Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has expanded its less-than-truckload (LTL) freight offering, making the service available to businesses nationwide regardless of destination. Previously focused on shipments bound for Amazon facilities, the platform can now be used to transport freight to third-party warehouses, distribution hubs and retail locations across the United States.
The move marks a significant expansion of Amazon’s logistics capabilities, allowing a wider range of companies to access transportation services built on the company’s extensive freight network.
Flexible Shipping Option for Partial Loads
The LTL service is designed for businesses that do not require a full truckload, enabling them to ship freight by pallet while sharing trailer capacity with other customers.
Typical shipments range from one to six pallets and weigh between 150 and 15,000 pounds, offering a cost-effective alternative to booking an entire trailer.
Since launching the service in 2019, Amazon has supported tens of thousands of vendors and selling partners, transporting millions of pallets through its U.S. logistics network during the past year alone.
Faster Pickups and Enhanced Visibility
The expanded offering includes next-day live pickup for orders placed before 5 p.m., same-day collection through drop-trailer programmes and scheduled daily pickups for customers with larger shipping volumes.
Amazon also provides real-time GPS tracking, automated appointment management and electronic proof-of-delivery services designed to improve shipment visibility and operational efficiency.
“In the past year, we’ve seen faster transit times and lower costs compared to traditional LTL services,” said Zech Hintz, vice president of global supply chain at Pattern, a customer using the service.
Built on Amazon’s Growing Logistics Infrastructure
Amazon Freight now operates a network that includes more than 80,000 trailers and 24,000 intermodal containers positioned across major metropolitan markets throughout the United States.
The company has also equipped its fleet with cargo cameras and door sensors to strengthen freight security and provide additional shipment monitoring capabilities.
Part of a Broader Supply Chain Strategy
The freight expansion forms part of Amazon Supply Chain Services, a business unit that provides companies with access to Amazon’s logistics infrastructure.
The platform combines freight transportation, warehousing, fulfilment and parcel delivery services, leveraging capabilities developed over nearly three decades of investment in supply chain and logistics operations.
By opening its LTL network to a broader customer base, Amazon aims to further establish itself as a full-service logistics provider while helping businesses improve shipping flexibility and reduce transportation costs.
More about Amazon
Amazon is a global technology and e-commerce company with operations spanning online retail, cloud computing, digital services and logistics. Through its rapidly expanding transportation and fulfilment network, the company has become one of the largest logistics operators in North America, supporting both its own retail operations and an increasing number of third-party businesses.