C.8 – Distribution Facilities

Author: Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue Distribution facilities are flow-based structures that aim to consolidate, sort, and deconsolidate cargo to more efficiently service urban markets. 1. Air Hubs Distribution facilities are flow-based intermediate elements of freight distribution with the core purpose of routing cargo toward its destination, often using a hub-and-spoke structure.

Amazon E-Fulfillment Centers by Item

Source: Rodrigue, J-P (2020) “The Distribution Network of Amazon: Analyzing the Footprint of Freight Digitalization”, Journal of Transport Geography, Vol. 88. N=268. An outcome of the diversity of items offered by online retailers such as Amazon is that a large number of e-fulfillment facilities (EFC) are designed not for the

Amazon E-Fulfillment Centers Network

Source: Rodrigue, J-P (2020) “The Distribution Network of Amazon: Analyzing the Footprint of Freight Digitalization”, Journal of Transport Geography, Vol. 88. The locational behavior of Amazon’s e-fulfillment centers (EFC) shows a strong market orientation and relatively uniform distribution of facility sizes with a median footprint of 855,000 square feet. This

Amazon Inbound Cross Dock Facilities Network

Source: Adapted from Rodrigue, J-P (2020) “The Distribution Network of Amazon: Analyzing the Footprint of Freight Digitalization”, Journal of Transport Geography, Vol. 88. As of 2022, Amazon’s network of 36 inbound cross-docking facilities (IXD) was positioned in relation to port gateways and corridors, particularly around New York and Los Angeles,

Logistics Facilities Supporting E-commerce

Source: Adapted from Rodrigue, J-P (2020) “The Distribution Network of Amazon: Analyzing the Footprint of Freight Digitalization”, Journal of Transport Geography, Vol. 88. The growth of online retail sales incited the development of new logistics structures through a process of functional specialization, particularly since e-commerce is based on parcel deliveries.

C.7 – Procurement and Fulfillment Facilities

Author: Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue Procurement and fulfillment represent the first stage in the organization of supply chains and are usually composed of large facilities accessible to international and regional transportation systems. 1. Hierarchy of Urban Facilities City logistics relies on an array of facilities to provide for the handling of