How to get set up on Amazon Relay
Amazon Relay is Amazon’s load board for carriers hauling its freight. Access is valuable, and it raises the price of a trucking company. Here’s what Amazon looks for. Requirements change, so confirm on relay.amazon.com before you apply.
Authority and entity
- An active USDOT number with interstate authority, active for at least 180 days.
- An MC number, with entity type Carrier, authorized for property, for-hire.
- Identity verification of the person applying.
Safety
- Safety rating: Satisfactory or Not Rated.
- BASIC percentiles under Amazon’s limits: under 60% for Unsafe Driving and HOS Compliance, and under 75% for Vehicle Maintenance, Controlled Substances/Alcohol and Driver Fitness.
- Roadside violation rates over the past 12 months: 35% or less for drivers and 50% or less for vehicles.
Insurance
- Auto liability: $1M per occurrence, including $50K trailer replacement coverage.
- Cargo: at least $100K.
- General liability: $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate.
- Workers’ compensation, and employer’s liability of at least $100K.
Relay and buying a company
A company with active Relay access is worth more, and our valuation calculator adds a premium for it. But Relay access belongs to Amazon’s relationship with the carrier, and Amazon may re-verify after an ownership change. When a listing includes Relay, ask the seller how the account and its users will be handed over, and expect Amazon’s identity checks for new users.
Frequently asked questions
How old does my authority need to be for Amazon Relay?
Amazon lists interstate authority active for at least 180 days. Confirm current requirements on relay.amazon.com.
What insurance does Amazon Relay require?
$1M auto liability, $100K cargo, $1M/$2M general liability, plus workers’ compensation and employer’s liability.
Does Amazon Relay access transfer when I buy a company?
The account stays with the company, but Amazon may re-verify users and ownership. Clarify the handover with the seller during due diligence.
Next step
See if your company qualifies for a Relay premium.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Have your own attorney review any purchase agreement.