Short answer
You can apply, but onboarding usually waits. Amazon says Relay typically requires your DOT number to be at least 180 days old to complete onboarding, and you need a valid MC number. It still encourages you to apply early.
Does Amazon Relay accept new authority?
You can apply. Onboarding usually waits for 180 days. The Relay FAQ says: "While Relay typically requires your DOT number to be at least 180 days old to complete onboarding, we encourage you to apply early."
Amazon's reason: "Starting your application now allows us to begin reviewing your information so you're ready to move forward as soon as you meet the requirement."
"Typically" is Amazon's word. It publishes no exception or new-authority program.
How does Amazon word the 180-day rule?
Four ways, on different pages:
| Amazon page | What it says |
|---|---|
| Relay FAQ, requirements | "A DOT number, with interstate authority and that has been active for minimum of 180 days" |
| Relay FAQ, new carriers | "your DOT number to be at least 180 days old to complete onboarding" |
| Insurance post | "your MC must be active for at least 180 days before you haul with Relay" |
| Box truck loads post | "you'll need a DOT authority for at least 6 months" |
Three name the DOT number or DOT authority, one names the MC, and one says 6 months instead of 180 days. Amazon doesn't say which date it counts from: your USDOT registration, your authority grant or the day it went active.
Check your dates on FMCSA's company lookup, and ask Amazon if they differ.
Do you need an MC number, or is DOT enough?
Both. Amazon lists a DOT number with interstate authority and "a valid MC number." Your entity also has to be a "Carrier" that is "Authorized for Property and for Hire."
More in our owner-operator guide and the full requirements list.
Can you lease on to another carrier first?
Leasing on is an FMCSA arrangement. Amazon says nothing about it for Relay.
What FMCSA's rules say:
- A lease is a contract where the owner "grants the use of equipment, with or without driver, for a specified period to an authorized carrier" (49 CFR 376.2).
- "There shall be a written lease granting the use of the equipment" (49 CFR 376.11).
- The carrier you lease to "shall assume complete responsibility for the operation of the equipment for the duration of the lease" (49 CFR 376.12).
So a leased-on truck runs under the other carrier's authority.
On Relay, the only route Amazon describes under another carrier is the driver invite: "A carrier needs to invite their drivers to create a profile in the Relay app." See Amazon Relay for drivers.
Amazon doesn't say whether time leased on counts toward your own 180 days. Don't assume it does. Confirm the lease itself with FMCSA.
Should you rent or buy an aged MC?
We won't advise it. Amazon says:
- "Never transfer or sell your account to someone you don't know." (email scams post)
- It lists "Unsolicited offers to buy your business or manage your loads" as a scam sign.
- Ownership changes go through Amazon: "email relay-ownership-transfers@amazon.com at least 30 days ahead."
- Amazon verifies every owner with more than 25% ownership, and it screens "operating authority, ownership, affiliations, and other business credentials."
Amazon publishes nothing about renting an MC. Buying a company? See Amazon Relay business for sale. Account offers are covered in our fraud guide.
What can you do while your authority ages?
- Apply now. Amazon says it will "keep you updated on key program news while you wait."
- Match FMCSA exactly. Your application details should match the FMCSA database "down to the last dash."
- Line up insurance. The minimums are in our insurance guide.
- Plan your drivers. Each one joins by your invite.
- Price the work. 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.
Turned down already? See Amazon Relay application denied.
What doesn't Amazon publish about new authority?
- How it counts the 180 days
- Why its pages say DOT in one place, MC in another and 6 months in a third
- Whether time leased on to another carrier counts
- Whether a reinstated authority restarts the clock
- Any new-authority program or exception
- Anything about renting an MC
Where does NudoIQ fit?
When your authority clears and you're booking, NudoIQ is a Chrome extension for the Relay load board. It refreshes the board, sounds an alert on the page when a load clears your minimums, and shows net profit on each load from costs you set once. It's independent, not affiliated with Amazon, and it never asks for your Amazon password. Try it 7 days free, no card needed to start, then $49.99 a month. See how the NudoIQ extension works.