Over the past several years, the transportation industry has struggled to keep pace with soaring e-commerce demand. Against this backdrop, Amazon developed the Amazon Freight Partner program to create opportunities within its middle-mile logistics network for both leaders looking to start a transportation business and professional CDL-A drivers looking to expand their driving career.
The Amazon Freight Partner program
The Amazon Freight Partner (AFP) program empowers leaders to build trucking businesses while playing a crucial role in Amazon’s logistics network. Founded in 2019, the program supports small business leaders in starting and growing their own trucking company fueled by Amazon. These partners operate within Amazon’s “middle mile,” network managing transportation between warehouses and sites before packages reach customers.
In the dynamic transportation industry where work typically varies by season and location, the AFP program stands out by offering partners a consistent work stream with fixed weekly rates for each truck they operate – providing a rare reliability that most trucking business owners don’t experience. The program is specifically designed to support smaller transportation business owners operating between 5 to 20 or more trucks, helping these smaller operations compete and grow in a market traditionally dominated by larger players.
Local impact and long-term opportunity
The Amazon Freight Partner program contributes to regional economic development through both business creation and local employment. Each Amazon Freight Partner supports their local communities by providing CDL-A driver jobs while generating business for nearby vendors and service providers.
The model also helps redefine career pathways within trucking. Many Amazon Freight Partners promote internally by helping experienced drivers support leadership or management positions, allowing them to stay in the industry while advancing professionally.
As one driver from an AFP company in Phoenix shared, the program creates a sense of shared purpose: “We’re part of something bigger, but we still work for a local business that knows our names. That combination of community and opportunity is hard to find,” said Taylor in an AFP driver testimonial video.
Driving careers with Amazon Freight Partners
Unlike traditional driver jobs within the industry, drivers working for Amazon Freight Partners are W2 employees who receive comprehensive benefits including hourly pay, healthcare coverage, and paid time off. Many Amazon Freight Partners also offer retirement savings options, childcare support, and mental health resources. Driver experiences vary from company to company, since each partner manages its own operations and hiring. Most Amazon Freight Partners typically offer local or regional routes using a “drop-and-hook” model that minimizes waiting time and improves work-life balance.
“I’ve worked for companies where you’re gone for weeks at a time,” said Miguel in an AFP driver testimonial video. “With my Amazon Freight Partner, I’m home every night. I can take my kids to school, and that makes a huge difference.”
Both partners and drivers benefit from Amazon’s logistics technology and operational systems. Partners gain access to advanced route optimization, load planning, and fleet management tools that typically require substantial investment for independent operators. These tools help improve efficiency and reduce downtime, which translates into steadier schedules and safer conditions for drivers.
The program’s focus on safety and consistency extends to the vehicles themselves. AFP drivers operate tractors equipped with collision avoidance systems and electronic logging devices, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and helping reduce accident risk.
A growing network of opportunity
The Amazon Freight Partner program represents a new model for sustainable growth in the transportation sector—one that blends entrepreneurship, technology, and people-centered values. By supporting both business owners and drivers, the program helps strengthen supply chain reliability while creating meaningful, community-based careers across the country.
Those with a commercial driver’s license can explore current driving openings for an Amazon Freight Partner or sign up for text alerts at afpjobs.amazon.com.
Prospective partners undergo a competitive selection process that evaluates leadership ability, financial readiness, and commitment to operational excellence. Those interested in future opportunities can learn more at www.amazon.com/AFPFREIGHTWAVES or at the Amazon booth at F3: Future of Freight Festival, and don’t forget to check out the upcoming episode of The Long Haul podcast on October 21 featuring Natasha Sanders from the Amazon Freight Partner program.
