Amazon Relay: A Comprehensive Guide for Carriers

Amazon Relay is a modern platform created for carriers who want to maximize their fleet potential and have constant access to attractive orders. By combining advanced technological tools with Amazon’s extensive logistics network, it enables quick searching, booking, and fulfilling transports throughout Europe. The intuitive load board, short-term contracts, “Post A Truck” function, and mobile application supporting drivers’ work make Amazon Relay not only a source of stable orders but also a partner in optimizing daily transport operations.

If you’re looking for information about what Amazon Relay technology is, you’ve come to the right place! From this article, you’ll learn:

  • What Amazon Relay is and what functions it has;
  • Who can use Amazon Relay and in which countries;
  • What additional benefits are associated with Amazon Relay;
  • What requirements are associated with Amazon Relay registration and how to complete it;
  • How the Amazon Relay scoring system works?

What is Amazon Relay and How Does It Work?

Amazon Relay is a comprehensive technology package connecting carriers with loads located in Amazon warehouses and enabling their transport. Amazon Relay technology allows carriers to manage freight, providing access to transport opportunities directly within Amazon’s logistics network.

Amazon Relay Features

The core element of the system is the Amazon Relay Load Board, where carriers can browse, filter, and book one-time orders for various trailer types - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Additionally, Amazon Relay enables carriers to “Post a Truck” - a function for publishing available loading space up to 14 days in advance. The system automatically matches them with loads meeting selected criteria.

Furthermore, Amazon Relay gives carriers access to short-term contracts, offering weekly work blocks with fixed rates. Carriers can also bid their preferred rates at auctions.

All registered carriers receive access to the Amazon Relay app (available on iOS and Android), which allows drivers to:

  • Browse and manage loading status;
  • Report delays;
  • Use truck-friendly navigation;
  • Receive weather alerts.

This makes transport management simpler, more effective, and more efficient, helping to keep trucks constantly moving.

Who Can Apply to Amazon Relay?

Amazon Relay focuses on cooperation with carriers using standard box and curtain trailers with a length of 13.6 m. However, it also offers opportunities to work with other vehicle types, including 7.5-ton trucks, box vans, Sprinter-type vans, tractor units, and various alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs).

In Which Countries are Amazon Relay Services Available?

Amazon Relay services are available in the following countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Spain, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom, and Italy.

Amazon Relay Digital Platform and Amazon Relay App

The Amazon Relay digital platform is the basic version of this service. However, carriers should be aware that the Amazon Relay app is also available with support in 17 languages.

The Amazon Relay app offers drivers:

  • Route information and truck-friendly navigation - e.g., adding points along the route, such as parking lots or gas stations, as well as real-time access to information about their working time;
  • Weather alerts increasing safety;
  • Real-time load tracking capability;
  • Automatic check-ins saving time.

Key Amazon Relay Benefits for Transport Companies

Besides the ability to optimize their routes and earn additional income, Amazon Relay helps drivers by providing them with additional benefits. Among these, you can find:

  • Loyalty programs and rewards: Carriers can earn additional bonuses and discounts through the Relay Rewards program, which offers time-limited promotions, exclusive order offers, priority service, and company gadgets;
  • Operational discounts: Easy savings on costs through exclusive discounts on fuel (fuel card), vehicle rental, insurance, tires, service, road tolls, and equipment, including up to 23% total savings.

Benefits often depend on location - country or continent. European drivers can expect discounts on fuel at Shell stations or rebates for Goodyear tires.

How to become an Amazon Relay carrier?

The first step that a carrier wanting to use the Amazon Relay service must take is registration in Amazon Relay. However, besides registration, it is necessary to meet several other conditions.

Amazon Relay Requirements for Carriers - What Conditions Must Be Met?

Joining the Amazon Relay platform as a carrier requires meeting several basic requirements. Among them are:

  • Requirement to have a valid EU transport license, the so-called Community license, or O-License in the United Kingdom;
  • Having a VAT number;
  • Insurance requirements dependent on the country.

Amazon Relay Registration Process

After completing the documents required for Amazon Relay registration, the carrier can create a free account on the Amazon Relay portal. The entire registration process takes about 20 minutes and includes the following stages and information:

  • Providing company data;
  • Verification with a one-time password;
  • Fleet information;
  • Insurance documents;
  • Business license;
  • Payment and contract information.

The submitted Amazon Relay registration application is usually processed within 1-4 weeks, after which the applicant receives a response.

After application acceptance and completion of initial training, Amazon Relay users receive immediate ability to book loads from the offer board along with access to the Amazon Relay portal, as well as operational manuals for active carriers, which contain practical tips facilitating effective use of the portal.

Amazon Relay Insurance Requirements in Poland:

For Polish carriers, Amazon Relay services are available for transport companies that meet the following insurance criteria:

  • Road Carrier’s Liability Insurance in international traffic: 100,000 euros or 8.33 SDR/kg;
  • Green Card as proof of vehicle insurance: 1,050,000 EUR property damage / 5,210,000 EUR personal injury.

How the Amazon Relay Payment System Works

The settlement system in Amazon Relay is transparent and automated, which significantly facilitates cooperation for carriers. The payment cycle runs on a weekly basis – it covers all orders fulfilled from Sunday to Saturday (until 11:59 PM), and the compensation for completed routes is transferred to the carrier’s account by the following Friday.

However, it’s worth remembering that potential disputes or additional fees may affect the payment date.

Importantly, invoices are automatically generated by the Amazon Relay system and available for viewing in the carrier portal. If any discrepancies or payment delays occur, a complaint can be filed directly through the platform, using the weekly invoice review function.

Understanding the Amazon Relay Performance Score System

Drivers and carriers are also subject to the Amazon Relay scoring system, the so-called Performance Score.

What Affects the Score in the Amazon Relay Performance Score System?

The Amazon Relay scoring system ranges from 0-100% and corresponds to grades from F to A+. It consists of evaluations from the last 6 weeks and is based on factors such as:

  • Percentage of loads delivered according to the planned arrival time - on-time arrival at loading and unloading points is expected; the result is based on check-in time at the location.
  • Frequency of rejecting assigned orders - each rejection of assigned work lowers the score, and the closer to the planned pickup, the greater the penalty.
  • Driver compliance with the rules of using the Relay app during transport - all orders must be fulfilled using the Relay app, with location enabled throughout the entire route.
  • Number of transport disruptions (e.g., trailer left stationary, no assigned driver).

The current driver rating equals the score of the weakest indicator, which motivates the carrier to maintain their results.

How Does the Amazon Relay Performance Score System Affect Drivers’ Work?

A high score in the Amazon Relay Performance Score provides carriers with a wider selection of orders and greater freedom in planning work.

The rating determines qualification for spot transports and contracts, with the latter being reserved for companies with a minimum B score. Carriers with the best results additionally gain earlier access to new tenders and priority matching in the “Post A Truck” tool.

Amazon Relay - Summary

Amazon Relay helps carriers not only in booking orders but also in effectively developing a transport company. It combines access to thousands of loads with a transparent payment system, modern technological tools, and attractive benefits that reduce operational costs. Thanks to the intuitive app and extensive load board, carriers can effectively plan routes, reduce empty runs, and increase their fleet’s profitability.

If you’re looking for stable orders, quick settlement, and cooperation with one of the largest logistics players in the world, Amazon Relay helps turn these expectations into real benefits. Just meet the registration requirements, create an account, and start cooperation – and your trucks can soon become part of Amazon’s European network.

If, however, you need support in drivers’ payroll calculation, in accounting for your transport company, or issues related to HR and payroll calculation, we’ll gladly provide it! Contact us and indicate what the problem is, and the Evotax team will be happy to solve it!

Amazon Relay FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Below we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about Amazon Relay that we receive. We’ve also provided answers to them. If your question is missing among them, contact us, and our specialists will be happy to answer!

What are the main benefits of using Amazon Relay for carriers?

Amazon Relay helps carriers maintain work continuity, offering constant access to attractive orders and flexibility in route planning. The Amazon Relay digital platform and app also serve for easy order management, and thanks to high scores in the rating system, carriers can receive earlier access to the best loads.

What are the requirements to become an Amazon Relay carrier?

How does the Amazon Relay load board work?

Do I need my own trailer to work with Amazon Relay?

What functions does the Amazon Relay app offer?

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