Amazon Relay Carrier Requirements: How to Sign Up and Get Approved
Thinking about hauling for Amazon? Before you can book a single load, you have to meet the Amazon Relay carrier requirements: active USDOT authority, the right insurance, safety scores under Amazon’s limits and an application that matches FMCSA’s records exactly. This guide breaks down every requirement from Amazon’s own carrier guide, walks through the 5-step sign-up, and flags the paperwork that trips up carriers in Southern California and Las Vegas.
- You need an active USDOT number with interstate authority for at least 180 days, plus a valid MC number.
- Amazon requires $1,000,000 auto liability, $100,000 cargo, general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
- Amazon’s BASIC score limits are stricter than FMCSA’s own thresholds.
- There’s no minimum fleet size. One-truck owner-operators can apply.
- The application takes about 20 minutes, and Amazon generally reviews it within three weeks.
- Hauling into California? You’ll also need Clean Truck Check compliance.
We update MCS-150s, run Clean Truck Checks and file Form 2290s in one visit, so your application matches and your trucks can roll.
What Is an Amazon Relay Carrier?
According to Amazon, Relay carriers are trucking businesses fully approved to book and haul Amazon loads, moving freight between Amazon facilities on its way to customers. Approved carriers book loads through the Relay web portal or the Relay mobile app. Amazon also warns that it doesn’t tender loads through third-party load boards, so any Amazon load you see elsewhere still goes only to approved Relay carriers.
Amazon Relay Carrier Requirements: Authority and Safety
USDOT number
Active, with interstate authority for at least 180 days.
MC number
A valid Motor Carrier number, with carrier authority for property, for-hire operations.
FMCSA safety rating
Satisfactory, None or Not Rated.
No fleet minimum
Amazon says there are no fleet size requirements to apply.
Your FMCSA record has to match, down to the last dash
Amazon checks your application against the FMCSA database instantly and tells carriers to match their details exactly. If your company name, address or phone has changed, update your USDOT registration first. FMCSA also requires every carrier to file an MCS-150 biennial update every two years, even when nothing has changed, and a missed update can deactivate your USDOT number. Find your MCS-150 due date here.
Amazon Relay Insurance Requirements
All policies must be current before you apply. Here are Amazon’s minimums:
| Coverage | Amazon Relay minimum |
|---|---|
| Auto liability | $1,000,000 per occurrence, with $50,000 trailer replacement |
| Commercial general liability | $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate |
| Cargo | $100,000 |
| Employer liability | $100,000 per occurrence |
| Workers’ compensation | Coverage in every area you operate |
Source: Amazon Relay. Confirm current amounts in Amazon’s insurance requirements before you buy a policy.
BASIC Score Limits for Amazon Relay
Amazon uses FMCSA’s Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs), but with tighter limits than FMCSA’s own intervention thresholds:
| BASIC / measure | Amazon Relay limit |
|---|---|
| Unsafe Driving | Below 60% |
| Hours-of-Service Compliance | Below 60% |
| Vehicle Maintenance | Below 75% |
| Controlled Substances / Alcohol | Below 75% |
| Driver Fitness | Below 75% |
| Driver violation rate | At or below 35% |
| Vehicle violation rate | At or below 50% |
Equipment You Can Use on Amazon Relay
- Day cabs and sleeper cabs for power-only loads
- 53-foot dry vans and 53-foot refrigerated trailers
- 26-foot or 16-foot box trucks, standard and refrigerated
- 28-foot trailers
Amazon offers both trailer-provided and trailer-required loads. If your trucks will run in California, remember that diesel and alternative-fuel trucks over 14,000 lbs need Clean Truck Check compliance before Amazon will check them in.
How to Sign Up for Amazon Relay in 5 Steps
Amazon says you can apply in as little as 20 minutes at relay.amazon.com or in the Relay app for iOS or Android. You can use an existing Amazon account or create a new one with a different email address.
Enter your USDOT number
Amazon pulls your record from FMCSA, so make sure it’s current first.Add your company details
Match FMCSA exactly: legal name, address and phone.Verify with a one-time password
Confirm the code Amazon sends to finish verification.List your equipment
Add each tractor, box truck and trailer you’ll use.Add payment information
Set up your bank details so you can be paid for completed loads.
After You Apply: Approval and First Loads
Amazon generally reviews completed applications within three weeks. Once approved, you get access to free digital onboarding courses and can start booking. According to Amazon, approved carriers see the all-in rate up front, get paid weekly for completed hauls, and may unlock more booking options as their performance score and tenure grow.
Hauling into California?
Check Your CARB Status Before Your First Relay Load
If any truck will run Amazon loads in California, it needs a Clean Truck Check certificate on file with Relay. Enter your VIN(s) and we’ll confirm your status and text you what’s needed, usually within 1 business day.
By submitting, you agree that American Trucking Compliance may call, text or email you about your request. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. See our Privacy Policy. We are not affiliated with Amazon or CARB.
Amazon Relay Carrier Requirements FAQ
How long do I need my authority before applying to Amazon Relay?
Amazon requires an active USDOT number with interstate authority for at least 180 days.
Can a one-truck owner-operator join Amazon Relay?
Yes. Amazon says there are no fleet size requirements to apply.
How much insurance do I need for Amazon Relay?
At minimum: $1,000,000 auto liability with $50,000 trailer replacement, $1,000,000/$2,000,000 general liability, $100,000 cargo, $100,000 employer liability, and workers’ compensation.
How long does Amazon Relay approval take?
Amazon generally reviews completed applications within three weeks.
Do I need Clean Truck Check to haul for Amazon in California?
Yes, for diesel and alternative-fuel trucks over 14,000 lbs, including trucks registered outside California. Read our Amazon Relay CARB compliance guide.
Can you help me get ready to apply?
Yes. We update MCS-150s, run mobile Clean Truck Checks ($110 in Southern California, $85 in Las Vegas), e-file Form 2290 and handle California DMV registration, often in one visit.
Let’s make sure your USDOT record, Clean Truck Check and 2290 are in order before you apply.
Official Sources
- Amazon Relay: How to become a carrier for Amazon Relay
- Amazon Relay: CARB compliance requirements
- FMCSA: Updating Your Registration
- CARB: Clean Truck Check FAQ
American Trucking Compliance is a privately owned, licensed service provider. We are not affiliated with Amazon, Amazon Relay, FMCSA, CARB or any government agency. Amazon’s requirements can change; always confirm on relay.amazon.com before applying. Last reviewed October 2026.
