Bursting Warehouses Seriously! Massive delays in Amazon orders
There is no clear information that Amazon will stop accepting merchandise between December 15 and December 31, 2024 altogether. However, during peak seasons, Amazon usually implements strict inbound policies, especially restrictions on FBA (Amazon Logistics) inventory management to optimize warehouse operations and delivery efficiency.
Some common adjustments include:
Capacity Limit: Amazon may limit the seller’s warehouse capacity, and sellers need to apply for more storage space in advance through the Warehouse Capacity Manager.
Planning shipments in advance: during the holiday season, there may be delays in getting inventory into warehouses due to logistical peaks, so sellers are advised to arrange shipping plans in advance and make reasonable use of overseas warehouses or merchant delivery (FBM) models.
Coping with warehouse bursts: Some regional warehouses may be burst or difficult to book due to peak demand, which requires sellers to choose alternate warehouses or adjust shipping strategies.
Reasons for Amazon Warehouse Refusals
Warehouse Overcapacity (Overbooking):
Recently, during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, a significant influx of goods entering and exiting warehouses has led to overcapacity issues. Amazon’s limited storage space and staff shortages have resulted in signs of operational inefficiency. Some sellers reported that, even after their shipments showed as “received” in the system over 10 days ago, the goods have yet to be shelved. Additionally, received goods may be transferred to other warehouses closer to consumers.
Reported warehouse overcapacity includes:
- West Coast: QXT5, JOT1, SBD1, LGB8, LAX9 experiencing slight overcapacity.
- Central U.S.: FWA4, MDW2, LAN2, IND9.
- East Coast: MQJ1, RMN3, ORF2, TEB9.
Similarly, European warehouses are facing storage constraints. Countries like Germany, Italy, France, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Poland have also been affected.
Strikes:
The “Make Amazon Pay” movement has led to strikes in over 20 countries during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In the U.S., demonstrations occurred in states such as California, New York, Kentucky, Michigan, and Illinois. This has further exacerbated staffing shortages and delays in goods processing.
Potential Impacts of Warehouse Refusals
- New Shipments:
Sellers planning to replenish stock through air freight or expedited services might be unable to schedule deliveries during December 15–31. - In-Transit Goods (Truck Freight):
While appointment bookings for this period are currently possible, the high likelihood of warehouse overcapacity may lead to cancellations, delays, or rescheduled appointments. - In-Transit Goods (Courier Freight):
If Amazon refuses to accept goods or reduces intake, courier companies might also face overcapacity, leading to delays in overseas warehouses and slower operations.
Suggested Countermeasures
- Prioritize Early Delivery:
Ship via fast air freight services to ensure delivery by December 14. - Monitor In-Transit Shipments:
Actively follow up on goods already in transit and prioritize on-time deliveries to avoid refusal. - Use Third-Party Warehousing:
Temporarily store goods in third-party overseas warehouses and dispatch them as needed. - Attempt Alternative Scheduling:
Repeatedly attempt to create shipments and book appointments at less-congested warehouses. - Communicate with Amazon Support:
Work closely with Amazon to facilitate secure entry and shelving of goods.
While the full extent of these policies and their impacts remains uncertain, staying proactive and informed will help mitigate disruptions. Adjustments and updates will be provided as further information becomes available.
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