Amazon is one of the most widely known companies offering local and long-haul delivery opportunities for trucking companies, especially owner-operators, as part of its Amazon Relay program.
But the world's largest online retailer doesn't accept just anyone to haul their freight.
Effective in early August 2025, Amazon will be enhancing its safety standards for the Amazon Relay program by introducing standardized background checks for drivers onboarding to the platform.
This change aims to ensure consistent safety standards for drivers hauling Amazon Relay loads and working in Amazon yards.
When it starts: Beginning August 2025, drivers onboarding to Relay will begin seeing this as part of their onboarding process.
How it works: Drivers will need to provide their email address and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in the Relay app. Amazon will share this information, along with driver’s license details, with the approved background check provider.
Deadline: Drivers must complete the background check before they can begin hauling Amazon Relay loads.
Applicability: The new background check requirement currently applies only to new drivers onboarding to Relay. Existing drivers are not affected at this time, but carriers are reminded to ensure all drivers meet or exceed federal background check and drug screening guidelines as per Relay Program Policies.
As a leading provider of DOT-compliant background checks, Foley offers the quickest turnaround times in the industry. Reach out to us today to speak with one of our compliance experts who can help guide you through the screening process.
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In addition to the new background check requirements, Amazon Relay also has strict safety score requirements for carriers. Carriers with poor safety scores according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS) may be suspended from the Amazon load board or denied acceptance.
The FMCSA uses seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) to determine a motor carrier’s safety performance and compliance in comparison with other carriers. These BASICs are:
Vehicle Maintenance
Unsafe Driving
Hazardous Materials (HM)
Driver Fitness
Controlled Substance/Alcohol
Hours-of-Service (HOS)
To be eligible for Amazon Relay, carriers must meet the following minimum requirements with their BASIC scores:
Unsafe Driving - Below 60%
HOS Compliance - Below 60%
Vehicle Maintenance - Below 75%
Controlled Substances / Alcohol - Below 75%
Driver Fitness - Below 75%
It is ideal to have a percentile ranking as close to zero as possible for all the BASIC categories.
To maintain your eligibility for Amazon Relay and stay on top of your compliance, consider using Foley's Audit Risk Monitor. This tool helps you track your performance in the BASIC categories and ensures you're meeting Amazon Relay's safety score requirements.
By staying proactive with your safety and compliance, you can avoid potential issues and maintain a strong partnership with Amazon Relay. You can see your current score under each of the BASIC categories Amazon Relay checks, as well as any score changes from the previous month.
Click here to get your free demo of the Foley platform with Audit Risk Monitor.