Amazon Global Logistics and Distribution Centers: A 2025 Seller’s Guide

In 2025, Amazon's logistics network continues to set the pace for global e-commerce. From a factory in Guangdong to a doorstep in Michigan or Florida, Amazon's integrated systems of global shipping and regional distribution allow sellers to move inventory faster and smarter. Whether you're importing products from China or simply trying to understand where your next FBA shipment is headed, grasping the full logistics chain—from Amazon Global Logistics to the maze of distribution centers—is critical to staying competitive.

This guide explains how Amazon's global and domestic infrastructure works, how sellers can tap into it, and what tools to use to reduce cost, improve delivery times, and avoid common inventory pitfalls.

Amazon’s logistics system operates on two tightly connected levels. First comes Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), which handles international freight from countries like China, India, and Vietnam. Sellers can use AGL to move goods directly from overseas suppliers into the United States, avoiding the hassle of third-party freight forwarders. This phase often includes customs clearance and transportation via ocean or air.

Once the goods arrive in the U.S., the second level of logistics takes over. Amazon Distribution Centers, including fulfillment centers, sortation hubs, and delivery stations, take responsibility for sorting, storing, and shipping products to end customers. This seamless handoff between international and domestic logistics enables sellers to move inventory efficiently and reliably. A common use case looks like this: a seller imports kitchenware from China using AGL, which handles delivery to a fulfillment center in Illinois. From there, Amazon routes the stock across several U.S. regions based on real-time demand, ensuring fast delivery through its Prime infrastructure.

Amazon Global Logistics is Amazon's end-to-end freight forwarding solution designed specifically for sellers who need to ship inventory from manufacturing hubs abroad directly to Amazon's domestic network. Rather than juggling multiple logistics providers, customs agents, and warehouse partners, sellers can now streamline the entire process within Amazon's ecosystem.

AGL supports both ocean freight and air cargo, with common lanes including China to the U.S., as well as routes from India and Vietnam. Sellers can choose between full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL), depending on shipment volume. One of AGL’s major advantages is that it consolidates customs documentation, port clearance, and domestic transportation into a single interface. Everything is managed through Seller Central.

For those wondering about cost, Amazon Global Logistics rates are generally competitive, especially when factoring in fewer handoffs and lower error rates. Sellers can use the Amazon Global Logistics Calculator to estimate freight costs in advance, using origin, destination, and package specs.

Getting started requires a professional seller account. From there, enrollment in the Global Logistics program unlocks access to the platform. After submitting shipment details and timelines, sellers can track their containers from factory floor to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. For anyone regularly importing under private label or managing predictable product lines, AGL offers a simplified, integrated path into Amazon FBA.

Once a shipment reaches the U.S., the inventory enters Amazon's highly optimized domestic distribution system. The backbone of this network is the fulfillment center, or FC. These are massive warehouses where products are checked in, shelved, picked, packed, and shipped to customers. In addition to FCs, Amazon also operates sortation centers, which direct shipments by geographic destination, and receive centers, which specialize in bulk or non-standard deliveries.

When sellers ask questions like "how many Amazon distribution centers are there" or "where are Amazon distribution centers near me," they're usually referring to this constantly evolving network. The number changes frequently as Amazon opens new locations to serve regional demand. In 2025, for example, new Amazon distribution centers have been announced in Florida, Michigan, and Wyoming—regions that reflect growing population and delivery density.

Understanding this system is essential for sellers managing inbound shipments. Amazon may automatically redistribute inventory to other FCs after arrival, depending on factors like demand forecasts and delivery speed optimization. That means labeling, carton contents, and scheduling must be flawless. Noncompliance, such as incorrect packaging or missing FNSKUs, leads to delays, extra fees, or even full rejection of a shipment. Inside the distribution centers, automation ensures speed and consistency, but it also means there's little room for error.

Logistics without data is a gamble. Sellers today rely on analytics tools not only to forecast demand but also to fine-tune their shipping strategy. These tools help determine when to ship, how much to send, and which fulfillment centers are likely to be assigned.

One foundational tool is the Jungle Scout Sales Estimator. Sellers use it to project how many units of a product are likely to sell each month. To do this, you first locate the product’s Best Seller Rank (BSR), which is typically listed in the Product Details section on an Amazon listing. Then, by inputting this BSR into the estimator—selecting your marketplace and category—you receive an estimate of monthly sales. This insight allows you to decide whether a product is worth importing and how many units to send, aligning shipment volume with real demand.

Beyond Jungle Scout, Helium 10, AMZScout also offer advanced tracking of sales velocity, keyword demand, and inventory turnover. For instance, Helium 10 helps monitor seasonal trends and evaluate the effect of sales events on specific SKUs. AMZScout can reveal competitor behavior and supply dynamics within your niche, giving you an edge when choosing products and planning restocks.

More importantly, these tools help reduce overstock and understock problems. Overstock leads to expensive FBA storage fees, especially for slow-moving items. Understock results in lost sales, reduced ranking, and a damaged Inventory Performance Index (IPI). By aligning inventory planning with real-time analytics, sellers can avoid these traps and better navigate Amazon’s storage ecosystem.

Mastering Amazon's logistics system doesn't require a degree in supply chain management, but it does demand discipline and precision. Sellers who treat logistics as a strategic function—not just a backend necessity—gain an edge.

For those sourcing internationally, Amazon Global Logistics is one of the most seller-friendly options, particularly if you're already using FBA. By consolidating freight, customs, and domestic delivery into one platform, AGL removes friction from the import process. It’s best suited for sellers who have regular shipments, work with stable suppliers, and want fewer intermediaries.

On the domestic side, understanding how Amazon distribution centers operate helps avoid costly missteps. From labeling requirements to proper appointment scheduling, the smallest logistics error can result in rejected shipments or lost inventory. Sellers should routinely audit their inbound performance reports and align stock planning with Amazon’s dynamic placement system.

Forecasting should never be left to guesswork. Use tools like Jungle Scout, Helium 10, and AMZScout to validate demand before you ship. Especially during seasonal peaks, smart planning can mean the difference between a product that flies off the shelf and one that racks up storage fees. And if you notice Amazon building new distribution centers near your key markets, it might be the right time to adjust your regional stock allocations.

Ultimately, Amazon offers one of the most advanced logistics infrastructures in the world. Sellers who learn how to move within it—from global import to last-mile delivery—turn logistics into a growth engine, not just a cost center.

Amazon’s logistics ecosystem in 2025 continues to expand in scope, speed, and sophistication. Understanding how Amazon Global Logistics and distribution centers work together gives sellers a clear path to importing goods efficiently and delivering them to customers reliably. By planning shipments strategically, leveraging the right data tools, and maintaining flawless compliance, sellers can take full advantage of Amazon’s infrastructure.
Whether you're estimating Amazon Global Logistics rates, wondering how many distribution centers Amazon currently operates, or searching for a center near you in Florida or Michigan, the key takeaway is this: visibility and preparation pay off. The better you understand Amazon’s system, the more effectively you can grow within it.