The role of an Amazon Fulfillment Center

An Amazon Fulfillment Center (FC) represents a significant evolution from the traditional static warehouse model. While conventional warehousing focuses on long-term storage, fulfillment centers are engineered as high-velocity logistics nodes. In the United States, these massive facilities serve as the central processing points where inventory is inducted, organized, picked, and dispatched. They function as the operational engine of Amazon’s supply chain, seamlessly connecting global vendors to millions of domestic customers.

Operational mechanics and speed

The primary objective of a US-based FC is to ensure rapid order processing to meet Prime delivery standards. Unlike third-party logistics (3PL) setups that often hold goods for extended periods, Amazon facilities operate on a continuous flow principle. Critical workflows include:

  • Inbound receiving: Rapid unloading of freight (often from key import hubs) and registering stock into the network.
  • Stowing: Algorithmic placement of items into random bins or robotic pods to maximize density.
  • Order processing: Simultaneous picking and packing of multiple orders.
  • Outbound shipping: Sorting parcels into specific transportation lanes to bypass traditional long-haul bottlenecks.

Facility categorization and specialization

The US fulfillment landscape is distinct in its scale and specialization. Unlike smaller markets, the American network segments facilities strictly by inventory profile and function:

  • Sortable AR (Amazon Robotics): Multi-story structures dedicated to small, tote-sized items (electronics, books). These sites leverage warehouse automation and robotics to deliver shelves to stationary associates, drastically improving throughput.
  • Non-Sortable: large-footprint warehouses designed for "ugly freight"—items that are too heavy, bulky, or irregular for conveyors (e.g., furniture, outdoor equipment). These rely on heavy material handling equipment (MHE).
  • IXD (Inbound Cross Dock): specialized intake hubs (often near ports) that receive bulk imports, break them down, and redistribute inventory to fulfillment centers nationwide without holding customer stock.

Deciphering US facility codes

Every node in the network is assigned a unique 4-character identifier, known as an FC Code (e.g., JFK8, ONT2, LGB8).

  • The first three letters typically mirror the nearest International Airport code (IATA). For example, JFK8 serves the New York area (JFK Airport), while ONT2 operates near Ontario International Airport in California.
  • In the dense US logistics web, a single metropolitan area may contain over ten different facilities. For sellers, correctly identifying these codes is vital for accurate appointment scheduling and avoiding routing errors that can lead to inventory rejection or placement fees.

General specifications

As the most mature logistics market for Amazon, US facilities set the global standard for throughput and safety. However, they also operate under specific federal and state regulations that impact logistics planning for carriers and suppliers.

Facility footprint and automation

The standard US fulfillment center is significantly larger than its European counterparts, often exceeding 1 million square feet, with some "Generation 11" robotic sites spanning nearly 4 million square feet across multiple mezzanines. These Amazon Robotics (AR) sites utilize thousands of drive units to move inventory pods, requiring extremely precise pallet configurations during the inbound process to ensure items are "robot-ready."

Regulatory environment (OSHA & DOT)

Logistics operations within US boundaries must comply with rigorous standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). This affects everything from the maximum weight of cartons (strictly enforced 50 lb limit for standard boxes) to the allowable service hours for drivers entering the yard. Non-compliance with these safety standards frequently leads to immediate load rejection.

Operational flow and dock standards

High-throughput US facilities operate on a strict appointment system via Carrier Central. The "dock-to-stock" timeline is heavily monitored.

  • Inbound: Carriers must adhere to strict TDR (Trailer Dock Release) safety procedures. Drivers are often required to disconnect airlines and use wheel chocks immediately upon docking.
  • Outbound: The outbound volume in US centers is massive, requiring synchronized waves of truckloads (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments departing for Sort Centers (SC) every hour.

Network regionalization and inventory placement

Recent operational shifts have transitioned the US fulfillment network from a single national web to a set of distinct, self-sufficient regional nodes. The primary objective is to fulfill customer orders from inventory located within the same region, reducing the need for cross-country air transport. For vendors and sellers, this "regionalization" strategy often necessitates splitting inbound shipments across multiple geographic locations to maximize Prime delivery speed and minimize "Inbound Placement Service" fees.


List of Amazon Fulfillment Centers: United States

Browse the complete directory of active Amazon Fulfillment Centers in the US, organized by geographic region and state. Locate your specific facility code below to view detailed operational specifications and address information.

Region 1: The West

State

FC Code

Location

Arizona (AZ)

GYR4

Avondale

GYR1

Goodyear

PHX3

Phoenix

PHX5

Goodyear

KRB9/QZZ7

Mesa

XUSH

Phoenix

AZA4/HPX2

Phoenix

PPX1

Phoenix

SAZ1/HPX1

Phoenix

TUS1

Phoenix

PHX6/TFC1

Phoenix

PHX7/PHX8/TEN3

Phoenix

ATS3

Tolleson

SAZ2

Tolleson

PHX39/PHX9

Tolleson

TUS2

Tucson

California (CA)

FC Code

Location

BFL1

Bakersfield

PSP1

Beaumont

SLA5/DCA2

Eastvale

LGB3

Eastvale

LAX9

Fontana

FAT1

Fresno

SCK3

Manteca

ONT1

Mira Loma

ONT8

Moreno Valley

OAK3

Patterson

LGB9

Perris

ONT9

Redlands

LGB4

Redlands

SNA4

Rialto

LGB7

Rialto

LGB8

Rialto

LGB6

Riverside

SMF1

Sacramento

ONT2

San Bernardino

ONT5

San Bernardino

SBD2

San Bernardino

LGB5

San Bernardino

SAN3

San Diego

SCK1

Stockton

SCK9

Stockton

SMF3

Stockton

DPS3

Thousand Oaks

SJC7

Tracy

PCA1

Tracy

OAK6

Tracy

SMF5

Vacaville

FAT2

Visalia

Colorado (CO)

FC Code

Location

DEN2

Aurora

DEN7/HDE2

Aurora

DEN8

Aurora

DEN4

Colorado Springs

SCO1/VCO1

Denver

DEN3/COS1

Thornton

Idaho (ID)

FC Code

Location

BOI2

Nampa

Nevada (NV)

FC Code

Location

LAS1

Henderson

LAS5

Las Vegas

LAS2

North Las Vegas

LAS6

North Las Vegas

LAS7

North Las Vegas

RNO4

Reno

New Mexico (NM)

FC Code

Location

ABQ1

Albuquerque

Oregon (OR)

FC Code

Location

PDX5

Hillsboro

PDX6

Portland

PDX7

Salem

PDX9

Troutdale

Utah (UT)

FC Code

Location

SLC1

Salt Lake City

SCL3

Salt Lake City

SCL2

West Jordan

Washington (WA)

FC Code

Location

SEA8

Bellevue

BFI3

DuPont

BFI4

Kent

BFI5

Kent

BFI6

Kent

OLM1

Lacey

SEA6

Seattle

GEG1

Spokane

GEG2

Spokane Valley

BFI1/BFI2

Sumner

BFI7

Sumner


Streamlining FBA inbound compliance

The US Amazon network enforces some of the strictest receiving guidelines in the world. Inventory arriving from overseas or domestic manufacturers often fails to meet specific labeling (FNSKU) or palletizing standards, leading to costly chargebacks or refused deliveries. To ensure seamless induction into the FC network, sellers often utilize external support for:

  • FBA prep: Inspection, labeling, and poly-bagging to meet "floor-ready" requirements.
  • Kitting & assembly: Bundling products before they reach the Amazon dock.
  • Quality control: intercepting damaged goods before they affect seller metrics.

See how we ensure FBA compliance.


Region 2: The South

State

FC Code

Location

Alabama (AL)

BHM1

Bessemer

HSV1

Madison

HSV2

Madison

FC Code

Location

Arkansas (AR)

LIT1

Little Rock

LIT2

North Little Rock

Florida (FL)

FC Code

Location

TPA3

Auburndale

MCO5

Davenport

MCO2

Deltona

JAX2

Jacksonville

JAX3

Jacksonville

JAX5

Jacksonville

PBI2

Jupiter

TPA2/LAL1

Lakeland

MIA5

Miami/Doral

TPA6

Ocala

MIA1

Opa-locka

MCO1

Orlando

TPA1

Ruskin

TPA4

Temple Terrace

Georgia (GA)

FC Code

Location

MGE1

Braselton

ATL6

East Point/Atlanta

MGE3

Jefferson

ATL8

Lithia Springs

SAV3

Macon

CSG1

Moreland/Newnan

AGS2

Pendergrass/Jefferson

ATL2

Stone Mountain

ATL7

Union City

XEW2

Union City

Kentucky (KY)

FC Code

Location

SDF1

Campbellsville

IVSA

Erlanger

LUK5

Erlanger

CVG1

Hebron

CVG2

Hebron

CVG3

Hebron

CVG5/CVG7

Hebron

CVG9

Hebron

LEX1

Lexington

LEX2

Lexington

SDF2

Louisville

LUK7

Shepherdsville

SDF4

Shepherdsville

SDF6

Shepherdsville

SDF9

Shepherdsville

Louisiana (LA)

FC Code

Location

LFT1

Carencro

Mississippi (MS)

FC Code

Location

MEM2

Byhalia

PIL1

Horn Lake

MEM6

Olive Branch

North Carolina (NC)

FC Code

Location

CLT2

Charlotte

CLT4

Charlotte

CLT3

Concord

CLT5

Concord

RDU5

Durham

RDU1

Garner

GSO1

Kernersville

Oklahoma (OK)

FC Code

Location

OKC1

Oklahoma City

OKC2

Oklahoma City

OKC5/OKC9/HOK1

Oklahoma City

DOK1

Oklahoma City

DOK3

Oklahoma City

DOK4

Oklahoma City

DOK2

Tulsa

TUL2

Tulsa

South Carolina (SC)

FC Code

Location

GSP1

Spartanburg

CAE1

West Columbia

CAE3

West Columbia

Tennessee (TN)

FC Code

Location

CHA2

Charleston

CHA1

Chattanooga

BNA9

La Vergne

BNA1

Lebanon

BNA2

Lebanon

MEM1

Memphis

MEM4

Memphis

MQY1

Mount Juliet

BNA3

Murfreesboro

BNA5

Nashville

Texas (TX)

FC Code

Location

HOU3

Brookshire

DFW6

Coppell

FTW2

Coppell

FTW7/FTW9

Coppell

FTW1

Dallas

DFW8

Dallas

FTW8

Dallas

DAL3

Dallas

DAL2

DFW Airport

ELP1

El Paso

DDX7

Forney

AFW1

Fort Worth

FTW3/FTW4

Fort Worth

DFW7

Fort Worth

FTW6

Grapevine

HOU2

Houston

HOU7

Houston

ITX1

Houston

HOU1

Humble

HOU5/HOU9

Katy

HOU6

Richmond

SAT4

San Antonio

SAT2

San Marcos

SAT1

Schertz

DAL9

Wilmer


Recovering value from unfulfillable inventory

The high volume of customer returns and automated "removal orders" in the US market often leads to an accumulation of stranded stock that incurs storage fees without generating revenue. To protect margins and maintain healthy IPI scores, vendors frequently establish external workflows for:

  • Inspecting and grading returned merchandise for resale suitability.
  • Refurbishing or repackaging items to meet "new" condition standards.
  • Consolidating removal orders for liquidation or eco-friendly disposal.

See how we manage returns & removal orders


Region 3: The Midwest

State

FC Code

Location

Illinois (IL)

MDW9/JOT3

Aurora/Naperville

ORD2

Channahon

ORD9

Channahon

MDW5

Crest Hill

STL4

Edwardsville

STL6

Edwardsville

MDW2

Joliet

MDW4

Joliet

IGQ1

Markham

ORD5

Matteson

MDW7

Monee

ORD4

Monee

KRFD

Rockford

MDW6

Romeoville

IGQ2

University Park

MDW8

Waukegan

HMW1

Wilmington

Kansas (KS)

FC Code

Location

MKC4

Edgerton

MKC6

Kansas City

FOE1/VSK1

Kansas City

MCI5

Lenexa

ICT2

Park City/Wichita

Michigan (MI)

FC Code

Location

DTW5

Brownstown Charter Twp

GRR1/VEA8

Caledonia

SMI1

Hazel Park

DET1

Livonia

DTW1

Romulus

DTW3

Romulus

DET2

Shelby Township

Minnesota (MN)

FC Code

Location

MSP9

Brooklyn Park

MSP6

Lakeville

MSP1

Shakopee

MSP5

Shakopee

Missouri (MO)

FC Code

Location

STL5

Hazelwood

STL3

Republic

STL8

St. Peters

Ohio (OH)

FC Code

Location

AKC1

Akron

CMH1

Etna

CLE3

Euclid

DCN1

Fairfield

DCM2

Kettering

CMH6

Lockbourne

CMH3

Monroe

CLE2

North Randall

CMH2

Obetz

PCW1

Rossford

CLE5

Twinsburg

CMH4

West Jefferson

Wisconsin (WI)

FC Code

Location

JVL1

Beloit

MKE1

Kenosha

MKE5

Kenosha

MKE2

Oak Creek


Optimizing nationwide distribution

Distributing inventory across the vast US geography requires strategic planning to avoid excessive long-term storage fees and split shipments. Brands operating at a national scale often face challenges with:

  • Managing returns (reverse logistics) from multiple time zones.
  • Forwarding stock to optimal FBA locations (East vs. West Coast) to reduce last-mile costs.
  • Handling "Removal Orders" efficiently to prevent inventory loss.

Discover our warehousing & forwarding solutions


Region 4: Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

State

FC Code

Location

Connecticut (CT)

BDL6

Cromwell

BDL3

North Haven

BDL2

Windsor

Delaware (DE)

FC Code

Location

PHL7/PHL9

Middletown

PHL1

New Castle

ILG1

New Castle

MTN1

Wilmington

New Jersey (NJ)

FC Code

Location

EWR5

Avenel

ACY2

Burlington

LGA6/EWR9

Carteret

CDW5

Carteret

TEB6

Cranbury

TTN2

Cranbury

LGA5/LGA9

Edison

ABE8

Florence

ACY5

Logan Township

TEB3

Logan Township

EWR1/EWR4

Robbinsville

TEB9

Somerset

IVSD

Swedesboro

EWR8/MMU9

Teterboro

IVSC

West Deptford

ACY1

West Deptford

New York (NY)

FC Code

Location

ALB1

Castleton

BUF9/BUF5

Lancaster

JFK8

Staten Island

Pennsylvania (PA)

FC Code

Location

ABE1/ABE2

Breinigsville

ABE3

Breinigsville

MDT1

Carlisle

PHL4

Carlisle

PHL6

Carlisle

XUSC

Carlisle

ABE4

Easton

AVP3

Gouldsboro

RDG1

Hamburg

AVP1

Hazleton

PIT2

Imperial

PHL5

Lewisberry

ABE5

Norristown

PIT5

Pittsburgh

AVP6

Pittston

TEN1

Reading

Virginia (VA)

FC Code

Location

RIC5

Ashland

RIC2

Chester

BWI4

Clear Brook

RIC1/RIC7

Petersburg

KRB2 

Prince George

RIC3

Richmond

BWI1

Sterling

ORF3

Suffolk


Frequently Asked Questions

To assist with your logistics planning across the United States, we have compiled answers to common inquiries regarding facility types, inbound requirements and more.

How many Amazon Fulfillment Centers are in the USA?

The network is vast and constantly evolving, with over 100 active fulfillment centers and hundreds of additional delivery stations and sort centers. The exact number fluctuates as new generation sites open and older legacy sites are consolidated.

What is an Amazon IXD facility?

IXD stands for "Inbound Cross Dock." These are specialized facilities (often located near major ports like Los Angeles or New Jersey) that receive bulk inventory, break it down, and immediately redistribute it to fulfillment centers across the country. They do not hold inventory for customer orders.

Why is my shipment split between three different FCs?

Amazon’s "Distributed Inventory Placement" algorithm spreads your stock across the country to place products closer to customers, ensuring Prime delivery speeds. This often means a single inbound shipment is split between East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest facilities.

What is the largest Amazon fulfillment center in the United States?

The title for the largest facility is frequently contested as new "Generation 11" sites open. Currently, multi-story robotics facilities such as MQY1 in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and SYR1 in Clay, New York, are among the largest in the world. These massive structures utilize mezzanines to achieve nearly 4 million square feet of total operational floor space within a single building footprint.

Is Amazon in all 50 states?

Amazon delivers to all 50 states, but they do not maintain large-scale Fulfillment Centers in every single state. While their logistics network (including Delivery Stations and Sort Centers) covers the vast majority of the country, some lower-population states (such as Wyoming or parts of the Dakotas) may be serviced by major hubs located in neighboring states.

 

Contact us for a quote


Contact Form