How Much Can Owner-Operators Make with Amazon During Peak Season?
- Michael Carter
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Every year, as "peak season" rolls around, owner-operators look at Amazon's massive freight volume and see dollar signs. But how much of that holiday rush actually translates into profit in your pocket?
The answer isn't a simple number.
While the gross revenue can look impressive, your actual take-home pay depends entirely on a battle between high peak season rates and the relentlessly high cost of operating a truck in today's market.
The Holiday Rush
For truckers, the busiest and most profitable time of the year is the "holiday rush," also known as the "haulidays."
This high-volume freight season generally runs from October through January. It's driven by a series of major shopping events that create a massive demand for trucks :
Prime Big Deal Days (October 7–8, 2025): Amazon’s kickoff to the holiday buying frenzy.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday (Late November): Two of the year’s biggest shopping days, with over a billion items sold in 2023 alone.
Super Saturday & Christmas (December 20, 2025): The final weekend before Christmas, when last-minute gifts create one last freight surge.
Everyone is buying gifts and goodies online. To get all those packages delivered, Amazon needs a lot more trucks on the road.
On a normal day, Amazon's free load board, Relay, might have 15,000 truckloads available during the holiday rush, but this number can jump to over 25,000+.
The number of packages shipped each day can nearly double, going from a baseline of 20-25 million to as many as 40 million during the pre-Christmas peak.
When Amazon needs a large number of trucks all at once, they have to pay more to get them. It’s like when a new video game is super popular, the price goes up because everyone wants it.
For truck drivers, this means the pay per mile gets better.
Drivers report that outside of the holidays, rates can be low. But during peak season, the high demand for delivery services translates directly to more work and better pay.
How Rates Typically Shift
Market Condition | Reported Rate Per Mile | Key Factors |
Normal Season | $1.39 – $1.68 | Standard volume, high competition; Amazon’s dynamic pricing pushes rates down. |
Peak Season (Oct–Dec) | Can exceed $3.00 | Massive surge in freight volume; urgent demand shifts pricing power to carriers. |
“Unicorn” Loads | $5.00 – $40.00+ (short hauls) | Rare, high-priority moves booked instantly. |
Contracts | Around $2.00 | Stable schedules, slightly lower pay as supply grows. |
This huge increase in demand is what makes the "hauliday" season the biggest opportunity of the year for owner-operators working with Amazon.
What It Costs to Run Your Truck During Peak Season
High revenue is exciting, but it's only half the story. To figure out your profit, you have to subtract your operating costs.
According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the average cost to operate a truck in 2024 was $2.26 per mile.
This isn't just fuel. In fact, while fuel costs have decreased, other expenses have hit record highs, making it more expensive than ever to run a business.
Here’s a look at the average per-mile costs from ATRI's 2024 data :
Truck & Trailer Payments: $0.390 per mile (a record high)
Fuel: $0.481 per mile
Repair & Maintenance: $0.198 per mile
Insurance: $0.102 per mile (a record high)
Tires: $0.038 per mile (a record high)
Driver Wages/Owner's Pay: $0.995 per mile
When you add it all up, you get to that $2.26 per mile figure. This is your break-even number before you can even think about profit.
See How Much Money You Can Make During Peak Season in 2025
Peak season is where the real profits happen if you know your numbers.
Use the calculator below to test different rates, costs, and miles, and instantly see how small changes can transform your weekly and total earnings.
How Much Can Owner-Operator Really Make During Peak Season?
Amazon’s peak season can be highly profitable, but only if you manage your numbers.
Rates often rise to $3.00+ per mile, while operating costs average around $2.26.
That means real profit comes from efficiency, smart load selection, and keeping your performance score high.
Solo owner-operators can earn around $2,000–$3,000+ weekly, while small fleets can reach five figures if they stay disciplined and well-dispatched.
Peak season rewards strategy, not luck.
Our Amazon Relay Dispatch Service hunts for the best-paying freight so you can focus on driving. Curious how we can boost your bottom line this peak season?
FAQs About Amazon Relay Peak Season Earnings
1. How much do owner-operators make with Amazon Relay during peak season?
Most earn $2,000–$3,000+ per week, while small fleets can reach five figures with smart dispatching.
2. When is Amazon’s peak season for trucking?
It runs from October to January, covering Prime Days, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas.
3. How much does Amazon Relay pay per mile?
Rates average $1.39–$1.68 most of the year and can exceed $3.00+ during peak season.
4. What are the main expenses for owner-operators?
Fuel, truck payments, insurance, maintenance, and wages, averaging $2.26 per mile to operate.
5. Is Amazon Relay profitable year-round?
Peak season offers the highest pay. Off-season rates are lower, so cost control matters.
6. How can I maximize profit during peak season?
Keep a high Performance Score, reduce deadhead, and book premium loads fast through
expert dispatching.
7. Do I need my own trailer for Amazon Relay?
Amazon uses a power-only system, so you just bring your tractor, and trailers are provided.
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