If you’ve ever wondered how much Amazon pays owner-operators per mile or how much money you can realistically make with a cargo van, you’re not alone. Thousands of drivers ask the same questions before deciding whether to jump into Amazon Relay or other courier work.
In this guide, you’ll get straight answers—covering pay models, average per-mile ranges, weekly earnings, and the costs that affect your take-home pay. You’ll also see practical tips for boosting your income and making the most of every mile.
And if you’re new to the industry, you can also check out our guide on becoming an independent courier driver to get a quick overview of the basics before you hit the road.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon cargo van drivers usually earn $2,400–$6,500 per week.
- After expenses, most keep about $1.00–$1.20 per mile.
- Full-time driving pays more than part-time.
- Urban routes can pay more but cost more too; regional routes are steadier.
- Add local clients, lower costs, and use instant pay to boost take-home pay.
- Stay prepared with insurance, budgeting, and smart cash flow management.
Owner-Operator vs. Amazon DSP vs. Courier Work
Before you jump in, it’s helpful to understand the differences between being an Amazon Relay owner-operator, a DSP (Delivery Service Partner) driver, and an independent courier. Each path has its own pay structure, responsibilities, and level of flexibility, which all affect how much money you can make with a cargo van.
What “Owner-Operator” Means with Amazon Relay
As an owner-operator, you contract directly with Amazon Relay. You provide your own vehicle, cover insurance, fuel, and maintenance, and get paid by the mile or per load. Your earnings depend on how efficiently you run your routes and how many jobs you accept. Understanding how much does Amazon pay owner operators per mile is key to estimating your potential income.
How DSP Drivers Are Paid
Delivery Service Partner (DSP) drivers are employees of Amazon’s contracted companies. You drive their vehicle, follow set routes, and earn hourly wages. While this model offers stability, it doesn’t provide the independence or higher earning potential of being an owner-operator, which can lead to a stronger Amazon cargo van owner operator salary.
Where Cargo Vans Fit
Cargo vans offer flexibility. You can use them with Amazon Relay for short-haul routes and also take on additional work outside Amazon, such as medical deliveries or local courier jobs. This approach allows you to diversify your income streams and increase how much money can I make with a cargo van over time.
How Much Money Can You Make With a Cargo Van?
Owning a cargo van can open the door to steady income, but your actual earnings depend on how much you work, the routes you take, and whether you partner with Amazon Relay or other platforms. Here’s a closer look at the numbers so you can set realistic expectations before committing and understand how much money can I make with a cargo van in different situations.
Reported Earning Ranges
Cargo van owner-operators generally earn between $70,000 and $80,000 per year, with top earners making over $100,000 annually if they run full schedules. Amazon Relay drivers across all vehicle types report averages around $4,395 per week, with pay ranging from $2,400 to $6,500 per week depending on volume and consistency. These figures give you a clear picture of how much does Amazon pay owner operators per mile and what a realistic Amazon cargo van owner operator salary looks like before expenses such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time
Working full-time as an owner-operator allows you to push closer to the higher end of the pay scale. Consistent schedules and maximizing loaded miles often bring weekly earnings into the $6,000 range. If you only run part-time or seasonally, expect income closer to the lower end of reported ranges. Remember, fewer hours mean fewer miles, but your fixed expenses like insurance still apply—important factors when estimating how much money you can make with a cargo van.
City vs. Regional Routes
Urban delivery work often pays more per stop due to high demand, but it comes with challenges: traffic, fuel costs, and limited parking. Regional or intercity routes usually mean longer drives with steadier mileage but may involve higher wear and tear on your vehicle. Many successful contractors balance both types of routes to maintain consistent earnings and improve their Amazon cargo van owner operator salary over time.
If you’re planning to buy or upgrade your van, check your self-employed personal loan eligibility to access flexible funding options that support your business growth.
Your Net: A Simple Per-Mile Profit Model
Knowing your gross earnings is important, but understanding what you actually keep after expenses is what determines how much money you can make with a cargo van. A clear per-mile breakdown lets you see whether each route is truly profitable and helps you plan for a realistic Amazon cargo van owner operator salary.
Variable Costs Per Mile
These are the expenses that fluctuate with each trip. For cargo vans, you’ll typically spend:
- Fuel: $0.25–$0.50 per mile, depending on gas prices and vehicle efficiency.
- Maintenance and Repairs: $0.10–$0.15 per mile for oil changes, tires, and general wear.
- Tolls or Parking Fees: Highly variable but worth factoring in.
- Miscellaneous On-the-Road Costs: Items like cleaning supplies, safety gear, or small equipment replacements can also add up over time.
Fixed Costs
These stay consistent regardless of how many miles you drive:
- Insurance: $150–$300 per month.
- Van Payments or Lease Costs: $400–$700 per month.
- Licensing, Permits, and Accounting Fees: About $50–$100 per month.
- Technology Subscriptions: Route optimization or load board apps may run $20–$50 per month.
- Storage or Parking Space: If you rent a space for your van or equipment, add that in too.
Worked Example Calculation
Let’s say you earn $1.60 per mile with Amazon Relay. Subtract the average variable costs of about $0.45 per mile. That leaves you with $1.15 net per mile before fixed costs.
If you drive 2,000 miles in a month, you gross $3,200. After variable costs, you’re left with $2,300. Deduct fixed monthly expenses—say $800 for insurance and vehicle payments—and your net take-home is $1,500.
This model shows why tracking both fixed and variable costs is essential. It also highlights the importance of keeping expenses low so more of your per-mile pay stays in your pocket and helps you increase the amount Amazon pays owner operators per mile after costs.
Amazon Cargo Van Owner-Operator Salary: Weekly and Annual Views
When you’re thinking of becoming an Amazon cargo van owner-operator, knowing what peers earn in different scenarios helps you gauge what to expect.
Conservative, Typical, and Peak-Season Scenarios
According to ZipRecruiter, the average weekly pay for Amazon Relay owner-operators is about $4,395/week. At the lower end, drivers report around $2,400/week (25th percentile), while higher performers reach about $6,500/week (75th percentile). During peak demand periods like holidays or Prime events, earnings can climb even higher, especially if you’re maximizing loaded miles and minimizing downtime.
Why Averages Vary
Earnings vary because of multiple factors: local fuel costs, insurance rates, traffic, and the kind of routes you run. Deadhead miles (driving empty), frequency of short loads versus long hauls, and how you manage vehicle and business expenses all impact your bottom line. To help bridge cash flow gaps while waiting for settlements, many drivers rely on cash advance apps for gig workers that provide quick access to earnings.
Requirements, Onboarding, and Insurance
Before you start earning with Amazon or any other platform, you need to meet certain requirements to operate legally and keep yourself protected. These basics are non-negotiable for every independent delivery contractor.
DOT and Insurance Minimums
If your routes involve interstate travel or larger vehicles, you may need a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Most states also require commercial auto insurance with minimum liability coverage, even if you’re using a cargo van.
Rates vary, but expect monthly premiums in the $150–$300 range depending on your driving history and location. Meeting these minimums keeps you compliant and safeguards both you and your clients in case of accidents.
Scorecards and Safety
Amazon and other logistics companies often track drivers with scorecards that measure on-time performance, package handling, and safety records. A strong score not only keeps you eligible for steady work but also increases your chances of receiving higher-paying routes. Safety training, careful route planning, and consistent communication with dispatchers all help maintain a solid record.
If you’re just getting started, it’s worth reviewing this step-by-step guide on how to become an independent courier driver to understand the compliance, insurance, and onboarding process before you hit the road.
Factors That Raise (or Lower) Your Rate Per Mile
Your per-mile rate isn’t fixed. It shifts based on how you plan routes, when you drive, and even how well you perform. Knowing these factors helps you earn more and avoid leaving money on the table.
Booking Strategy
Booking loads early often means lower-paying trips because demand hasn’t peaked. Waiting until closer to pickup can bring higher rates, but it’s riskier if loads fill up fast. Experienced drivers mix both approaches to balance consistency and better pay.
Seasonal Timing
Rates climb during peak shopping seasons like the holidays or around Amazon Prime Day. They also dip in slower months when demand cools off. Timing your availability with these surges can significantly boost your income.
Performance Metrics
Companies often reward drivers with higher pay or priority access to better routes when they maintain strong on-time performance and safety scores. A clean record can be as valuable as extra miles.
Route Location
Urban areas typically offer higher per-mile rates due to congestion and demand, but they come with added stress and costs. Suburban or regional routes may pay less per mile but allow for smoother trips with less wear on your van.
Vehicle Type and Condition
A well-maintained, fuel-efficient van keeps your costs low and ensures you’re eligible for higher-paying contracts. Older vehicles or frequent breakdowns cut into both your rate and reputation.
Relationship with Dispatchers
Building strong relationships with dispatchers or load coordinators can lead to repeat work and preferred routes. Consistency and reliability often translate into better-paying assignments over time.
How to Increase Your Take-Home With a Cargo Van
The smartest drivers look for ways to increase revenue streams and cut costs at the same time. Here are three proven strategies to keep more of your money.
Mix Amazon With Local Clients
Amazon Relay can be a strong anchor, but relying on it alone may leave gaps in your schedule. Filling slow periods with local clients, such as small retailers, law offices, or medical clinics, keeps your van working and your income steady. Balancing both Amazon loads and local contracts helps you smooth out highs and lows so your cash flow between gig work payments stays consistent.
Reduce Cost Per Mile
Cutting expenses is just as powerful as finding higher-paying routes. Regular maintenance keeps your van fuel-efficient and avoids expensive repairs down the road. Planning routes to minimize deadhead miles saves both time and fuel. Even simple steps like using fuel apps to find cheaper gas can shave cents off every mile, which adds up fast when you’re driving hundreds of miles each week.
Use Instant Pay and Budgeting
Payment schedules don’t always match your bills. That’s where instant pay options and budgeting strategies come in. Quick access to earnings helps you cover expenses without stress, while smart financial planning ensures you don’t overspend during busy weeks. Setting aside a portion of every payout helps you build a cushion for slower times.
Final Thoughts
Driving as an Amazon cargo van owner-operator can be profitable, but your actual take-home depends on how well you manage miles, expenses, and scheduling. Pay rates vary widely, and what matters most is keeping costs low and staying consistent with your routes.
If you’re ready to take the next step, make sure you have the right funding in place for your van, insurance, or operating costs. You can apply with Giggle Finance for fast, flexible support built for independent contractors like you.
Disclaimer: Giggle Finance provides Revenue-Based Financing programs for business purposes only. Any mention of any loan product(s), consumer product(s), or other forms of financing is solely for marketing and educational content purposes and to help distinguish Giggle’s product from other comparable financing options available in the market.