Imagine a shipment containing your carefully prepared inventory, ready for delivery to an Amazon fulfillment center, only to be informed that the destination is temporarily closed. For cross-border e-commerce sellers, this presents an unexpected challenge.
Amazon recently announced the temporary closure of its YYZ9 fulfillment center in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, for necessary upgrades. This adjustment requires sellers relying on this facility to quickly adapt their strategies to ensure business continuity.
Reason for Temporary Closure: Facility Upgrades
Amazon stated that the closure is part of planned improvements to enhance YYZ9's operational efficiency and service capabilities. During the renovation period, all inventory at the center will be transferred to other fulfillment facilities.
The company has partnered with major carriers including UPS, Roadway (RDWY), Arc Best (ABFS/ABNT), CEVA, and Day and Ross (DAYR) to manage the large-scale inventory transfer. The YYZ9 facility is expected to resume normal operations in the fourth quarter of this year, with the exact date to be announced later.
Seller Guidance: Shipment Management
Amazon has provided clear shipment handling instructions for sellers affected by the temporary closure:
- Unshipped inventory: Sellers must redirect shipments to YHM1, YYZ4, or YYZ7 fulfillment centers. Amazon is no longer accepting appointments for YYZ9, requiring sellers to coordinate address changes with their carriers.
- Shipments en route via non-Amazon partnered carriers: Sellers need to work directly with carriers to redirect all undelivered YYZ9-bound shipments to YHM1, YYZ4, or YYZ7. Carriers with existing appointments have been notified about the situation.
- Shipments via Amazon partnered carriers: Amazon will handle the transfer to alternative facilities automatically, requiring no additional action from sellers.
- Inventory already received at YYZ9: All shipments received by April 16, 2022 (inclusive) will be processed normally without seller intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amazon has addressed common seller concerns through an FAQ section:
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Can inventory be sent to other Canadian fulfillment centers?
Yes. All Amazon fulfillment centers in Canada except YYZ9 remain operational, allowing sellers to choose alternative locations. -
What if a seller can only ship within the Toronto area?
The redirected facilities (YHM1, YYZ4, and YYZ7) are all located in the Greater Toronto Area.
Key Recommendations
The temporary closure of YYZ9 presents operational challenges for affected sellers. To maintain business continuity, sellers should:
- Monitor Amazon's official communications for updates
- Adjust shipping plans promptly
- Maintain close contact with carriers
- Consider optimizing inventory distribution across multiple facilities
- Use this period to review and improve supply chain processes
Amazon's facility upgrades aim to enhance long-term service capabilities and improve the overall logistics network. While creating short-term inconvenience, these improvements are expected to benefit sellers through increased efficiency and stability in Amazon's fulfillment network.