the Amazon Relay Carrier Terms of Service when you onboard.

Amazon provides a transparent performance scorecard in the Amazon Relay portal. You can review your performance for all of your loads, in order to continuously improve and have the opportunity to grow your business with Amazon.

Safety for your drivers, Amazon employees, and the public is a deeply held value at Amazon. We empower you to determine when conditions are unsafe. We require you to follow safety standards and regulations on the road, behind the wheel, in the yard, or in an Amazon facility. We expect you to report all unsafe acts, conditions, and incidents immediately to Amazon management. There is nothing more important than your safety and the safety of others.

In addition to having safety features required by law, Amazon-owned trailers come with automated inflation alert technology, ABS II, a kingpin hook safety securing plate, and rear corner safety grab handles to assist safe access to the trailer.

Payment cycle runs weekly from Sunday-Saturday. Everything completed before 23:59 Saturday will be paid out the following week on Friday.

Amazon Relay will generate invoices automatically. You will be able to review all invoices and payments in Amazon Relay portal.

You can submit payment disputes directly through Amazon Relay portal within 30 days of reviewing your weekly invoice.