Amazon Relay & Amazon Freight: The Future of Freight Transportation

The Amazon Relay Load Board: Connecting Carriers and Loads

Amazon Relay, a groundbreaking digital platform launched in 2016, empowers carriers by connecting them directly to Amazon freight loads.

The Amazon Relay load board is available to carriers of all sizes, from owner-operators to large fleets. It provides real-time access to freight opportunities, load status, and essential information via its mobile app and web portal.

The Amazon Relay application has significantly reduced Amazon’s freight costs and improved shipping speed, offering contracts, auctions, and spot loads. Moreover, it provides carriers with 24/7 support, addressing any questions or problems they may have promptly. The benefits of using Amazon Relay include access to a large volume of freight, predictable revenue, ease of use, and round-the-clock support.

Its impact has been so substantial that it is considered a game-changer in the freight transportation industry.

All truck drivers using Amazon Relay are required to use an electronic logging device (ELD), like the custom-made Amazon relay load board, to track routes, loads, and hours of service in compliance with FMCSA regulations. Other popular ELDs among trucking companies include Motive (formerly Keep Truckin) and EROAD.

Amazon Freight: Reinventing Freight Transportation

Amazon Freight, a full-service freight transportation company, provides Amazon with an efficient and reliable way to move its goods. It offers a variety of services including less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, full-truckload (FTL) shipping, and intermodal shipping. Despite being a relatively new player, Amazon Freight has expanded rapidly, establishing a network of over 10,000 carriers and operating in more than 20 countries.

Amazon Freight’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through its use of fuel-efficient vehicles and investments in renewable energy. Amazon’s focus on sustainability is significant, considering freight transportation’s environmental impact.

Moreover, Amazon has been planning on increasing the number of its freight trucks by two times. This will be beneficial for the company because they are going to invest in small trucking agencies. This is how all those small trucking businesses will be answerable to one larger trucking industry -by partnering with Amazon Freight.

When the plan was in its rudimentary state, an experimental group of truck drivers who could not choose their rates was hired. After running this experimental phase, Amazon launched its fleet in many states. Recently, Amazon fleet trucks have been operating in 12 different states. Alabama, Arizona, and California are the main ones.

A set of rules has also been established for trucking companies joining the Amazon freight partner program. The drivers will mainly be able to transport Amazon goods and have a set salary.

Amazon Freight Partner Program: Uniting Small Trucking Agencies

Amazon has introduced a freight partner program, with set rules for trucking companies joining the initiative. Participating drivers primarily transport Amazon goods, and they need to show proof of liquid assets of 30,000 or else they can apply for a loan.

Amazon used to deliver its goods through UPS, but now, with the emergence of this program, they have built an extensive network of delivery trucks throughout the country.

Amazon’s Forward-Thinking Approach

Amazon Freight and Amazon Relay are revolutionizing the freight transportation industry. Their combined efforts create a more efficient, sustainable, and safe freight transportation system. They’re not just hiring drivers – they’re providing professional training and loans to cover the costs of trucks or commercial trailers.

Amazon’s unique and innovative approach sets it apart in the freight transportation sector. The company has taken an industry traditionally dominated by numerous small players and centralized it, creating a streamlined process that benefits all involved.

Contact us if this article missed anything or if you want to share your experience with us, we’d love to hear from you. If you still have questions after reading this article, fill this questionnaire and we’ll get back to you:

Responsibilities and Benefits of Amazon Freight Partners

Amazon freight partners play a pivotal role in the freight transportation landscape by maintaining their truck fleet and ensuring the efficient movement of Amazon’s goods. There are certain duties and responsibilities that these partners are required to fulfill and numerous benefits of becoming a partner of Amazon Freight.

Duties of Amazon Freight Partners

The question is what do Amazon freight partners do? Their duties are quite straightforward, Amazon freight partners are responsible for maintaining their truck fleet. In Amazon’s freight partner program, the main duties include:

Appointing New Drivers

The main responsibility of Amazon freight partners is to appoint a professional commercial truck driver who ideally has experience as well as qualifications. 

Most Amazon freight partners tend to hire those truck drivers who own a Class A commercial driving license. This is because usually, Amazon semi-trucks haul material higher than the GVWR or gross combination weight rating of 26,001.

Managing and Monitoring Drivers

The drivers hired by Amazon freight partners travel from 300 to 400 miles to deliver loads to different locations. It is one of the crucial responsibilities of Amazon freight partners to ensure that the truck drivers are on schedule and deliver the freight at the right area at the right time. This is necessary to maintain the quality of the Amazon freight partner program.

Amazon freight partners also manage all the other tasks related to drivers, such as hours of service, number of shifts, and duties schedule.

FREE CUSTOM ELD QUOTES >>>

Benefits of Becoming a Partner of Amazon Freight

Apart from job security, there are certain benefits of working with Amazon as their freight partner.

  Professional Training:

Once a driver has been selected as one of the drivers in the Amazon freight partner program, he will be given the best hands-on training of business and carrier truck operations with professional business trainers.

  Minimum Initial Costs and Loan Benefit:

Starting a new business with only 30 to 40K is very difficult. However, this freight program enables the drivers to start with only 30,000 dollars. Those who cannot pay the initial amount are provided with loan options even with this low amount.

  Increased Employability:

As Amazon has launched this program in several ways, many new jobs will be provided locally. It also benefits the environment because drivers will not have to drive long distances, consume fossil fuels, and emit harmful fumes.

Because the drivers are delivering to a local location, they will get to go home more often. Amazon freight partner program showcases Gender Inclusivity here:

  Medical Bill Coverage:

Most of the driver’s medical bills will be paid, especially vision tests and their costs. In most states, eye treatment is quite expensive, and companies do not cover the medical bills of their employees. This is a plus point of working with Amazon.

  Long-Term Business Growth:

With the support of Amazon, freight companies and drivers have the liberty to make a competent team and grow their business in the right direction along with all the other benefits.

The Amazon Relay Application

Amazon Relay, a mobile application designed especially for carriers, helps them grow their transportation business. It allows owner-operators and truck drivers to access notifications and schedules, providing a hassle-free payment method and facilitating the search for safer routes.

Truck Driver’s Pay

Amazon’s payment structure for truck drivers primarily depends on their duties and work location. Instead of mileage-based payment, Amazon pays its drivers according to hours worked.

Single or regional solo drivers can earn up to $240 per day or $30 per hour, and they also receive paid vacation and semi-annual pay raises after completing 12 months with Amazon. These drivers also have access to medical insurance covering dental and eye treatment.

Team drivers, given the more demanding nature of their work, earn a higher income of up to $90,000 per year ($38 to $43.25 per hour). In addition to their base pay, team drivers also receive benefits like bonuses, paid vacation, pay raises, and medical bill coverage.

Local route drivers, particularly those based out of Troutdale, Oregon, generally earn more than their counterparts, along with additional benefits such as referral programs and pay raises every six months after completing a year with Amazon.

Amazon is committed to rewarding its drivers fairly and competitively, recognizing their crucial role in the company’s logistics and supply chain success. It’s this comprehensive approach to employee satisfaction and welfare that sets Amazon Freight apart from other freight transportation companies.

Challenges of the Amazon Freight Partner Program

Although there are many benefits to joining the Amazon Freight Partner program, some challenges and criticisms have been voiced by participants.

  Hourly Pay:

The shift from mileage-based to hourly pay has sparked skepticism among some drivers. Being unfamiliar with the industry, this change in the payment method has led to difficulties for some participants.

  Lower Than Average Rates:

Upon joining the Amazon Freight Partner program, several trucking companies have reported earning approximately 18% less than average rates for similar work. As the payment is not mileage-based, the disparity can be more pronounced when the distance travelled is greater.

  Recruitment Process:

Some drivers argue that the recruitment process is complex and costly, posing a barrier to entering the program.

In response to these concerns, Amazon has reassured drivers that it is committed to addressing these issues and providing added benefits exclusive to the Amazon Freight Partner program.

Process of Joining

The process of joining as an Amazon freight partner is relatively simple. The steps are briefly explained as follows:

1. The freight company contacts Amazon to request information on vacancies, areas where trucks are required, and more.
2. The next step is to join a series of online seminars and sign up for the online application.
3. This is followed by interviews and background checks to ensure the candidate’s ability to work.
4. Now successful candidates will receive an offer and their professional training will begin.
5. After getting appropriately trained the work as an Amazon freight partner will start.

Limited Special offer >>  Get Motive Dashcam!

Market Competition

Among other companies, Walmart is gearing up to compete with Amazon’s delivery network. Although not as extensive as Amazon’s network, Walmart is investing significantly in its delivery system, which handles different loads.

Amazon Relay offers three types of loads: one-way, round-trip, and block. Drivers tend to work on specific timings and hours rather than working on specific loads as usual.

In addition to Walmart, Uber Freight has experienced substantial growth, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis due to the delivery of essential goods and increased online shopping. Last year, Uber Freight partnered with KeepTruckin ELD to provide discounts to its carriers, enhancing its visibility and load-tracking capabilities.

The Future of Amazon Freight Network

According to a report published in 2020, Amazon’s entire network of truck drivers is comprised of up to 13,000 drivers.

According to Business Insider, Amazon has big plans for the future where the company plans to have complete autonomy of delivery freight along with stronger logistics systems. This is due to the sudden increase in online purchases made by customers which call for fast and frequent delivery services.

They expect to own their planes, ships, and trucks to deliver goods conveniently at every mile. The purpose is to create a vast network of trucks nationwide and worldwide to provide deliveries for customers immediately.

The truck network is quite large all over the country, but to increase worldwide deliveries, they still plan to improve their system and acquire more vehicles.

Reasons To Go For Amazon Relay

1. The one-day payouts each week rule ensures quick and efficient payments.
2. The Amazon Relay app is extremely easy to use and makes operations fast.
3. There is no restriction on the load that can be carried while using Amazon Relay.
4. It makes for a great side hustle for those who already have day jobs. 
5. Food and internet allowance for the drivers.
6. The self-service web portal works well for a variety of moving vehicles. 

Reasons Not To Go For Amazon Relay

1. Not suitable for day drivers as it offers night load transfers most of the time.
2. Pay rates are not impressive. 

FAQs about Amazon Relay and Amazon Freight

What is Amazon Relay?
Amazon Relay is a digital platform that connects carriers with Amazon’s freight loads, streamlining the process of finding and booking freight jobs. It’s designed for carriers of all sizes and offers a mobile app and web portal for easy access to freight opportunities.

How does Amazon Freight differ from Amazon Relay?
While Amazon Relay focuses on connecting carriers with loads through a digital load board, Amazon Freight provides comprehensive freight transportation services, including LTL, FTL, and intermodal shipping, to move Amazon’s goods efficiently. Amazon Freight works with a network of carriers and operates internationally.

Can individual truckers use Amazon Relay?
Yes, Amazon Relay is accessible to individual owner-operators as well as large fleets. It requires truckers to meet certain requirements, including having an electronic logging device (ELD) and complying with FMCSA regulations.

What are the requirements to join Amazon Freight or Amazon Relay?
To join, carriers need to have an active USDOT number, a motor carrier (MC) number, and meet Amazon’s insurance requirements. Additionally, for Amazon Relay, truckers must use an approved ELD.

What benefits do carriers get by joining Amazon Relay or Amazon Freight?
Carriers benefit from access to a large volume of loads, predictable revenue, ease of use, and 24/7 support. Amazon’s platforms also offer fast payment processes and potential for long-term partnerships.

How can small trucking companies partner with Amazon Freight?
Small trucking companies can join the Amazon Freight Partner Program, which involves transporting Amazon goods with set rules and benefits, including professional training, financial loans for initial costs, and medical bill coverage.

What challenges might carriers face with Amazon Relay or Amazon Freight?
Some challenges include adapting to Amazon’s technology platform, meeting strict delivery schedules, and navigating the competitive landscape of Amazon’s extensive carrier network.

Is there support for carriers using Amazon Relay or Amazon Freight?
Yes, Amazon provides carriers with 24/7 support to address any questions or issues that may arise, ensuring smooth operation and resolution of any problems.

Putting It All Together

Amazon has revolutionized the freight transportation industry by launching Amazon Freight and Amazon Relay. Their combined efforts have resulted in a more efficient, sustainable, and safe freight transportation system.

The best part about Amazon Relay is that the company is not merely recruiting drivers but providing professional training and loans to cover the costs of trucks or commercial trailers.