Amazon’s delivery operations span from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, with drivers avoiding doorbell notifications after 8:00 p.m. Prime members receive extended delivery windows and priority scheduling, while non-members face stricter cutoff times. Regional differences impact final delivery times—U.K. customers receive packages until 10:00 p.m., while Indian deliveries typically end by 9:00 p.m.
Understanding these timelines helps manage expectations, especially for time-sensitive orders. This post clarifies cutoff times, membership benefits, and solutions for delayed packages, offering actionable insights to optimize delivery experiences.
When Does Amazon Stop Delivering?
Amazon typically delivers packages between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time, with drivers only knocking or calling between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to minimize disturbance to customers. If you're waiting for a late-night delivery, your package might arrive as late as 10:00 p.m., but the driver won't ring your doorbell after 8:00 p.m.
What is Amazon Delivery?
Amazon delivery is the service that brings your purchased items from Amazon fulfillment centers to your doorstep. You can select from various shipping speeds when checking out, ranging from same-day to standard delivery options. The delivery network consists of Amazon's fleet of drivers and third-party carriers.
For those interested in selling products through Amazon, Amazon dropshipping can be a profitable business model that eliminates the need to handle inventory directly.
How Do Amazon Delivery Timeslots Work
Amazon offers different delivery timeslots based on your location and membership status:
- Standard delivery window: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Doorbell/knocking window: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Amazon Fresh delivery window: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Prime members get 2-hour delivery windows).
Amazon Prime members receive more flexibility with delivery timeslots, including same-day and one-day shipping options in eligible areas. If you're looking to start your own business with minimal inventory, many dropshipping suppliers offer similar flexibility for your customers.
Complete Guide to What Time Does Amazon Stop Delivering
Here is a complete guide on what time Amazon stops delivering:
Standard Amazon Delivery Hours
Amazon's standard delivery hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, seven days a week. However, there's an important distinction:
- Delivery hours (when packages are delivered): 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Hours when drivers will knock or ring the doorbell: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This means if your package arrives after 8:00 p.m., the driver will quietly leave it at your doorstep without alerting you.
Amazon Prime vs. Non-Prime Delivery Hours
Your Amazon Prime membership status affects not just shipping speed but also delivery hours:
Prime Members:
- Access to same-day, one-day, and two-day shipping
- Weekend deliveries until 10:00 p.m.
- Ability to select preferred delivery windows
- "No Late" drop-off request option ensures delivery by 8:00 p.m.
Non-Prime Members:
- Standard shipping (4-5 business days)
- Weekend deliveries until 8:00 p.m.
- Fewer customization options for delivery times.
If you run an online store, you can offer similar shipping benefits by finding trending dropshipping products that ship quickly to customers.
Amazon Delivery Hours on Weekdays
On weekdays, Amazon delivers packages from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. local time. Most deliveries occur during daytime hours, with the last wave of deliveries taking place between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Here’s what else:
- Signature-required deliveries stop at 8:00 p.m.
- If you miss a signature-required delivery, it will be rescheduled for the next day
- Drivers won't knock or ring the doorbell after 8:00 p.m.
Amazon Delivery Hours on Weekends
Weekend delivery hours differ slightly from weekdays:
Saturdays:
- Non-Prime customers: Deliveries until 8:00 p.m.
- Prime members can set preferences for deliveries until 10:00 p.m.
Sundays:
- Deliveries are generally between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Third-party carriers handle Sunday deliveries
- Delivery times may be less predictable than weekday deliveries.
Holiday Delivery Hours
Amazon adjusts delivery hours during holidays:
- Christmas Eve/New Year's Eve: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Non-delivery holidays: Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Memorial Day
- Regular holiday deliveries: Continue until 10:00 p.m. on most other holidays.
Plan accordingly when ordering during holiday seasons, as delivery times may be affected by increased volume.
Amazon Fresh Delivery Hours
Amazon Fresh grocery delivery has its schedule:
- Delivery hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Prime members: Get 2-hour delivery windows
- Non-Prime members: Receive orders within 5 hours if placed before 6:00 p.m.
Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery Hours
If you have Amazon Key In-Garage delivery:
- Delivery window: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Available exclusively to Prime members
- Works with Amazon, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market deliveries.
Amazon’s Late Night Delivery Policies
Here are some things you should know about Amazon’s late-night delivery policies:
Does Amazon deliver after 10:00 p.m.?
No, Amazon's latest delivery time is 10:00 p.m. local time. If your package hasn't arrived by then, it will likely be delivered the next day.
Does Amazon deliver after 11:00 p.m.?
Amazon does not deliver packages after 11:00 p.m. The latest delivery cutoff is 10:00 p.m., with exceptions only for scheduled, signature-required deliveries.
Regional Delivery Differences
Here are some regional delivery differences you should be aware of:
United States:
- Delivery anytime between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Same-day delivery is available in select metro areas.
United Kingdom:
- Late-night deliveries until 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday deliveries are available in most areas
India:
- Night deliveries typically end at 9:00 p.m.
- Delivery times vary by city and proximity to fulfillment centers
If you're learning how to Amazon dropship, understanding these regional differences can help you set accurate delivery expectations for your customers.
Reasons Why Amazon May Not Deliver
Several factors can affect Amazon's ability to deliver your package on time:
- Distance from fulfillment centers - Longer distances increase delivery time and the potential for delays.
- Incorrect address information - Missing unit numbers or inaccurate details prevent timely delivery
- Inventory status - Back-ordered items take longer to process and ship
- Order timing - Orders placed later in the day may experience processing delays
- Weather conditions - Severe weather disrupts transportation networks and logistics
- Carrier workload - High package volumes strain delivery capabilities
- Peak season orders - Holidays and sales events cause delays due to increased volume
- International customs - Customs checks add time to international shipments.
If you run a dropshipping business through Spocket, you'll likely face similar challenges, making it crucial to communicate potential delays to your customers.
Amazon Delivery Tracking and Notifications
To stay informed about your Amazon delivery:
- Go to "Your Orders" in your Amazon app
- Locate your specific order
- Click on your recent order and select "View All Updates" to view the details.
- View the pop-up screen with all tracking information
- Monitor multiple items separately, as they may have different delivery dates.
For packages from third-party sellers, tracking may differ:
- Check the seller's name in "Your Orders."
- Tracking is available if the seller provides it and you selected a trackable shipping method.
- Contact the third-party seller directly if you need assistance.
Alternatives to Amazon's Delivery for Late Night Services
While Amazon stops deliveries by 10:00 p.m., other services cater to late-night needs. These options fill gaps for urgent deliveries, groceries, or essential items when traditional carriers have closed.
- Uber Eats & DoorDash: Deliver essentials like medications, groceries, and convenience store items until 2:00 a.m. in significant cities.
- 24/7 Package Lockers: Services like FedEx Hold-at-Location enable pickups from secure lockers at any time.
- Local pharmacies: CVS offers 24-hour pickup for prescriptions and over-the-counter items.
- Instacart Late-Night Grocery: Available until midnight in select regions for same-day grocery delivery.
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: Companies like Spocket enable businesses to offer extended delivery hours through distributed fulfillment networks.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Amazon Deliveries
Here are some things you can do to optimize your Amazon deliveries and ensure a smooth receiving experience (get orders right):
Customizing Delivery Instructions
Update your Amazon account’s "Delivery Instructions" section to specify safe drop-off locations or neighbor permissions. Drivers follow these guidelines to reduce missed deliveries. For apartment complexes, include gate codes or locker numbers to prevent delays and ensure smooth access.
Weather-Related Delivery Rescheduling
Extreme weather automatically triggers Amazon’s delay protocols. Monitor the "Your Orders" page for real-time updates during storms. Proactively contacting customer service can sometimes prioritize rescheduled deliveries.
Handling "Lost" Packages After Hours
If tracking indicates "delivered" but no package arrives after 10:00 p.m., check perimeter areas, mailrooms, or digital locks first—report discrepancies via Amazon’s online chat within 48 hours for faster investigation.
Amazon’s Dynamic Routing Technology
Amazon utilizes machine learning to optimize delivery routes in real-time, thereby reducing the number of late arrivals. During high-volume periods, this system may reroute packages to third-party carriers, causing unexpected delays.
Subscription Box Cutoff Times
Subscribe-and-Save orders have earlier processing deadlines—typically 11:59 p.m. PST two days before the delivery date. Missed cutoffs delay shipments by an entire billing cycle.
International Shipping Cutoffs
Global orders follow the local time zone of the origin countries. For example, a package shipped from India to the U.S. adheres to Indian business hours, which can potentially add 12 to 24 hours to processing times.
Warehouse Proximity Tools
Use Amazon’s "Warehouse Finder" tool to identify nearby fulfillment centers. Orders placed from closer warehouses often arrive earlier in the delivery window.
Delivery Day Predictions
Amazon’s checkout page displays probabilistic delivery times based on historical data. Orders placed after 3:00 p.m. local time have a 23% higher chance of next-day delivery in metro areas.
Security Cameras & Delivery Compliance
Drivers receiving alerts about visible security cameras prioritize doorstep placements over hidden areas. Adjust camera angles to avoid deterring drivers while maintaining visibility.
Prime-Exclusive Delivery Hours
Prime members in 15 U.S. cities can select 2-hour delivery windows for eligible items. Non-members see only 4-hour windows in these regions.
Alcohol & Age-Restricted Deliveries
Alcohol deliveries require ID verification and must be stopped by 9:00 p.m. local time. Recipients must be present, making these deliveries impractical for late-night scenarios.
Conclusion
Amazon’s delivery operations prioritize efficiency within defined timeframes, striking a balance between customer convenience and logistical practicality. Prime members benefit from extended windows and customization options, while regional policies are adjusted to accommodate local norms. Proactive tracking, clear delivery instructions, and awareness of cutoff times minimize delays. For time-critical needs that fall outside Amazon’s hours, alternative services offer reliable solutions. Staying informed about weather impacts and subscription deadlines ensures smoother delivery experiences year-round.
