Yes, it is possible to make money with Amazon Relay, a platform designed to connect truck drivers and trucking companies with Amazon’s freight network. Amazon Relay provides trucking companies with access to Amazon’s massive supply chain and logistics network, offering a steady stream of loads to transport. For those in the trucking industry or looking to start a transportation business, this can be a lucrative opportunity. 

Everything you need to know in order to Make Money with Amazon Relay 

Here’s a detailed explanation of how to make money with Amazon Relay:

1. What is Amazon Relay?

Amazon Relay is a service that allows truckers and trucking companies to haul Amazon loads. The platform connects carriers (those who own trucks or operate a trucking company) with Amazon’s distribution network. Relay is a key part of Amazon’s logistics strategy, helping them move freight between fulfillment centers, distribution centers, and final destinations like customer delivery points.

By using Amazon Relay, carriers can streamline the process of finding and booking loads, optimizing routes, and managing paperwork—all through a user-friendly app or portal.

2. Requirements to Join Amazon Relay

To get started with Amazon Relay and begin making money, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

For Trucking Companies/Owner-Operators:

• Active DOT (Department of Transportation) Number: Your company needs an active DOT number, which is a unique identifier for your trucking operation in the U.S. It’s issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• MC (Motor Carrier) Number: If you want to transport freight across state lines, you’ll need a valid MC number.
• Commercial Insurance: Amazon Relay requires carriers to have the following minimum insurance coverage:
  • Auto liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence.
  • Cargo coverage: $100,000.
  • Workers’ compensation (in certain states): Varies by location.
  • Employer liability: $100,000 per occurrence.
• Trailer Types: Amazon Relay primarily requires 53-foot dry van trailers for its loads, but in some cases, box trucks and refrigerated trailers may also be used.
• Safety Rating: You need to have a “Carrier Safety Rating” of satisfactory or none (you can’t have a conditional or unsatisfactory rating).

Once these requirements are met, you can apply through Amazon’s website to become an approved carrier for Amazon Relay.

3. How Does Amazon Relay Work?

Once you’re approved, Amazon Relay provides a platform through which you can view, book, and manage loads directly. The process is simple:

1. Access Loads: Carriers can log into the Amazon Relay app or portal to view available loads. The system offers short-haul and long-haul routes, so you can pick trips based on the distance you’re comfortable with.
2. Book Loads: After browsing available shipments, you can book the loads that best fit your schedule and route preferences. Amazon Relay makes it easy to find consistent work, which is one of its main advantages.
3. Run the Load: After accepting a load, you’ll be responsible for picking it up from Amazon’s facility and delivering it to the designated location. The platform helps streamline logistics, providing detailed instructions, arrival windows, and any special requirements for delivery.
4. Receive Payment: Amazon Relay pays trucking companies quickly, often within two weeks. The fast payout schedule is beneficial for maintaining cash flow, which is essential for managing trucking expenses like fuel, maintenance, and driver pay.

4. Ways to Make Money with Amazon Relay

There are several ways trucking companies and independent owner-operators can make money through Amazon Relay:

A. Consistent Load Volume

Amazon Relay provides consistent loads, which helps truckers avoid downtime between jobs. Amazon’s massive network of warehouses and distribution centers ensures a steady stream of shipments to move, which can be particularly beneficial for small trucking companies looking to grow or for drivers who want to maximize their time on the road.

B. Short-Term and Long-Term Contracts

Carriers can choose between booking individual loads or securing dedicated contracts. Dedicated contracts are agreements where Amazon contracts your trucking company for a certain number of loads over a specific period (e.g., daily loads for several months). These contracts offer more predictable income and allow trucking companies to plan resources and operations efficiently.

C. Spot Market Loads

Amazon Relay’s spot market allows carriers to pick up one-off loads. These loads are often available at short notice and may offer higher rates during peak periods or when Amazon needs extra capacity. Carriers can use these to fill gaps in their schedule and boost earnings.

D. Relay Load Board

The Relay Load Board is where all available loads are listed. By browsing the load board, carriers can select trips that match their preferences. The load board is frequently updated, so carriers can find loads in their region and avoid deadheading (driving without a load). Using the Relay Load Board effectively can maximize the miles driven with a load and improve profitability.

E. Relay App Efficiency

The Amazon Relay app helps reduce administrative overhead by automating tasks such as:

• Electronic Bill of Lading (eBOL): Submit BOLs digitally through the app, reducing paperwork and saving time.
• Real-Time Updates: Get updates on shipments, delivery windows, and instructions.
• Route Optimization: Relay suggests the best routes to reduce fuel consumption and avoid delays, which can save money in the long run.

5. Income Potential with Amazon Relay

The amount of money you can make through Amazon Relay depends on several factors, such as the size of your trucking company, the types of loads you take, and how much time you spend on the road. However, here’s a rough breakdown of the income potential:

Owner-Operators

• Per Mile Rates: Amazon Relay typically offers rates between $1.50 and $3.00 per mile, depending on the region, time of year, and load demand. During peak times, such as the holiday season, rates may increase.
• Load Types: Short-haul loads (typically under 300 miles) tend to pay less per mile than long-haul loads, but they may offer a quicker turnaround, allowing you to complete more trips in a shorter time frame.

Small and Mid-Sized Carriers

• Contract Opportunities: Small carriers may benefit from Amazon’s dedicated contracts, which provide consistent, long-term income. Some carriers have reported earning anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000 per week from dedicated contracts, depending on fleet size and load capacity.
• Scaling Up: As your trucking company grows, taking on more trucks and drivers allows you to scale up your income. With multiple trucks, you can have several loads running simultaneously, increasing revenue significantly.

6. Challenges and Considerations

While Amazon Relay offers many advantages, there are also challenges to consider:

Competitive Market

Amazon Relay has attracted many carriers, which means there can be a lot of competition for loads, especially in high-demand regions. Prices can fluctuate based on supply and demand, and competition may drive rates down during slow seasons.

Expenses

Running a trucking operation has significant expenses, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and driver pay. Although Amazon Relay can provide a steady stream of work, these costs must be factored into your earnings.

Strict Requirements

Amazon is known for its efficiency, and carriers working with Amazon Relay are expected to meet strict delivery windows and service standards. Failing to meet these standards could result in fewer load opportunities or penalties.

Amazon Relay offers a great opportunity for trucking companies and owner-operators to earn a steady income by hauling Amazon loads. With its user-friendly app, load availability, and options for dedicated contracts, it provides a reliable source of freight. However, success requires meeting Amazon’s strict requirements, managing operational costs, and effectively using the platform to maximize earnings. For those in the trucking industry, Amazon Relay can be a profitable way to grow or supplement a transportation business.