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. Apply even if your DOT authority hasn’t been active for 180 days and we’ll keep you updated on key program news while you wait to join our network.
• 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
    

While Relay typically requires your DOT number to be at least 180 days old to complete onboarding, we encourage you to apply early. Starting your application now allows us to begin reviewing your information so you’re ready to move forward as soon as you meet the requirement.

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

If your insurance was flagged as non-compliant, work with your insurance provider to ensure your coverage includes Amazon’s minimums. Once updated, ensure your provider submits the information directly to FMCSA.

Amazon works with the following equipment types:

Tractors:

• Day cab
• Sleeper cab

Box trucks:

• 26' box truck with a functional tuck-under lift-gate
• 16' box truck with a functional tuck-under lift-gate

Trailers:

• 48’ trailer
• 53’ dry van
• 53’ reefer
• 20’, 40’, and 45’ high cube containers (UIIA compliant)

Once we receive your company’s completed Relay application, it will be approved or rejected within 1-3 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.

If you haven’t received a follow-up communication from Relay within 5 business days, check that your FMCSA contact information matches your Relay application details, down to the dash or comma. Our onboarding team uses the information on file with the USDOT to reach you. If everything looks correct but you still haven’t heard back, please contact Relay support for further assistance at onboardwithrelay@amazon.com

In many cases, you may be eligible to reapply. However, some rejection reasons—such as serious compliance issues—may disqualify you from submitting a new application. We recommend first reviewing the reason for your rejection. If your issue is something that can be resolved, like insurance coverage, authority status, or missing documentation, you’re welcome to reapply once it’s been addressed.

After you’re approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions to access your Relay account. Once logged in, here’s how to get started:

1. Complete the Relay 101 training in the learning center (about 10 minutes).
2. Add your drivers and equipment to your Relay profile.
3. Start booking loads directly through the Relay load board.

You’ll be able to access our FAQs and operating guides in Relay for useful information on how to operate successfully within our network. Or visit our blog.

Yes, Amazon is committed to Supplier Development and Impact (SDI). We work with carriers of all sizes and backgrounds and we have developed programs designed to provide access to opportunities for small and disadvantaged-owned carriers. You can contact us at ats-sdi@amazon.com to learn more.

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.

If you suspect any unauthorized access on your Amazon Relay account (e.g., unauthorized account setup, password/ e-mail/ user/ phone number/ bank account change), or any account security issue, you can contact us at amazon-engagement@amazon.com. Amazon does not request personal information like passwords, OTPs, and credit card numbers over phone or e-mail. Read more about how to secure your account, and identify whether an email, call or webpage is from Amazon. If you need help with resetting your account password, please follow the instructions here.

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 valued than your safety and the safety of others.

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

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.

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.

If you’re in a life-threatening situation, please call 9-1-1. To report suspicious activities (e.g. double brokering) that are not an emergency, email relay-network-reports@amazon.com with a detailed description of the suspicious activity, including the DOT #s involved (if known). You’ll receive an automated email confirming receipt and you’ll be contacted if additional information is needed.

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. Amazon is also rolling out the installation of flashing auxiliary lamps and additional reflective tape to make dry van trailers more visible on the road.

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.