Amazon Relay Combats Freight Fraud With Verification & Safety Rewards

Amazon Relay, the e-commerce giant's free carrier-facing load board, is rolling out strengthened fraud prevention measures and new safety incentive programs as it prepares for June Prime Day volume surge. The platform operates as a closed-system load board where only Amazon and approved shippers can list freight, eliminating exposure to double-brokered loads and identity theft risks that plague traditional load boards. Verification extends across the entire carrier lifecycle—from pre-boarding screening and driver background checks through real-time photo validation and advanced trailer telematics during transit.

The newly launched Relay Safety Rewards program directly incentivizes safe driving practices by offering carriers 1-4 cents per collision-free mile when equipped with eligible dashcam technology from partners Motive, Netradyne, or Verizon Connect. Amazon is subsidizing hardware, installation, and year-one subscriptions for carriers enrolling in the program, with payouts capped at 400,000 miles annually. This represents a structural shift in how carrier economics work—moving from pure rate-based competition to outcome-based rewards tied to safety performance.

For supply chain professionals managing carrier relationships and procurement strategy, this initiative signals both opportunity and pressure. Carriers adopting Amazon Relay gain access to predictable, fraud-vetted freight during peak demand windows, but face an implicit expectation to invest in safety infrastructure. The June Prime Day timing compresses onboarding windows—carriers must enroll and complete 7 loads by July 2026 to earn the $1,500 new-carrier bonus, making immediate action necessary for those seeking to capture peak season volume.