From time to time, ports on the West Coast of the United States, most notably the main Port of Los Angeles, may see increased shipping volumes leading to port congestion. These delays can impact inbound shipments from overseas and lead times for getting inventory into the Amazon Fulfillment Network (AFN) at our West Coast facilities, especially during peak periods.
To reduce delays due to congestion or other potential disruptions, and to prepare for peak sales periods, we recommend considering the following options:
- Plan for Longer Lead Times: We recommend adjusting your inventory planning to account for potential delays and sending your inventory ahead of peak shopping periods to best avoid delays.
- Hold Safety Stock in the US: Store your products in bulk at low-cost storage facilities like Amazon Warehousing Distribution (AWD) in the US. You can replenish your products directly into AFN when it is stored at an AWD facility within the US versus waiting for your products to clear the ports into AFN. To get started, go to Send shipments to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution.
- Diversify Your Ports of Entry: Don’t rely solely on the main Port of Los Angeles. Consider routing shipments through alternative ports:
- Alternative West Coast ports such as the Port of Oakland or the Port of Seattle-Tacoma
- East Coast ports such as New York-New Jersey or Savannah
- Send Inventory to non-West Coast Amazon sites: Most inventory going into AFN originates on the West Coast and our AWD and fulfillment centers located there are very popular. To get around inbound delays, consider sending inventory to our sites in other regions around the US.
- Use Air Transportation for Time-Sensitive Items: While more expensive, air freight can be a viable option for high-value or urgently needed inventory. For eligible shipments, you’ll see air options via SEND (Amazon Partnered Carriers) in the Send to Amazon: Confirm shipping step of the Send to Amazon workflow.
We hope the recommendations above help ensure that your products are ready to reach customers as quickly as possible.
Need help navigating the latest Amazon updates? The experts at SIPRANSH ECOMMGROWTH are here to simplify the changes and help you stay ahead. Whether it’s policy shifts, new tools, or marketplace trends, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Connect with us today and keep your store running at full speed!
