Amazon Relay has evolved significantly beyond its traditional power-only foundation, creating new opportunities for carriers with diverse equipment configurations. As Amazon’s consumer sales continue growing and the company expands support for third-party shippers, Relay recognizes the critical need to accommodate carriers operating various trailer types and specialized equipment.
Breaking beyond power-only limitations
When carriers think of Amazon Relay, many picture hauling Amazon’s distinctive trailers over the road. While this remains a core opportunity on Relay, the company is also able to accommodate carriers with diverse equipment types and operational preferences.
Amazon Relay offers opportunities through the load board, contracts, and auctions. Each provide distinct advantages while accommodating various equipment configurations to help carriers maximize their existing assets.
Load board opportunities
The load board allows carriers to book loads directly through Relay’s portal or app, with both roundtrip and one-way options available. Beyond traditional over-the-road hauling with Amazon trailers, carriers can access opportunities for:
- Operating their own 53′ dry van trailers, 53′ or 26′ reefers, and 26′ box trucks
- Hauling Amazon’s 53′ intermodal containers with chassis included
- Yard hostler and shuttle services moving Amazon trailers within and between facilities in 25-mile radius zones
Contract opportunities
Relay’s contract system provides 1-10+ weeks of consistent loads without requiring daily load board monitoring. Carriers can book these contracts independently through the portal or app. All contract opportunities are structured as roundtrips, eliminating the need to piece backhauls together.
Contract availability includes:
- Carriers’ own 26′ box trucks
- Amazon’s 53′ intermodal containers with chassis included
Auction opportunities
Auctions range from one week to 6+ months in duration, allowing carriers to name their desired rates with full transparency into leading bids. Most auction opportunities are one-way lanes, making them ideal for establishing consistent backhaul solutions—addressing one of trucking’s most persistent profitability challenges.
Auction availability includes:
- Carriers’ own 53′ dry van trailers, 53′ reefer trailers, and 26′ box trucks
- Yard hostler and shuttle services (the only auction option not structured as a “one-way” opportunity, as carriers receive assigned runs within facilities)
This expanded equipment accommodation allows transportation companies to maximize utilization of existing assets within Amazon’s extensive network rather than limiting participation based on equipment type. Box truck operators, reefer carriers, and specialized equipment owners can unlock opportunities specifically designed for their configurations alongside well-known power-only options.
Economic advantages in challenging times
Relay offers plentiful opportunities outside power-only, but power-only options are also still increasing. These options still provide a powerful solution for carriers navigating unpredictable economic conditions.
Current conditions have intensified pressure on operational costs, making equipment flexibility increasingly valuable for carrier profitability. Relay’s dual approach allows carriers to choose between using Amazon trailers or their own equipment based on economic conditions and operational requirements.
When carriers utilize Amazon trailers, they reduce insurance and maintenance obligations while eliminating potential service disruptions from unexpected equipment failures. This arrangement transfers certain operational risks and maintains earning potential. However, many established carriers have invested significantly in their own trailer fleets and need opportunities that accommodate these assets effectively.
Relay acknowledges this reality by creating pathways for carriers to monetize their existing equipment investments. Relay adapts to accommodate established operational structures while providing access to Amazon’s freight volume.
Operational efficiency through technology
Transparency remains central to Relay’s value proposition, with comprehensive load information available immediately upon access. Carriers can book loads without additional confirmation processes, accessing detailed information about mileage, payment, shipper locations, and appointment requirements upfront.
Relay’s load board provides accurate all-in and per-mile rates alongside precise mileage calculations and clear delivery windows. Most loads maintain weights under 25,000 pounds, making them accessible to diverse equipment types. This weight consideration expands participation opportunities y.
Round trip options available through both load board and contract systems help carriers build efficient routes that minimize deadhead miles. These features reduce the manual coordination typically required to create profitable multi-stop routes, allowing carriers to focus on execution rather than load planning.
These specialized services represent Amazon’s recognition that carriers need diverse options to maintain profitability across varying economic conditions. By offering local, regional, and long-haul opportunities within a single portal, Relay provides carriers with multiple options for maintaining consistent operations.
Looking forward
As transportation demand patterns continue evolving and consumer expectations shift, Relay’s expanded equipment accommodation provides carriers with additional tools for navigating these changes. Relay’s inclusive approach helps carriers maximize existing assets.
Through these developments, Amazon Relay demonstrates commitment to creating mutual value across the supply chain while addressing the operational realities facing today’s diverse carrier community. Relay’s continued evolution reflects a strategic approach to building lasting partnerships that benefit carriers, shippers, and consumers alike.
Amazon Relay will have representatives at the upcoming F3: Future of Freight Festival. These representatives will be available for detailed discussions about opportunities. Asset-based carriers interested in exploring expanded Relay opportunities can schedule consultations through the dedicated online portal to discuss specific business alignment opportunities.
Carriers have a unique opportunity to capture volume during the upcoming holiday season with Relay. Now is the time to get started with Relay in order to be positioned and ready for the busy season ahead.
Click here to learn more about Amazon Relay and get started today.
