What is Pack Flow at Amazon in 2024? A Deep Dive

Pack flow is a crucial productivity metric that Amazon uses to monitor the performance of its warehouse packers. But what exactly does pack flow mean, and how has Amazon approached pack flow over time?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about pack flow rates for packers at Amazon fulfillment centers today.

Historical Changes to Amazon‘s Pack Flow Rates

Amazon first introduced pack flow rates around 2008, with an initial goal of about 75-80 scans per hour. According to media reports, Amazon raised its pack flow expectations to around 100 items per hour in 2013.

After backlash regarding the intense quotas, Amazon reduced its standard pack flow rate back down to around 80 items per hour in 2015. However, there have been reports of some facilities still pushing for 100+ item rates.

For 2023, based on employee accounts, the average pack flow rate target across most Amazon warehouses is estimated to be between 65-75 scans per hour currently. However, rate goals can fluctuate substantially based on labor needs.

What Do Typical Pack Flow Rates Look Like?

Though targets vary widely, here are some examples of common pack flow rates for Amazon packers today:

• 65 scans/hr: Considered the minimum acceptable rate at many warehouses. Workers risk write-ups if they consistently fall below this threshold.

• 75 scans/hr: A moderately demanding but achievable rate at most facilities. Workers are expected to maintain this productivity.

• 100+ scans/hr: Occurs during peak periods like Prime Day or holiday seasons. Considered extremely fast and difficult to sustain. Hitting over 120 scans/hr is remarkably fast.

• 200+ scans/hr: Rarely seen today but some warehouses still report push for rates this high in short bursts. Considered unattainable for most packers.

Of course, pack flow goals can change daily even within the same facility based on management discretion and labor needs.

What Happens If Pack Flow Rates Are Too Low?

Consistently failing to meet pack flow rate expectations can result in write-ups and eventual termination at Amazon. If rates dip below 65 scans/hr, most packers receive warnings from managers.

After multiple write-ups, Amazon may offer additional training. However, if pack flow does not improve after re-training, packers can face dismissal. Amazon‘s high turnover is partially attributed to inability to meet pack flow rates.

During less busy periods, managers may be more lenient on rate expectations. But when warehouses are short-staffed, Amazon takes a harder line on pack flow productivity levels.

How Pack Flow Translates Into Amazon‘s Overall Operations

To understand pack flow, it helps to recognize how packer productivity fits into Amazon‘s massive fulfillment operations:

• Amazon ships over 5 billion packages to customers per year

• Each of its 175+ fulfillment centers employs thousands of warehouse workers

• In 2021, Amazon had over 1 million employees worldwide, with over half in fulfillment

• Packers make up a significant portion of the 750,000+ warehouse workers at Amazon

• At each warehouse, hundreds of packers work to scan and pack orders daily

• Average packer output can range from 700 to over 2,000 packages per 10-12 hour shift

• By maintaining fast pack flow rates across its vast workforce, Amazon can rapidly meet customer demand and optimize logistics

In this context, the cumulative impact of high pack flow translates into Amazon‘s unmatched delivery capacity. Even marginal improvements in packer productivity allows Amazon to ship more items faster.

An In-Depth Look at Amazon Packer Responsibilities

Amazon packers are critical to getting orders processed and shipped out quickly. Here are some of their key responsibilities:

• Picking: Packers take items from conveyor belts at their station and check cartons to identify which items belong together in the same box based on the shipping label.

• Scanning: Each item must be scanned to confirm it has been processed and packed. The number of scans per hour makes up a packer‘s pack flow rate.

• Packing: Packers carefully place items in appropriate boxes, use protective air packs when needed, and seal up boxes safely using tape.

• Labeling: Packers apply the necessary shipping and handling labels on boxes indicating addresses, tracking IDs, fragile markings, etc.

• Loading: Packers move packed boxes down conveyor belts or load them onto pallets for shipment.

• Quality Control: Packers must watch for damaged items and report them rather than shipping them out. They also monitor for expiration dates.

• Restocking: Packers may need to periodically restock their station with new boxes, tape, labels, and other packing materials as needed.

• Troubleshooting: Packers have to alert managers and problem-solve issues like missing items, materials, or equipment malfunctions.

Packers Share Their Tips for Meeting Pack Flow Rates

We asked current Amazon packers to share their tips for excelling at this demanding role:

• "Learn to scan with both hands simultaneously to double your pack flow rate."

• "Memorize where materials like boxes and tape are kept at your station so you‘re not wasting time looking."

• "Practice packing and sealing boxes as swiftly as possible while still being accurate."

• "Take advantage of any downtime in between cartons to get a head start scanning your next box."

• "Stay hydrated and stretch on your breaks to avoid fatigue since this job requires intense focus."

• "Packers working near each other can ask for help restocking to optimize workflow."

How Packer Wages Compare Across Top Amazon Regions

Here is a comparison of average hourly wages for Amazon packers across several major regions in 2024:

Packer positions are considered entry-level roles at Amazon, but wages can vary based on cost of living in different areas. Overtime pay for mandatory extra hours also contributes to packers‘ take-home income.

The Pros of Being an Amazon Packer

Working as a packer offers some advantages like:

• Steady, full-time hours with abundant overtime opportunities

• Decent wages and regularly scheduled pay increases

• Comprehensive healthcare and insurance benefits

• Stock grants and 401(k) retirement planning options

• Tuition assistance for career development

• Sense of accomplishment handling hundreds of packages a day

The Cons of Being an Amazon Packer

However, there are also some tough aspects reported by many Amazon packers:

• Meeting inflexible pack flow rate expectations

• Intense physical demands like standing, bending, lifting for 10+ hours

• High injury rates from repetitive motions and pushing bodies to the limit

• Isolating and monotonous work with little social interaction

• Exhaustion from insufficient breaks

• Fear of sudden job loss if rates slip

• Mental stress and burnout from pressure to "make rate"

Key Takeaways on Amazon‘s Pack Flow Rates

• Pack flow measures productivity of Amazon packers by scans per hour
• Rate targets average 65-75 scans/hr currently but vary significantly
• Packers can get written up and terminated for low pack flow
• Amazon heavily prioritizes packer speed to optimize logistics capacity
• Packers handle crucial tasks like packing, scanning, labeling to ship orders
• Fast pack flow across thousands of packers enables Amazon‘s massive delivery volumes
• While packer roles offer stability, the work can be both physically and mentally grueling

Understanding pack flow provides insight into how Amazon leverages metrics and an expansive workforce to dominate as an ecommerce pioneer.