Exciting news for Amazon private label sellers! Amazon AWD (Amazon Warehousing and Distribution) just announced in their latest newsletter that new West Coast distribution centers are opening, with bookings starting in August. For sellers sourcing products from Asia, this is great news, addressing the ongoing challenge of limited West Coast storage availability. Previously, sellers faced higher shipping costs to send inventory to Central or East Coast AWD facilities. These new centers offer a closer, more cost-effective option to streamline logistics and boost profits. Here’s what you need to know to take advantage.
What Is Amazon AWD and Who Is It For?
Amazon AWD is a limited third-party logistics (3PL) solution focused solely on storing and moving case packs, unlike Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), which handles direct-to-customer shipping. AWD does not offer services like labeling or bundling—it’s designed to store and distribute bulk inventory to restock FBA or supply third-party channels like Walmart WFS. It’s perfect for private label sellers managing high-volume products across multiple platforms, helping you maintain stock levels and simplify inventory management.
Why West Coast Centers Matter
Limited storage availability has forced sellers to ship inventory from Asia to AWD’s Central or East Coast facilities, increasing transportation costs. The new West Coast centers solve this by providing storage closer to Pacific ports, reducing shipping expenses for products arriving from Asia. Lower costs translate to higher profit margins, and faster restocking to FBA or other channels ensures better product availability, helping your listings stay competitive.
Who Can Use These New Amazon AWD Centers?
To use the West Coast facilities, your shipments must meet specific criteria:
- Single-SKU Pallet Shipments: Ideal for sellers focusing on one product type per shipment.
- Floor-Loaded Shipments: Must include at least 50 boxes per SKU, with a maximum of 10 SKUs per shipment.
These requirements fit private label sellers with high-volume products, making AWD a practical choice for efficient logistics.
How to Prepare for August Bookings
With bookings opening in August, start planning now. Review your inventory to ensure it meets AWD’s case pack requirements. Compare shipping costs from Asia to West Coast versus Central or East Coast facilities to estimate savings. Stay updated with Amazon AWD’s announcements for booking dates and details.
Need help optimizing your logistics or navigating AWD? Amazon Storage Pros specializes in helping private label sellers cut costs and grow profits. Contact us at https://amazonstoragepros.com/my-services/ to streamline your operations today!