Amazon AWD (Warehousing & Distribution) Fees 2026
Compare AWD vs. direct FBA costs in the calculator
Run the numbers →What AWD is
Amazon Warehousing and Distribution is an upstream storage layer between your supplier/manufacturer and Amazon's FBA fulfillment centers. You ship bulk inventory to an AWD facility. Amazon stores it, then automatically replenishes your FBA inventory as it depletes — targeting a "just right" level based on your velocity. The value: avoid aged inventory fees (excess at FBA) and low inventory fees (understock at FBA) by letting Amazon manage the FBA replenishment automatically.
AWD fee structure
AWD Storage
$0.42/cu ft/mo (Jan–Sep) · $0.56 (Oct–Dec)
Monthly fee for cubic feet stored in AWD. Lower than FBA storage ($0.78/cu ft Jan–Sep) — you're paying a premium to have Amazon manage replenishment, but not for prime fulfillment-center space.
AWD Processing (Inbound)
~$2.50–$4.00/carton
Fee for receiving and processing your inbound shipment into AWD. Carton-based, not unit-based. Rate varies by carton size and product type.
AWD to FBA Transportation
~$0.15–$0.30/unit (estimated)
Amazon moves inventory from AWD to FBA fulfillment centers as needed. Rate set per shipment — verify current rates in your AWD account settings.
AWD vs. direct-to-FBA: the math
Product: 500 units/month velocity, 0.1 cu ft/unit
Direct to FBA (send 3-month supply)
FBA storage (1,500 units avg): 150 cu ft × $0.78 = $117/mo
Aged inventory risk at month 7+: varies
Low inventory fee if miscalculated: ~$0.72/unit
With AWD (bulk at AWD, 6-week FBA level)
AWD storage (3,000 units): 300 cu ft × $0.42 = $126/mo
FBA storage (750 units avg): 75 cu ft × $0.78 = $58.50/mo
AWD → FBA transport: 500 units × $0.20 = $100/mo
Aged inventory risk: near zero
Total AWD model: ~$284/mo vs. $117 (FBA only)
AWD premium: ~$167/month — worth it if aged/low-inventory fees exceed this
Frequently asked questions
What is Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD)? ▾
AWD is Amazon's bulk inventory storage and replenishment service — essentially a 3PL for brands using FBA. You store bulk inventory in AWD warehouses (upstream of FBA fulfillment centers), and Amazon automatically replenishes your FBA inventory from AWD as it sells down. AWD is designed to solve the 'how much inventory to send to FBA' problem.
What does AWD cost? ▾
AWD has three components: (1) Storage: $0.42–$0.56/cu ft/month depending on season. (2) Processing (inbound to AWD): $2.50–$4.00 per carton. (3) Transportation (AWD to FBA): set per shipment by Amazon, typically $0.15–$0.30/unit. Combined, AWD adds $0.30–$0.80/unit over sending directly to FBA, but can reduce aged inventory and low-inventory fees.
Who is AWD right for? ▾
AWD works best for brands with: high and relatively steady sales velocity (500+ units/month per ASIN), imported inventory that arrives in large bulk shipments, and difficulty managing FBA restock timing. If you're constantly getting hit with low inventory fees or aged inventory fees due to uneven FBA restocking, AWD can smooth the supply chain.
Does AWD count toward FBA storage fees? ▾
No — AWD storage and FBA storage are separate. Inventory in AWD is subject to AWD storage rates ($0.42/cu ft/mo), not FBA storage rates. Once AWD replenishes FBA, those units become FBA inventory and start accruing FBA storage fees from arrival.
Does AWD help with aged inventory fees? ▾
Yes, significantly. Because AWD automatically sends FBA only what's needed based on velocity, you rarely build up excess FBA inventory above your selling rate. The day-181 aged inventory clock only starts when units are in FBA — units sitting in AWD don't accrue the aged inventory surcharge.
Can I use AWD for off-Amazon inventory too? ▾
AWD is primarily designed for Amazon FBA replenishment. Amazon does offer distribution to non-Amazon channels through AWD, but MCF is typically used for that. AWD's value proposition is specifically around the FBA inventory management problem.