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warehouse-code

Amazon assigns unique codes to each of its fulfillment centers, sortation hubs, and other logistics facilities. These codes typically consist of:

  • Three-letter airport code representing the closest major airport.
  • A number that differentiates multiple warehouses in the same area.

For example, ONT2 refers to an Amazon fulfillment center located near Ontario International Airport in California.

Knowing these codes helps sellers track where their inventory is stored and shipped from, ultimately impacting fulfillment fees, shipping times, and customer satisfaction.

Optimized Shipping Costs

Sending inventory to the right fulfillment center can reduce inbound shipping fees and improve profit margins.

Faster Delivery

Products stored closer to customers ship faster, improving customer satisfaction and Amazon rankings.

Avoiding Split Shipments

Amazon may distribute inventory across multiple warehouses, increasing shipping costs. Strategic inventory planning can minimize this issue.

Preventing Stranded Inventory

If you don’t know where your products are stored, you risk stockouts and delays.

Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) Benefits

Understanding warehouse locations improves inventory management for non-Amazon sales channels.

1

Fulfillment Centers (FC)

  • Handles: Most inventory storage & order fulfillment
  • Example Codes: LAX9, PHX7, DFW8
  • These massive warehouses (sometimes over 1 million square feet) store, pick, pack, and ship products for FBA sellers.

Amazon differentiates between sortable (small items like electronics, books) and non-sortable (bulky products like furniture, appliances) fulfillment centers.

2

Receive Centers (RC)

  • Handles: Bulk inventory intake & distribution
  • Example Codes: FTW1, LGB3
  • These facilities do not ship directly to customers. Instead, they receive large inventory shipments and redistribute them to fulfillment centers based on demand.
3

Sortation Centers (SC)

  • Handles: Sorting packages by region for faster shipping
  • Example Codes: DEN5, MDW4
  • Once an order is packed at a fulfillment center, it moves to a sortation center, where packages are grouped by geographic area for efficient last-mile delivery.
4

Specialty Centers

  • Handles: Unique storage needs
  • Example Codes: BFZ1 (Hazmat), ABE8 (Cold storage)

Some facilities are designed for specific product categories, such as temperature-sensitive items, hazardous materials, or high-value goods.

5

Delivery Stations (DS)

  • Handles: Last-mile delivery preparation
  • Example Codes: LAS2, PHL3

These stations prepare packages for delivery via Amazon Logistics, third-party carriers, or Amazon Flex drivers.

6

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How Warehouse Assignments Affect FBA Fees & Costs

Amazon warehouse assignments directly influence fulfillment fees, storage costs, and shipping expenses. Here’s how:

  • Long-Term Storage Fees – Certain warehouses charge higher rates for slow-moving inventory.
  • Increased Freight Fees – Amazon may split inventory across multiple fulfillment centers, increasing shipping costs for sellers.
  • Regional Pricing Variations – FBA fees differ depending on warehouse locations.
  • Stock Transfer Delays – Amazon moves inventory between warehouses, which can cause temporary stockouts.

By understanding warehouse codes, sellers can better manage fulfillment costs and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Warehouse Codes: More Than Just Inventory Management

Faster Order Fulfillment & Regional Storage

  • Amazon assigns warehouses based on demand, stock levels, and efficiency.
  • Products stored closer to customers ship faster and cost less to fulfill.

Peak season planning is easier when sellers track warehouse locations.

01

Shipping, Fulfillment Costs & Split Shipments

  • FBA fulfillment fees depend on warehouse location, product size, and storage.
  • Split shipments can increase costs if inventory is sent to multiple centers.

Strategic inventory distribution can minimize unnecessary fees.

02

Returns & Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)

  • Amazon processes returns at specific warehouses, so tracking codes helps sellers manage refunds and replacements.

MCF orders (e.g., Shopify, eBay) are affected by warehouse assignments, influencing delivery speed and customer satisfaction.

03

Avoiding Inventory Delays & Stranded Stock

  • Amazon frequently redistributes inventory, which can cause temporary stockouts.
  • Knowing where inventory is stored helps sellers adjust inbound shipments and prevent supply chain disruptions.

By leveraging warehouse code insights, sellers can cut costs, improve fulfillment speed, and avoid logistical issues.

04

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