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Carrier Manual V1.0
Carrier Manual V1.0
Carrier Manual V1.0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 1
2. CONTACT DETAILS ......................................................................................................................... 2
3. SAFETY .......................................................................................................................................... 3
4. LOSS PREVENTION AND SECURITY.................................................................................................12
5. PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS.....................................................................................................14
6. DATA SHARING – PROJECT44/GATEHOUSE....................................................................................15
7. RELAY 4 CARRIER (R4C) USER MANUAL .........................................................................................17
8. RELAY 4 DRIVER USER MANUAL ....................................................................................................28
9. INVOICING ...................................................................................................................................30
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Congratulations on completing your onboarding with the AFX program. This document outlines
Amazon’s expectations for safety and performance, and explains many of the peculiarities to
processes we use at Amazon. It has all the information you will require to get you up and running
including a user guide for Relay, Amazon’s load board.
1.2. Please take the time to read this document carefully paying particular attention to the safety guide.
At Amazon we place the safety of our associates, partners and contractors above all else and breaches
of these safety requirements is likely to result in a carrier’s removal from the program. Any questions
not answered in this guide will be answered by your carrier managers, feel free to reach out to them
at any point. We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to working with you!
2. CONTACT DETAILS
At least one of the below will be available 07:00 – 18:00 GMT Mon – Fri.
Our phone system does not allow us to see incoming call details. If we miss a call from you and it is important,
please leave a message and we will call you back.
3. SAFETY
3.1. Safety on Amazon sites is non-negotiable. Any driver/carrier not in compliance with the rules set out
below risks being banned from Amazon sites.
3.3. Disclaimer: Please note that the requirements contained in this Carrier Safety Standards Manual do not
replace any applicable road safety and/or health and safety rules and regulations which must be
complied with at all times.
3.4. A glossary of terms is available at the end of this section to aid understanding.
3.5.1. Trailers (>7.5 ton vehicles with reinforced floors) should be able to reverse up to Amazon loading
bay doors.
3.5.2. Un/loading of trailers will be from the rear of the trailer; no side (un)loading of trailers is allowed.
The exception here is when un/loading stacks of empty pallets for FC use (UK Region). These will
come to site on a curtain-sided trailer and may be un/loaded from the site.
3.5.3. Rear vehicle doors and curtains must be opened by the driver without the use of ladders or any
other accessories that imply a safety risk for the drivers or Amazon personnel. Drivers are not
permitted access to a trailer floor from ground level when on Amazon premises, drivers are not
permitted to work at height – all activities must be from ground level unless using tail lifts or suitable
vehicle integrated steps and handles. There may be certain circumstances e.g. severe weather
conditions, which may prevent these activities, but this will be determined based upon site risk
assessment.
3.5.4. Drivers must NOT climb on ladders or on the rear of trailers to close doors / curtains or inspect the
load.
3.5.5. Vans with curtain rear door are allowed when they can be docked, at dock bay and provided it is
possible to open the rear curtain door by the Indoor associate from inside the building. See section
15 for further guidance.
3.5.7. It is the drivers’ responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is clear of any obstruction that may cause
a risk to health and safety or damage to Amazon unloading equipment (e.g. strapping of any kind).
Failure to do so may deem the carrier liable for any repairs to Amazon equipment.
3.5.8. Vehicles must have handbrake alarm systems installed to remind drivers to apply handbrakes or
automatically apply handbrakes when the engine is switched off (unless an exception has been
agreed with Amazon).
3.5.10. Vehicle Condition: The following standards of vehicle condition are required when operating at
Amazon sites:
3.5.10.1. Trailers provided should have reinforced flat floor surfaces, which are capable of being
un/loaded using Powered Pallet Trucks (PPT) / forklift trucks fully laden.
3.5.10.2. Floor surfaces should be capable of having a powered dock leveller attached, protruding at
least 150mm onto the trailer floor.
3.5.10.3. Floor surfaces must be well maintained, structurally safe, and free from any obstruction
and damage, such as holes. The use of trailers with uneven, roller bed or corrugated floors (such
as in refrigerated trailers) is forbidden.
3.5.10.4. The vehicle door opening system must be in good operating order and enable the door to
stay securely opened during un/loading.
3.5.10.5. The trailer must be water tight, clean and free of strong odours and any objects or personal
belongings not related with the inventory to be processed. The driver is responsible for ensuring
that the load bed is free of debris, to allow unhindered un/loading.
3.5.10.6. Trailers must have an automatic brake system fitted, which will apply trailer brakes when
service airline connectors are removed (unless an exception has been agreed with Amazon).
3.5.11. Curtain Sided Trailers Vehicle Condition: The following standards of vehicle condition are
required when operating at Amazon sites:
3.5.11.1. Curtain sided trailers provided should be in good condition and without damages to the
curtains. However, should a trailer arrive on site for loading with cuts within the curtain, the
trailer will be accepted or rejected based on the below.
3.5.11.1.1. >15cm (6 inches): rejected
3.5.11.1.2. 7cm – 15cm: Accepted + corrective measures
3.5.11.1.3. 1cm – 7cm: Accepted + corrective measure
3.5.12. Load restraint systems: Suitable and sufficient means of securing a load must be provided with
the trailer and be suitable for use with the trailer type provided e.g. sufficient number of straps or
load bars. If means of securing the load are not provided, the trailer may be rejected. Drivers can
request to inspect the load condition via Amazon personnel.
3.5.12.1. Securing straps MUST NOT be allowed to hang freely, to prevent trips and falls.
3.5.12.2. Load can be secured by any type of standard equipment such as load bar or straps as long
as it is compatible with the transporting equipment type and legal requirements and any objects
3.5.13. Double Decker trailer: Vehicle must be compatible with vehicle restraint systems in use at sites.
3.5.13.1. Interior lighting provided on each deck.
3.5.13.2. Any specific loading / securing instructions to be displayed inside the trailer.
3.5.13.3. Load restraint equipment provided suitable for the vehicle type.
3.5.14. Swap Body: Swap body needs to be in good condition, with special focus on:
3.5.14.1. Legs must not show damages that might cause instability.
3.5.14.2. Brackets to give support to the legs.
3.5.14.3. Splints (pins that hold the trailer legs in position horizontally) need to be in place on all legs
to prevent the trailer collapsing.
3.5.14.4. The cargo room shall be free from debris and any damages.
3.5.14.5. If means for securing the load are not provided, the swap body may be rejected. Draw bar
trailers (dolly trailers): main safety requirements are comparable to trailers
3.5.14.6. Multi-connected trailers (e.g. draw bay/dolly type) must be disconnected before
un/loading can take place. Un/loading a rear trailer when connected to the front trailer is not
allowed.
3.5.14.7. Draw bar trailers must be secured with two wheel chocks per wheel if placed on Amazon
premises.
3.6. Amazon may, in its sole discretion, provide guidance to the Contractor and/or require the Contractor to
comply with Amazon's instructions which may be imposed by Amazon from time to time to ensure
compliance with applicable legal and safety requirements (the Guidance). Such Guidance shall not be
construed to impose on Amazon any obligation, representation or warranty in relation to compliance
with these requirements and Amazon shall take no responsibility for the accuracy and implementation
of the Guidance. For the avoidance of doubt, the Contractor is solely responsible for the fulfilment of any
and all legal and safety obligations arising from or giving effect to the Guidance.
3.7.
Glossary of Terms Explanation Visual
Curtain rear door trailer Trailer or van which has a curtain as its
rear door (rather than barn doors or
shutter doors).
Load bars – NOT Avoid the use of load bars which have
RECOMMENDED spring loaded / ratchet handles as these
increase the risk of injury to associate’s
hands when removing them.
Swap body trailer - splints Splints - pins that hold the trailer legs in
position horizontally, these need to be in
place on all legs to prevent the trailer
collapsing. There are different styles of
pins.
4.1. The below security requirements, approved by Amazon EU Loss Prevention, must be adhered to at all
times to ensure secure collection, transit and delivery of goods. The below standards are TAPA TSR 2017
and FSR 2017 and are the Amazon preferred standards.
5. PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
5.3. Your Carrier Manager will be reaching out regularly to discuss your performance. Please distribute these
details freely within your operation and teams, we would like everyone to contribute to this success.
5.4. You can see your performance metrics in Relay. See the Relay manual for details.
6.1. The following information is provided by our partner, Project44. If you have any concerns or queries
please contact your Carrier Manager.
7.1. Relay is Amazon’s internal and external load management program. The following guide should take you
through the most frequently used features.
7.3. Onboarding
7.3.1. You will have received the email below. Click the “Register now” button
7.3.3. On the final page review the information you have entered/uploaded and click “Submit”
7.4.3. You will also see information relating to payments, performance and capacity if you have these
features enabled. Clicking the blue arrow at the top left of each widget will take you to the detail
pages for each.
7.5.1.1. The ‘Tendered’ tab shows all trips currently assigned to you. You’ll need to accept these
loads/trips.
7.5.1.2. Once a load is accepted, it moves to the ‘Upcoming’ tab. Typically, the load will sit here until
the first arrival timestamp is added.
7.5.1.3. Once the load starts moving, it will transition to the ‘In Transit’ tab and once all timestamps
have been entered, it will move to the ‘Completed’ tab.
7.5.1.4. Loads that were rejected or cancelled will move to the ‘Cancelled/Rejected’ tab.
7.5.2. You can search by ID, locations and start date in each tab using the search box in the top left.
7.5.5. Clicking anywhere on the trip will expand to show more details.
7.5.6. While expanded, you can see origin, destination, total distance, expected payout, arrival time,
departure time and equipment type.
7.5.12. In the ‘Upcoming Tab’ you are able to assign drivers and equipment to trips. This can be done
individually by expanding each trip, or through a bulk action.
7.5.12.1. Click ‘Bulk assign equipment’ in the top right.
7.5.12.3. Add tractor, license plates, trailer IDs in the downloaded file.
7.5.12.4. Save locally
7.6.4. Each offered trip shows pickup, drop-off, distance, equipment and ‘accept now’ price.
7.6.5. To book a load, click ‘Book’ and you will be taken through the confirmation steps. Once confirmed,
the load will move to your ‘Upcoming’ trip tab.
7.8. Performance
7.8.1. The performance tab allows you to see overall performance against the Amazon targets for both
On Time Performance and Compliance (driver usage of the R4D app).
7.10.3. To open a case in Relay, click on the ‘Contact Centre’ button located at the bottom left of any
page in Relay.
7.10.4. Select ‘Create New’ from the top right of the next page.
7.10.6. Use the dropdown menu to select the topic of your case.
7.10.7. Depending on the topic chosen, different information will be requested in the message box. E.g.
if ‘Trip Issues’ is selected in the topic dropdown, the Load identifier (VRID) will be requested.
7.10.8. Use the ‘additional recipients’ box to CC other members of your team or your carrier manager
for visibility.
7.10.9. You can also attach up to 9 files to your case.
7.10.10. Once your case has been successfully created you will receive an auto generated email.
7.10.11. As commentary/replies are added to the case you will receive them as email. You can reply
directly to these emails to add further details to the case or answer questions.
8.1. Introduction
8.1.1. R4D is an Amazon mobile app supported by Android and iOS mobile devices for drivers
transporting Amazon loads. It is designed to complement R4C, improve the driver experience and
speed up the manpower intensive check-in and check-out process.
8.2.4. Once the app is launched it will begin the setup process.
8.2.5. The driver will be asked to:
8.2.5.1. Pick their region; either North America or Europe.
8.2.5.2. Sign in or create an account – they should use their existing Amazon account details if they
have one. If not they can create one at this stage.
8.2.5.3. Enter their name and phone number.
8.2.5.4. Enter license class.
8.2.6. All entered information will show in the Driver Roster in Relay.
8.2.7. The Driver will then be asked to allow notifications and location tracking. Both should be
allowed.
8.2.7.1. Notifications: Relay will push notifications if a load gets cancelled or added within 24 hours
of its appointment time. Once the app is opened, there will also be an indicator if a load or
loads were cancelled. Just tap ‘view details’ to see which load has been cancelled. Notifications
will also be pushed when a load is ready for pick up.
8.2.7.2. Location Access: Relay will only track location while you are pulling Amazon loads and
ensures Amazon loads arrive on time. Even if there is a long line at the Amazon gate, you will
get credit for arriving on time.
9. INVOICING
9.1. For all invoicing queries you should contact your Carrier Manager in the first instance. Before
submitting your first invoice we recommend you call your Carrier Manager to ensure correct
submission and avoid unnecessary delays to payment.
9.2. Self-Billing.................................................................................................................................. 30
9.3. Invoice submission process......................................................................................................... 31
9.4. PDF Invoice Submission .............................................................................................................. 31
9.5. Excel Invoice Submission ............................................................................................................ 33
9.6. Credit notes ............................................................................................................................... 34
9.7. Documents submission deadlines ............................................................................................... 34
9.8. Accessorial Charges .................................................................................................................... 34
9.9. Scenarios where waiting charges are applicable. ......................................................................... 36
9.10. Accessorial charge matrix ......................................................................................................... 37
9.2. Self-Billing
9.2.1. Most invoices can now be automatically accepted in Relay by opening the ‘Payments’ page. Where
manual invoices need to be submitted, please follow the steps below.
9.2.2. Trips accepted and completed through Relay will populate under ‘Draft invoices’. Clicking
‘Approve’ will submit the auto genlerated invoice to Amazon for approval and payment.
9.2.3. You can also download a PDF copy of the invoice for your records.
9.2.4. Approved invoices will populated under ‘Invoices’.
9.2.5. Approved invoices will be paid within 30 days from the date you click ‘Approve’, even if a dispute
is raised. Disputes should be raised by raising a case in Relay in the usual manner.
9.4.1. Whilst there is no set format for the PDF invoice, in order for it to be successfully processed at our
end, it must contain the following information at a minimum:
9.4.1.1. Supplier’s name, address and VAT registration number
9.4.1.2. Amazon entity's name and address
9.4.1.3. Date of issue of invoice
9.4.1.4. Invoice number
9.4.1.5. Line Item level details of services supplied
9.4.1.6. Date when service was supplied
9.4.1.7. The total VAT payable
9.4.1.8. The consideration exclusive of VAT
9.4.1.9. The VAT rate(s) applied
9.4.1.10. Shipments at line level with net amount and VAT %
9.4.1.11. A summary of the taxable amount per rate, or the line level VAT amount charged.
9.4.1.12. Any discounts applicable
9.4.1.13. Cross border service must only be at the 0% VAT Rate + reverse charge wording
9.4.1.14. The currency used
9.4.1.15. The invoice should be submitted in local currency. If the vendor submits the invoice in non-
local currency then the total VAT must be noted in local currency
9.4.1.16. For each description, the quantity of the goods or the extent of the services, and the rate
of VAT and the amount payable, excluding VAT
9.4.1.17. The gross total amount payable, excluding VAT
9.4.2. Please note that only one PDF should be sent per week - all loads finalised that week should be
included in one PDF file.
Any invoices sent to the UK address must be in GBP. Invoices addressed to the UK office
should be sent to afxeu-invoices@amazon.com.
Invoices addressed to any non-UK office (i.e. any of the following addresses) should be sent to
afxde-invoices@amazon.com.
VAT#ES W0184081H
9.4.3.5. For all other locations please use the address below:
AMAZON EU SARL
NIEDERLASSUNG DEUTSCHLAND
MARCEL BREUER STR12
80807 MUNCHEN
GERMANY
DE814584193
9.5.2. In order to minimize the likelihood of errors when processing the invoice, and the amount of data
to be sent, the Excel invoice must contain all the below information
9.5.2.1. Currency Code: eg GBP/EUR
9.5.2.2. Invoice number: A unique number generated from Carrier side. Carrier will be paid for the
services provided to Amazon based on this invoice number.
9.5.2.3. Invoice Date: Date on which carrier is sending the invoice to Amazon.
9.5.2.4. SCAC: Standard Carrier Alpha Code - the unique code assigned to you by AFX. Please see you
onboarding email. If you are not sure of your SCAC, please get in touch with your Carrier
Manager.
9.5.2.5. VRID: Vehicle Run Identification. VRID or Load Id is a unique alpha numeric code generated
by Amazon for tracking the line haul services. It is mandatory to provide VRID information for
Amazon loads.
9.5.2.6. Origin: Start of the trip location (please use the Amazon building code).
9.5.2.7. Destination: End of the trip location (please use the Amazon building code).
9.5.2.8. Charge code: Different “charge codes” are used depending on what type of cost is being
invoiced. The relevant charge code list will be shared by your carrier manager at Amazon. The
most common codes can be found in the table below. Please only submit invoices once all
charges have been approved by Amazon AFX. Cancellation fees (CAA) are processed from
Amazon’s side, whereas the Carrier must directly make a demurrage request via Relay and await
approval from Amazon AFX before submitting the corresponding invoice. If any of the charges
listed in the invoice have not been approved, it may lead to rejection of the entire invoice. (See
below for more details on accessorial charges).
9.5.2.10. VAT%: VAT percentage applicable on the charge codes as instructed by the Government.
9.5.2.11. VAT amount: amount to be levied on any charge code as VAT.
VAT
VRID Charge Code Amount VAT%
Amount
V1 BAS 250 17 42.5
V2 BAS 278.85 17 47.40
V2 DTL 29.56 17 5.03
9.5.2.12. Total: Sum of the Amount and VAT amount. e.g. for V1 , total = 250 +42.5 = 292.5
9.7.2. Weekly Excel invoices must be sent to the appropriate email address by Monday morning at 10am
(GMT/BST for UK addresses and CET for EU addresses) for the preceding week of trucking.
9.7.3. If a mistake is made when sending the first invoice, please note that there will be a 48 hour
(business hours) grace period in which the corrected invoice may be re-submitted for approval and
processing. Please note that if the correction is not made and submitted within the 48 hours
(business hours) period, this may cause a delay in processing your invoice and ultimately delay
payment.
9.7.4. Please note that Amazon’s Standard Week run from Sunday to Saturday, included.
Charge Description
Code
Driver and trailer are immobilized at the FC for loading
DTL for less than 24h in total
Driver and trailer are immobilized at the FC for
DTU unloading for less than 24h in total
9.8.8. Cancellation events in the case of Self-Billing loads are submitted and paid automatically according
to the table. Where Self-Billing is not applicable no case needs to be raised, but an manual invoice
for the cancelled load will need to be submitted following the steps above, using the charge code
CAA and entering the correct percentage of the load charge as outlined in the table.
9.9.1.
9.9.2. Carrier may not charge waiting charges in the event that waiting is caused is any event that is
beyond the reasonable control of Amazon, including but not be limited to acts of God or war or
terrorism, fire, floods, earthquakes, storms, default by suppliers, strikes, lock-outs, industrial
disturbances, riots, civil commotion or unrest, interference by civil or military authorities and
compliance with the acts, regulations or orders of any , governmental or other regulatory authorities
insofar as these have been implemented or modified since the date of the Agreement