Amazon Relay Ownership Transfers: What You Need to Know to Avoid Account Suspension

Video Link: https://youtu.be/2AruJujEeas

Amazon Relay has implemented stricter measures to monitor and verify ownership changes for Relay accounts. This initiative, led by the ROC Brokerage SCS team, aims to prevent “chameleon carriers” from exploiting loopholes. Here’s what’s happening and how it affects your business:

Amazon's New Measures

If you've initiated an ownership transfer, you may receive an email from Amazon's Brokerage team stating:

"THIS MESSAGE IS NOT A CONSENT TO YOUR COMPANY'S OWNERSHIP TRANSFER..."

The email is a reminder to submit all required documentation for the transfer. If you fail to comply, Amazon may close your loadboard or suspend your account.

Why Is Amazon Doing This?

This crackdown targets companies that:

1. Start the ownership transfer process but fail to complete it in the FMCSA system.
2. Attempt to change primary administrator access prematurely.

Previously, changing details like the name, address, and bank account in Amazon Relay after an FMCSA update was sufficient. Now, making such changes—especially the primary admin email—without full FMCSA transfer can trigger Amazon's scrutiny.

How to Avoid Account Suspension

1. Do Not Change the Primary Admin Email Immediately:
2. When purchasing a company, ensure you take over the existing admin email access.
3. Gradually update details like the bank and address, but keep the primary admin email intact during the transition.
4. Complete FMCSA Ownership Transfers First:
5. Ensure the FMCSA reflects the new ownership before updating details in Amazon Relay.
6. Respond to Amazon Emails Promptly:
7. If Amazon requests documentation, provide it immediately.
8. If the transfer is no longer valid, reply to their email with “REQUEST CANCELLED” to avoid further complications.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

1. Loadboard Closure: If Amazon doesn’t receive the required documents, your access to the loadboard will be closed.
2. Account Suspension: Ignoring the verification request could lead to your Relay account being suspended.

Final Tips for Seamless Transitions

To ensure your business runs smoothly during ownership transfers:

1. Work closely with professionals to navigate the FMCSA and Amazon processes.
2. Keep communication lines open with Amazon's brokerage team.
3. Stay proactive and avoid unnecessary admin changes until all legal transfers are complete.

By following these steps, you can ensure compliance and maintain uninterrupted access to Amazon Relay's loadboard services.

Stay informed and stay ahead!