What is Amazon Relay?
Amazon Relay is Amazon's dedicated freight platform that connects carriers directly with Amazon loads — no brokers, no broker fees. For owner-operators and small fleets looking for consistent, direct-shipper freight, Relay offers predictable loads and fast payment. The tradeoff: strict performance requirements and fixed rates you cannot negotiate.
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O TruckingWhat is Amazon Relay?
Amazon Relay is Amazon's proprietary freight transportation platform. It functions as a direct connection between Amazon's massive logistics network and motor carriers, completely bypassing traditional freight brokers. When you haul through Relay, you are hauling directly for Amazon — no middleman taking a cut of your rate.
The platform offers loads between Amazon fulfillment centers, sortation centers, delivery stations, and Amazon partner facilities across the United States. Loads are available for various equipment types including dry van trailers, box trucks, and power-only configurations. Amazon sets the rates (non-negotiable) and uses a performance score system to reward reliable carriers with priority access to better-paying loads.
For carriers, Relay represents a different model from the traditional load board approach. Instead of searching for individual loads, negotiating rates with brokers, and dealing with payment uncertainty, Relay provides a steady stream of Amazon freight with transparent pricing and fast, reliable payment.
Quick Facts: Amazon Relay
Platform Type
Direct shipper freight (no brokers)
Typical Pay
$1.50-$2.50/mile (varies by route)
Scoring
Performance score (0-850)
Equipment
Dry van, box truck, power-only
How Amazon Relay Works
Relay operates through a mobile app and web portal. Once approved, carriers browse available loads, book them, and manage pickups and deliveries through the app:
1. Browse Available Loads
Open the Relay app and browse available loads in your area. Loads show pickup and delivery locations (Amazon facilities), times, rates, and equipment requirements. Filter by distance, pay, and equipment type.
2. Accept and Book
When you find a load that works, accept it directly through the app. The rate is fixed — there is no negotiation. Booking is instant and you receive immediate confirmation with all load details.
3. Check In at Facilities
Use the Relay app to check in at Amazon facilities. The app uses geofencing to confirm your arrival. Follow Amazon's facility procedures for loading and unloading — these are strict and time-sensitive.
4. Get Paid
After delivery confirmation, Amazon processes payment. Typical payment arrives within 7 days via direct deposit. No invoicing, no chasing brokers for payment, no factoring needed. The rate you saw when booking is the rate you receive.
Requirements to Join Amazon Relay
Amazon has specific requirements for carriers joining the Relay platform:
Active USDOT number — Must be in active status on FMCSA SAFER.
Active MC authority — For-hire carriers need active operating authority. Amazon typically prefers authority that is at least 6 months old.
$1 million auto liability insurance — Minimum $1,000,000 commercial auto liability, above the FMCSA minimum of $750,000.
Cargo insurance — Amazon requires cargo insurance coverage. Minimum amounts vary but typically $100,000+.
Smartphone with Relay app — The Relay app is required for check-in, load management, and facility access. Available on iOS and Android.
FMCSA compliance — Clean safety record, no Unsatisfactory rating, current on all FMCSA requirements.
For the complete signup walkthrough with step-by-step screenshots, see our Amazon Relay signup guide and Amazon Relay requirements guide.
Amazon Relay Pay Rates & Payment
Amazon Relay rates are set by Amazon and are non-negotiable. Rates vary by lane, equipment type, distance, urgency, and market conditions. Here are the typical ranges:
| Equipment Type | Typical Rate/Mile | Typical Haul Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53-ft Dry Van | $1.50-$2.50 | 100-500 miles | Most common Relay load type |
| Box Truck (24-26ft) | $2.50-$3.50 | 25-150 miles | Higher RPM, shorter distances |
| Power Only | $1.50-$2.25 | 50-300 miles | Pull Amazon trailers |
Amazon pays directly via ACH, typically within 7 days of confirmed delivery. No invoicing, no factoring, no chasing payments. For the complete pay breakdown by route and equipment type, see our Amazon Relay pay per mile guide.
Factor in the No-Broker Fee Advantage
The Performance Score System
Amazon Relay uses a performance score to evaluate and rank carriers. This score directly affects your load access, rate opportunities, and account standing. Understanding it is critical for success on the platform.
Performance Score Components
On-Time Pickup
Arriving at the Amazon facility within your scheduled pickup window. Late pickups heavily impact your score.
On-Time Delivery
Delivering within the scheduled window. Amazon's supply chain depends on precise timing — late deliveries are the most impactful negative factor.
Tender Acceptance Rate
How often you accept loads offered to you. Consistently declining loads reduces your score and access to future offers.
Drop Trailer Compliance
Following Amazon's trailer drop and hook procedures correctly, including proper trailer positioning and documentation.
Scores above 750 are considered good and unlock premium load offers. Below 700, load access starts declining. Below 500, account suspension is likely. For the full scoring breakdown and improvement strategies, see our Amazon Relay performance score guide.
Performance Score Is Everything on Relay
Amazon Relay for Box Trucks
Amazon Relay is one of the best freight sources for box truck operators. Amazon's last-mile and middle-mile logistics network generates enormous demand for 24-26 foot straight trucks running between fulfillment centers, sortation centers, and delivery stations.
Box truck loads on Relay tend to be shorter distances (25-150 miles) with higher per-mile rates ($2.50-$3.50/mile). Many box truck operators report earning $2,500-$4,000 per week running Relay loads, with the added benefit of being home daily on most routes. The consistency of Amazon freight means less time searching load boards and more time hauling.
For the complete guide to running Amazon Relay with a box truck, see our Amazon Relay box truck guide.
Amazon Relay: Pros and Cons
Advantages
No broker fees — 100% of rate is yours
Fast, reliable payment (7 days)
Consistent, predictable freight volume
No negotiation — book with one click
Home daily on many box truck routes
Strong box truck load availability
Limitations
Non-negotiable rates (take it or leave it)
Strict performance score requirements
Zero tolerance for late pickups/deliveries
Rates may trail spot market peaks
Amazon controls all terms
Account suspension risk for poor scores
Amazon Relay vs Freight Brokers
The fundamental difference between Relay and traditional broker freight is the direct relationship. With Relay, there is no broker between you and the shipper (Amazon). This eliminates the broker's margin but also eliminates the ability to negotiate.
| Factor | Amazon Relay | Freight Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Broker fees | None (0%) | 15-20% of shipper rate |
| Rate negotiation | Not possible | Yes, full negotiation |
| Payment speed | ~7 days | 15-45 days typical |
| Performance tracking | Strict scoring system | Relationship-based |
| Freight variety | Amazon only | All shippers, all freight |
For the complete analysis, see our Amazon Relay vs freight brokers guide.
How Our Team Works with Amazon Relay Carriers
Several carriers we dispatch use Amazon Relay as part of their overall freight strategy. Here is how we integrate Relay into their operations:
Relay as base freight, spot market for upside
We help carriers use Relay for their base weekly freight — consistent loads, predictable income. When spot market rates on DAT or Truckstop exceed Relay rates, we book spot loads to maximize the carrier's earnings. This hybrid approach provides income stability with upside potential.
Performance score monitoring
We track our carriers' Relay performance scores and help them understand what behaviors affect their scores. If a carrier's score is trending down, we adjust their scheduling to ensure on-time performance. A high performance score is money — it unlocks better-paying loads.
Relay signup assistance
For carriers interested in joining Relay, we help them understand the requirements, prepare their documentation, and navigate the signup process. We also advise on whether Relay is a good fit based on their equipment type, location, and business goals.
Amazon Relay Guide Collection
How to Sign Up for Relay
Step-by-step signup process
Relay Requirements
Everything needed to get approved
Relay Pay Per Mile
Complete rate breakdown by equipment
Performance Score Guide
How to maintain a high score
Relay for Box Trucks
Box truck strategies and earnings
Relay vs Freight Brokers
Direct freight vs. broker freight
Amazon Relay FAQ
Common questions about Amazon's freight platform for carriers
What is Amazon Relay and how does it work?
Amazon Relay is Amazon's dedicated freight transportation platform that connects carriers directly with Amazon loads. Unlike traditional load boards, Relay eliminates the middleman — there are no brokers, no broker fees, and you haul directly for Amazon. You sign up, get approved, and then browse and book available loads through the Relay app. Amazon pays you directly, typically within 7 days of delivery confirmation.
How much does Amazon Relay pay per mile?
Amazon Relay typically pays between $1.50 and $2.50 per mile, depending on the lane, equipment type, load urgency, and market conditions. Box truck loads often pay at the higher end of this range ($2.50-$3.50/mile) for shorter distances. Amazon sets the rates — there is no negotiation. Pay is generally consistent but may be lower than spot market peaks. The tradeoff is no broker fees, predictable freight, and fast payment.
What are the requirements to sign up for Amazon Relay?
Requirements include: active USDOT number, MC authority (for for-hire carriers), at least $1 million in auto liability insurance, cargo insurance, valid operating authority, a smartphone with the Amazon Relay app, and compliance with all FMCSA regulations. Amazon also requires carriers to maintain a high performance score. New authority carriers may be accepted but typically need at least 6 months of operating history.
What is the Amazon Relay performance score?
The Amazon Relay performance score is a rating system that measures carrier reliability. It tracks on-time pickup, on-time delivery, tender acceptance rate, and drop trailer compliance. Scores range from 0 to 850. Higher scores unlock better loads, priority booking, and higher-paying routes. Scores below certain thresholds result in reduced load access or account suspension. Maintaining a score above 750 is considered good.
Can I use Amazon Relay with a box truck?
Yes. Amazon Relay offers loads for box trucks (typically 24-26 foot straight trucks), semi-trucks with dry van trailers, and other equipment types. Box truck loads are especially common for shorter routes between Amazon fulfillment centers, sortation centers, and delivery stations. Box truck operators on Relay report earning $2,500-$4,000 per week depending on route density and hours worked.
Does Amazon Relay replace the need for a load board?
Amazon Relay can provide a base of consistent freight, but most carriers still use load boards like DAT and Truckstop alongside Relay. Relay's rates are fixed (no negotiation), and load availability depends on Amazon's needs in your area. Many carriers use Relay for their base freight and supplement with spot market loads from DAT or Truckstop when Relay loads are unavailable or when spot rates are higher.
Need Help Getting Started with Amazon Relay?
Our dispatch team helps carriers navigate Amazon Relay signup, optimize their performance scores, and build a freight strategy that combines Relay with spot market loads for maximum earnings.