Amazon provides 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options for US customers who are willing to pay an additional fee.

Amazon Introduces Faster Delivery Options in the U.S.

NEW YORK — On Tuesday, Amazon announced it is rolling out quicker delivery services for certain products across the U.S. for a fee. This includes everyday essentials like pantry items, clothing, over-the-counter medications, cleaning supplies, and electronics.

Customers in over 2,000 locations can opt for rapid delivery of select products from an inventory of 90,000 items within a three-hour window. For Amazon Prime members, the fee is $4.99, while nonmembers will pay $14.99.

In select areas, it’s possible to receive orders within an hour. This service is available in major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, as well as smaller places like Des Moines, Iowa, and Boise, Idaho. The one-hour delivery will cost Prime members $9.99 and $19.99 for nonmembers.

Amazon began testing its express delivery service late last year and has been expanding it this month.

Udit Madan, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide operations, commented that “we saw an opportunity to use our unique operational expertise and delivery network to help make customers’ lives a little easier while unlocking even more value for Prime members.”

Since its launch in 2005, Amazon’s Prime program has evolved. Originally, it offered members free two-day shipping on about a million items, mostly DVDs, CDs, and books. Today, Prime members enjoy access to over 300 million items in 35 categories, with many available for free same-day or next-day shipping.

Amazon has implemented robotics and AI technology to enhance order fulfillment efficiency. Additionally, restructuring its U.S. delivery network into eight regions has contributed to quicker delivery times, according to the company.

There’s also an ongoing trial for an ultra-fast delivery service that promises deliveries in 30 minutes or less. Known as Amazon Now, this service is currently operating in parts of India, Mexico, and the UAE, with tests happening in various U.S. and UK communities.

Competitor Walmart has also ramped up their faster delivery capabilities. The company states that it now offers same-day delivery within three hours to 95% of the U.S. population, up from 76% just three years ago.