Instead of requiring owners to buy trucks, cover fuel, or chase freight, the program allows partners to operate trucking businesses hauling Amazon freight using Amazon provided equipment and infrastructure. That structure is creating new opportunities for both business owners and the drivers they employ.

Natasha Sanders, a senior business coach for the Amazon Freight Partner program, recently explained how the model works during an appearance on The Long Haul podcast.

How This Model Differs from Traditional Trucking

Starting a trucking company has traditionally meant major upfront costs. Buying tractors, managing fuel expenses, and dealing with unpredictable freight cycles create financial pressure before a single mile is run.

The Amazon Freight Partner program is designed to remove many of those barriers. Partners run their own trucking companies but do not purchase tractors or pay for fuel or tolls. Instead, Amazon provides access to a fleet of branded trucks, consistent weekly freight, fixed weekly rates, and covers fuel and toll costs.

That predictable structure allows business owners to focus on hiring, safety, and performance rather than surviving freight market swings.

No Trucking Background Required

One of the most unusual parts of the program is that prior trucking experience is not required.

Sanders currently supports about 20 Amazon Freight Partners operating across Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. She shared an example of a top performing partner based in Atlanta who came into the program with no transportation background at all.

“She managed nurses,” Sanders said. “No trucking background. No trucking experience at all.”

Amazon provides a 12 week training program for new partners, and Sanders said the company prioritizes leadership and business skills over industry specific experience.

When asked what separates successful partners from those who struggle, Sanders pointed to involvement and leadership.

“A business owner that does well is a business owner who is hands on,” she said. “We’re looking for those leaders who have the grit and fit.”

Ongoing Coaching and Oversight

Every Amazon Freight Partner is assigned a business coach, which is a major difference from most small fleet setups. Coaches work directly with partners on safety performance, compliance, recruiting, on time delivery, and operational metrics.

Sanders said staying current is critical.

“Things change like the weather,” Sanders noted. “And so I’m making sure they are up to date from a compliance standpoint and safety standpoint, which is our number one priority.”

That coaching structure gives new business owners guidance while they scale operations in an industry they may be learning for the first time.

What This Means for Drivers

Drivers working for Amazon Freight Partners are W 2 employees of those independent trucking companies, not contractors. That employment model opens the door to benefits that many drivers do not see elsewhere.

“They are receiving healthcare benefits and they’re receiving paid time off, which is unlike the overall industry standard,” Sanders said.

Some partners go further, offering additional benefits such as child care assistance, retirement plans, and mental health resources.

Scheduling options also vary by operation. Drivers may find local, regional, overnight only, or longer haul routes depending on the partner, with schedules ranging from shorter daily runs to longer blocks.

Source: Freightwaves

The post Amazon Freight Partner Program Offers a Different Path Into Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This year, the finalists vying for Overdrive’s prestigious Small Fleet Champ awards are Hell Bent Xpress from South Dakota, C.W. Express based in Indiana, Paul Rissler Transportation from Missouri, and Brian Brewer Trucking located in DeGraff, Ohio.

Just like the challenges faced when evaluating semi-finalists in 2023, this year’s competition presented razor-thin margins among contenders. Each showcased remarkable trucking excellence, resilience, growth, and profitability despite the past year’s tough conditions. However, only two finalists will compete in each division (3-10 trucks and 11-30 trucks).

Congratulations to all four fleets making their way to Nashville, Tennessee, next month for the National Association of Small Trucking Companies’ annual conference, where the champions in each category will receive their title belt.

Celebrating Excellence in Small Fleets

Get to know this year’s finalists and learn from their inspiring stories. Congratulations are also in order for all our semi-finalists this year, who exemplify the many-hat-wearing nature of the profession. From specialized tanker operators to refrigerated produce haulers, these fleets show a masterful grasp of the industry’s complexities. Whether the owners still drive or not, their expertise shines through. Explore their stories through this link and consider entering the championship next year!

Division Finalists (3-10 Trucks)

Hell Bent Xpress, Aberdeen, South Dakota

Source: Overdrive

Jamie Hagen, owner of Hell Bent Xpress, has seen his business grow from a single truck in 2020 to eight by 2023, now totaling 11. Known for his efficiency, Hagen faces current market challenges by focusing on direct customer relationships. “We have focused on maintaining our relationship with customers and direct shippers, where we have more control over freight rates,” he shared. Discover more about Hell Bent Xpress in Jason Cannon’s detailed profile linked here.

Paul Rissler Transportation, California, Missouri

Source: Overdrive

Operating from Missouri, Paul and Michelle Rissler lead a fleet of six trucks, primarily serving Dutchland Refrigerated Transport. By maintaining their own ELD-exempt gliders and running a debt-free operation, the Risslers have optimized their profits and operations. This feature dives deeper into their successful practices.

Division Finalists (11-30 Trucks)

Brian Brewer Trucking, DeGraff, Ohio

Source: Overdrive

Brian Brewer Trucking, currently at 15 trucks, serves various local clients around Dayton and Columbus, Ohio. Brewer’s roots in auto racing have influenced his trucking business, which has more than doubled in size since early 2023. “It’s almost like banker’s hours in a way,” Brewer describes his drivers’ schedules. Learn how he expanded his fleet rapidly in a recent feature linked here.

C.W. Express, Sellersburg, Indiana

Source: Overdrive

C.W. Express, under Steve Wilson’s leadership, operates 17 trucks largely due to a strong collaboration with Avenger Logistics. Wilson’s expertise in diagnostics and team-building skills have been pivotal to his success, even in times of personal adversity. Overdrive’s feature highlights his remarkable resilience and business growth story.

Source: Overdrive

The post NASTC Showdown Next Month: Meet the Finalists of Overdrive’s Small Fleet Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.