Amazon Rolls Out New One-Hour and Three-Hour Delivery Services
Amazon has introduced new one-hour and three-hour delivery services in various locations across the United States. These services aim to provide faster fulfillment options for customers and cover over 90,000 eligible products.
Amazon has launched new one-hour and three-hour delivery services across various U.S. locations. These offerings are designed to provide significantly faster fulfillment options for customers, encompassing over 90,000 eligible products, from household items and medications to apparel and toys. The company has stated it will leverage its existing same-day fulfillment sites to support these accelerated delivery options.
New Services Introduced
The new delivery options specifically include a one-hour service and a three-hour service. These additions follow small-scale tests conducted late last year, indicating a successful pilot phase before a broader rollout.
Availability and Scope
The one-hour delivery service is currently available in hundreds of U.S. cities, including major hubs such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., as well as Des Moines, Boise, and American Fork. The three-hour delivery option extends to an even broader reach, covering approximately 2,000 U.S. cities and towns. Amazon plans to expand both of these services to additional areas nationwide in the coming months.
Product Eligibility and Identification
Over 90,000 products are eligible for these accelerated delivery times. The diverse categories include:
- Household items
- Cleaning supplies
- Over-the-counter medications
- Apparel
- Toys
Customers can easily identify eligible items through multiple channels: a dedicated storefront shopping page, search filters on the Amazon app and website, or via Amazon's "getitfast" website. Eligible items also carry a specific label within the Amazon app for quick recognition.
Pricing Structure
Pricing for the new rapid delivery options varies based on Amazon Prime subscription status.
For one-hour deliveries:
- Prime subscribers: $9.99
- Non-subscribers: $19.99
For three-hour deliveries:
- Prime subscribers: $4.99
- Non-subscribers: $14.99
Operational Context and Company Statements
Udit Madan, Amazon's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations, noted that customers are increasingly "seeking ways to save time while managing their households." He emphasized Amazon's ongoing efforts to make delivery faster while maintaining existing price levels and product selection. The company confirmed its strategy to utilize its existing same-day fulfillment sites to efficiently support these new services.
Historical and Competitive Background
This is not Amazon's first venture into rapid delivery. The company previously offered its "Prime Now" one-hour delivery service, introduced in 2014 and discontinued in 2021. Amazon has also conducted previous pilot programs, including a 30-minute delivery test in Seattle and Philadelphia.
Internationally, Amazon launched "Amazon Now" in India in 2024, focusing on 10-minute grocery deliveries, which has since expanded. Additionally, a 15-minute delivery service was initiated in the United Arab Emirates in October of the previous year. These initiatives position Amazon squarely in the competitive landscape alongside instant delivery providers such as Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.