Amazon Relay Requirements for Box Trucks

The Relay App was launched by Amazon in 2017 with the sole aim of bolstering the distribution and delivery of products bought and sold on Amazon.

It is believed that at least 65% of the entire US population buys from Amazon once per month, and this has created a massive need for reliable transport to deliver these goods across the nation.

Owing to that, the Amazon Relay load board was established as a platform to connect private drivers and companies with loads to haul and deliveries to make.

Over the years, the Amazon Relay has grown to become a valid source of loads for truckers. Aside from connecting drivers with loads, it also guides them on where to go, and how to get there, and makes available gate information for faster gate entry.

It also provides other additional benefits like the visibility of executed loads (Load History), a platform to report delays and disruptions through the app, and recently launched, free, commercial navigation that directs truckers to the Amazon truck entrance instead of the front door.

Amazon Relay strives to streamline the whole delivery process and also guarantee efficiency and higher wages. It ensures that the driver sees what loads they intend to take, clicks to agree to carry out those deliveries, and then sets off to earn money. Amazon does all it can to work with companies and solo truckers to guarantee safety, accuracy, and reliability.

With the Amazon Relay portal, you can leverage Amazon’s massive freight network across 48 states and book loads that work for you. To qualify to join Amazon’s freight network, you are expected to meet certain requirements.

General Amazon Relay Truck Requirements

1. Amazon Basic Requirements

In other to provide its customers with the best possible services, Amazon always wants to work with the best and safest drivers. To join the team, here are the basic requirements;

• An active DOT number: This is a unique number or identifier assigned to a moving company performing interstate moves by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
• A valid MC number: Trucking companies operating as for-hire carriers hauling passengers or federally regulated commodities across state lines are expected to obtain an interstate operating authority MC number
• A “Carrier” entity type that is Authorized for Property: This is the operating authority issued to a for-hire Motor Carrier that transports regulated commodities (except household goods) for the general public in exchange for payment.
• A “Carrier” entity type that is Authorized for Hire: Transports passengers, regulated property, or household goods owned by others for compensation.
• A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Safety Rating that is not Conditional or Unsatisfactory.

2. Amazon Vehicle Requirements

Vehicles used to haul goods for Amazon are expected to meet the following standards:

• Have the ability to withstand a pallet jack fully laden.
• Sound, well-maintained, safe, and free from any obstructions and damage such as holes.
• Expected to be watertight, clean, and free of strong odors, especially when moving food and healthcare products.
• Straps, unless needed to properly secure a load, will have to be firmly fixed to the vehicle. This is to make sure that they do not pose any danger to the load and can guarantee access to the goods being unloaded.
• You are not allowed to use trailers with uneven or corrugated floors (such as in refrigerated trailers)
• Also note that any trailer, truck, shipment, or portion of a shipment is subject to refusal at the fulfillment center if the fulfillment center associates are unable to safely unload the product with no additional cost to Amazon. Notification of such events will be sent to the e-mail address associated with your seller account.

3. Amazon Relay Insurance Requirements

If you don’t have adequate insurance and the right types of coverage, your application will be denied. The insurance requirement for Amazon Relay isn’t that different from other businesses that provide on-demand transportation services, like truckers and couriers.

• General Liability: This insurance covers common business risks such as customer injury, customer property damage, and advertising injury. It also safeguards your small trucking business from the high costs of lawsuits and helps you qualify for leases and contracts.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: This insurance coverage helps cater to the cost of lawsuits, property damage, medical bills, and other expenses as a result of an accident. It also safeguards your business against vehicle theft, along with repairs from vandalism and weather events.
• Cargo Liability Insurance: It’s one of the first insurance policies Amazon wants to verify before letting you haul loads for them. They will want to be sure that their products are covered for the full value of the load, and they are genuinely concerned about the limit of the cargo coverage your trucking company carries.
• Worker’s Compensation: Aside from the fact that almost every state in the United States expects trucking companies to carry this insurance, have it in mind that Amazon mandates it especially if you have employees.
• Employer Liability: An employer liability insurance policy protects against employee claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and other employment-related issues. This coverage is more or less purchased along with workers’ compensation.

Amazon Relay provides trucking companies with almost everything necessary to attain success in the trucking industry. While you may not really make as much as major companies regularly, there is a great chance for you to earn more as the number of jobs increases. Your income will depend on your willingness to put in the time and effort in hauling merchandise across the country.