Did Amazon Stop Using USPS for Prime Deliveries

Did Amazon Stop Using USPS for Prime Deliveries

Amazon did not fully stop using USPS, but it cut USPS volume significantly in 2024 by moving more Prime packages to UPS, FedEx, and its own delivery network. USPS remains a carrier for Amazon, especially for lightweight items, rural zones, and last‑mile drops where Amazon lacks infrastructure. Amazon still lists USPS as a shipping option at checkout and uses it for returns and some non‑Prime orders read analysis on the Amazon USPS relationship.

In 2024 Amazon shifted a larger share of Prime two‑day and one‑day shipments to UPS and FedEx while expanding its own Amazon Logistics vans and contracted delivery stations. USPS still handles a meaningful slice of Amazon volume, particularly for small parcels, media mail, and addresses where Amazon does not operate its own fleet. Amazon continues to use USPS for some Sunday and holiday deliveries in high‑density metro areas where the Postal Service provides coverage Amazon cannot match read Amazon logistics updates.

How Amazon's Shipping Mix Changed with USPS

Amazon's shipping mix in 2024 shows a decline in USPS share and a rise in UPS, FedEx, Amazon Logistics, and regional carriers. Amazon now routes more Prime packages through its own delivery stations and contracted Amazon DSPs (Delivery Service Partners), reducing reliance on the Postal Service for time‑critical shipments. USPS still handles a notable share of Amazon's lightweight standard shipments and rural deliveries where Amazon does not have local stations read Forbes coverage on Amazon USPS contracts.

Amazon's 2024 carrier performance data shows faster transit times for UPS and FedEx on Prime routes, while USPS remains a cost option for non‑urgent and lower‑margin shipments. Amazon uses USPS for some returns and for reaching ZIP codes where its own fleet is not deployed, but the overall volume of Amazon packages moving through USPS dropped in 2024. Amazon continues to publish shipping options at checkout that include USPS Standard and USPS Media Mail for eligible items visit USPS official site.

What This Means for Sellers and Buyers

For sellers, Amazon's reduced USPS usage means fewer default USPS shipping options for FBA and FBM orders, with more Prime shipments routed through UPS, FedEx, and Amazon Logistics. Sellers using Amazon Seller Central should expect updated carrier allocations, label rates, and delivery promises that reflect the shift away from USPS for time‑sensitive Prime shipments read Amazon Seller Central shipping updates.

For buyers, Amazon Prime delivery promises now rely more on UPS, FedEx, and Amazon Logistics, while USPS is used less for the fastest Prime tiers. Amazon still offers USPS as a shipping choice for non‑Prime orders, standard delivery, and certain lightweight items, but Prime two‑day and one‑day shipments increasingly move through other carriers. Amazon's 2024 shipping data shows improved on‑time rates for UPS and FedEx on Prime routes, while USPS remains a fallback for rural and low‑density deliveries read Forbes analysis on Amazon USPS changes.