Short answer
Amazon Relay is a load board for trucking companies with their own DOT and MC authority and their own trucks. Amazon Flex is for individuals who deliver Amazon packages in their own 4-door sedan, SUV, van or covered-bed truck.
What's the difference between Amazon Relay and Amazon Flex?
| Amazon Relay | Amazon Flex | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Trucking companies (carriers) | Individuals with a qualifying vehicle |
| What you move | Amazon freight, by truck | Amazon packages, to customers |
| Vehicle | Tractors, box trucks, trailers, containers | Sedans, SUVs, vans, covered-bed trucks |
| What you need | Your own DOT and MC numbers | A valid U.S. driver's license and a Social Security number |
| Your status | Independent contractor carrier | Independent contractor |
Relay "connects carriers directly to Amazon freight," per Amazon's get started page. Amazon's trade show post adds that on Relay "you bring your own equipment."
On Flex, you use your own vehicle to deliver Amazon packages on your own schedule.
Who is Amazon Relay for?
Existing trucking companies. Amazon's words: "Amazon Relay helps existing carriers grow their trucking business, while Amazon Freight Partner helps entrepreneurs launch one."
You need your own authority and equipment Amazon accepts. Amazon says: "Relay carriers are independent contractors and are not Amazon employees." The list is in our Amazon Relay requirements guide, and the steps are in how to sign up for Amazon Relay.
Who is Amazon Flex for?
People with a qualifying vehicle who pick their own hours. From Flex's home page, requirements and FAQ:
- "Be 21 or older"
- "You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and a Social Security number."
- Vehicle: "Smaller cars and open-bed trucks are ineligible."
- "Pass a background check that includes, but is not limited to, a review of motor vehicle records."
- "Choose delivery blocks up to a week in advance that fit your schedule."
- "As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own expenses."
The Flex FAQ says: "Amazon provides delivery partners in all states other than NY with commercial auto insurance at no cost."
Flex lists an onboarding support line, 888.281.6906. Relay has no official contact phone number.
No CDL? Read Amazon Relay non-CDL.
What is an Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP)?
A local package delivery business. Amazon's Freight Partner FAQ says DSPs "start, operate, and grow a package delivery business in their local communities. They operate out of an Amazon delivery station and manage a fleet of 20-40 vans on average."
DSPs recruit "a team of 40-100 high-performing employees" to deliver from the station to the customer's door.
What is an Amazon Freight Partner (AFP)?
A trucking company you start with Amazon's trucks. Amazon says no trucks or trucking experience are needed. From the AFP FAQ:
- AFPs "move Amazon freight between sites, such as warehouses and delivery stations, within the Amazon network."
- "Amazon provides Amazon-branded trucks to you with no up-front down payment and covers tolls, truck insurance, and fuel costs."
- "No, you do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to become an Amazon Freight Partner."
- "Candidates must have $40K in cash assets."
- Only one person may apply per application. Amazon doesn't accept applications from companies or groups.
- "An individual may not own and operate both a DSP and an AFP."
AFPs hire "full-time W-2 commercial drivers," and Amazon says applicants go through "a rigorous selection process."
Can you run Relay and Freight Partner together?
Yes, as separate companies. The AFP FAQ says: "Amazon Freight Partners can operate in the Amazon Relay program, but they must do so as a Relay carrier under a separate business entity and DOT authority."
Amazon doesn't publish whether a Flex driver can also be a Relay carrier.
How is Amazon Relay different from Amazon Freight?
They're two sides of one network. Amazon Freight is for shippers: "a connection point for businesses to move freight via the Amazon transportation network." It says: "Amazon Freight is an asset-backed freight broker licensed under MC-826094 (US DOT: 2881058)."
Relay is the carrier side. Amazon Freight's "Join Carrier Network" link goes to relay.amazon.com, and Amazon's 2026 booking post says loads "from companies that aren't Amazon are flowing through Relay's load board and auctions." More in can brokers use Amazon Relay.
Which Amazon program fits you?
- You run trucks under your own authority: Relay. Compare it with other boards in Amazon Relay vs DAT.
- You own one truck and drive it under your own authority: Relay, as an owner-operator. See our owner-operator guide.
- You have a car, SUV, van or covered-bed truck: Flex.
- You want to build a package delivery business: DSP.
- You want to start a trucking company without owning trucks: Amazon Freight Partner.
- You ship freight: Amazon Freight.
What doesn't Amazon publish?
- A side-by-side comparison of these programs
- DSP startup costs and requirements on a page we could read
- Whether a Flex driver can also be a Relay carrier
- Where Freight Partner is open (Amazon matches applicants by zip code)
Where does NudoIQ fit?
NudoIQ is for Relay carriers, not Flex drivers. It's a Chrome extension for the Relay load board. It refreshes the board, shows net profit and lane price history on each load, and can book loads that clear your minimum net profit. It's independent, not affiliated with Amazon. Try it 7 days free, no card needed to start, then $49.99 a month. See how the NudoIQ extension works.