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
Ahmad Qazi
Founder & CEO, O Trucking LLC
Fact-Checked by O Trucking Dispatch Team
5+ years helping carriers meet Amazon Relay requirements
Sources:
Written by Ahmad Qazi, founder of O Trucking LLC, drawing on 9+ years dispatching for owner-operators. Learn more about us.
O TruckingAmazon Relay Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Approved (2026)
Key Takeaways
- You must hold your own active USDOT number and active for-hire MC authority — leasing onto another carrier does not qualify.
- Amazon requires at least $1,000,000 in commercial auto liability, higher than the $750,000 FMCSA minimum, plus cargo coverage (commonly $100,000+).
- Insurance below the $1M threshold is the most common reason applications are rejected.
- Authority that is 6+ months old is preferred; brand-new carriers may be waitlisted.
- Acceptable equipment includes 53-ft dry vans, 24–26 ft box trucks, and power-only setups, and you must use the Amazon Relay smartphone app.
- Confirm current insurance limits and equipment rules on your application, since Amazon can update requirements.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Amazon Relay approval take?
Timelines vary by carrier and how clean your paperwork is. Carriers whose DOT and MC authority are active, whose insurance already shows the $1M auto-liability limit, and who upload every document correctly tend to clear review fastest. Missing or mismatched documents — especially insurance below the threshold — are what add days or weeks of back-and-forth.
Do you need your own authority for Amazon Relay?
Yes. Amazon Relay onboards carriers that hold their own active USDOT number and for-hire MC operating authority. If you currently lease onto another carrier, you would not qualify under that arrangement — you need authority in your own company's name. See our guide on how to get your MC authority to get started.
Can you run Amazon Relay with a box truck?
Yes. Amazon Relay accepts 24–26 ft box trucks for certain lanes in addition to 53-ft dry vans and power-only setups. Box-truck requirements still include active authority, the required insurance limits, and the Relay app. See our Amazon Relay box truck guide for the details specific to that equipment class.
What insurance does Amazon Relay require?
Amazon requires at least $1,000,000 in commercial auto liability — higher than the $750,000 FMCSA minimum for general freight — plus cargo coverage (commonly $100,000 or more) and workers' compensation where state law requires it. Confirm exact figures on your application, as Amazon can update requirements.
Related Amazon Relay Guides
Once you understand the requirements, walk through how to sign up for Amazon Relay step by step. If you do not have your authority yet, start with how to get MC authority and review carrier insurance requirements so your policy meets the $1M limit before you apply. Hauling for Amazon as an owner-operator? Compare it with running your own freight in Amazon Relay vs. freight brokers.
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.