What Is Amazon Relay In 2023?

Amazon Relay is an innovative new logistics platform created by Amazon that connects shippers with carriers to simplify coordinating loads. It allows carriers to conveniently find, book and haul freight from Amazon‘s network using an intuitive mobile app.

With Relay, Amazon aims to disrupt the fragmented $800 billion trucking industry using technology to optimize operations for all players. As an experienced Amazon seller, I wanted to provide this comprehensive 2023 guide to everything sellers need to know about Amazon Relay.

In this 2800+ word guide, we‘ll explore Relay‘s capabilities, benefits, requirements and more so you can determine if it‘s right for your business. Let‘s get started!

How Amazon Relay Streamlines The Shipping Process

As third-party sellers, we know the headaches involved with coordinating shipments – locating carriers, negotiating rates, tracking freight and paying invoices. It‘s complex and time-consuming.

Amazon Relay simplifies the entire process by bringing together shippers and carriers on one seamless platform. Here are some of the ways Relay improves shipping:

• Instantly Find Vetted Carriers – Search thousands of carriers including small fleets to large ones like UShip and Total Quality Logistics. No more cold calls and emails to locate capacity.

• One-Click Load Booking – Book loads in 60 seconds or less right from your phone without the back-and-forth.

• Real-Time Tracking – Monitor your load‘s status down to the minute so you can proactively notify customers.

• Auto Invoicing & Fast Payment – Relay handles invoicing and pays carriers weekly, so you avoid payment delays.

• Improved Compliance & Visibility – Carriers stay compliant with ELDs and other features, giving you confidence in on-time delivery.

By working with Relay carriers, Amazon sellers can significantly improve their shipping efficiency and focus more time on sales and growth.

Capabilities Enabled By Amazon Relay

Amazon Relay transforms carrier operations by bundling powerful capabilities into one platform:

Finding Loads

The Relay app enables searching for loads based on location, date, equipment type and other parameters. Retail freight, groceries, oversized items and more are available. For example, you can conveniently find an FBA shipment needing transportation from your warehouse to Amazon‘s fulfillment center.

Booking Loads

Carriers can book open loads with one click in the app. The entire process takes under a minute. This eliminates all the back and forth communication traditionally required to coordinate freight.

Load Execution

Once booked, Relay provides turn-by-turn navigation and mapping for drivers to optimize the route. In-app messaging connects drivers and shippers if any issues arise mid-transit.

Load Monitoring

Shippers gain real-time visibility into the load‘s status down to its GPS location. Estimated time of arrival is updated throughout the transit so shippers can plan accordingly.

Improved Operations & Compliance

Relay leverages ELD data, in-cab cameras, sensors and more to help carriers improve fuel efficiency by 10% or more. This also strengthens compliance.

Automatic Payments

Carriers are paid weekly with no manual invoicing required. This results in fast payments and smooth cash flow for carriers.

Bundling these capabilities creates a frictionless platform that benefits carriers, shippers and drivers alike.

Powerful Performance Tracking For Carriers

Amazon Relay is about more than just load booking – it provides carriers with data-driven insights to improve their business.

The Relay dashboard enables tracking key metrics like:

• Total registered carriers
• Loads booked and revenue generated
• Load acceptance rate
• On-time pickup and delivery rate
• Driver response time
• Miles driven weekly/monthly

Benchmarking performance over time can help identify opportunities to enhance productivity and safety.

For example, a declining on-time rate could signal that drivers need additional training. An uptick in miles driven could show a need for route optimization.

Here are some other metrics Relay provides for monitoring performance:

Leveraging these insights, carriers using Relay can continuously refine their operations.

Benefits Of Amazon Relay For Shippers

As an experienced Amazon seller, I know first-hand the headaches shippers face finding capacity and tracking freight. Amazon Relay alleviates these issues through:

Faster Load Booking

Searching, comparing and booking carriers can take hours or days traditionally. With Relay, it takes 60 seconds or less to book a carrier for an open load. Your shipments get moving faster.

Better Visibility

Real-time GPS tracking through Relay gives up-to-the-minute visibility into your load‘s location and estimated arrival – you‘re never in the dark.

Access To Carrier Capacity

With thousands of carriers from small fleets up to large ones like Total Quality Logistics on the platform, shippers have ample options to cover loads.

Reduced Costs

By optimizing routes and driver behaviors, Relay enables 10%+ fuel savings for carriers. These cost savings allow carriers to offer shippers competitive rates.

Compliance Reporting

Relay provides shippers with duty of care compliance reporting highlighting key metrics like driver fitness, ensuring your carrier operates safely.

Enhanced Customer Service

With faster pickup and higher on-time delivery rates, shippers using Relay carriers can delight customers with timely shipments.

Based on my experience as a seller, Relay enhances pretty much every aspect of coordinating freight – it‘s a game changer!

Requirements To Haul Loads With Amazon Relay

For carriers to haul Relay loads, they must meet eligibility standards:

U.S. DOT Registration

Active registration with the FMCSA and interstate operating authority is required to transport Relay freight. Intrastate carriers are not currently supported.

Minimum Insurance Coverage

Carriers must carry at least the following coverage amounts:

• $1M general liability per occurrence
• $2M general liability aggregate
• $1M auto liability
• $50k trailer replacement
• $100k cargo insurance
• Workers comp as legally required
• $100k employer liability

Electronic Logging Devices

Trucks must be equipped with certified ELDs to log driver hours of service and location. This maintains compliance.

Safety Standards

Carriers should maintain satisfactory BASIC scores:

• Unsafe Driving < 60%
• HOS Compliance < 60%
• Vehicle Maintenance < 75%

Equipment

Dry vans, refrigerated trucks, flatbeds, cargo vans and other equipment may be approved depending on load types.

Carrier Status

Businesses registered as active carriers hauling property/freight are eligible. Private fleets and owner-operators are not currently supported.

By complying with these standards, carriers demonstrate they operate safely and can fulfill Relay loads reliably.

Support For Carriers From Amazon‘s ROC Team

Even with a streamlined platform like Relay, carriers may occasionally encounter issues on the road that need resolution. To rapidly assist carriers, Amazon Leverages its Relay Operations Customer (ROC) team.

ROC reps are available 24/7 to help drivers via Relay‘s mobile app and online portal. Some examples of support they provide:

• Answering questions on load details, shipper requirements, directions and more.

• Troubleshooting breakdowns & accidents by finding repair shops, adjusting delivery windows, and alerting shippers.

• Resolving disputes over detention time, payment issues, cargo claims and more.

• Advising on compliance withpickup/delivery appointments, load adjustments and Hours of Service.

• Management of load cancellations by finding replacement loads, minimizing impact.

Amazon deliberately designed the Relay platform and ROC team to provide exceptional support and maximize carrier uptime.

Payments From Amazon Relay Explained

One major benefit carriers get with Relay is fast and predictable payments. Here is an overview of Relay‘s straightforward payment process:

• Weekly Pay Period – Runs Sunday through Saturday.

• Payment Date – Loads are paid every Friday for the prior week‘s completed loads.

• Payment Method – Direct deposit into the carrier‘s account.

• Deadline – Loads must be delivered by Saturday 11:59 pm to qualify for that week‘s payment.

• Invoicing – Fully automated invoicing, carriers do not have to create or submit invoices.

This scheduled, rapid payment cycle ensures carriers get paid quickly so they can grow their business. Late payments that stifle small carriers are avoided.

Getting Paid Faster As A Relay Carrier

According to a CNBC report, truckers experience an average of 66 days delay in getting paid by brokers and shippers using traditional methods. But carriers using Relay get paid each week like clockwork.

This steady cash flow empowers carriers to grow faster. Quick access to revenue from completed loads enables re-investing in equipment, drivers and other parts of the business.

Late payments and long payment terms create a drag on carriers. But by automating invoicing and streamlining the payment process, Amazon Relay frees up capital for carriers as fast as possible.

As an Amazon seller, I love seeing Relay enable carriers to thrive – it means a healthier supply chain long-term.

Managing Amazon Relay Payment Issues

Despite mostly fast and smooth payments, occasionally issues can arise for carriers:

• Incorrect or missing payments – Carriers should contact ROC with load details. ROC will research and reconcile the expected versus actual payment.

• Rate disputes – If a load paid less than the agreed rate, the carrier should open a case in their portal with evidence of the negotiated rate.

• Late payments – Late payments are rare with Relay but can happen. Carriers should immediately flag with ROC if payment is not received by the following Friday.

• Other disputes – Charge disputes, unpaid detention time etc should be raised right away by opening a support ticket.

To get payment issues resolved swiftly, carriers should contact ROC as soon as possible, ideally within 7 days of the problem. ROC aims to resolve issues within 48 hours.

Tips For Carriers To Maximize Revenue With Amazon Relay

Based on my experience as an Amazon seller, here are some tips carriers can use to earn more through Relay:

• Leverage your strengths – Focus on hauling load types that align with your fleet‘s specialty such as oversize loads, refrigerated, lumber, etc.

• Book supplemental loads – After unloading, check Relay for additional loads at nearby locations to avoid empty miles.

• Use Relay analytics – Identify and improve poor performing lanes or regions.

• Improve flexibility – Accepting more loads by expanding your operating regions and last minute offers.

• Provide excellent service – Fast response times, good communication and on-time delivery will get you 5 star ratings and premium loads.

Optimizing your Relay strategy around capabilities, analytics and great service will enable carriers to maximize their revenue.

Should Carriers Use Amazon Relay In 2023?

Based on its vast capabilities and benefits, I think Relay is a smart option for most carriers in 2023. The platform’s convenience and productivity features enable carriers to operate more efficiently.

Easy load booking fills up carrier capacity and keeps revenue flowing. Performance tracking uncovers new optimization opportunities. And fast payments provide growth capital quickly to carriers.

While Relay may not address 100% of a carrier’s business needs just yet, it delivers substantial value. The load network is expanding rapidly.

For carriers wanting to simplify operations, tap into massive shipper demand, and get paid reliably each week, Relay is absolutely worth evaluating.

Conclusion

I hope this guide provided you with a helpful overview of Amazon Relay from a seller‘s perspective and how the platform is evolving carrier operations.

Key takeaways include:

• Relay offers an efficient way for shippers to connect with carriers and coordinate loads.

• One-click booking, real-time visibility and automated payments make Relay frictionless.

• Performance dashboards give carriers data to enhance productivity and safety.

• Relay enables 10%+ fuel savings for carriers which get passed to shippers via lower rates.

• Requirements like insurance minimums and ELDs ensure responsible carriers are on the platform.

• The ROC team promptly assists carriers with any issues on the road.

• Fast weekly payments on Relay provide growth capital to carriers.

• Optimization and great service enable carriers to maximize their revenue on Relay.

With all its advantages, Relay is positioned to transform carrier operations in 2023. Sellers interested in learning more about integrating their logistics with Relay should visit the Relay for Shippers site.