Source: Adapted from Rodrigue, J-P (2020) “The Distribution Network of Amazon: Analyzing the Footprint of Freight Digitalization”, Journal of Transport Geography, Vol. 88.
Amazon’s network of delivery stations underlines its effort to offer last-mile services through a process of horizontal integration. The delivery station represents the most common facility, occupying a small median footprint of 91,200 square feet in high accessibility areas. A specialization of delivery stations towards heavy and bulky goods requiring special last-mile delivery arrangements is taking place. This trend is indicative of Amazon moving into large consumption goods such as televisions and appliances. With a network of delivery stations being implemented, Amazon is substituting the full array of retailing goods and their delivery requirements.