Amazon Relay Insurance Requirements

Amazon Relay offers trucking companies an incredible opportunity to access Amazon’s extensive freight network. Whether you’re an established trucking company or a new motor carrier looking for an opportunity to earn money, signing up for Amazon relay can open doors to consistent work and revenue. However, it is essential to understand Amazon Relay’s insurance requirements as you consider qualifying to haul for Amazon Relay.

At Trucking Insurance Services, we provide comprehensive insurance specifically for truckers looking to qualify for Amazon Relay.

What Is Amazon Relay?

Amazon Relay is a program by Amazon that connects trucking companies with Amazon’s vast network of freight routes. It provides access to a consistent stream of freight, allowing truck diver to optimize their routes and reduce downtime. By connecting to the Amazon Relay load board, carriers of all sizes from owner-operators to fleets can book loads quickly and easily.

It’s no wonder Amazon Relay became a go-to option for truckers. Launched in 2017, Amazon Relay has expanded its operations to include refrigerated hauling and intermodal transportation in ports and railyards. With no fleet size requirement and no upfront fees, it is an ideal option for newer motor carriers and small fleets.

Needless to say, Amazon Relay is a powerhouse for trucking companies. In 2021, Amazon held over 21% of the US logistics market share.

Amazon Relay is mostly power-only. They work with the following types of trucks:

• Day Cab
• Sleeper Cab
• 26′ and 16′ Box Trucks

What Are Amazon Relay Insurance Requirements?

Most commercial truck insurance policies will meet Amazon Relay’s insurance requirements. When you tell one of our insurance agents that you want to haul for Amazon, they know exactly what coverage you need.

• $1,000,000 combine single limit Auto Liability
• $100,000 Motor Truck Cargo with $1,000 deductible
• $100,000 Reefer Breakdown with $2,500 deductible (Reefer hauling only)
• $50,000 Trailer Interchange or Non-Owned Trailer Physical Damage (Semi trucks only)
• $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 in aggregate General Liability

Companies with W-2 employees must also carry:

• Workers Compensation meeting state guidelines
• $100,000 per occurrence Employers Liability

Once you meet Amazon Relay’s insurance requirement, your insurance agent will submit a certificate of insurance (COI) to Registry Monitoring Insurance Services, also known as RMIS. Within 24 to 48 hours, RMIS will upload your insurance coverage into their system. RMIS will only accept a certificate of insurance from your insurance agent. Otherwise, RMIS will reject the certificate of insurance and delay your Amazon Relay setup.

Amazon’s Regulatory Requirements

To operate for Amazon Relay, trucking companies must meet regulatory and safety requirements.

• An active DOT number with interstate authority
• An active MC number with an entity type of “carrier” that is authorized to haul property with at least 180 days of operating authority.
• A “Satisfactory” safety rating from the FMCSA. Alternatively, they will accept “none” or “not rated.”
• Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) scores of:
  • Unsafe Driving – Below 60%
  • HOS Compliance – Below 60%
  • Vehicle Maintenance – Below 75%
  • Controlled Substance/Alcohol – Below 75%
  • Driver Fitness – Below 75%

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to have an active MC number to haul for Amazon Relay?

Amazon relay requires you to hold an active MC number for 180 days, or six months, before they will allow you on the Amazon Relay Load Board. After you meet their insurance and regulatory requirements, Amazon will call you to verify your information and grant access to their load board.

What are Amazon Relay’s insurance requirements?

They require $1,000,000 Auto Liability, $100,000 Cargo, $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability. For semi trucks, they also require $50,000 Trailer Interchange or Non Owned Trailer Physical Damage. If you have W-2 employees, you must carry Workers Compensation and $100,000 Employers Liability.

How often should I update Amazon Relay with my insurance information?

Amazon Relay outsources their insurance verification to Registry Monitoring Insurance Services (RMIS). Your insurance agent will submit your certificate of insurance to RMIS after your insurance policy meets Amazon Relay’s insurance requirements. RMIS will occasionally request an updated certificate of insurance from your insurance agent to verify you are in compliance.

Do I need to send updated insurance information to Amazon Relay after I renew my policy?

Yes! Our team of certificate processors will send RMIS a certificate of insurance within minutes of renewing your policy. We advise you to renew at least two to three weeks before your policy expiration to give RMIS time to update their records.

Ready To Get Started?

Trucking Insurance Services is a premier independent insurance agency specializing in commercial truck insurance. Our experienced insurance agents are trained to meet Amazon Relay insurance requirements and can have you rolling in minutes. Call our office at 855-281-2924 or submit your information online and an agent will call you.