Relay on Demand

In 2021, trucking companies in the U.S. suffered a record deficit of 80,000 drivers. This is severely constraining America’s supply chain, and its impact is rippling through the global economy.

Simply put, trucking has an $800 billion problem. And Relay on Demand is aiming to be the solution.

This company has created technology that connects drivers with trucking companies in need of runs. Like an “Uber for truck drivers,” Relay on Demand’s platform enables drivers to pick up runs on their terms — when they want and at the rates they set. This gives truckers the freedom and flexibility they desire, and enables companies to have their trucks on the road more often, creating more business.

Perhaps surprisingly, the driver shortage problem isn’t because nobody wants to drive a truck. Most drivers say they love driving. The problem is, they hate the trucking lifestyle.

This profession often requires 16-hour workdays, working six days a week, and spending three to four weeks away from home at a time. This takes its toll on drivers and their families.

In February, The New York Times ran an article entitled “The Real Reason America Doesn’t Have Enough Truck Drivers.” As the article mentioned, “[Trucking] is a job full of stress, physical deprivation, and loneliness.”

This shortage of drivers has a significant impact on trucking companies, too. On average, a company’s truck sits without an available driver 40% of the time. This costs them more than $120,000 in lost revenue per year per truck.

And this problem impacts you. You see, a driver shortage is forcing companies to pay higher prices for shipping. And they’re passing those costs along to consumers.

Relay on Demand can help ease this shortage. Its “drivershare” network enables truck companies to share a pool of pre-vetted drivers who have the freedom to accept runs on their own schedule.

As mentioned, drivers use the Relay on Demand app to drive different carriers’ trucks and pick up runs that suit their schedules. Carriers use the app to book and dispatch drivers, ensuring their trucks are being used as often as possible.

Relay on Demand’s technology optimizes to pick the driver best suited for the run. This can be based on the driver’s schedule, location, and skill level.

Trucking companies pay a monthly subscription fee to use Relay on Demand’s platform. They also pay Relay on Demand a 5% to 25% fee for every run booked through the platform.

Since launching in 2019, Relay on Demand has generated $6 million in revenue, and projects to bring in $10 million in 2022. Its platform has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and has a 4.5-star average rating.

Team Background

Aaron Pickens - Chief Marketing Officer

Aaron is a digital marketing executive with more than 10 years in the industry.

Prior to Relay on Demand, he developed marketing strategies with Google.

Darrell Pickens - Founder & CEO

Darrell grew up the son of a truck driver, and later became a multi-patent holding engineer who spent a decade at a Fortune 500 company.

He was an engineer with Southern California Gas Company, before spending 10 years with Taco Bell, a fast food chain, as an equipment engineer and Innovation Engineering Manager.

More recently, he was President of Kitchen Robotics and Automation Systems, a technology company focused on the culinary market. He then founded 3Power Logistics Management, a logistics company assisting with freight cost solutions.

Darrell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UC Irvine.

Joshua O'Berry - Marketing Coordinator

Joshua joined Relay on Demand in December 2018. Prior to that, he was an assistant manager and later Director of Operations with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from California State University, Fullerton.

Co-Investors