Amazon is significantly expanding its delivery infrastructure with a plan to offer same-day and next-day delivery services to millions of customers in small towns and rural communities across the United States.
The initiative aims to reach more than 4,000 smaller cities and towns by the end of 2026, the company announced Tuesday.
The expansion marks a major investment in Amazon’s logistics network outside urban centers, with the company committing approximately $4 billion to build new facilities, transform existing delivery hubs, and hire additional drivers. According to Amazon, the effort will triple the size of its rural delivery network.
The focus of the expansion is on “everyday essentials” — groceries, household supplies, beauty products, pet food, and other frequently purchased items — which Amazon says make up over 90% of the top 50 products ordered for same-day delivery in these areas. Prime members will be eligible for unlimited free same-day delivery on orders over $25.
Amazon also highlighted the role of machine learning in the expansion, which it says helps predict local purchasing trends and tailor inventory to specific communities. Examples include bird food in Dubuque, Iowa, travel backpacks in Findlay, Ohio, and after-sun lotion in Sharptown, Maryland.
“Speed and convenience are not just for urban areas,” Amazon said in a statement. “This expansion goes beyond speed — it’s about transforming daily life for rural customers who typically have fewer shopping and delivery options.”
The company has already introduced same-day delivery to over 1,000 small and rural communities, observing increased demand and faster purchase rates for essential goods.
However, the broader reach of Amazon’s logistics network is likely to raise concerns among local retailers. Critics argue that the company’s growing influence can undercut small businesses in rural areas that may struggle to compete on convenience and price. While Amazon maintains that it offers a platform for small businesses to reach more customers, some view the expansion as another example of the e-commerce giant leveraging its scale to dominate markets.
The announcement comes ahead of Amazon’s extended Prime Day promotion, which will run for 96 hours starting July 8.
