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Amazon Relay

How to Sign Up for Amazon Relay: Step-by-Step

Amazon Relay offers carriers direct Amazon freight with no broker fees and fast payment. Getting approved requires meeting specific requirements and completing a multi-step application. This guide walks through every step from preparation to booking your first load.

5 Steps

Application Process

1-2 Weeks

Typical Approval Time

$0

Application Cost

$1M+

Insurance Required

OT

O Trucking Editorial Team

Trucking Industry Experts

Published: February 19, 2026Updated: February 19, 2026

Fact-Checked by O Trucking Dispatch Team

5+ years helping carriers navigate Amazon Relay onboarding

5+ Years Experience80+ Carriers ServedIndustry Data Verified

This article was written by the O Trucking editorial team with 9+ years of combined trucking industry experience. Learn more about us.

Before You Start: Requirements Checklist

Gather these before beginning the application:

Active USDOT number — Must show active status on FMCSA SAFER.

Active MC authority — Preferably 6+ months old (new authority may face restrictions).

$1 million auto liability insurance — Certificate of insurance showing $1M minimum. Higher than FMCSA's $750K minimum.

Cargo insurance — Certificate showing cargo coverage (typically $100K+ required).

W-9 form — Completed and signed tax identification form.

Bank account info — For direct deposit payment setup (ACH).

Smartphone — iOS or Android for the Amazon Relay app (required for operations).

For the full requirements breakdown, see our Amazon Relay requirements guide.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to relay.amazon.com and click the carrier signup button. Enter your USDOT number — Amazon pulls your company details from FMCSA records. Create your login credentials (email and password) and verify your email address.

Step 2: Submit Documentation

Upload or enter the following in the Relay portal:

Insurance certificates (auto liability + cargo)

W-9 tax identification form

Bank account information for ACH payments

Equipment details (truck type, trailer type, quantity)

Service area preferences (regions where you want loads)

Step 3: Download the Amazon Relay App

Download the Amazon Relay app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). The app is required for all Relay operations — check-in at facilities, load management, documentation, and delivery confirmation all happen through the app. Log in with your Relay account credentials.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Amazon reviews your application, verifies your authority and insurance, and approves or denies your account. Typical processing time is 1-2 weeks. During this period, Amazon may request additional documentation or clarification. Check your email and Relay portal regularly for updates.

Common Reasons for Delayed Approval

Insurance certificates that do not meet the $1M minimum, authority less than 6 months old, mismatched company names between FMCSA and your application, and incomplete W-9 forms are the most common reasons for delays. Double-check all documentation before submitting.

Step 5: Book Your First Load

Once approved, open the Relay app and browse available loads in your area. For your first load, choose a shorter, simpler route to get comfortable with Amazon's facility procedures and check-in process. Arrive early, follow all facility instructions, and prioritize on-time performance — your first loads establish your performance score.

Protect Your Performance Score from Day One

Your first 10-15 loads on Relay establish your baseline performance score. Late pickups or deliveries during this period can put you in a hole that takes weeks to recover from. For your first loads, leave extra time, plan for delays, and prioritize on-time arrival above everything else.

How Our Team Helps with Relay Signup

At O Trucking LLC, we help carriers navigate the Amazon Relay signup process — from ensuring their documentation meets Amazon's requirements to advising on the best initial load selections. We also help carriers build a freight strategy that combines Relay with spot market loads for maximum earnings.

Need Help Getting on Amazon Relay?

Our team guides carriers through the Relay signup process and helps build a freight strategy combining Amazon loads with spot market freight.

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