Amazon Relay Insurance Requirements

What Amazon Relay Checks Before You Can Book Loads

Amazon Relay is Amazon's freight network for motor carriers. Carriers use it to book spot loads under their own operating authority. Before a trucking business can book loads, Amazon reviews several things about the business, including its insurance policies, its authority with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and its safety record. The Amazon Relay insurance requirements are one part of that review. Every Amazon requirement on this page is current as of October 2026.
 

What insurance does Amazon Relay require?

To haul loads for Amazon Relay, carriers need to meet minimum commercial insurance limits that Amazon sets. The minimums in the Relay FAQ include the following:

• Commercial general liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
• Auto liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence, including $50,000 in trailer replacement coverage
• Motor truck cargo: $100,000
• Workers' compensation: in all jurisdictions where your company operates
• Employer liability: $100,000 per occurrence

These requirements are subject to change, so we recommend that you check the current figures before you apply.
 

Auto liability: at least $1,000,000 per occurrence

Commercial auto liability usually pays for injuries and property damage you are legally responsible for after a covered incident involving your truck. We encourage most carriers to carry at least $1,000,000, even when a contract does not ask for it. Physical damage coverage can pay to repair your own truck after a covered incident. Auto liability, cargo, and physical damage are commonly purchased together on one commercial truck insurance policy. If you purchase primary auto liability, you probably don't need non-trucking liability, because your primary coverage should apply at all times.
 

Do you need cargo insurance to qualify for Amazon Relay?

Yes, in most cases a carrier needs cargo insurance to qualify for Amazon Relay. Amazon lists $100,000 in cargo coverage as one of its minimums. Motor truck cargo coverage usually pays if the freight you haul is damaged or stolen in a covered incident. Federal rules do not require cargo insurance for standard freight. Cargo coverage is typically purchased along with commercial auto liability, not on its own.
 

Commercial general liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate

Commercial general liability typically covers injury and property damage claims against your business. It applies to claims that do not come from the ownership, maintenance, or use of the vehicle, for example, if a visitor is injured within your business's office space. With Amazon's limits, the policy can pay up to $1,000,000 for one occurrence. Total payments during the policy period are usually capped at $2,000,000.
 

Trailer replacement or trailer interchange: $50,000

Amazon's insurance guide says carriers running a semi need $50,000 in trailer interchange coverage. The Relay FAQ lists the same $50,000 as trailer replacement coverage under auto liability. Physical damage coverage on your own tractor usually does not cover a trailer you do not own. Trailer interchange coverage typically pays for damage to that trailer while it is in your possession and attached to your truck. An example is a day cab or sleeper cab pulling an Amazon 53-foot dry van. Milepost helps Relay carriers purchase trailer interchange coverage on the same policy as their truck. Our coverages page explains how it works.
 

Workers' compensation and employer liability

The Relay FAQ lists workers' compensation insurance in all jurisdictions where your company operates. It also lists employer liability of at least $100,000 per occurrence. Amazon's insurance guide says companies with W-2 employees need workers' compensation that meets state guidelines. If you are an owner-operator with no W-2 employees, we recommend that you ask Amazon what proof it expects and check what your state requires.
 

How Amazon Relay's limits compare to federal minimums

For carriers hauling non-hazardous freight, Amazon Relay insurance requirements are higher than federal minimums. Federal rule 49 CFR 387.9 sets the lowest auto liability limit an interstate for-hire carrier can show as proof of financial responsibility.
 

Amazon Relay vs. federal minimums for an interstate for-hire carrier hauling non-hazardous freight, GVWR 10,001 lbs or more:

• Auto liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence (Amazon) vs. $750,000 (federal)
• Motor truck cargo: $100,000 (Amazon) vs. no federal requirement
• Commercial general liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate (Amazon) vs. no federal requirement
• Trailer replacement: $50,000 (Amazon) vs. no federal requirement

This federal schedule does not cover vehicles under 10,001 lbs gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that haul non-hazardous freight. A fleet made up only of these lighter vehicles may be subject to a $300,000 minimum under a separate federal rule. If you run a lighter vehicle, we recommend that you speak with your insurance agent about coverage requirements. When a contract and a federal rule set different limits, you'll want coverage that meets at least the higher one. Our non-commissioned agents can help you select appropriate limits.
 

How Amazon Relay verifies your certificate of insurance

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a document that shows your coverage is in force. Amazon's third-party vendor requests your certificate from the insurance agent, broker, or insurance company on file for your company. Your certificate should show limits that meet each Amazon minimum.
 

Amazon may flag your insurance as non-compliant. If that happens, the Relay FAQ says to work with your insurance company to add Amazon's minimums. Your federal filing with the FMCSA usually shows only your auto liability limit. Insurance companies commonly post the $750,000 federal minimum on that filing, even when the policy limit is higher. If Amazon flags your insurance, you may need to ask your insurance company to post $1,000,000 on your filing instead. Most insurance companies are willing to do this when your policy carries at least $1,000,000 in auto liability. Customers who purchase commercial truck insurance through Milepost can log in to the insurance company's portal to create certificates online at any hour. The portal lets them email certificates directly from the insurance company to Amazon, or to any other company that has requested a COI.
 

When to update your insurance before renewal

Amazon recommends that you update your details in the Insurance tab of your Relay account at least 5 days before your policy ends. It also suggests planning your renewal at least 2 to 3 weeks before your policy expires. Amazon notes that if your coverage has a gap, your company may not be able to book or haul Relay loads until your coverage is back in place.
 

Which equipment types can you run for Amazon Relay, and do they change the insurance requirements?

In most cases, your equipment type does not change Amazon's insurance requirements. One possible exception is the $50,000 trailer requirement, which may not apply to box trucks.
 

Amazon Relay equipment types:

• Tractors: day cabs and sleeper cabs
• Box trucks: 26-foot and 16-foot, each with a working tuck-under lift gate
• Trailers: 48-foot trailers, 53-foot dry vans, 53-foot reefers, and 20-, 40-, and 45-foot high cube containers

The list does not include cargo vans.
 

Box trucks

Box truck operators who haul Relay loads under their own authority face the same published minimums. Amazon's insurance guide applies the $50,000 trailer interchange requirement to carriers that run a semi. The Relay FAQ and Amazon's carrier application guide list $50,000 in trailer replacement coverage as part of the auto liability requirement for all carriers, with no exception for box trucks. We recommend that you confirm with Amazon whether your box truck operation needs it. Milepost helps box truck operators find coverage that meets Amazon's published minimums. Our box truck insurance page explains the coverages box truck operators often purchase.
 

Can you use a leased or rented truck for Amazon Relay?

The Relay FAQ lists equipment by type. It does not address leased or rented trucks, so we recommend that you check with Amazon before you haul. A leased truck usually needs to be on your commercial truck insurance policy, and the leasing company is typically added to the policy as a loss payee.
 

How Amazon Relay differs from Amazon DSP and Amazon Flex routes

Amazon Relay is the program for motor carriers, or truckers, that haul loads under their own operating authority. Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) and Amazon Flex drivers deliver packages under separate programs with their own insurance terms. The requirements on this page do not apply to those programs. Milepost helps Relay carriers that haul under their own authority find commercial truck insurance.
 

Can a new authority haul for Amazon Relay?

In most cases, a new authority can haul for Amazon Relay once its DOT number has been active for at least 180 days. Amazon also looks for a valid MC number, interstate authority, and a carrier entity type that is authorized for property and for- hire.
 

Safety rating and CSA scores Amazon reviews alongside insurance

Amazon also reviews your FMCSA safety record. These are Amazon's approval standards, not insurance requirements. The Relay FAQ lists criteria including the following:

• Amazon Relay safety thresholds
• FMCSA safety rating: Satisfactory, None, or Not Rated
• Unsafe Driving BASIC: below 60%
• Hours of Service Compliance BASIC: below 60%
• Vehicle Maintenance BASIC: below 75%
• Controlled Substances/Alcohol BASIC: below 75%
• Driver Fitness BASIC: below 75%
• Driver violation rate: 35% or lower
• Vehicle violation rate: 50% or lower

BASIC scores come from the FMCSA's Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories. You can look up your own record on the FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot.
 

What affects the cost of Amazon Relay insurance

There is no set price for Amazon Relay insurance, because the insurance company prices each carrier on its own. Premiums for commercial trucking insurance can depend on factors like these: 

• Your equipment
• How far you drive
• The freight you haul 
• Driver records
• Claims history
• Years in business
• The limits and deductibles you choose

Options that can help Milepost customers manage premiums include a discount for approved electronic logging devices (ELDs) and zero-interest payment plans.

How to get coverage that meets Amazon Relay insurance requirements

Milepost Insurance is a licensed agency, and a Berkshire Hathaway company. The insurance companies we represent are rated A++ (Superior) by A.M. Best, the highest financial-strength rating an insurance company can hold*. Because our agents aren't paid on commission, the coverage we recommend is the coverage that fits your operation. Founded in 2017 in Omaha, we place commercial truck insurance for owner-operators and trucking companies in 30 states.

• Quotes in about 15 minutes. For most businesses, we can quote a custom commercial truck insurance policy in about 15 minutes. A VIN is usually not required.
• Online quote and purchase. Many customers quote and purchase coverage online in a single session.
• Claims service around the clock. Claims are handled by the insurance companies we represent, which offer service 24 hours a day.

Get your commercial truck insurance quote and purchase coverage online 24/7. You can also call 1 (844) 380-6009 during business hours (Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm central time) to speak with one of our non-commissioned agents.

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