Short answer
Yes, owner-operators can haul on Amazon Relay, and Amazon has no fleet size minimum. You need your own DOT number with interstate authority, active for at least 180 days, plus a valid MC number and a truck type Amazon accepts.
What is an owner-operator on Amazon Relay?
Amazon's owner-operator post puts it simply: "An owner-operator is a truck driver who owns and operates their own trucking business." It adds: "This can mean driving your own truck or managing a small fleet."
So on Relay you're a carrier like any other. You apply as a company, book loads as a company and get paid as a company.
Can a one-truck owner-operator join Amazon Relay?
Yes. Amazon's truck requirements post says: "There are no fleet size requirements to haul for Relay as long as you have the right types of trucks for our freight."
Amazon doesn't publish whether one-truck carriers see fewer loads than bigger fleets.
To apply, follow how to sign up for Amazon Relay.
Hiring your first driver? Read Amazon Relay workers' comp for what Amazon asks and how state rules differ.
Do you need your own DOT and MC number?
Yes, both. The Relay FAQ asks for a DOT number with interstate authority that has been active for at least 180 days, and a valid MC number. Your entity type has to be "Carrier," and it has to be "Authorized for Property and for Hire."
A DOT number alone isn't enough. Amazon lists the MC number too.
Leasing on to another carrier? Amazon doesn't describe a lease-on route for Relay. What FMCSA says about leases, and the driver invite Amazon does describe, are in our new authority guide. Every driver goes through Amazon's driver check, including an owner who drives. Our background check guide covers it.
The full list, including safety scores, is in our Amazon Relay requirements guide. Insurance minimums are in the insurance requirements guide, and timing is in how long Relay approval takes.
What trucks can an owner-operator use on Relay?
Amazon's owner-operator post lists this equipment:
- Day cab or sleeper cab
- 26' or 16' box truck
- 48' trailer
- 53' dry van
- 53' reefer
- 20' container, or 40' and 45' high cube container
Cargo vans are out. The truck requirements post says: "Cargo vans cannot be used for loads on Amazon Relay." Our cargo van guide has more.
Amazon doesn't publish a truck age or model year rule.
Is Amazon Relay an owner-operator job?
No. People search for "Amazon Relay owner operator jobs," but Relay isn't a job listing. Amazon's driver eligibility post says: "Relay-approved carriers are independent contractors, not Amazon employees. Carriers are responsible for their own drivers."
You run your own business and choose which loads and contracts to take.
If you want to drive rather than run a carrier, see Amazon Relay for drivers.
How do owner-operators find and book loads?
Access is free. Amazon's home page says Relay gives "trucking companies of all sizes free access to instantly book spot loads and contracts."
From the owner-operator post, your options are:
- Spot loads and contracts. Both can be booked instantly.
- Auctions. You "have a chance to name your own price" in load auctions. See our auctions guide.
- Negotiation on some loads. "On certain loads, you can negotiate arrival times and rates." That runs through Relay Assistant.
- Post A Truck. You tell Relay where your truck will be. Our Post A Truck guide explains it.
Amazon also says Relay offers "personalized recommendations, as well as cancellation replacements and reloads," and work "that gets you home daily." It suggests "balancing your business strategy with spot loads and contracted work."
Before you book, know your numbers. 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 does Amazon Relay pay owner-operators?
Amazon doesn't publish owner-operator pay, revenue or miles, and we won't guess. Each load shows its own price. Our guide to how much Amazon Relay pays explains how that price is built, and the payments guide covers the weekly pay schedule.
Hours of service rules also shape what one truck can run in a week. See our hours of service guide.
How do small carriers keep loads coming?
Amazon ties access to performance. The owner-operator post says to "Build a strong performance score by delivering reliably and on time," and says a strong score can open early access to loads and more work.
It also says: "Keep your assets, insurance, and certifications up to date." Paperwork sits in one place, where you "track BOLS and invoices in one portal" (Amazon's spelling).
Do Relay rewards and discounts apply to owner-operators?
Amazon says yes. The owner-operator post says Relay Rewards is set up "so even small owner-operators can achieve top benefits," and that owner-operators "can access Relay's trucking discounts on fuel, vehicle rentals, insurance, tires, and more." Tier rules and the discount list are in our Relay rewards guide.
Small and disadvantaged carriers can also look at Amazon's Supplier Development and Impact (SDI) program. The SDI post says "A carrier must be actively certified by a third-party organization to participate." Relay "also supports companies that qualify as a small business according to the size thresholds established by the Small Business Administration (SBA)." Amazon says it generally validates certification "within one-two weeks."
SDI benefits Amazon lists:
- A direct line to the SDI team
- Program office hours and information sessions
- Eligibility for certification reimbursement (WBENC, NMSDC, NVBDC, NaVOBA, NGLCC, Disability:IN)
What doesn't Amazon publish for owner-operators?
- Owner-operator pay, revenue or miles
- Any lease-on option under another carrier's authority
- Whether one-truck carriers see fewer loads
- A truck age or model year rule
- A minimum number of loads per week
- A separate owner-operator support line
Where does NudoIQ fit?
If you book your own loads, NudoIQ is a Chrome extension for the Relay load board. It shows net profit and lane price history on each load, from costs you set once. It's independent, not affiliated with Amazon, and it never asks for your Amazon password. It's free for 7 days with no card needed to start, then $49.99 a month.