Amazon launches 30-minute delivery across the U.S.
Source: TechCrunch
Amazon deliveries keep getting faster. On Tuesday, the online retailer announced the launch of its 30‑minute delivery option, dubbed Amazon Now in dozens of U.S. cities.
Launch Announcement
The ultra‑fast delivery option will allow customers to shop across “thousands” of items, including fresh groceries, household essentials, and other locally relevant items.
Availability
At launch, Amazon Now is widely available in Atlanta, Dallas‑Fort Worth, Philadelphia, and Seattle, and is expanding to Austin, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, Orlando, Oklahoma City, and Phoenix. Amazon expects to bring the service to tens of millions of customers in these and other cities by year‑end as the rollout continues across the U.S.
Eligible items are flagged with “30‑minute delivery” banners in the Amazon app and website, and Amazon Now offers are displayed to customers as they shop.
Pricing
- Prime members: $3.99 per order + $1.99 small‑order fee for orders below $15.00.
- Non‑Prime members: $13.99 per order + $3.99 small‑order fee for orders below $15.00.
This fee structure is generally cheaper for Prime members compared with competitors that charge variable delivery fees, service fees, tips, and occasional price markups.
Fulfillment Network
Amazon leverages a network of smaller fulfillment locations placed closer to where customers live and work, rather than relying solely on larger warehouses. The limited selection of items and reduced travel distances enable the 30‑minute delivery window.
Eligible Items
At launch, Amazon Now orders can include:
- Fresh produce, dairy, and eggs
- Bakery items
- Healthcare and personal care items
- Baby and pet needs
- Electronics
- Alcohol (where permitted)
In most areas, the option is available 24 hours per day.
Statement from Amazon
“Amazon Now is for when you need or want the convenience of getting your Amazon order delivered in 30 minutes or less,” said Udit Madan, Senior Vice President, Amazon Worldwide Operations. “With thousands of items available for ultra‑fast delivery, you can get everything from groceries for dinner, to AirPods before a flight, to household essentials like laundry detergent or toothpaste delivered right to your door.”
Existing Fast‑Delivery Options
Amazon Now joins the company’s existing fast‑delivery services:
- 1‑hour and 3‑hour deliveries covering more than 90,000 products (as of March) – see the TechCrunch article.
- Same‑day delivery across millions of items.
- Under‑60‑minute drone deliveries via Prime Air in eight U.S. locations (experimental).
2025 Delivery Statistics
In 2025, Amazon Prime members received over 13 billion total items via either same‑day or next‑day delivery globally. The U.S. alone accounted for 8 billion of those items, a 30 % year‑over‑year increase.
Amazon began pilot tests of 30‑minute deliveries in Seattle and Philadelphia in December 2025 – see the TechCrunch pilot test article.