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Amazon Freight
Amazon Freight
Amazon Freight
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Amazon Freight
TypeFreight brokerage and logistics service
Launch date2018
Website

Amazon Freight is a road freight service for businesses run by Amazon. Amazon Freight acts as a freight brokerage service, using its online platform to connect shippers with its network of haulage carriers and trailer fleet.[1][2] Amazon Freight provides full truckload (FTL) and less‑than‑truckload (LTL) logistics services across various markets in the United States and Europe.[3][4] Amazon Freight ships palletized goods between warehouses, fulfillment centers and other logistics sites, and on some European routes also uses intermodal services that combine road with rail or sea transport.[5] Amazon’s freight and logistics operations sit within a wider third‑party logistics offer that includes warehousing, distribution and multi‑channel fulfilment services for external businesses.[6]

History

[edit]

Amazon expanded its in‑house logistics network in the 2010s to reduce reliance on external parcel carriers, to improve delivery speed, and to increase capacity.[3] As part of this shift, Amazon developed Amazon Freight as a freight brokerage service providing shippers with instant price quotes and matching loads to an approved list of carriers.[1][7]

Amazon Freight was launched as a pilot service in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania through the dedicated website. The pilot handled full‑truckload dry‑van moves between Amazon facilities on those lanes and was limited to carriers that had been vetted and approved to haul for Amazon.[1][7] Public rate tables from the pilot showed prices on some routes that were modestly below prevailing spot market rates for comparable truckload moves.[7]

In May 2020, the service was expanded from those eastern states to cover the lower 48 United States.[8][2][9] The expansion meant that shippers across the contiguous US could obtain instant quotes and book loads through the Amazon Freight portal, and that more carriers could access freight posted on the system.[9] The move was covered as a nationwide launch of Amazon’s freight brokerage, placing it in more direct competition with other digital freight platforms and established brokers.[2][9] Commentators linked the expansion to Amazon’s efforts to secure truckload capacity and to manage shipping costs during periods of strong demand, including during the COVID‑19 pandemic.[8][9]

By the early 2020s, Amazon’s transport network was moving freight not only for Amazon’s own retail business but also for third‑party customers, using a mix of lorries, trailers and aircraft.[3] Amazon’s wider supply chain investments over this period included an expanded long‑haul truck fleet, more delivery stations and a growing air cargo fleet used to move parcels and freight between hubs.[10]

Operations

[edit]

Amazon Freight is a digital freight brokerage focused on road transport.[2] It mainly serves the middle mile, moving palletized goods between factories, ports, fulfillment centers and regional warehouses for businesses, manufacturers, and suppliers.[8] Typical customers include manufacturers, retailers and other firms that ship regular volumes of freight.

Carriers can search for and book loads through an online portal supported by Amazon’s internal transportation management systems. The system offers spot prices that vary with route, timing and market conditions, and bookings are confirmed through the same platform.[8][1] Once a load is booked, shipment details and tracking are managed through Amazon Freight’s transportation management tools.[1]

Amazon Freight uses a combination of Amazon‑branded trailers and contract haulage. Over the same period that Amazon Freight has developed, Amazon has expanded its own trucking operations, including long‑haul and last‑mile fleets, and has invested in alternative‑fuel heavy trucks such as compressed natural gas vehicles as part of plans to reduce emissions from road transport.[citation needed] Amazon also operates a dedicated air cargo fleet and uses leased aircraft to move parcels and freight between sorting hubs and regional facilities.[10]

Amazon Freight forms part of Amazon’s wider transport and logistics network, which also includes delivery vans, semi‑trailers, cargo aircraft and warehousing and distribution services. That network is used both for Amazon’s own orders and for third‑party logistics work for external sellers and brands.[3][6] In a 2024 ranking of logistics providers by gross revenue, this combined logistics business was placed first among North American third‑party logistics companies.[6]

Reporting on Amazon Freight’s intermodal operations in Europe has noted that the service initially relied entirely on external carriers and equipment, but that Amazon has since taken more control over routing and asset use while increasing the share of intermodal traffic. On some lanes, moving from road‑only operations to rail‑based intermodal services has been reported to reduce logistics‑related carbon emissions by around half, while also introducing operational challenges linked to speed and equipment compatibility.[5] Amazon Freight has also discussed plans to use electrification, intermodal optimization and double‑deck trailers as part of its middle‑mile sustainability work.[11]

Services

[edit]

Amazon Freight offers road‑based shipping services for business customers, including full truckload (FTL) and less‑than‑truckload (LTL) services.[3][4] These services are aimed at palletized freight and are booked and managed through its online portal.

Full truckload services are used for larger shipments that require a full trailer, while less‑than‑truckload services are used for smaller palletized loads that only require a portion of a trailer.[1][4] In the United States, LTL has been offered in particular for inbound freight into Amazon fulfillment centers, allowing customers to send smaller consignments into the network without booking a full trailer.[4] Within Amazon’s wider logistics offer, inbound transport options to Amazon facilities also include parcel, LTL, truckload and intermodal services, as well as ocean freight for some international shipments.[6]

Market and reception

[edit]

After moving to nationwide coverage in the United States, Amazon Freight drew attention from trade media and analysts. Coverage said the expansion gave Amazon more direct control over its middle‑mile transport network and the truckload capacity it uses.[8][2] Some brokers and carriers expressed concern that Amazon’s scale and pricing could affect dry‑van spot rates in the US freight market and increase competitive pressure on existing freight brokers.[8][7]

Amazon’s growth in freight and parcel transport has also been discussed in the context of competition with established carriers. Analysts have described Amazon as both a major customer and a growing rival for large parcel operators, and have noted that Amazon has taken a rising share of US parcel volumes in‑house using its own hubs, vehicles and aircraft.[10] This shift has been cited as one factor influencing how investors assess the outlook for companies such as UPS and FedEx.[10]

In 2019, reporting on Amazon’s early freight brokerage activities highlighted concerns that offering rates close to, or below, spot prices on some lanes could put pressure on traditional brokers and truckload carriers, particularly if those prices were used to gain share in the brokerage market rather than simply to fill spare capacity in Amazon’s own network.[7]

Labour and workplace issues associated with Amazon’s logistics operations have also attracted attention. In November 2025, a group of tractor‑trailer drivers working at Amazon’s SDF9 facility in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, voted to join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters as members of Local 89.[12] A union announcement described them as the first group of Amazon commercial driving license (CDL) drivers in the United States to unionize, and said they haul freight to and from Amazon sortation and fulfillment centers.[13]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Amazon Freight

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Amazon Freight is a digital freight brokerage service operated by Amazon.com, Inc., that connects shippers with carriers for full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and intermodal transportation, primarily across the with extensions into Europe, the UK, and India. It leverages Amazon's extensive logistics network, including over 70,000 GPS-tracked trailers and more than 24,000 intermodal containers, to provide reliable, tracked shipping with flexible booking options, real-time visibility, 24/7 support, and integration via EDI, API, or a web portal. Launched as a pilot in select Eastern states in 2018, the service expanded nationwide to the lower 48 states in May 2020, enabling broader access for businesses to book freight through Amazon's platform. In April 2025, Amazon Freight introduced an inbound LTL offering focused on cost-efficient shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers, utilizing consolidated pallets to combine smaller loads, GPS-tracked trailers for enhanced visibility and security, and advanced technology such as smart trailers with high-tech sensors to reduce empty space and overall freight costs while allowing shippers to prioritize speed or budget. By early 2026, the company began outreach to select shippers for potential broader LTL expansion, possibly involving a network of terminals, a development viewed by industry analysts as potentially disruptive to traditional LTL carriers through increased competition, rate pressure, and market reshaping. The service emphasizes performance-driven logistics, with vetted carriers, dynamic capacity, and seamless integration to simplify middle-mile shipping for businesses of varying sizes. Amazon Freight operates as a licensed freight broker (MC826094) and supports thousands of lanes in the U.S., alongside dedicated platforms in Europe, the UK, and India.

Overview

Description

Amazon Freight is a digital freight brokerage service operated by Amazon.com, Inc., that connects shippers with carriers to facilitate middle-mile transportation of goods. The service enables businesses—including manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers—to move freight efficiently across modes such as full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and intermodal, often for inbound shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers or to other destinations. Amazon Freight leverages Amazon's extensive network of carriers, trailers, and technology to provide reliable, competitive, and scalable shipping solutions, emphasizing ease of booking through online platforms, APIs, or integrations with transportation management systems. It functions primarily as a shipper-facing service within Amazon's logistics ecosystem, helping businesses optimize middle-mile logistics for cost efficiency and performance. The service is distinct from Amazon Relay, a carrier-facing load board and contracting platform that allows trucking companies to find and accept loads, and from the Amazon Freight Partner program, which supports entrepreneurs in starting and scaling independent trucking businesses under Amazon's umbrella. Amazon Freight operates primarily in the with extensions into the United Kingdom, European Union, and India.

History

Amazon Freight launched as a pilot program in 2018 in select northeastern U.S. states, focusing on full truckload (FTL) dry-van shipments through a digital brokerage platform that connected shippers with carriers. In May 2020, the service expanded nationwide to the contiguous United States, covering the lower 48 states and moving beyond its initial limited scope for pre-approved shippers amid surging freight demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. This nationwide rollout enhanced access for third-party shippers across the country in the early 2020s. In April 2025, Amazon introduced inbound less-than-truckload (LTL) services for shipments destined for its fulfillment centers. In 2026, Amazon began selective outreach to shippers regarding potential broader LTL expansion, with possible freight movement starting mid-2026 involving a planned network of terminals.

Services Overview

Amazon Freight provides three core transportation services: full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and intermodal, connecting shippers with carriers through its digital brokerage platform. Full truckload (FTL) dedicates an entire trailer to a single shipment, providing high-capacity, reliable transportation suited to larger volumes or time-sensitive freight requiring dedicated capacity across the . Less-than-truckload (LTL) supports smaller, palletized shipments by consolidating multiple loads into shared trailers, offering a cost-efficient alternative for partial loads with particular emphasis on inbound shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers. Intermodal combines for long-haul efficiency with truck for local pick-up and delivery, delivering cost-effective, sustainable door-to-door service through Amazon's container fleet and rail partnerships.

Services

Full Truckload (FTL)

Amazon Freight's Full Truckload (FTL) service provides dedicated trailer capacity for large shipments, allowing shippers to secure exclusive use of an entire trailer for direct point-to-point transportation without consolidation with other freight. This approach suits shipments that fill or nearly fill a standard 53-foot dry van trailer, minimizing handling and enabling faster transit times through fewer stops. The service leverages a fleet of over 70,000 GPS-tracked trailers, delivering high-fidelity real-time visibility and monitoring throughout the journey. This tracking capability supports precise route optimization, disruption management, and enhanced security for shipments. Amazon Freight emphasizes reliability and on-time performance through an extensive carrier network, AI-driven pricing and routing, and flexible options such as drop-and-hook services. These elements combine to offer scalable capacity for single large loads or high-volume operations, with a focus on consistent delivery across thousands of U.S. lanes. Key advantages include greater control over shipment conditions, reduced risk of damage due to limited handling, and potential cost efficiencies via flat-rate pricing and simplified billing. The service also prioritizes safety with vetted drivers, trailer sensors, and rigorous monitoring protocols. Shippers access FTL through straightforward online booking, account creation, or enterprise integrations, making it available to businesses of varying sizes for inbound, outbound, or third-party shipments.

Less-than-Truckload (LTL)

Amazon Freight offers less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping for inbound shipments to its fulfillment centers as a cost-effective option for transporting smaller, palletized freight that does not require an entire trailer. LTL consolidates goods from multiple shippers into a single trailer, allowing shippers to pay only for the portion of the trailer space they use, which significantly reduces transportation costs compared to full truckload (FTL) options for partial loads. This inbound LTL service is typically suitable for shipments weighing between 100 and 10,000 pounds, though some carriers may accommodate higher weights, and it provides flexibility for businesses sending smaller volumes to Amazon fulfillment centers without needing to commit to a dedicated truck. By optimizing trailer space through consolidation, LTL minimizes waste and enhances efficiency, making it an economical alternative for inbound shippers with partial loads that benefit from shared transportation. Amazon Freight's LTL service emphasizes reliability matching that of its larger freight options, supported by GPS tracking, real-time visibility, and integration with its broader platform for seamless booking, rate comparison, and management. Shippers benefit from dependable delivery and operational standards that prioritize safety and efficiency across the network. As of early 2026, Amazon Freight's LTL service is focused exclusively on inbound shipments to its fulfillment centers.

Intermodal Transportation

Amazon Freight's intermodal transportation service combines trucking flexibility with efficiency to offer a cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable shipping option for long-haul shipments across the United States. The service leverages Amazon's owned fleet of more than 24,000 intermodal containers, with an average age of less than three years, and relies on deep rail relationships to enable precise movement of goods while addressing traditional intermodal challenges such as unpredictability. It provides door-to-door service by handling drayage legs (the truck portions for pickup and delivery) and utilizing rail for the main long-haul segment, delivering all-in pricing for cost transparency and emphasizing operational safety throughout the process. This intermodal approach supports sustainability goals, as it has enabled Amazon Freight to reduce its logistics-related carbon emissions by 50% compared to road-only operations. The service covers thousands of lanes in the U.S., allowing shippers to benefit when their routes align with Amazon's network.

Operations

Network and Coverage

Amazon Freight's network primarily covers the contiguous United States, where it services thousands of lanes for full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and intermodal transportation. This extensive lane coverage enables connections between shippers and carriers across major U.S. markets, leveraging a broad partner carrier ecosystem to provide reliable capacity. The service extends internationally to Europe and the United Kingdom, offering coverage through an extensive network of carrier partners for truck-based FTL and LTL services in parts of the UK and select EU countries. In these regions, Amazon Freight utilizes thousands of trusted carrier partners and owned trailers to support shipments. Additionally, Amazon Freight operates in India, where it connects shippers with a network of more than 350 trusted carrier partners to facilitate freight movement across the country. This supports reliable transportation to numerous locations nationwide.

Technology and Tracking

Amazon Freight employs advanced technology to deliver reliable tracking, visibility, and security across its freight services. Trailers are equipped with high-fidelity GPS tracking, enabling end-to-end visibility and real-time location monitoring throughout the transportation process. Amazon Freight utilizes smart trailer technology featuring high-tech sensors that monitor critical components such as tires, brakes, doors, cargo temperature, and trailer health, improving security, reducing empty miles, and enhancing load tracking transparency. The service incorporates real-time disruption management, supported by AI-powered route optimization and generative AI tools that detect issues like vehicle stops, merge them with external data such as traffic conditions, and enable proactive resolution to maintain on-time performance. Vetted drivers handle shipments to ensure secure and reliable transportation. Amazon Freight's transportation management tools provide shippers with comprehensive visibility into shipment status, facilitating efficient monitoring and operational decision-making.

Booking and Integration

Shippers access Amazon Freight services primarily through a dedicated online portal at freight.amazon.com, which provides a user-friendly interface for quoting, booking, tracking, and managing payments. To get started, shippers create an account in two simple steps: first by entering basic login information (full name, email, and password), followed by providing company details such as name, address, primary contact, and billing contact information. No credit card or banking details are required during initial setup. Once the account is created, shippers can immediately begin quoting and booking loads by entering origin and destination details and following system prompts. In addition to the web portal, Amazon Freight supports seamless integration with shippers' existing systems through multiple options, including Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and Transportation Management Systems (TMS). EDI and API integrations enable automated and scalable order management, allowing shippers to request and compare quotes in real time, tender loads, track shipments, make urgent changes (such as updating locations or canceling bookings), and access electronic documentation like bills of lading, proofs of delivery, and invoices. These integrations are designed to streamline workflows, accelerate processes, and enhance efficiency when connecting to third-party TMS providers. Amazon Freight offers spot pricing for one-time, on-demand shipments, with rates determined by current market supply and demand conditions. These rates vary by route and market dynamics, often fluctuating day-to-day or week-to-week. The platform's technology enables predictive visibility, allowing shippers to view spot rates up to 14 days in advance for greater planning reliability. Shippers can also opt for contract rates on specific lanes for longer-term stability. Real-time tracking capabilities, including GPS monitoring, are accessible through the same portal or integrated systems to monitor shipment status.

Expansion and LTL Development

Inbound LTL Launch

In April 2025, Amazon Freight launched inbound less-than-truckload (LTL) services specifically for shipments destined for its fulfillment centers. The service was announced on April 4, 2025, and provides shippers with a cost-effective option for moving smaller loads that do not require a full trailer. The inbound LTL offering enables shippers to book space on trailers for partial loads, leveraging consolidation of multiple shipments to optimize costs and space while maintaining reliability. Shippers access the service through Amazon Freight's self-service portal, where they can obtain quotes up to 14 days in advance, compare LTL options alongside full truckload (FTL) services, track shipment status, and manage billing, invoicing, and payments. This approach utilizes Amazon's extensive network, including more than 60,000 trailers and thousands of coast-to-coast lanes, to ensure efficient transportation of goods into fulfillment centers for subsequent integration into Amazon's parcel delivery system. The service is limited to inbound shipments and focuses on providing vendors with a cheaper alternative for smaller freight volumes. Ari Silkey, General Manager of Amazon Freight, stated that the launch addresses customer feedback by offering additional ways to move freight using the company's trusted infrastructure and cutting-edge technology.

Broader LTL Outreach and Plans

In early 2026, Amazon initiated targeted outreach to select shippers to gauge interest in a broader less-than-truckload (LTL) service beyond its current inbound-only operations. A Morgan Stanley survey of 87 shippers found that 11% had already been contacted by Amazon about its LTL offering, a penetration level described as reasonably high given the initiative's early stage, while the remaining 89% had not been approached, indicating a selective rather than broad-based strategy. Approximately 81% of the shippers contacted do not currently use Amazon for other services, suggesting the outreach aims to attract new customers to the platform. According to information provided to a trusted shipper, Amazon plans to begin moving freight under this expanded LTL service in June or July 2026, supported by a network of 26 terminals. Further details on the terminals—such as whether they will be newly constructed, function primarily as crossdocks, or provide more extensive capabilities—remain under review by analysts.

Industry Impact and Reception

Industry analysts have widely regarded Amazon Freight's potential broader entry into the less-than-truckload (LTL) market as highly disruptive to traditional LTL carriers. J.P. Morgan analyst Brian Ossenbeck described Amazon's possible launch of services for external users as posing a "substantial risk" to LTL stocks, noting that such a development would be "pretty much impossible to put that disruptive idea back in the box." Morgan Stanley research has reinforced this perspective, stating that Amazon's LTL initiative "will represent a risk to incumbent LTLs" and characterizing full entry as "highly disruptive to the sector." In a survey of 87 shippers, the firm found that 11% had already been approached by Amazon regarding LTL services, describing the early penetration as "reasonably high" given the nascent stage of the effort. The anticipated broader LTL expansion has fueled expectations of intensified competition, downward pressure on rates, and significant market reshaping. Amazon's extensive logistics network and customer-focused approach could force traditional carriers to adapt or lose market share, with some analysts viewing the entry as "good disruption" capable of introducing innovation to an industry characterized by strong incumbent pricing power. Overall, the industry reception highlights substantial risks to established LTL players, including reduced demand for their services and potential erosion of profitability amid heightened competitive dynamics.

References

  1. https://freight.amazon.com/
  2. https://www.truckingdive.com/news/Amazon-Freight-brokerage-48-states/577506/
  3. https://freight.amazon.com/newsroom/news-updates/news-updates-25-af-delivers
  4. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/amazons-ltl-offering-reaching-out-to-shippers-as-possible-customers-report
  5. https://freight.amazon.co.uk/about-us
  6. https://freight.amazon.co.uk/newsroom/understanding-af-afp-relay
  7. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/30/amazon-freight-uber-for-trucking-service-running-since-last-year.html
  8. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/amazons-brokerage-operation-goes-national
  9. https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-freight-brokerage-service-expands-to-48-us-states-2020-5
  10. https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/Amazon-Freight-brokerage-48-states/577582/
  11. https://freight.amazon.com/newsroom/2025-ltl-inbound-launch
  12. https://www.truckingdive.com/news/amazon-offers-ltl-services/745102/
  13. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/amazon-launches-inbound-only-ltl-service
  14. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazon-ltl-offering-reaching-shippers-184946533.html
  15. https://freight.amazon.com/services/full-truckload
  16. https://freight.amazon.com/services
  17. https://freight.amazon.com/services/less-than-truckload
  18. https://freight.amazon.com/services/intermodal
  19. https://freight.amazon.com/newsroom/2024-what-is-ftl-shipping
  20. https://freight.amazon.com/newsroom/2025-what-is-ltl
  21. https://freight.amazon.com/newsroom/shipper-tips/2025-ftl-ltl
  22. https://www.railfreight.com/intermodal/2025/10/24/intermodal-helps-amazon-freight-halve-emissions-but-also-presents-its-own-challenges/
  23. https://freight.amazon.co.uk/
  24. https://freight.amazon.co.uk/newsroom/understanding-freight-networks
  25. https://ship-freight.amazon.in/
  26. https://www.aboutamazon.in/news/operations/amazon-freight-amazon-shipping-logistics-launch-india
  27. https://freight.amazon.co.uk/newsroom/integrating-amazon-freight-with-your-supply-chain
  28. https://freight.amazon.com/newsroom/2023-easy-setup
  29. https://freight.amazon.com/newsroom/shipper-tips/26-af-customer-know?ref=%3Fref%3DE_CO_FRC_26-af-customer-know_WEB_AR_
  30. https://freight.amazon.co.uk/newsroom/what-is-transport-management-system
  31. https://freight.amazon.com/newsroom/2023-spot-contract-rates
  32. https://freight.amazon.com/newsroom/2025-pricing-transparency
  33. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/is-amazon-on-course-to-upend-ltl-industry
  34. https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/amazon-ltl-disruption-retail-shipping-demand/742677/
  35. https://www.truckingdive.com/news/amazon-developing-ltl-unit-disruptive-transportation-product/740770/
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