Before you consider enrolling in Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program, you should note that it is indeed hard work and requires DSP owners to hire, train, develop, and retain a team of 40-100 employees, and manage a fleet of 20-40 vans on average.
Please note there is a lengthy and highly competitive selection process with limited available openings. Candidates that pass an on-site interview will be invited to join the Future DSP Program until a station opens or becomes available.
Future DSPs meet regularly with their Amazon Business Development Manager and receive educational materials to help them understand the launch processes and expectations. While an offer is not guaranteed, engaged Future DSPs are notified about local opportunities first.
The Delivery Service Partner or contractor as the case may be is responsible for procuring delivery vehicles for its operations. Amazon has negotiated a “flexible lease” option that enables you to lease Amazon-branded vans designed specifically for this program from a third-party fleet management company.
However, if you already have a pre-existing fleet of vehicles, you certainly can use them if the vehicles meet their requirements.
Steps to Get Box Truck Contracts With Amazon
First Step: Meet the Requirements
To join Amazon’s freight network as a contractor or partner, you must meet the following requirements:
- An active DOT number with interstate authority and a valid MC number
- A “Carrier” entity type that is Authorized for Property and Hire
- A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Safety Rating of “Satisfactory,” “None,” or “Not Rated”
- Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASIC) scores:
- Unsafe Driving below 60%
- HOS Compliance below 60%
- Vehicle Maintenance below 75%
- All required insurance policies include:
- Commercial General Liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate
- Auto Liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, including a trailer replacement coverage of $50,000
- Cargo coverage of at least $100,000
- Workers’ compensation insurance in all jurisdictions where your company operates
- Employer liability not less than $100,000 per occurrence
Step Two: Submit an Online Application
If you meet the requirement, then you are expected to submit an online application that requests information about previous work experience, leadership, financial health, community involvement, and geographic preferences, as well as a credit check, background screening, and motor vehicle record check.
If selected to progress for further consideration, the next steps include a screening interview, an opportunity to ask questions of a current Amazon DSP owner via live webinar, and then a final round of virtual interviews.
Once Amazon provides an offer to become a DSP, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss specific details about the station, routes, and financials before a final decision is made. Candidates will receive updates and timelines based on their geographic location and other factors on the email associated with their account.
Step Three: Wait for Approval
Once Amazon receives your completed application, your application will be approved or rejected within 2-4 business days. Delays, if any, will be due to the validation of insurance information. Amazon urges you to have all data ready before applying and reach out to your insurance provider in the event of any delays.
Once approved, you will immediately be able to book loads from their load board. You will also be able to access Amazon Relay Portal FAQs and operating guides for existing carriers that will provide useful information on how to operate successfully within their network.
Please note that this is a highly competitive program with a limited number of available openings and the email address that you use to apply will be their primary contact method to inform you of your status and next steps.
Step Four: Check Your Status
You can log into the application portal to view the status of your application. If and when your application status updates, you will also receive an email informing you of the updated status.
Step Five: Get More Information
Amazon usually encourages potential partners or contractors to attend one of their webinars for more information about the program.
As you progress in the application process, you will have a chance to attend other webinars with current Amazon Delivery Service Partner owner-operators and Amazon Business Development Managers to address your specific questions.
In addition, qualified candidates who have passed their interviews may have the opportunity to visit Amazon delivery stations, meet with Amazon employees, and learn more about the specifics of owning and operating a delivery business.
In Conclusion;
As a contractor with Amazon, you can expect to manage a fleet of 20-40 vans on average throughout the year. The number of vans you manage depends on many factors, including the volume of packages at the delivery station, your performance and safety record, and your compliance with program guidelines.
The volume of packages at a delivery station will fluctuate based on customer purchasing behaviors, busy shopping periods like Prime Day or the holidays, and other factors.