Amazon Relay: carrier and insurance requirements
Amazon sets its own onboarding standards. Meeting an insurance minimum does not guarantee acceptance into Relay. Check Amazon's current requirements before purchasing coverage or committing to equipment.
Carrier eligibility
Amazon's published requirements include a DOT number with interstate authority active for at least 180 days, a valid MC number, and authorization as a for-hire property carrier. Amazon also checks safety ratings, BASIC scores and driver and vehicle violation rates. Applications may begin before the tenure requirement is met.
Published U.S. insurance minimums
- Commercial general liability: $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
- Commercial auto liability: $1 million per occurrence, including $50,000 trailer replacement coverage.
- Motor truck cargo: at least $100,000.
- Workers' compensation in the jurisdictions where the company operates.
- Employer liability: at least $100,000 per occurrence.
Match coverage to the vehicle and program
Commercial auto liability addresses covered injury or property damage involving the insured truck. Motor truck cargo addresses covered loss or damage to freight. General liability addresses certain non-auto business exposures; Amazon lists it as a separate Relay requirement, not a replacement for auto or cargo coverage.
Amazon's insurance guide specifically associates $50,000 trailer interchange coverage with semi-truck operations, while its general onboarding list uses the broader term trailer replacement coverage. Confirm the applicable coverage form for your equipment and program with Amazon and your insurer. Do not assume a box-truck operation and a tractor pulling someone else's trailer need identical endorsements.
Relay standards and government minimums
Amazon's platform standards are separate from government insurance requirements. FMCSA's filing chart varies by authority, cargo and vehicle type. For example, it lists $750,000 in bodily injury/property damage coverage for non-hazardous, for-hire property carriers using vehicles with a GVWR of at least 10,001 pounds, versus Relay's $1 million auto liability minimum. Satisfying a federal filing requirement does not establish Relay eligibility or satisfy every contract.
Prepare for an insurance review
Bring your operating details and Amazon's current requirements to your agent. Review limits, exclusions, effective dates and required documentation. A quote or certificate does not itself change policy coverage. Amazon verifies insurance during onboarding, and its compliance vendor obtains the certificate from the agent, broker or insurer on file. Keep renewal details current. Motive can help review your commercial truck insurance; Amazon makes the platform approval decision.
Requirements checked November 10, 2026. Sources: Amazon Relay's official requirements and FAQ, Amazon's onboarding requirements, Amazon's insurance guide, and FMCSA's filing requirements. Amazon controls eligibility and can change its standards.