Short answer
To haul Amazon Relay loads through California, diesel and alternative fuel trucks over 14,000 pounds need CARB Clean Truck Check (CTC) certification, even if they're registered in another state. Trucks without valid certificates are rejected at check-in.
What does CARB compliance mean on Amazon Relay?
It means Clean Truck Check. Amazon's CARB post says: "You'll need Clean Truck Check (CTC) certification first." It explains: "CTC certificates show that diesel and alternative fuel vehicles over 14,000 pounds meet California's emissions standards."
Do out-of-state trucks need CARB certification for Relay?
Yes, if the load goes through California. Amazon says: "Even if your trucks aren't registered in California, you'll need certification to haul loads that travel through the state."
CARB says the same on its own Clean Truck Check page, posted March 10, 2026. The requirements "are in effect for subject vehicles, including vehicles registered outside of California when operating in the state."
Some trucks are exempt: "Zero-emission and gasoline vehicles don't need CTC certificates."
How do you get CTC certified for Amazon Relay?
- Register with CARB. Amazon says to register with the California CTC Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS) Portal.
- Get the right certificate. Amazon names two types:
- Vehicle Compliance Certificates for individual trucks, renewed every 6 months
- Affirmation of Fleet Wide Compliance for the entire fleet, renewed every 12 months
- Upload to Relay. "Make sure they list all the VINs you'll use for Amazon loads that pass through California." Then: "Verification typically takes 2 business days once you upload them to your Relay account."
CARB's notice also lists an annual vehicle compliance fee. Amazon doesn't state the amount, and we don't either. Testing frequency and fees are CARB's rules, so check CARB's page. CARB lists its CTC contact as hdim@arb.ca.gov or (866) 634-3735.
What does Relay ask for at onboarding?
Amazon asks you to either upload your CTC documents or attest that you don't plan to operate in California. Amazon adds: "You can always update your attestation later." So if you attested no California and later want those loads, get your trucks certified and uploaded first, then update the attestation.
After that, your Relay account shows each truck as CTC compliant or not compliant. "We'll send you reminders when expiration is close."
What happens if a truck isn't CARB compliant?
It gets turned away. Amazon says: "Trucks that travel through California for Amazon loads will be rejected at check-in without valid certificates." Our Relay app guide covers how check-in works.
And a rejected load isn't paid: "We don't pay carriers for loads that aren't hauled."
So check the lane before you book. Our free Relay load calculator shows a load's net, net per loaded mile and break-even rate from its pay, miles and your costs, which helps you see what a California load is worth to you.
CARB status also affects auctions. Amazon's performance grades post says: "Eligibility to bid also depends on your equipment count, Relay tenure, and CARB compliance for California routes." Our auctions guide has the other rules. The full carrier checklist is in our Amazon Relay requirements guide.
If you run more than one truck, only send trucks that show as CTC compliant on loads that travel through California.
What should you check before a California Relay load?
Run through this before you book:
- Does the truck need CTC at all? It does if it's diesel or alternative fuel and over 14,000 pounds. Zero-emission and gasoline trucks don't.
- Is the certificate current? Vehicle certificates renew every 6 months. Fleet affirmations renew every 12 months.
- Is the right VIN listed? The certificate in Relay has to list the VIN of the truck you're sending.
- Has Relay verified it? Verification typically takes 2 business days, so don't upload the morning of the load.
- Pulling a reefer? Check ARBER registration too (see below).
- Renting trailers to Amazon? Those trailers have their own CARB rule (see below).
What are the CARB rules for reefers on Relay?
Reefer units have their own step. Amazon says to register your reefers in CARB's ARBER system and meet CARB's Airborne Toxic Control Measure standards, "even if you're based outside of California."
Our Amazon Relay reefer guide covers the rest of the reefer rules.
Do trailers rented to Amazon need CARB compliance?
Yes. To rent your trailers to Amazon, Amazon's trailer auctions post asks for "CARB compliant or SmartWay designated trailers." Our trailer rental guide explains how those auctions work.
Is there help paying for cleaner trucks?
There are public programs. Amazon's clean truck funding post lists California's HVIP voucher at a maximum of $7,500 to $420,000, "based on vehicle weight class and fuel type (electric or hydrogen)." That's a program term, not money you're sure to get. The same post lists other federal and state programs too. Check each program's own rules before you apply.
Relay's discounts page also lists "Clean truck grant writing services" at preferred pricing. Our Relay rewards guide covers the discount list.
What doesn't Amazon publish about CARB?
- CTC fee amounts
- How often trucks must be tested
- What happens to a contract or booked load if a certificate lapses mid-term
- How to tell which Relay loads route through California
- Whether non-diesel reefer units follow different rules
For fees and testing, CARB's own page is the source to trust.
Where does NudoIQ fit?
NudoIQ is an independent Chrome extension for the Relay load board. It shows net profit and lane price history on each load, so you can weigh a California lane before you book it. It's free for 7 days with no card needed to start, then $49.99 a month.