Amazon FBA warehouse congestion directly impacts sellers' sales performance and cash flow. Recent delays in appointment scheduling and even complete warehouse closures serve as urgent warnings for cross-border merchants. Here's the latest intelligence to help navigate these challenges.
U.S. Bound Shipments: West Coast Crisis Demands Strategy Shift
1. Air Freight: Tight Capacity With Rising Prices
The air freight market remains robust with continued capacity shortages. Prices show a modest upward trend. Sellers are advised to plan ahead and secure space early to protect profit margins.
2. FBA Warehouses: Critical West Coast Disruptions
Several key warehouses face operational constraints:
- SBD1, LAX9, SCK1, GYR3: Internal maintenance has delayed appointments by 2-3 weeks, potentially extending inventory processing timelines.
- SMF3: Currently closed for maintenance with no reopening date. All appointments are being forcibly postponed, increasing pressure on nearby facilities including SJLC, SCK3, and OAK3. Congestion expected through March.
- QXY9: Operating under restrictions with minimal new appointment approvals.
- KRB7, IUSL (AWD Satellite Warehouses): Carrier Central shows delivery dates extending to May-June timeframe. Consider alternative distribution points.
- Texas Dallas Cluster (FTW1/DFW6/FTW5): While winter weather has cleared, residual delays persist for inbound shipments.
3. ORF2 Warehouse: UPS Deliveries Require New Address
A system issue requires UPS-delivered shipments to ORF2 to use this alternate address:
ORF2 via UPS Richmond
9603 Coach Road
Richmond, VA 23297
Note: This change applies exclusively to UPS deliveries. Other carriers must use standard addresses.
4. Ocean & Express Shipping Updates
- FedEx/UPS ground operations remain stable
- Matson CLX/CLX+ vessels operating normally
- ZIM line skipping one sailing, next departure February 23
European Operations: Widespread Congestion and Border Delays
- UK: LBA4-BHX4 congestion easing but requires monitoring
- Germany/France: DTM1/LEJ3/XDEV/XDEA/MXP5 facilities remain severely congested
- Xinjiang Border Crossings: New clearance procedures causing 5-10 day processing delays
- Air Freight: Currently favorable pricing for replenishment
- Ocean Freight: 45-55 day transit times for non-urgent goods
- Rail: 45-day average transit with ongoing inspection risks
Canadian Logistics: Localized Disruptions
- Vancouver: No rejections, 3-7 day processing post-arrival
- Calgary: YYC1/YEG1 experiencing 4-6 day processing delays
- Toronto: Normal operations with 2-5 day processing times
- Air Freight: 12-15 day transit option for time-sensitive items