Amazon’s logistics network is very complex and includes various types of facilities, each focused on specific roles that make Amazon’s recognized efficient order fulfillment and delivery service possible. As a seller, you must learn about warehouse codes that are essential for inventory management.

Knowing these codes will help you optimize logistics and become a more efficient seller. This article will explain why.

The importance of Amazon fulfillment centers

In these centers products are received, stored, packed, and shipped to customers. They process millions of orders everyday so customers receive their packages as quickly as possible.

You must know some key facts if you’re signed to Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA):

When you send inventory to Amazon, your products don’t just sit in one warehouse waiting for an order. Instead, Amazon distributes them across different fulfillment centers to position them closer to customers. This helps speed up delivery times and improves the chances of winning the Buy Box.

Note: You can’t choose your fulfillment centers; Amazon picks them for you by considering your shipping plan.

1. Sortable Fulfillment Centers:

These centers are approximately 800,000 square feet and employ over 1,500 full-time associates (depending on each area’s density).

They handle smaller items like books, toys, and housewares. Employees work alongside robots to pick, pack, and ship orders efficiently. 

2. Non-sortable Fulfillment Centers:

These are big, going from 600,000 to 1 million square feet, with over 1,000 full-time associates.

They manage large or bulky items such as patio furniture and rugs. Staff handle the picking, packing, and shipping of these products. 

3. Sortation Centers:

These centers sort customer orders by their final destination and group them onto vehicles for faster delivery. They support services like Sunday deliveries and offer full- and part-time job opportunities. 

4. Receive Centers:

As the name suggests, they receive large shipments of high-demand inventory and distribute them to fulfillment centers. They provide both full- and part-time roles. 

5. Specialty Buildings:

These handle specific categories of items or support operations during peak times like the holiday season. Because of this seasonal approach, many offer part-time positions with the possibility of transitioning to full-time once the high demand is over.

6. Delivery Stations:

These centers prepare customer orders for last-mile delivery. They work with delivery providers to ensure fast and reliable shipping. 

Amazon Warehouse Codes

Every Amazon warehouse has a unique code, usually a combination of letters and numbers. These codes are location identifiers and are used in various parts of the logistics chain. Here are some examples:

• ONT8: 24300 Nandina Avenue, Moreno Valley, California, 92551. 
• LAX9: 11263 Oleander Avenue, Building 1, Fontana, California, 92337. 
• IND2: 715 Airtech Parkway, Plainfield, Indiana, 46168-7442.

The first part of the code represents the airport code of the nearest major city, while the number distinguishes each fulfillment center in the same area.

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How to take advantage of Warehouse Codes

What’s important about these codes is that sellers see them when shipping inventory to Amazon. Learning all about them will help you know exactly where your products are being sent and make calculating shipping costs much easier. Remember this is because Amazon often sends inventory to multiple fulfillment centers to reach major parts of the US.. 

Plus, Amazon’s algorithm decides which fulfillment center receives your stock based on demand. But with your intervention, these advantages can become much more attractive.

Inventory Placement Service

Amazon’s Inventory Placement Service (IPS) allows sellers to send all their inventory to a single fulfillment center. Once received, Amazon redistributes the products internally to other centers based on demand. 

This service is particularly beneficial for sellers dealing with large quantities or international shipments, as it reduces the complexity of managing multiple shipments. 

The main difference between IPS and the regular service comes down to who splits up the shipment (you vs Amazon). 

It’s important to note that IPS comes with some additional fees, which vary depending on the size and weight of the items. 

Be aware that certain products, such as apparel, jewelry, shoes, media items and oversized products can be exceptions to the rule and could still be directed to specific fulfillment centers even when using IPS.

Inventory Placement Service may align with your business model if you can gain more control over the initial distribution of your products within Amazon’s fulfillment network. 

But how does this relate to Warehouse Codes? The answer is simple: Amazon Warehouse Codes Indicate Inventory Location while IPS consolidates shipments. Here are some scenarios where taking both into account benefit you:

• By consolidating shipments through IPS, you reduce the number of shipments you need to send to multiple fulfillment centers, saving on transportation costs.
• Sending everything to one center makes it simpler to track and manage your inventory (you do so with Warehouse Codes). You’ll know exactly where your stock is at the start before Amazon redistributes it. This becomes especially useful in seasonal events.
• IPS minimizes the risk of stock imbalances across different fulfillment centers.
• Knowing the initial destination of your products through warehouse codes helps you plan for potential shipping costs and timing. Plus, you can better predict where your products might end up after redistribution.

Conclusion

Understanding warehouse codes and considering IPS will help you gain more control over your logistics and open your mind to different approaches to your business model. Options may be reduced, but knowing makes it easier to simplify your operations. 

Want More Control Over Your Amazon Logistics?

Navigating Amazon’s fulfillment network isn’t easy—especially when you’re juggling warehouse codes, shipping plans, and unexpected fees. But the sellers who understand how Amazon really works behind the scenes are the ones who scale faster and operate more efficiently.

Whether you’re trying to simplify your shipments with Inventory Placement Service or just want clarity on where your inventory is going (and why), there’s a smarter way to manage your logistics—and we can help you find it.

At BellaVix, we’ve helped dozens of brands streamline their FBA operations, optimize shipping strategies, and unlock faster, more profitable growth by mastering the backend of Amazon.

If you’re ready to:

• Cut down on shipping costs and confusion

• Leverage Amazon warehouse codes to improve inventory tracking

• Use IPS to your advantage while staying compliant and agile

Then fill out the form below, and let’s build a logistics strategy that gives you clarity, control, and confidence.

Tell us a bit about your business, and one of our Amazon experts will reach out with actionable insights you can use right away. No pressure—just real advice tailored to your goals.

Fill out the form, and take the first step toward a smarter FBA operation.