Is the Amazon Freight Partner Program Right for You?

As online shopping continues to surge worldwide, the demand for efficient logistics and transport services rises as well. For entrepreneurs or business-minded professionals, this presents an opening to enter the world of eCommerce as a delivery services provider. Freight is a crucial area of the eCommerce ecosystem, bridging the gap between businesses and their customers.

However, starting and running a trucking or shipping company all on your own can be challenging. From high barriers to entry, like investing in expensive equipment to navigating the industry without support, many aspiring freight business owners may find it difficult to break into this part of the supply chain industry.

As a new entry to the scene, you may find the complexities of managing drivers, maintaining a fleet, and securing consistent contracts to be overwhelming. But there’s a potential solution to mitigate risks and overcome the challenges that building your own freight services business can pose: becoming an Amazon Freight Partner.

So, what is the Amazon Freight Partner program? Keep reading to explore this opportunity, understand how the program works, and see if it’s the right business move for entrepreneurs like you.

What is the Amazon Freight Partner program?

The Amazon Freight Partner (AFP) program is an initiative launched by the eCommerce giant in 2021. It was created to empower entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals to start and grow their own trucking companies with the strong support and backing of Amazon.

The program offers a more accessible path to trucking by providing Amazon-branded trucks and consistent freight contracts. Additionally, AFPs have lower financial barriers when it comes to capital investment and operational costs. Amazon provides branded trucks and pays for fuel, truck insurance, and tolls.

Aside from financial support, AFPs also benefit from Amazon’s comprehensive training program, which covers everything from introduction to the trucking industry to business management. The training and support from a business coach make this program ideal for newbies to the logistics sector.

Find out how a logistics virtual assistant (VA) can help you run your Amazon Freight business more efficiently. Book a free consultation call with the 20four7VA Sales team to know more.

Why should I become an Amazon Freight Partner?

You may be asking, “Why should I become a freight partner for Amazon? What’s in it for me?” To help you find out if it’s the right move for you, below are the top reasons why aspiring trucking entrepreneurs should join Amazon’s program.

Reason 1: You can benefit from lower startup costs compared to the traditional trucking company setup.

Starting any company, especially a trucking company, from scratch can be expensive and complex. You have to purchase trucks and equipment to start your business, requiring significant upfront capital.

The Amazon Freight Partner program is designed to reduce the typical startup burden by providing Amazon-branded trucks with no upfront down payments, toll and fuel support, maintenance, and truck insurance coverage. By joining the program, you can start your own trucking business for as low as $4,000, depending on where you plan to operate.

Reason 2: Get access to training and support from a business coach.

Before jumping into the world of trucking, you’ll undergo a 12-week training program. The comprehensive training is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to run your fleet, manage drivers, and oversee daily logistics.

Additionally, as the owner, you’ll receive ongoing guidance from a dedicated business coach who can help you navigate challenges and improve performance as your operation grows. Business coaches play a key role in supporting partners, ensuring operational standards, and helping you manage drivers and daily logistics. These experts can help you navigate challenges and improve performance as your operation grows.

Reason 3: Be a part of the Amazon ecosystem.

As part of the AFP program, your trucking business will exclusively haul for Amazon. While having a single client may seem restrictive, it’s actually a unique advantage when that client is the biggest eCommerce brand. Working with Amazon provides consistent weekly work, which is rare in the transportation industry.

In addition to reliable contracts, AFPs benefit from Amazon’s proven best practices and advanced technology. You and your drivers can use automated systems to plan the best delivery routes, getting more packages to customers’ doors more efficiently. Additionally, you’ll also gain access to various tools like driver and fleet management tools, fleet tracking, and visibility systems.

Reason 4: Join the growing eCommerce industry.

The eCommerce industry continues to expand year after year, and freight demand grows with it. Becoming a Freight Partner enables you to become a part of a fast-growing sector that relies on dependable transportation providers.

Reason 5: No trucking experience required.

The selection process can be quite competitive, but you don’t necessarily need to have trucking experience to be selected. According to the AFP program’s senior business coach, Natasha Sanders, they prioritize applicants who are “leaders who have the grit and [business] fit.”

Reason 6: Create local jobs for your community.

Freight Partners builds teams of drivers and support staff, creating employment opportunities in their area. It’s a chance to grow a business while also contributing to your local economy. The Amazon Freight Partner program fosters a supportive, family-like work environment where team members often become friends, building strong personal connections and camaraderie.

Working for an Amazon Freight Partner guarantees drivers to be home every day and provides well-maintained trucks. Drivers typically work 40 to 55 hours per week and can expect to earn around $24 per hour. The pay and benefits for Amazon Freight Partners are generally decent compared to other jobs, but lower than some trucking jobs. Aside from steady pay as your W-2 employees, drivers can also get paid time off, as well as other valuable benefits.

Join the Amazon Freight Partner program

Globally, one of the top eCommerce goals is to improve delivery speed and reliability. You can be part of the logistics network that makes this possible by operating a business that keeps freight moving efficiently. As an Amazon Freight Partner, you’ll run your own business with Amazon’s support and create new opportunities for drivers in your community.

To join, you can simply start by submitting an application through the Amazon Freight Partner website. The process includes background checks, interviews, and submission of a formal business plan. Once accepted, you’ll enter the Amazon Freight Partner Accelerator training program before setting up your business and getting your trucks on the road.

Operate efficiently with a skilled virtual assistant

Of course, running your AFP business involves more than managing drivers and delivering packages; it requires consistent administrative work, coordination, and scheduling. To keep your operations efficient and focused on growth, it’s best to bring in a general virtual assistant (VA).

A VA can handle day-to-day business support tasks such as document management, email and calendar coordination, and driver communication support. You can also work with technical VAs to provide more specialized support, such as bookkeeping, cybersecurity, and data analytics. To get started quickly with pre-vetted, reliable talent, find your VA through 20four7VA and scale your operations with confidence.

Own new opportunities with a virtual assistant! Book a free consultation call with the 20four7VA team to learn more.

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