Amazon Relay Insurance Requirements for Carriers
Amazon Relay gives carriers steady access to Amazon freight without going through a broker. Before you can book your first load, though, Amazon checks your insurance, and its minimums are higher than what the federal rules ask for. Here is what you need, and how to get it lined up.
The Insurance Amazon Relay Asks For
Amazon lists the coverage it needs on its Relay site. Some of it applies to every carrier, and some depends on your truck and whether you have employees. If you run a box truck, our box truck insurance guide covers what applies to you.
- Auto liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence
- Cargo coverage of at least $100,000
- Commercial general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
- Trailer interchange of $50,000 if you run a semi
- Workers' compensation that meets your state's rules, and employer liability of at least $100,000 per occurrence, if you have W-2 employees
Trailer interchange is easy to miss. It covers damage to a trailer you do not own while it is in your care. Ask your agent to add it and make sure it shows on your certificate.
Why the FMCSA Minimum Is Not Enough
Federal rules require for-hire carriers hauling general freight to carry $750,000 in truck liability insurance. That gets you your authority, but it falls $250,000 short of what Amazon wants.
The same goes for general liability. Many small carriers do not carry it at all, because no one asked for it before. If you are moving into Relay from other freight, plan on adding a policy, not just raising a limit.
Other Amazon Relay Requirements to Check First
Insurance is only part of the approval. Amazon also looks at your authority and safety record. According to the Relay carrier page, you need a valid MC number and a DOT number with interstate authority that has been active for at least 180 days. Your entity type must be a carrier authorized for property and for hire.
Your FMCSA safety rating has to be Satisfactory, None or Not Rated. Amazon also sets limits on your BASIC scores that are stricter than federal rules, along with limits on driver and vehicle violation rates. If your scores are close to the line, it pays to clean them up before you apply.
Amazon can update these rules at any time, so check the current list on the Relay site before you sign up.
How to Get Ready
Start by pulling your current declarations pages and comparing them line by line with Amazon's list. Check general liability and trailer interchange first, since they are not part of a basic trucking policy. If you have W-2 employees, you also need workers' compensation and employer liability.
Then talk to your agent before you apply, not after. Adding coverage mid-term is usually possible, but certificates still take time, and Amazon will not approve the account until everything checks out.
Finally, keep your certificates current. When a policy renews, ask your agent to send the new certificate to Amazon's vendor right away so a lapse in paperwork does not pause your loads.
Amazon Relay Insurance FAQ
What affects the cost of Amazon Relay insurance?
Your driving history and years in business, the type and age of your equipment, how far you run, your claims history, and the safety steps you take, like driver training and maintenance. Prices also depend on your state.
Does Fifty Bridges write insurance for Amazon Relay carriers?
Yes. We work with owner-operators and small fleets, including carriers who want to haul for Amazon Relay. We can quote auto liability, cargo, general liability and the other coverages Amazon lists, and send the certificates you need.
Related Coverage
Learn more about Truck Liability Insurance, Cargo Insurance, Owner-Operator Insurance and Commercial Truck Insurance. More articles are on the Fifty Bridges blog.
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Get Insured for Amazon Relay
We will quote every coverage Amazon lists and send the certificates you need to get approved.