Running freight for Amazon Relay can fill back-haul lanes and stabilize weekly cash flow, but approval is only granted to carriers with complete insurance and accurate paperwork. Amazon automates much of its vetting, so a single typo or missing limit can delay approval while other trucks grab the loads. The following guide can help streamline the process from the first quote to the first Amazon load, reducing unnecessary back-and-forth.
Core Coverage Amazon Requires
Before Amazon adds a DOT number to its marketplace, a certificate must show every limit on the checklist below and list Amazon Services LLC as the certificate holder.
- $1,000,000 commercial auto liability
- $100,000 motor truck cargo
- $50,000 trailer interchange
- $1,000,000 general liability per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
- Workers’ compensation and employer liability if W-2 drivers are employed
Coverage amounts must match exactly. If a cargo policy shows $95,000 instead of $100,000, the system will likely trigger manual review and delay approval.
Turning Time into Money with Fast Certificates
Meeting coverage limits is only part of the process. Amazon requires a certificate issued within the past thirty days and uploaded as a current PDF. A specialized agency, such as GIA Group, LLC, can issue certificates quickly and process endorsements efficiently. A rapid turnaround keeps an application moving, prevents costly layovers, and signals to brokers that a driver operates with professional discipline.
Paperwork Amazon Checks Line by Line
Insurance is only the first step. Compliance systems also review every document submitted:
- Companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, hold property-for-hire authority, and show an Active status.
- Safety ratings must be satisfactory, None, or Not Rated. Conditional status prevents approval.
- Legal name and address on the MCS-150, BOC-3, and insurance certificate must match exactly, or the system may flag the packet for review, delaying approval.
Clean PDFs should be uploaded to the Relay dashboard, labeled clearly, and include policy numbers in each file name. Complete packets are typically approved within a week. Incomplete packets may take significantly longer to process.
Controlling the Cost of High Limits
The $1,000,000 liability limit is higher than the FMCSA’s $750,000 minimum for certain carriers, but Amazon requires the full $1M for every approved trucking company, regardless of size. Three practices can help manage the increase. First, careful driver screening is important. A single major violation can add thousands to the annual premium. Second, the use of outward-facing cameras and telematics alerts is often recognized by insurers with safety credits that help offset hardware costs. Third, consistent lane planning and routing support more stable underwriting, as coverage is rated by region and mileage. Consistent operations result in more predictable premiums.
Avoid the Most Common Application Traps
Even experienced fleets lose days to simple errors. Several issues frequently delay approval:
- Listing low values on trailer interchange. The declared limit should reflect full replacement cost; otherwise, the insured may be responsible for the difference if a rented trailer is destroyed in a fire or a rollover.
- Letting a certificate expire. The Relay system automatically removes an insured trucking company at midnight on the expiration date. Calendar reminders at thirty and fifteen days help ensure renewals are issued and uploaded on time.
- Overlooking specialty cargo endorsements. Produce often requires reefer breakdown coverage, while consumer electronics may need higher cargo sub-limits.
Spending one hour on preventive paperwork is cheaper than ten hours on hold with the Relay help desk.
Preparing for Growth After Approval
Getting approved is just the starting point. Each additional truck increases exposure and paperwork. To stay prepared:
- Keep loss runs, driver lists, and maintenance records in a shared folder
- Begin renewals sixty days before expiration.
- Use telematics data, dashcam evidence, and consistent mileage records for a stronger position when remarketing the policy and requesting quotes.
When leasing owner-operators under operating authority, drivers should sign the safety manual and be included on both the driver roster and the insurance schedule. Amazon verifies carrier authority and safety data through FMCSA systems, and cross-checks driver and vehicle details against the documents submitted. Any unit not properly listed won’t be approved for use in Relay.
Keeping Compliance in Sync
The FMCSA requires insurance filings to align with operating authority. If operations extend from regional to multi-state lanes, the radius classification should be updated in advance Similarly, when rebranding, the trade name must be added to all filings before newly branded trucks hit the road. Even a minor mismatch can cause FMCSA records to show inactive status until corrected in SAFER, which in turn can prevent Amazon from tendering new loads.
Final Mile to First Load
Amazon enforces its requirements consistently, but the standards are clearly defined. Meeting required insurance limits, ensuring certificates match FMCSA filings, and maintaining a strong safety score are essential. Driver training, documented inspections, and digital recordkeeping further support compliance. Partnering with a trucking-focused agency like GIA Group, LLC helps carriers stay ahead of these requirements with fast certificates, accurate filings, and ongoing policy support—so trucking companies can remain active in the Relay system and keep building steady growth through Amazon loads.
