Amazon expands same-day delivery across rural US

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Amazon has announced that by the end of 2026, it plans to offer same-day and next-day delivery to tens of millions of people living in smaller towns and rural areas. 

This faster delivery service will be rolled out to over 4,000 small cities, towns, and rural communities across the US.

The focus will be on delivering everyday essentials, items like groceries, household products, pet food, and beauty supplies. 

For Amazon Prime members, who pay $14.99 per month or $139 annually, these faster deliveries will be free if they spend over $25 at checkout.

Amazon has already introduced these quick delivery options to over 1,000 smaller communities and says customers are responding positively. 

According to the company, more than 90% of the top items ordered for same-day delivery fall under the category of everyday essentials.

To make this expansion possible, Amazon has invested about $4 billion into building new facilities and hiring more delivery drivers. 

It’s also upgrading existing warehouses in small towns to serve as mini-hubs that can handle packaging and shipping locally. 

This helps reduce the time it takes to get packages from Amazon to the customer’s doorstep.

Additionally, Amazon is using advanced technology like machine learning to figure out which items are popular in specific towns, so those products can be kept in stock locally. 

For example, wild bird food is being stocked in Dubuque, Iowa—travel backpacks in Findlay, Ohio—and after-sun body butter in Sharptown, Maryland, showing Amazon’s effort to cater to local preferences.

While many small-town residents will likely enjoy the convenience of faster deliveries, local small businesses may not be as thrilled. 

Amazon has often been criticized for making it harder for local stores to survive, due to its low prices and convenience. 

Although Amazon claims it supports small businesses by helping them reach more customers through its platform, critics argue that the company’s overwhelming presence squeezes out local competition and hurts independent retailers.

What do you think about same-day delivery from Amazon becoming more accessible? Have you gotten it yet or are you hoping to get it with this new rollout? Tell us below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.