Truck accident attorney Joe Camerlengo analyzes how Amazon’s use of inexperienced and unsafe carriers is leading to preventable tragedies on our highways.
The Staggering Scale of Amazon’s Delivery Network
Amazon ships approximately 1.6 million packages daily across America, relying on thousands of truck drivers to transport these shipments. In 2024 alone, the e-commerce giant has utilized more than 11,000 different third-party carriers to move packages between warehouses. But a concerning pattern has emerged from this massive logistics operation – one that our truck accident expert Joe Camerlengo has been monitoring closely.
“What we’re seeing is a troubling trend where major companies like Amazon are contracting with carriers that have questionable safety records or, in some cases, no established safety history at all,” explains Camerlengo, founding partner of The Truck Accident Law Firm. “This practice prioritizes speed and volume over safety, with devastating consequences for innocent people on our roads.”
A months-long investigation by local news uncovered that among Amazon’s contracted carriers are companies with concerning safety violations and others that appear to have been formed specifically to circumvent safety regulations.
The Dangerous Loophole: New Carriers Without Safety Records
“This issue illustrates a dangerous loophole in the system,” says Camerlengo. “When companies contract with brand-new carriers that have no established safety record, they’re essentially gambling with public safety on our highways.”
Data from Department of Transportation inspections reveals Amazon used 194 carriers with no safety score at the time of inspection. Industry experts note that Amazon’s Relay app, which allows small carriers to connect directly to Amazon’s freight network, has contributed to thousands of new companies entering the market without proper vetting.
The investigation found instances where companies whose rights were terminated to deliver freight for Amazon for violating program policies could still pick up loads for the retailer through newly formed companies with minimal safety history.
“The DOT simply doesn’t have the resources to conduct in-depth investigations of all these carriers,” Camerlengo points out. “That’s why it’s critical for companies like Amazon to implement their own rigorous screening processes beyond the minimum requirements.”
Corporate Responsibility in Commercial Transportation
As a board-certified specialist in truck accident law, Camerlengo has spent decades advocating for stricter safety standards in the commercial transportation industry. He notes that while Amazon has responded to these concerns by claiming to enhance carrier screening and driver ID mechanisms, the problem persists.
“When a company of Amazon’s size and influence cuts corners on carrier safety, the consequences ripple throughout the entire industry,” Camerlengo explains. “It creates pressure on legitimate carriers to compete with unsafe operators who don’t invest in proper maintenance, driver training, or compliance programs.”
The legal implications are significant as well. Companies that use third-party carriers can potentially be held liable under theories of negligent hiring or selection if they fail to properly vet those carriers.
Throughout his career, Camerlengo has witnessed the devastating impact of inadequate safety protocols in the commercial transportation industry. His extensive experience handling complex trucking accident cases has provided him with unique insights into how these tragedies occur and how they can be prevented.
“Many of these accidents aren’t accidents at all – they’re predictable outcomes of systemic failures in carrier selection and oversight,” Camerlengo notes. “When we investigate these cases, we often find a trail of warning signs that were ignored or overlooked.”
The Changing Landscape of E-Commerce Logistics
The surge in online shopping has transformed the logistics industry, creating unprecedented demand for rapid delivery services. This has led to the proliferation of new trucking companies formed specifically to capitalize on this demand.
“What we’re seeing is a gold rush mentality,” Camerlengo says. “Companies are forming overnight with minimal investment in safety infrastructure or driver training. They’re able to secure contracts with major retailers because the focus is on speed and cost rather than safety credentials.”
The DOT data showing hundreds of carriers with no safety score at the time of inspection highlights the magnitude of this problem. These new entrants to the market often lack the institutional knowledge and safety culture that more established carriers have developed over years of operation.
Amazon’s Relay app has been particularly influential in this trend. By allowing small carriers to connect directly to Amazon’s freight network, it has lowered the barriers to entry for new companies. While this has increased capacity in the logistics network, it has also introduced new risks.
Seeking Justice and Driving Change
Camerlengo emphasizes that addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach involving legal accountability, regulatory enforcement, and corporate responsibility.
“What we’re advocating for is not just compliance with minimum standards, but a commitment to best practices that protect everyone sharing our roads,” says Camerlengo.
His work through organizations like the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys and the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group focuses on raising awareness about these issues and promoting policy changes that enhance safety.
“Each case we handle is an opportunity to send a message that safety must come first,” he says. “Whether it’s through verdicts, settlements, or public advocacy, we’re working to create accountability throughout the commercial transportation ecosystem.”
As the demand for rapid delivery continues to grow, the pressure on the trucking industry will only increase. Without proper safeguards and accountability measures, so too will the risks to public safety.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, contact The Truck Accident Law Firm for a consultation. Our team of specialized attorneys has the expertise and experience to investigate these complex cases and fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve.
