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 10 inbound cross-docking facilities (IXD) is positioned in relation to port gateways and corridors, particularly around New York and Los Angeles, which are major trade gateways. The main goal of IXD facilities is to transload import containers into truckloads bound to e-fulfillment centers. Inland locations correspond to major intermodal terminals in proximity to manufacturing clusters as IXD facilities also receive domestic procurement. The weighted median location corresponds to an area close to the demographic center of the United States (southern Missouri). None of IDX facilities are co-located, underlining that operate as single entities incompatible with the function and operations of other facilities.