How to Haul Freight for Walmart, Target & Amazon as a Minority-Owned Trucking Company

The Retail Freight Opportunity: By the Numbers

The U.S. trucking industry generates over $732 billion annually, and retail giants account for a massive share of that spend. Consider the scale:

Walmart operates 200+ distribution centers and runs one of the largest private truck fleets in North America
Amazon offers carriers "access to thousands of loads" through Amazon Relay
Target increased procurement from diverse suppliers by $1 billion in a single year
580,000+ active motor carriers are registered with FMCSA as of 2025

Meanwhile, minorities represent 45.6% of all truck drivers in the U.S., yet certified minority-owned trucking companies operate fewer than 6,000 trucks according to the Women In Trucking Association. That gap represents opportunity—retailers need diverse carriers to meet supplier diversity commitments, and they're actively recruiting.

Amazon Relay: The Most Accessible Entry Point

Amazon Relay is often the easiest major retailer program for new diverse carriers to access. Unlike some programs with strict fleet size requirements, Amazon has no minimum fleet size—as long as you have the right equipment.

Amazon Relay Requirements

Active USDOT number with interstate authority (180+ days preferred, but you can apply earlier)
MC number with "Carrier" entity type, Authorized for Property and For Hire
FMCSA Safety Rating of "Satisfactory," "None," or "Not Rated"
Commercial General Liability: minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate
Auto Liability: minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence
Trailer replacement coverage: $50,000
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) installed
53' or 28' trailers, or box trucks with 26'x8'x8' minimum interior dimensions

How to Apply: Visit relay.amazon.com/get-started to begin the carrier onboarding process. Even if your DOT authority hasn't been active for 180 days, you can apply and Amazon will keep you updated while you wait to meet the requirement.

Walmart: The 3PL Brokerage Opportunity

Walmart recently launched its own freight brokerage service, competing directly with Uber Freight and traditional 3PLs. This creates new opportunities for carriers to access Walmart freight without being a dedicated private fleet driver.

Walmart Carrier Requirements

Fleet size: 10-1,000 trucks (targeting small to mid-sized carriers)
Operating authority: minimum 5 years active
Strong safety credentials and insurance
Equipment: 53' dry vans, reefers, or flatbeds
Drivers must use smart devices for tracking
Meet Walmart's safety standards

Important Note: Walmart's requirements are stricter than Amazon's, particularly the 5-year operating history and 10-truck minimum. If you're a newer or smaller operation, consider starting with Amazon Relay or subcontracting under an established carrier to build your track record.

How to Apply: Register at wls.walmart.com (Walmart Logistics Services) to access their carrier onboarding portal.

Target: Supplier Engagement for Carriers

Target's supplier diversity program (now called "Supplier Engagement") works with carriers as part of their broader logistics network. While Target uses XPO Logistics as a primary carrier for LTL shipments, they also work with diverse carriers for various transportation needs.

Target Diverse Supplier Requirements

Business must be 51%+ owned, controlled, and operated by diverse individuals
Qualifying groups: women, ethnic minorities, LGBT persons, veterans, persons with disabilities
Third-party diversity certification required
Registration through Target SupplierGateway portal

How to Apply: Register at target.suppliergateway.com. Target's partnerships "extend far beyond products"—they work with suppliers across logistics, technology, construction, and professional services.

The Certifications That Open Doors

Certification is your ticket to these programs. Without it, you're invisible to supplier diversity departments. Here are the certifications that matter most for trucking companies:

DOT DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)

The DOT DBE certification is specifically designed for transportation businesses. If you want government freight contracts (state DOTs, transit authorities, airports), this is essential.

Eligibility: 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
Personal net worth cap: $2,047,000 (excluding primary residence and business equity)
Business size cap: $31.84 million gross annual receipts
Presumed groups: Women, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-Pacific Americans
Trucking-specific: Must provide titles, registration certificates, and USDOT numbers for all trucks

Apply through your state's Unified Certification Program (UCP)—usually your state DOT.

NMSDC MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)

The NMSDC certification connects you to over 1,400 corporate members actively seeking diverse suppliers, including most Fortune 500 companies.

Eligibility: 51% owned, operated, and controlled by U.S. citizens who are Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American
Processing time: Up to 90 days
Fees: $300 (under $1M revenue), $550 ($1M-$10M), $850 ($10M-$50M)

Other Key Certifications

WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise): For 51%+ women-owned businesses
NVBDC (National Veteran Business Development Council): For veteran-owned
NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce): For LGBTQ+-owned
Disability:IN: For disability-owned businesses
SBA 8(a): Federal program for socially/economically disadvantaged
HUBZone: For businesses in historically underutilized business zones

Not sure which certifications you qualify for? Take our free eligibility quiz.

Find My Certifications

First Things First: Getting Your Operating Authority

Before you can haul freight for anyone, you need proper FMCSA registration. Here's what's required:

USDOT Number & Operating Authority

Important 2025 Change: FMCSA is eliminating separate MC numbers by October 1, 2025. All authority will be tracked via suffixes on your USDOT number. If you're applying now, you'll still receive an MC number, but the system is transitioning.

Application fee: $300 per authority type (non-refundable)
Processing time: 20-25 business days (longer if flagged for review)
Must activate within 90 days by filing insurance and BOC-3

Insurance Requirements

FMCSA won't grant operating authority until you have minimum insurance on file:

Non-hazardous freight (10,001+ lbs): $750,000 liability minimum
Hazardous materials: $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on material type
Cargo insurance: FMCSA minimum is $5,000/vehicle, $10,000/occurrence—but most shippers require $100,000+

Reality check: Most retail shippers require higher coverage than FMCSA minimums. Amazon requires $1M liability. Plan your insurance budget accordingly.

BOC-3 Filing

You must file Form BOC-3 designating process agents in each state where you operate. This can be done through a process agent service (typically $30-$100) or your insurance provider may include it.

Your Safety Score Matters More Than You Think

Here's something many new carriers don't realize: your CSA score can make or break your ability to get freight. Shippers and brokers check safety scores before partnering with carriers.

The FMCSA's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program scores carriers on a scale of 0-100 across seven categories (BASICs). Lower is better.

Below 30%: Excellent—you'll have no issues getting freight
30-60%: Average—some shippers may ask questions
Above 60%: Warning signs—expect difficulty and higher insurance rates
BASIC Alerts (2+): Insurance companies consider you "higher risk"

Your 6-Month Action Plan to Retail Freight

Month 1: Apply for USDOT number and operating authority ($300)
Month 1: Secure insurance meeting Amazon/retail minimums ($1M+ liability)
Month 1: File BOC-3 and activate your authority
Month 2: Research certifications—determine which you qualify for
Month 2: Begin DOT DBE application through your state DOT
Month 2: Begin NMSDC MBE application if eligible
Month 3: Apply to Amazon Relay (even if authority < 180 days)
Month 3: Invest in ELD and compliance systems
Month 4: Complete certification applications
Month 4: Build safety record—zero violations
Month 5: With certifications in hand, register on Target SupplierGateway
Month 6: If you meet requirements (5 years, 10+ trucks), apply to Walmart WLS

Don't have 5 years of history or 10 trucks for Walmart? Focus on Amazon Relay first. Build your safety record, grow your fleet, and stack certifications. Many carriers spend 2-3 years on Amazon and Target before qualifying for Walmart's stricter requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I haul for these retailers as an owner-operator with just one truck?

Yes, for Amazon Relay—they have no fleet size minimum. Target also works with smaller carriers. Walmart's brokerage program requires 10+ trucks, but you can potentially subcontract under a larger carrier while building your fleet.

How long does certification take?

DOT DBE processing varies by state but typically takes 60-90 days. NMSDC MBE certification takes up to 90 days with a complete application. Start both applications simultaneously to save time.

What if I'm not a minority—can I still access these programs?

WBENC certifies women-owned businesses (any race). NVBDC certifies veteran-owned businesses. DOT DBE presumes women of any race as disadvantaged. If you're in a HUBZone, you can get HUBZone certification regardless of demographics. There are pathways for most small business owners.

Do I need a specific type of trailer?

Amazon Relay requires 53' or 28' trailers, or box trucks with 26'x8'x8' minimum interior. Walmart works with dry vans, reefers, and flatbeds (53'). Check specific program requirements, as some freight types require refrigerated or specialized equipment.

Is the certification cost worth it?

Absolutely. Certifications cost $300-$850, but they unlock access to programs specifically seeking diverse carriers. Amazon and Walmart may reimburse certification fees through their supplier development programs. One contract can pay for certifications many times over.