Overview

Amazon operates a vast network of fulfillment centers across the United States, and understanding how these facilities work is essential for any FBA seller. Each fulfillment center is identified by a unique code, with the first three characters derived from the IATA airport code of the nearest major airport. Knowing where your inventory is stored and how these centers operate can help sellers make smarter decisions about shipping plans, inventory placement, and overall logistics strategy.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Fulfillment centers are highly automated — Amazon's US warehouses use advanced robotics and automated pick, pack, and ship systems designed to process inventory and customer orders quickly and accurately.
• Each center has a unique identifier — Fulfillment center codes start with a three-letter prefix based on the IATA airport code of the closest major airport, followed by a number (e.g., PHX3 is near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport).
• Inventory is distributed across multiple locations — Amazon's distributed inventory model means your products may be stored at several fulfillment centers nationwide to optimize delivery speed for customers.
• Sellers don't choose specific centers — Unless you use Amazon's Inventory Placement Service (for an additional fee), Amazon decides where to distribute your inventory based on anticipated demand and logistics efficiency.
• Facility types vary — Not all fulfillment centers handle the same products. Some specialize in small and light items, others handle oversized goods, and some are dedicated to specific product categories.

How Amazon's Fulfillment Center Network Operates

Amazon's fulfillment centers are modern, secure facilities engineered for speed and safety. When a seller ships inventory to Amazon through FBA, the products are received, scanned, and stored at one or more fulfillment centers. Once a customer places an order, the automated systems locate the item, pick it from its storage location, pack it securely, and ship it out — often within hours. The entire process is designed to meet Amazon's delivery commitments, including Prime's one- and two-day shipping promises. Each facility employs a combination of human workers and robotic systems to maximize throughput while minimizing errors.