Amazon Inc., earlier known as Cadabra Inc., is America’s multinational technology company focusing on e-commerce, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital streaming. Amazon started as an online book store and has now expanded into a vast variety of product categories. Know more about Amazon Shipping Restrictions
Amazon shipping offers delivery services directly to its customers with a paid standard shipping of 2-5 business days and free prime delivery for all Amazon prime members. Certain restrictions prevent Amazon from shipping certain products to all geographical locations due to item-specific restrictions, government import/export restrictions, manufacturer’s restrictions, warranty issues, military installations, diplomatic posts, hazardous materials, perishable products, and Amazon policy.
Domestic Shipping Restrictions At Amazon
Areas outside the 48 contiguous states of the United States including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico have special eligibility considerations for shipping products here. All products may not be shipped to these locations because of the reasons identified above. These restrictions include location-based restrictions which include shipping to US territories & protectorates, APO-FPO-DPO addresses, US prisons, addresses to Dulles, and special restrictions include shipping perishable products.
Location-Based Amazon Shipping Restrictions
- Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico – Dimensional shipping limits include a maximum length of 108 inches and a maximum weight of 70 lbs; large or oddly shaped packages; hazardous material; expedited & priority shipping is not available for P.O boxes in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
Check the product description details before placing an Amazon order for these regions as some of these addresses are not eligible to receive shipments at all.
- Shipping to APO, FPO & DPO addresses – Most items can ship to APO< FPO & DPO addresses except cell phones, computers, lithium batteries, furniture, outdoor living products, and Prime try before you buy products, health & personal care, jewelry, software, tools & hardware, etc.
While placing an Amazon order for these addresses, check the product description details before ordering an item to the APO, FPO, or DPO address. Set the city to APO/FPO/DPO, set the state/province/region to AA, AE, or AP, and set the country/region to the United States. Standard shipping takes 21 business days for delivering to these addresses.
- Shipping to Addresses in Dulles VA Within the Zip Codes 20189 and 20521 – Items such as perishable or temperature-controlled items, liquids with more than 16 oz in a single order, weapons, nail paints, perfumes, and aerosols cannot be shipped to zip codes 20189 & 20521 in Dulles VA. Bulk shipments that are 6 cubic feet or more such as automotive tires can be sent by paying shipment costs.
- Shipping to US territories and protectorates – For standard shipping, the products must be maximum of 108 inches in length and a maximum of 70 lbs in weight, not large or oddly shaped, and not hazardous materials. Standard shipping, international priority shipping, and guaranteed accelerated shipping may not be available in some of these areas. Always check the product details for shipping eligibility.
- Shipping to US prisons – Amazon delivers shipments to US prisons but the sender must ask for any special permissions or policy of the prison in advance. The label must contain only the destination address, Amazon company, and return address. Inmates cannot receive anonymous gifts and receive packages only via US mail. Amazon recommends ordering the package for yourself first and then shipping it to the inmates.
Special Amazon Shipping Restrictions
Special shipping restrictions include shipping of perishable items between 01 May and 01 October as they need special packaging to arrive in good condition. Only Expedited Chilled Shipping is available for such products. Special packaging for these items includes Styrofoam and cooling gel packs which arrive after 1-2 days of leaving the Amazon Fulfillment Center. Shipping perishable items cost $1.99 per item and are not eligible for free shipping or Amazon Prime. Expedited Chilled Shipping is not available when shipping to the post office box.
Process Of Shipping Products At Amazon
Amazon delivers all these products through its Amazon Fulfillment Centers, a gigantic warehouse where products are stored, picked, packed, and shipped to customers. The products are labeled by the sellers with a barcode & item description, delivery is appointed & a truck is assigned, and the truck drops these products to the FC in the allotted time where they are segregated.
The shipping of products at these Fulfillment Centers is divided into 5 categories:
- Fulfilled by Amazon
- Easy Ship
- Self Ship
- Amazon Seller Flex
- Multi-Seller Flex
Conclusion
Amazon has to follow certain shipping restrictions in the United States which are mentioned above. The customer must always check the product description and details for eligibility for shipment of a product or item by Amazon in their area/region. Based on the geographical location, the seller on Amazon must figure out the best shipping type for their business.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Amazon not ship to P.O boxes?
That is because Amazon uses UPS or FedEx for the shipment of its products and only USPS can ship to P.O. boxes.
- What happens if Amazon ships a restricted item?
If a restricted item is shipped by Amazon, the courier services might return the restricted item or remove it & continue delivering other items or confiscate the restricted item & destroy it.
