Amazon Relay is a service that connects trucking companies and independent drivers with Amazon’s transportation network to deliver goods. For those looking to tap into the booming logistics industry and earn money by hauling freight for Amazon, it’s an appealing option. The platform allows drivers to access Amazon’s freight loads, find work, and track their deliveries efficiently.
If you’re considering diving into Amazon Relay, whether as a new driver or a fleet owner, this guide will help you navigate how to get started, what’s involved, and how you can maximize your success with the platform.
What is Amazon Relay?
Through Amazon Relay drivers access a platform that helps them locate and handle Amazon shipping orders. The platform expands the existing Amazon logistics network that manages deliveries of Amazon products to customers across the country. Through Relay, you can gain access to FTL and LTL freight shipments as a driver or operator of a fleet.
Relay provides a user-friendly application known as the Amazon App which enables drivers to search for and schedule and complete delivery of loads. Relay dedicates its operations to delivering merchandise from Amazon fulfillment centers to local areas and regional warehouses as part of “last-mile” delivery services.
Determine Eligibility and Requirements
Before you can start using Relay, it’s important to ensure that you meet the basic eligibility and equipment requirements. Here’s what you need to get started:
Eligibility for Drivers
- Age and Experience:
You must be at least 21 years old.
You need to have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) or the equivalent for your region.
Depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate, additional licensing may be required, such as for operating a tractor-trailer.
- Background Check:
- A thorough background check is required. This will include a review of your driving history, criminal record, and any drug test results.
- A good driving history is crucial. Violations like DUIs or reckless driving can disqualify you.
- Insurance Requirements:
- You must have commercial vehicle insurance with coverage limits as required by Amazon.
- Make sure to have cargo insurance as well as liability insurance.
Equipment Requirements
A solo driver needs different equipment than a fleet owner so the required vehicle types will depend on your situation. Relay provides services to these particular vehicles as its general acceptance criteria:
Dry Van Trailers represent the standard trailer type that Amazon uses for their loads.
Amazon Relay allows drivers to participate in flatbed freight delivery through their available flatbed trailer options.
Some routes within Relay require drivers to use 26-foot box trucks as their vehicles.
Check that your truck together with your trailer fulfills the Amazon requirements that appear on their website platform.
Fleet Operators
Allows fleet operators who possess multiple vehicles and drivers to join through their fleet operator program to distribute loads between their drivers. Your fleet vehicles need to fulfill the requirements set by Amazon regarding registration status insurance coverage and acceptable vehicle types.
Sign Up for Amazon Relay
Once you meet the requirements, you’ll need to sign up on the Amazon website. Here’s how:
1. Create an Account
Go to the Relay sign-up page, and complete the registration process. During this phase, you’ll provide your company details (if applicable), upload insurance documents, and provide any additional information required.
2. Complete the Onboarding Process
After your account is created, you must go through an onboarding process that involves:
- Vehicle verification: Submit all vehicle and insurance details for approval.
- Background check: As mentioned earlier, Amazon will conduct a thorough check to ensure that you meet their safety and compliance standards.
- Training: Amazon offers training videos and resources to familiarize you with the platform, how to use the app, and the various types of loads and routes available.
3. Set Up Payment Information
To receive payments, you’ll need to provide your payment information, such as bank details, so Amazon can pay you after each load is delivered. Payments are typically made every week.
Download the Amazon Relay App
All operations take place in the App. After completing your approval process with you must install the app on your mobile device or tablet. The application serves as your main management system to handle loads while tracking delivery progress.
The app provides these main functions
Users can view an accessible list of open delivery assignments through the platform. The Relay App allows you to search loads based on their type and destination along with the truck size.
Book the suitable load according to your timetable and vehicle capacity directly from the app platform.
The application provides real-time delivery tracking which includes pick-up and drop-off times alongside GPS routing along with any specific delivery instructions.
The application allows viewing payment information along with tracking your earnings throughout each delivery and showing your payment records.
Users can receive assistance about any problems relating to load requirements together with vehicle maintenance and safety issues.
Start Booking and Delivering Loads
You will be able to book loads and drive after your account setup is complete. The step-by-step load process includes the following points:
1. Browse Available Loads
The application presents various available loads that users can select for their routes. The available loads depend on your equipment type and delivery location together with time availability. The application provides you with access to view available loads for selection by location or trailer type.
2. Accept a Load
Once you’ve found a load, you can accept it directly in the app. Ensure that the pickup and drop-off locations are feasible for your schedule. After accepting the load, you’ll get detailed information on where and when to pick up the freight, along with any special requirements.
3. Pickup and Deliver the Freight
Go to the assigned Amazon fulfillment center or warehouse to pick up the freight. The app provides all the details about the location and instructions. Once the load is secured and you’re on the road, follow the app’s GPS navigation to the delivery destination.
Conclusion
Independent truckers and fleet owners benefit from the exceptional business opportunity provided by Amazon Relay which enables them to access the vast freight loads within Amazon’s network.
The platform provides solo drivers and fleet owners with streamlined logistical solutions that enable real-time tracking and simple load booking in addition to an uncomplicated payment system. This guide will help you begin working as an Amazon freight hauler while developing a successful business venture.