Short answer
Non-CDL box truck carriers can use Amazon Relay. Amazon offers box truck contracts to carriers who are "local, independent, or non-CDL," but it still requires a DOT medical card, your own DOT authority and a box truck it accepts.
Can you do Amazon Relay without a CDL?
With a box truck, Amazon says yes. Its box truck loads post says: "Whether you're local, independent, or non-CDL, Amazon offers 16' and 26' contracts for box trucks to help carriers book consistent lanes."
The same post explains: "Depending on the weight of your truck, you may not need a CDL to drive a box truck."
Two catches:
- Contracts take a track record. Amazon says "in order to qualify, you'll have to prove yourself as a high-performing carrier." Its 2026 booking post says contracts need a B+ grade or above.
- Relay isn't a job. It's for carrier companies with their own authority, so there are no "non-CDL jobs" on Relay itself. See Amazon Relay for drivers.
When do you need a CDL?
The federal rule goes by weight rating or weight, whichever is greater. From 49 CFR 383.5:
| Group | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Group A | A combination rated or weighing 26,001 pounds or more, towing a unit rated or weighing more than 10,000 pounds |
| Group B | A single heavy truck rated or weighing 26,001 pounds or more |
Amazon's post puts it as "a vehicle that weighs less than 26,000 pounds." The federal rule also counts the weight rating, so check your truck's GVWR and your state's rules before you count on no CDL.
Most Relay loads need a tractor. Amazon's truck requirements post says: "The majority of Amazon Relay loads are power-only." A tractor pulling a trailer usually falls under Group A. Yard work needs a CDL too. See our hostler and shuttle guide.
Do you still need a DOT medical card?
Yes. Amazon says: "At Amazon Relay, we do still require a DOT medical card to drive anything commercial, but owner-operators don't have to go through the time and expense of getting a CDL if their box trucks are under the weight limit."
That matches federal rules. FMCSA's safety rules start at 10,001 pounds by rating or weight (49 CFR 390.5), well under the CDL line. A driver covered by them "must not operate a commercial motor vehicle unless he or she is medically certified as physically qualified to do so" (49 CFR 391.41).
You also need your own authority. Amazon says "you'll need a DOT authority for at least 6 months to become a carrier with Amazon Relay." The full list is in our Amazon Relay requirements guide.
What box truck rules does Amazon list?
Amazon books 16' and 26' box trucks and says "we have more loads for 26'." From the box truck loads post:
- A functional tuck-under lift gate
- Your DOT number "clearly displayed on the truck's exterior, even if you're using a rented truck"
- "Drivers must arrive on site with a pallet jack and load straps."
- "Drivers must not use on-site equipment."
- "Drivers will be responsible for loading and unloading all freight."
- A smartphone with the Relay app
For post office runs, "your box truck must be able to load at least 12 pallets." More in our box truck guide and box truck loads guide.
Can you use a car, pickup, sprinter or hotshot?
They're not on Amazon's list. The Relay FAQ lists day cabs, sleeper cabs, 16' and 26' box trucks with a tuck-under lift gate, a 48' trailer, a 53' dry van, a 53' reefer and containers. Amazon also says: "Cargo vans cannot be used for loads on Amazon Relay." Our cargo van guide covers the options for van owners.
Have a car, SUV or pickup with a covered bed? That fits Amazon Flex, a different Amazon program. Its requirements page accepts "4-door sedans, SUVs, vans, or trucks with covered beds. Smaller cars and open-bed trucks are ineligible." Compare the two in Amazon Relay vs Amazon Flex.
Can you rent a bigger truck?
Amazon's discounts page lists truck rentals at "Up to 40% off, including high roof gas and diesel vans, 16ft box trucks, 26ft box trucks, and daycabs." Only the box trucks and day cabs on that list are Relay equipment. A rented box truck still needs your DOT number on the outside.
Before you rent, 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.
What doesn't Amazon publish about non-CDL work?
- A list of non-CDL loads
- A weight rating rule for 16' or 26' box trucks
- How a driver without a CDL completes the "commercial driver's license" step in driver onboarding (ask Relay support from your account)
- Any hotshot, pickup, car, SUV or sprinter program on Relay
- How CDL rules differ by state
Where does NudoIQ fit?
If you run a box truck on Relay, NudoIQ is a Chrome extension for the load board. It refreshes the board, sounds an alert on the page when a load clears your minimums (net profit, $/mile or load pay), and shows net profit on each load from your own costs. 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.