Einleitung
Wichtige Erkenntnisse
Amazon's supply chain is a fully integrated, end-to-end logistics network, not just a fulfillment service.
Massive infrastructure spending, including a $15 billion U.S. warehouse expansion, aims to shorten delivery times by placing products closer to customers.
Advanced technology, including over a million robots and AI-driven forecasting, is the backbone of Amazon's operational efficiency.
For sellers, leveraging this network offers unparalleled reach but comes with challenges like strict inventory caps and complex fees.
The future of Amazon's supply chain involves greater automation, regionalization, and expanding its logistics services to non-Amazon sales channels.
What Is Supply Chain by Amazon, Really?
Let's get one thing straight: Supply Chain by Amazon is so much bigger than FBA. While FBA is the part most sellers know and use (where you send your inventory for Amazon to pick, pack, and ship), it's really just the tip of the iceberg.
The complete system is an integrated, end-to-end logistics service designed to handle pretty much every step of a product's journey from factory to customer.
More Than Just Warehousing
Think of it like a suite of services all working together. It kicks off with Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), which can get your products from a factory in another country. Then you have Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD), a program for cheaper, long-term bulk storage.
From there, your inventory flows into the main FBA network, which is now a massive web of different building types, from huge fulfillment centers to tiny, hyper-local delivery stations. The goal is to make a totally seamless flow.
We've seen firsthand how this integration seperaes it from traditional logistics, where a brand is stuck juggling a freight forwarder, a customs broker, a 3PL, and last-mile delivery guys. Amazon wants to bundle it all, giving you a single (though complex) pipeline. This is a huge shift in how brands can approach their fulfillment and logistics strategy.
A Network Built on Unprecedented Scale
The numbers are just wild. As of mid-2024, Amazon runs 578 fulfillment centers worldwide, with 175 of those in the U.S. alone. These aren't just giant, dusty sheds. They are highly specialized hubs in a network, each with a specific job, all interconnected to move as fast as humanly (and robotically) possible. This structure is a core reason why they're able to offer such insane delivery speeds, and why having a presence in key locations, like those covered by our Tampa logistics services, is a major advantage.
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Fazit
Supply Chain by Amazon is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful logistics engines on the planet. It has completely changed what customers expect and created a system that offers unbelievable reach and speed for brands who are willing to play by its rules. But... it's not a "set it and forget it" service. To succeed, you have to actively manage it, have a deep understanding of its costs and limits, and build a real strategy to handle its risks, like sudden capacity limits and rule changes.
For brands, the key is to see it as a powerful but tricky tool. The right move often means weaving it into a bigger, more resilient fulfillment strategy. By understanding how all the pieces of the puzzle work—from global logistics to last-mile delivery—you can make smart decisions that protect your cash flow and power your growth, turning Amazon's massive scale into your own competitive advantage.
https://redstagfulfillment.com/how-many-amazon-warehouses-are-there/