Amazon Relay: The Pros and Cons of Being a Contractor

Amazon Relay can give steady, short-haul work with a big-name customer. But it has strict onboarding rules, a performance grading system, and mixed pay/reliability depending on where you run. Below we will walk you through the steps to join, the real advantages, the common downsides, and practical tips so you don’t learn the hard way.

What Amazon Relay actually is (one paragraph)

Amazon Relay is Amazon’s freight platform and load board for carriers. Once approved you use the Relay app/portal to find, book, and run Amazon loads (drop-and-hook, live unloads, and trailer-provided or trailer-required shipments), and you operate under your own authority as a carrier. Relay (US)

Who this is for

You’ll like Relay if you:

• Want short or regional runs that can fit into a predictable schedule.

• Run routes near Amazon facilities.

• Value app-based booking and automated check-ins.

You’ll be cautious about Relay if you:

• Depend on very high, predictable per-mile rates.

• Hate strict performance monitoring.

• Can’t meet minimum insurance/authority requirements right away.

How to become an Amazon Relay contractor — step by step

1. Have the right authority. You need an active DOT number with interstate authority and a valid MC number. Amazon typically requires the DOT authority to be active for at least 180 days before full onboarding, though you can apply earlier and wait in review. Relay (US)+1

2. Meet FMCSA safety requirements. Your FMCSA safety rating should be “Satisfactory,” “None,” or “Not Rated.” Amazon also looks at BASIC/BIS scores (Unsafe Driving, HOS compliance, Vehicle Maintenance, etc.). Poor performance in those categories can block you. CNS Insures+1

3. Carry required insurance. Relay requires commercial insurance coverages that meet Amazon’s minimums (verify current limits when you apply). Amazon will ask for certs and carrier details during the onboarding checks. Relay (US)+1

4. Apply on their portal or via the Relay app. Submit company info, authority/MC, insurance certs, and vehicle inventory. Amazon verifies; approval times vary. Relay (US)+1

5. Download the Relay app and accept the rules. Once approved you’ll get access to the app to see loads, book runs, and manage documents. Relay (US)

Pros (why carriers run Relay loads)

• Name recognition & volume. Amazon moves massive freight; that means lots of loads if you’re in the right geography. Relay (US)

• App booking & visibility. Relay’s app is built to be fast — book loads, get PODs, and use automated check-ins. Relay (US)

• Shorthaul & home time. Many drivers find runs that keep them local or predictable. That’s a win for work-life balance. TruckersReport.com

• Drop-and-hook opportunities. Less dwell/unloading time on some runs. TruckersReport.com

Cons (what often trips people up)

• Rampant variability in pay and availability. Load rates vary widely by region and time; you can’t assume steady high rates everywhere. Community discussions report large regional differences. TruckersReport.com+1

• Strict performance grading. Amazon grades carriers and drivers. Low grades mean fewer or no load offers; disputing scores can be frustrating and slow. Indeed+1

• Onboarding friction for new authorities. If your DOT/MC is newer than ~180 days you may wait to get full access. That keeps brand-new authority operations from jumping in overnight. Relay (US)

• Portal-first support, limited human interaction. Many drivers report canned responses and automated dispute handling; the human touch can be thin. Reddit

Real-world tips to make Relay work for you

• Vet your region first. Talk to local drivers and forums about Relay density where you run. Load volume is very local. TruckersReport.com

• Control dwell time. Amazon measures on-time and gate behavior. Minimize wait times and follow appointment windows to protect your score. CNS Insures

• Keep safety and maintenance spotless. BASICs failures bite you quickly — preventive maintenance saves problems and keeps your account healthy. Reliance Partners

• Shop insurance carefully. Make sure your broker understands Amazon’s cert requirements so certifications are accepted quickly. InsuranceHub

• Use Relay as part of a portfolio. Most owner-operators mix Relay with brokered freight or direct shippers so they’re not fully reliant on one platform. TruckersReport.com

A tiny dialogue (so this feels less like a manual)

Driver: “Can I just start hauling for Amazon next week?”
Advisor: “Not usually. Get your DOT/MC in order, have the right insurance, and be ready to show good safety history. Apply now — but expect a short wait if your authority is new.” Relay (US)+1

Quick checklist before you apply

• Active DOT + MC (180-day tenure preferred). Relay (US)

• FMCSA safety rating in acceptable range. CNS Insures

• Required insurance certificates uploaded. Relay (US)

• Reliable GPS/ELD data and plan to minimize dwell. TruckersReport.com

Final thought — the forward view

Amazon will keep investing in logistics and tech. That means the Relay program will evolve (rules, app features, and grading systems will change). If you build disciplined safety and operations now, you’ll be better positioned to take advantage of new tech or volume shifts. Use Relay for scale where it makes sense — not as your entire business model.