Amazon’s 30-minute delivery push raises stakes in race for speed
Key Points:
- Amazon is launching "Amazon Now," a 30-minute delivery service offering thousands of items including groceries, household essentials, and electronics in dozens of U.S. cities, marking its fastest shipping option yet.
- The service is currently available in cities like Seattle, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta, with planned expansion to markets such as Austin, Denver, Houston, and Phoenix, aiming to reach tens of millions of customers by the end of 2026.
- Amazon Now operates through a network of smaller fulfillment centers located closer to customers, enabling faster delivery times and reducing travel distances for drivers while prioritizing employee safety.
- Pricing for Prime members is $3.99 per order, with additional fees for smaller orders under $15; non-Prime members pay $13.99 per order plus similar fees for small purchases.
- This new ultra-fast delivery option complements Amazon's existing services, including one-hour, three-hour, same-day, and drone deliveries, supporting Amazon's continued investment in accelerating delivery speeds and expanding its fulfillment network.