What is Amazon Relay and How Does It Work? – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you’re a carrier or owner-operator looking for consistent, hassle-free freight, Amazon Relay is one of the best opportunities in the trucking industry.

It’s a power-only program, meaning you only need your tractor — Amazon provides the trailers. Most of the work is drop-and-hook, which means minimal waiting time at pickup and delivery. This setup makes it easy to work, efficient, and perfect for carriers who want to keep their wheels turning.

In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what Amazon Relay is, how it works, and how you can get the most out of it.

What is Amazon Relay?

Amazon Relay is a load board and freight management platform created by Amazon to connect carriers with Amazon freight. It allows trucking companies and owner-operators to haul Amazon trailers on local, regional, or OTR routes without needing to invest in their own trailer fleet.

With Amazon Relay, you can:

Book loads directly from Amazon’s freight network.
Manage trips using the Relay app and online portal.
Access steady, predictable freight throughout the year.

Build a strong performance score to get better-paying opportunities

How Does Amazon Relay Work?

Here’s how carriers typically work with Amazon Relay:

Sign Up as a Carrier
You’ll need:
- A valid DOT and MC number.
- Active insurance that meets Amazon’s requirements.
- A compliant safety record.
Browse the Load Board
Once approved, you can access Amazon’s load board and choose trips based on:
- Location
- Equipment type (Dry Van, Reefer, Box Truck, etc.)
- Price and schedule
Book the Load
Select a trip and confirm it instantly. Amazon also offers Relay Dedicated Contracts for consistent, recurring work.
Drop-and-Hook Operations
- Arrive at the Amazon facility.
- Drop your empty trailer.
- Hook up to a loaded trailer (or vice versa).
- Minimize waiting and maximize driving time.
Manage the Trip
The Amazon Relay app provides:
- Pickup and drop-off instructions.
- Real-time tracking.
- Direct communication with the Amazon Relay Operations Center (ROC).
Complete the Load & Get Paid
Amazon typically pays within 7 days (or faster with factoring). Your performance — on-time arrivals, load acceptance, and compliance — affects your carrier score.

Why Amazon Relay is Popular

Power-Only Convenience – No need to maintain or buy trailers.
Drop-and-Hook Efficiency – Less waiting means more driving.
Steady Freight – Amazon’s scale ensures constant work.
Simple App Interface – Book, manage, and complete loads in one place.
Fair and Transparent Rates – No hidden broker fees.

Performance Scores: Why They Matter

Amazon ranks carriers by performance.
High scores mean:

Access to more loads.
Better-paying opportunities.
Priority during peak seasons.

Low scores can limit your access, which is why staying compliant and on time is critical.

Challenges Carriers Face

Even with its advantages, Amazon Relay can be challenging:

Last-minute schedule changes.
Strict on-time requirements.
Unexpected ROC calls (even at 2 a.m.).
Managing multiple drivers and compliance.

How Fleet Flow Management Helps

At Fleet Flow Management, we specialize in Amazon Relay Dispatch Services that solve these exact challenges. Our team:

Books and schedules loads around your availability.
Provides 24/7 driver and ROC communication.
Monitors compliance and files disputes to protect your score.
Keeps detailed trip records for transparency.
Ensures smooth, stress-free operations so you can focus on driving and earning.

✅ Final Tip:
Amazon Relay is one of the easiest, most reliable freight options available — especially with its power-only, drop-and-hook setup. But to really maximize your earnings and keep your score in the top tier, strong trip management is key.

Ready to take your Amazon Relay business to the next level?
Contact Fleet Flow Management today for 24/7 expert dispatch support.

🌐 https://fleetflowmanagement.com