Bypass Amazon Relay’s 180-Day Rule: A Guide for New Drivers

Amazon Relay is one of the most popular freight platforms for truckers. It offers steady loads, fast pay, and access to Amazon’s vast network of facilities. 

But if you’re a new driver trying to sign up directly, you’ll run into a wall: Amazon requires carriers to have active DOT authority for 180 days before approval.

That rule applies to carriers, not individual drivers. The good news is there’s a proven, legal way to bypass the wait: leasing onto an existing carrier’s authority.

Here’s how it works, why it’s so common, and what you should know before getting started.

What Leasing Onto a Carrier Means

Leasing onto a carrier means you run your truck under another company’s DOT and MC authority. Instead of applying as your own carrier, you become part of their fleet as an independent contractor.

For new drivers, this arrangement includes:

• Insurance coverage: The carrier adds your truck to their liability and cargo policy.

• Amazon onboarding: The carrier invites you into Amazon Relay as a driver. You’ll complete ID verification and a background check before booking loads.

• Factoring: New drivers don’t pay for factoring, since carriers typically expect them to handle settlements directly or set up their own service if they want faster payments.

• Dispatch options: Some carriers let you self-book loads in the Relay app; others assign them to you.

You can start running Amazon loads right away, without waiting six months for your own authority.

Amazon’s Stance on Leased Drivers

Amazon Relay only contracts with carriers, not individual drivers. But leased drivers are a standard part of trucking. As long as the carrier:

• Has been active for 180+ days,

• Maintains valid insurance

• Invites you properly into their account,

…you can haul Amazon freight without issue.

Amazon holds the carrier accountable for performance and compliance. That means your on-time record and safety matter, because mistakes hurt the carrier’s score (and your spot in their fleet).

Why This Strategy Is So Common

Instead of sitting idle, you start earning and building experience from day one. That’s why lease-on has become the industry standard for new drivers entering Amazon Relay.

• Immediate access – no six-month waiting period.

• Lower costs – you avoid the $20k+ “new venture” insurance bill that new carriers face.

• Mentorship & support – the carrier handles compliance, dispatch, and paperwork.

• Proven results – many leased drivers report grossing $8k–$15k per week hauling Amazon freight under an experienced carrier.

Leasing on is the go-to path for new drivers who want to haul Amazon loads without waiting for their own authority.

How to Find Legitimate Lease-On Opportunities

Finding the right carrier is the most important step in leasing on. New drivers typically connect with carriers through:

• Job Boards – Platforms like Indeed or Craigslist often list ads from carriers actively seeking owner-operators and new drivers for Amazon Relay. Search terms like “Amazon Relay lease on” or “Owner-Operator Amazon loads” can surface current opportunities.

• Facebook Groups – Communities such as Amazon Relay Carriers & Drivers are filled with carriers posting open lease-on slots. These groups also allow you to ask other drivers about their experiences with specific companies.

• Trucking Forums – Sites like TruckersReport and Reddit’s r/OwnerOperators have active discussions where carriers and drivers connect. You can read reviews, ask questions, and get recommendations before committing.

• Dispatch & Lease-On Services – Amazon Relay Dispatch helps new drivers get started quickly by leasing onto approved carriers and accessing Amazon Relay loads right away. We also support fleet owners in expanding their operations with qualified drivers and owner-operators, providing a reliable pathway to grow within the Amazon Relay network.

Red Flags & Scams to Avoid

Making the wrong move can put your CDL, truck, and business future at risk. Here’s what to watch out for:

• “Account Rentals” – If someone offers to sell or rent you their Amazon Relay login, walk away. This is illegal, violates Amazon’s terms, and leaves you completely uninsured in the event of an accident.

• No Proof of Insurance – A legitimate carrier will provide a certificate of insurance showing your truck is covered under their liability and cargo policy. If your vehicle isn’t listed, you’re running unprotected, and one claim could end your career.

• High Upfront Fees – Serious carriers don’t charge thousands just to let you in the door. Standard onboarding costs (drug test, background check, ELD setup) are normal, but big “membership fees” are a red flag. Reputable carriers deduct expenses transparently from settlements.

• Vague or One-Sided Contracts – Always get terms in writing, including pay percentage, settlement schedule, insurance deductions, and termination policy. If a contract locks you in for 6–12 months or prevents you from eventually running under your own authority, think twice.

Expert Dispatch Tip: Before signing, check the carrier’s DOT/MC number in the FMCSA SAFER system. Look for active authority, valid insurance, and a “Satisfactory” or “None” safety rating.

Lease-On vs. Running Your Own Authority

Some drivers stay leased forever, others eventually get their own authority. Here’s the difference:

Factor	Leasing Onto a Carrier	Running Your Own Authority
Amazon Access	Immediate (via carrier’s account)	Must wait 180 days
Insurance	Covered by carrier’s group policy	Expensive for new ventures
Pay	70–85% of revenue	100% of revenue
Control	Carrier sets rules & dispatch style	Full independence
Risk	Lower – carrier handles compliance	Higher – you handle everything

For most new drivers, leasing on is the smarter first step. It allows you to earn while gaining experience and deciding if owning authority is the right choice later.

Steps to Get Started

1. Get your CDL and truck ready (registration, inspection).

2. Research carriers in your region with Amazon accounts.

3. Ask the right questions: Pay %, insurance cost, settlement schedule, dispatch method.

4. Sign a lease agreement and confirm insurance coverage.

5. Complete Amazon’s driver onboarding through the Relay app.

6. Haul freight professionally – on-time, safe, and consistent.

Bypassing the 180-Day Rule the Right Way

Amazon’s 180-day authority rule stops new carriers, but it doesn’t stop new drivers.

By leasing onto an established carrier, you can legally bypass the wait, haul Amazon loads immediately, and build income and experience while your own authority matures (if you ever choose to get one).

For new drivers, it’s not just a shortcut; it’s the industry-standard way to start with Amazon Relay.

FAQs: Bypassing Amazon Relay’s 180-Day Rule

1. Can new drivers sign up for Amazon Relay directly?

Amazon Relay only accepts applications from carriers with DOT authority that’s been active for at least 180 days. New drivers can only access Relay by leasing onto an approved carrier.

2. Do I need my own insurance if I lease onto a carrier?

The carrier’s liability and cargo insurance covers your truck while leased. You may still be responsible for non-trucking (bobtail) liability or physical damage coverage, depending on the agreement.

3. How long does it take to get approved as a driver under Amazon Relay?

Once a carrier adds you, Amazon requires identity verification and a background check. This process typically takes a few days to a week before you can start booking loads.

4. Should I lease on permanently or get my own authority later?

It depends on your goals. Leasing on is cheaper and faster to start. Getting your own authority gives you full control and 100% of revenue, but comes with higher costs and the 180-day Amazon wait. Many drivers lease on first, then decide later if authority ownership makes sense.

5. What equipment do I need to lease on and haul Amazon Relay freight?

At minimum, you’ll need a truck that meets Amazon’s requirements (DOT-compliant, ELD-equipped, and properly registered). Depending on the carrier, you may also need a trailer, though some carriers provide drop-and-hook opportunities.

6. What happens if my carrier gets suspended from Amazon Relay?

If the carrier loses their Amazon account due to poor performance or compliance issues, you’ll lose access too. That’s why it’s critical to lease onto a reputable carrier with a strong safety and on-time delivery record.