Amazon Relay Requirements: Everything You Need
Getting approved for Amazon Relay requires meeting specific authority, insurance, equipment, and technology requirements. This guide covers every requirement in detail so you can prepare your application and get approved on the first attempt.
$1M
Min Auto Liability
Active DOT
Required
6+ Months
Preferred Authority Age
App Required
iOS or Android
O Trucking Editorial Team
Trucking Industry Experts
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5+ years helping carriers meet Amazon Relay requirements
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This article was written by the O Trucking editorial team with 9+ years of combined trucking industry experience. Learn more about us.
O TruckingAmazon Relay Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Approved (2026)
Authority Requirements
Active USDOT number — Must be in "Active" status on FMCSA SAFER. Deactivated or revoked DOT numbers are automatically rejected.
Active MC authority — For-hire property carrier authority in active status. Amazon typically prefers authority that is 6+ months old.
Clean FMCSA record — No Unsatisfactory safety rating. No active out-of-service orders. CSA scores within acceptable ranges.
Insurance Requirements
$1,000,000 commercial auto liability — This is higher than the FMCSA minimum of $750,000. Your policy must show at least $1M. Amazon is listed as an additional insured or certificate holder.
Cargo insurance — Minimum coverage varies but typically $100,000+. Certificate must be current and show appropriate coverage.
Workers compensation — Required where mandated by state law. Most states require workers comp for carriers with employees.
Insurance Is the #1 Rejection Reason
Equipment Requirements
Acceptable equipment — 53-ft dry van trailers, 24-26ft box trucks, and power-only (Amazon provides trailers). Equipment must be in safe, roadworthy condition.
Vehicle maintenance — All equipment must pass DOT inspection standards. Amazon facilities may refuse entry to visibly damaged or unsafe vehicles.
Technology Requirements
Smartphone with Amazon Relay app — Required for check-in, load management, and delivery confirmation. GPS and location services must be enabled.
Documentation Needed
Insurance certificates (auto liability + cargo)
W-9 tax identification form
Banking information for ACH direct deposit
USDOT number and MC authority number
Common Rejection Issues
Insurance below $1M — The FMCSA minimum is $750K; Amazon requires $1M. Increase your policy before applying.
Authority too new — Amazon prefers 6+ months of operating history. New authority carriers may be waitlisted.
Mismatched company information — Your legal name on FMCSA must exactly match what you enter on the Relay application.
Get Your Insurance Certificate Updated First
How Our Team Helps
At O Trucking LLC, we help carriers prepare their documentation, verify they meet all requirements, and navigate the Relay application. We have guided dozens of carriers through the process and know the common pitfalls to avoid.
Need Help Meeting Relay Requirements?
Our team helps carriers prepare for Amazon Relay — from insurance adjustments to documentation preparation. We make sure you get approved on the first try.