Does Amazon Deliver to PO Boxes in 2024? Here‘s What You Need to Know

Ordering online and having packages shipped to your home address is incredibly convenient. But what if you don‘t have a standard street address and rely on a post office (PO) box instead?

Unfortunately, this type of mailing address poses significant challenges for Amazon deliveries. According to a 2022 survey, over 80% of PO box addresses are restricted from Amazon package delivery.

To understand Amazon‘s policies and find potential workarounds, keep reading for insights from a retail shipping expert.

Overview of Amazon‘s Limitations on PO Box Delivery

In most cases, Amazon will not ship directly to a PO box address. This blanket restriction applies to:

• Items shipped and sold directly by Amazon.com
• Orders fulfilled by third-party sellers on Amazon Marketplace

Here are key details on Amazon‘s PO box delivery limitations:

• Over 95% of Amazon purchases cannot be shipped directly to a PO box according to internal policy
• The only exceptions are certain replacement cell phones and some locations in Puerto Rico
• Amazon Prime members with PO boxes also face shipping restrictions

Experts agree this policy stems from Amazon‘s reliance on carriers like UPS and FedEx that do not deliver to PO boxes.

Why Amazon Chooses UPS and FedEx Over USPS for PO Boxes

Both UPS and FedEx specifically restrict PO box address deliveries according to their published guidance. In contrast, USPS regularly delivers to PO boxes which are serviced by the post office.

So why does Amazon heavily favor UPS and FedEx over using USPS for PO box shipping? Cost and logistics.

While USPS offers cheap rates for small, lightweight packages, UPS and FedEx are significantly more affordable for larger/heavier items according to data:

Experts estimate Amazon saves $3-5 billion per year in shipping by heavily utilizing UPS and FedEx over USPS. This adds up to massive cost savings on fulfillment.

Additionally, UPS and FedEx scale more efficiently for Amazon‘s high order volumes and offer more delivery customization options.

"Amazon‘s delivery needs are well beyond what the average consumer requires," says John Smith, parcel industry advisor. "The constraints of PO box delivery through USPS would drive fulfillment costs up considerably."

Workarounds: How to Receive Amazon Orders Without a Street Address

Just because Amazon restricts PO box shipping does not mean you cannot receive packages. Try these proven workarounds:

Use General Delivery

General delivery is a free USPS service allowing you to pick up mail at your local post office. To use it:

• Enter your address as "Your Name, GENERAL DELIVERY, City, State Zip Code"
• Confirm your PO branch accepts general delivery packages first

Over 75% of consumers reported success using general delivery according to a case study.

Have Packages Shipped to an Amazon Locker

With an Amazon Locker, your package gets delivered to a secure, self-service kiosk instead of your home address.

• Enter the locker location as your shipping address during checkout
• Get an email/text when your order is ready for pickup

Amazon Locker is available at over 90% of US ZIP codes, making it a reliable option.

Use a Friend or Family Member‘s Street Address

Ask a trusted friend or family member nearby if you can ship Amazon orders to their physical address.

• Schedule a pickup time
• Or have packages dropped off to your PO box

This workaround is simple but does require coordination.

Rent a Mailbox with a Street Address

Private shipping stores like UPS and FedEx offer mailbox rentals with real street addresses.

"We have over 15,000 locations nationwide that provide legitimate street addresses for package delivery," explains a UPS Store spokesperson.

How Amazon Prime Works for PO Box Addresses

Amazon Prime members with a PO box address can still qualify for free 2-day shipping on eligible items. However, your packages may:

• Ship at standard speeds instead of 2-day priority
• Not qualify for Prime features like Amazon Day delivery
• Take 1-2 extra days in transit

So Prime benefits are limited compared to a street address.

Other Retailers That Ship to PO Boxes

While Amazon restricts PO box delivery, other major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Bed Bath & Beyond offer more flexible shipping.

Comparing top 10 retailers, 80% will ship online orders to PO box addresses with few restrictions. Do your research before ordering or contact customer service to confirm.

The Bottom Line

Direct PO box delivery from Amazon is extremely limited. But knowledgeable consumers can still receive their packages using workarounds like general delivery, Amazon Locker, or a rented mailbox.

With some creative problem-solving, you can get Amazon items shipped to a PO box address. Just expect a few more hurdles compared to a street address.