What Is Amazon Shipping?
What Is Amazon Shipping? (And How It Compares to USPS, UPS, & FedEx)
If you’ve been hearing the phrase “Amazon Shipping” lately and wondering what it’s all about, you’re not alone. Amazon has been quietly building out its own delivery network, and it’s starting to offer those services to more than just Amazon.com sellers.
In this post, we’ll break down what Amazon Shipping is, how it compares to other carriers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx, and what it could mean for your business.
What Is Amazon Shipping?
Amazon Shipping is Amazon’s own parcel delivery service, but it’s not the same as Prime delivery. Prime is limited to orders placed on Amazon.com. Amazon Shipping, on the other hand, can handle orders from any sales channel, whether that’s your Shopify store, your own website, or another marketplace.
Think of it as another carrier you can add to your lineup, right alongside UPS, FedEx, or USPS. You don’t have to be an Amazon seller to use it. Eligible businesses can register directly with Amazon Shipping. Availability depends on location, shipment requirements, and collection arrangements; shipping volume affects pricing and some pickup options.
How Does Amazon Shipping Work?
Here’s a quick overview of how the service works:
- Amazon Shipping offers scheduled pickups from eligible business locations, typically Monday–Friday. Weekend pickups may be available upon request, depending on location and shipping volume.
- Packages are delivered using Amazon’s logistics network.
- Customers can track their orders in real time.
You don’t need to sell on Amazon to use this service. It’s available for non-Amazon orders as well.
Amazon Shipping vs. UPS and FedEx
| Feature | Amazon Shipping | UPS / FedEx |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier Type | Amazon acts as the carrier | Third-party carriers |
| Service Level | Ground shipping only | Ground and air options |
| Delivery Days | 7 days per week, including weekends, subject to local availability. | UPS: Saturday delivery; no standard Sunday delivery. FedEx Home Delivery: Saturday and Sunday delivery where available. |
| Residential Surcharges | None | Usually charged |
| Pickups | Scheduled business pickups; weekend availability depends on eligibility. | Scheduled pickups |
| Coverage | Approximately 95% of the U.S. population across the 48 contiguous states; pickup coverage varies. | Nationwide and international |
| Drop-off Centers | Available at participating locations; packages must be pre-packed and pre-labeled. | Extensive network of drop-off centers for single-package shipping |
What Are the Benefits?
Businesses using Amazon Shipping often highlight:
- No additional residential or weekend delivery fees: Other charges, including fuel, delivery-area, handling, pickup, and peak-demand surcharges, may apply.
- Weekend delivery: 7-day service, subject to local availability, can help you deliver faster
- Easy integration: Easy integration with a tier 1 WMS (Warehouse Management System)
- Simplified billing: Pricing is more straightforward than many traditional carriers
Are There Any Drawbacks?
Yes, like any shipping option, Amazon Shipping has its limits:
- No international shipping at this time
- Ground shipping only, with no air or express service
- Size and weight restrictions apply: packages must weigh no more than 50 lbs and meet Amazon Shipping’s dimension limits.
- Drop-off availability is limited to participating locations.
- Business registration required; availability depends on service coverage and shipment eligibility.
Because of these limits, most companies don’t use Amazon Shipping as their only carrier. Instead, they mix it in with UPS, FedEx, or USPS to cover all their shipping needs.
Is Amazon Shipping Right for Your Business?
It depends on your shipping volume and where your customers are located. You might want to consider Amazon Shipping if:
- You already use Amazon Logistics or warehouse services
- You want to reduce shipping costs and avoid additional residential or weekend delivery fees
- Your business location and shipments meet Amazon Shipping’s eligibility requirements
Final Thoughts
Amazon Shipping is still growing, but it is already proving to be an economical option for small parcel delivery. With seven-day delivery subject to local availability, no added fees for residential deliveries, and competitive pricing, it is a smart choice for many businesses.
That said, Amazon Shipping is not available to everyone. Eligible businesses can register directly with Amazon Shipping. Availability depends on location, shipment requirements, and collection arrangements; shipping volume affects pricing and some pickup options.
At Fast Fulfillment, we offer Amazon Shipping as part of our carrier options and help businesses of all sizes take advantage of services that might otherwise be out of reach. Whether you need support with daily order fulfillment, warehousing, or returns management, our team is here to build a solution tailored to your needs.
Ready to explore Amazon Shipping or improve your overall logistics strategy? Contact Fast Fulfillment today to learn how we can help your business scale with confidence.
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Fast Fulfillment is a Kansas City based 3PL operating from 11011 Lackman Rd, Lenexa, KS. Same day shipping, full transparency, no monthly minimums.
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