Your Best Guide For Carrier Facilities - Easy Definition | Easyship Blog

Instantly Save On ShippingTry For Freefalse /blog/*Instantly Save On ShippingTry For Freefalse /blog/*Instantly Save On Shipping

• Up to 91% off shipping rates
• Compare 550+ courier services
• Volume discounts for everyone
• Start for free, ship in minutes

Try For Free /blog/*Instantly Save On Shipping

• Up to 91% off shipping rates
• Compare 550+ courier services
• Volume discounts for everyone
• Start for free, ship in minutes

Try For Free /blog/*📦 45 days to go! Find the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday Shipping RatesSign-Upfalse 📦 45 days to go! Find the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday Shipping RatesSign-Uptrue 📦 45 days to go! Find the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday Shipping Rates

Rich text description

‍

Sign-Up 📦 45 days to go! Find the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday Shipping Rates

Rich text description

‍

Sign-Up Up to 91% OffCreate an accountfalse Up to 91% OffCreate an accounttrue Up to 91% Off

Start shipping with exclusive discounts

• test
• test
• test

Create an account Up to 91% Off

Start shipping with exclusive discounts

• test
• test
• test

Create an account SolutionsFor eCommerce StoresFor Enterprise ShippingFor Platforms & DevelopersFor Crowdfunding ProjectseCommerce ShippingHigh-Volume BrandsShipping Rate CalculatorInternational ShippingTax & Duty Calculator Connect to Shopify Start with Free Plan Enterprise ShippingShipping APIInternational ShippingGlobal Fulfillment Network Shipping Insurance Enterprise Sales Shipping APIDeveloper SupportDeveloper Docs Compare
Carriers Chat with an Expert Crowdfunding ShippingEasyship Collect for CrowdfundingCrowdfunding CalculatorGlobal Fulfillment Network Get a Quote ProductsCheapest Way To ShipHow Easyship WorksDiscounted RatesMulti-Carrier ComparisonCheapest Shipping LabelsInternational ShipmentsInternational ShippingTax & Duty Calculation3PL Fulfillment CentresShipping InsuranceAutomation & ProductivityShipping DashboardShipping RulesBatch Label PrintingPre-Paid ReturnsBrand & Revenue GrowthRates at CheckoutBranded TrackingView All FeaturesIntegrationsCouriers & Shipping SolutionseCommerce PlatformsShip from MarketplacesView All Integrations 550+ Courier Services 100+ Tech Integrations Become a Partner, Agency or AffiliateResourcesFree Shipping ToolsBlog & Expert GuidesCustomer Success StoriesContact UsShipping Rate CalculatorImport Tax & Duty CalculatorShipping Policy GeneratorCheapest Way ToShip PackagesHS Code LookupView All Shipping Tools Calculate
Shipping Tax & Duties Calculator BlogEvents & WebinarsShipping GuidesCrowdfunding Guide Shipping
Guides Upcoming Events Case StudiesTestimonialsbook a live demo Success Stories Chat with
an Expert Help CentreContact SupportContact SalesEnterprise SalesCountries We Ship Tobook a live demo Start 14-Day Free Trial PricingEnterpriseLoginSTART FREESolutionsFor eCommerce StoresFor Enterprise ShippingFor Platforms & DevelopersFor Crowdfunding ProjectseCommerce ShippingHigh-Volume BrandsShipping Rate CalculatorInternational ShippingTax & Duty Calculator Connect to Shopify Up to 91% off Labels Enterprise ShippingShipping APIInternational ShippingGlobal Fulfillment Network Shipping Insurance Enterprise Sales Shipping APIDeveloper SupportDeveloper Docs Compare
Carriers Chat with an Expert Crowdfunding ShippingEasyship Collect for CrowdfundingCrowdfunding CalculatorGlobal Fulfillment Network Get a Quote FeaturesCheapest Way To ShipHow Easyship WorksDiscounted RatesMulti-Carrier ComparisonCheapest Shipping LabelsInternational ShipmentsInternational ShippingTax & Duty Calculation3PL Fulfillment CentresShipping InsuranceAutomation & ProductivityShipping DashboardShipping RulesBatch Label PrintingPre-Paid ReturnsBrand & Revenue GrowthRates at CheckoutBranded TrackingView All FeaturesIntegrationsCouriers & Shipping SolutionseCommerce PlatformsShip from MarketplacesView All Integrations 550+ Courier Services 60+ Tech Integrations Become a Partner, Agency or AffiliateResourcesFree Shipping ToolsBlog & Expert GuidesCustomer Success StoriesContact UsShipping Rate CalculatorImport Tax & Duty CalculatorShipping Policy GeneratorCheapest Way ToShip PackagesHS Code LookupView All Shipping Tools Calculate
Shipping Tax & Duty Calculator BlogEvents & WebinarsShipping GuidesCrowdfunding Guide Shipping
Guides Upcoming Events Case StudiesTestimonialsbook a live demo Success Stories Chat with
an Expert Help CentreContact SupportContact SalesEnterprise SalesCountries We Ship Tobook a live demo Start 14-Day Free Trial PricingEnterpriseLoginSTART FREESolutionsFeaturesIntegrationsResourcesPricingSolutionsBackFor eCommerce StoresFor Enterprise ShippingFor Platforms & DevelopersFor Crowdfunding ProjectsFeaturesBackCheapest Way To ShipHow Easyship WorksDiscounted RatesMulti-Carrier ComparisonCheapest Shipping LabelsInternational ShipmentsInternational ShippingTax & Duty Calculation3PL Fulfillment CentresShipping InsuranceAutomation & ProductivityShipping DashboardShipping RulesBatch Label PrintingPre-Paid ReturnsBrand & Revenue GrowthRates at CheckoutBranded TrackingVIEW ALL FEATURESIntegrationsBackCouriers & Shipping SolutionseCommerce PlatformsShip from MarketplacesVIEW ALL INTEGRATIONSBecome a Partner, Agency or AffiliateResourcesBackFree Shipping ToolsBlog & Expert GuidesCustomer Success StoriesContact UsSolutionsFor eCommerce StoresBackeCommerce ShippingHigh-Volume BrandsShipping Rate CalculatorInternational ShippingTax & Duty CalculatorSolutionsFor Enterprise ShippingBackEnterprise ShippingShipping APIInternational ShippingGlobal Fulfillment NetworkSolutionsFor Platforms & DevelopersBackShipping APIDeveloper SupportDeveloper DocsSolutionsFor Crowdfunding ProjectsBackCrowdfunding ShippingEasyship Collect for CrowdfundingCrowdfunding CalculatorGlobal Fulfillment NetworkResourcesFree Shipping ToolsBackShipping Rate CalculatorImport Tax & Duty CalculatorShipping Policy GeneratorCheapest Way to Ship PackagesHS Code LookupVIEW ALL SHIPPING TOOLSResourcesBlog & Expert GuidesBackBlogEvents & WebinarsShipping GuidesCrowdfunding GuideResourcesCustomer Success StoriesBackCase StudiesTestimonialsBOOK A LIVE DEMOResourcesContact UsBackHelp CentreContact SupportContact SalesEnterprise SalesCountries We Ship ToBOOK A LIVE DEMOSTART FREELOGINEnterpriseLoginSTART FREE BlogTips & SolutionsInternational ShippingCarrier GuidesAll CategoriesIndustry NewsSuccess StoriesHoliday ShippingEasyship Product NewsCrowdfunding CampaignsWarehousing & FulfillmenteCommerce NewsBlogMoreTips & SolutionsInternational ShippingCarrier GuidesPartner ContentShopify ShippingHow To ShipIndustry NewsSuccess StoriesHoliday ShippingEasyship Product NewsCrowdfunding CampaignsWarehousing & FulfillmenteCommerce NewsThank you! Your submission has been received!Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.Tips & SolutionsWhat Is a Carrier Facility: Our Top Tips TodayA carrier facility is a large warehouse or a distribution center that stores packages people order within a given location. Learn more about carrier facilities here!Jules3 Min ReadApril 8, 2022Jules3 min readApr 8, 2022Key points

Key Points:

• A carrier facility is a large warehouse or distribution center that stores all the packages people order within a given location.
• Packages are processed, scanned, and sorted before they are sent to their destinations at a carrier facility
• The carrier facility is the center of the shipping activity for businesses

There are various stages of eCommerce fulfillment that your package must go through before it arrives at its destination. You’ll receive notifications that your package has arrived at each transit point throughout the process.

Once your package arrives at a carrier facility, your parcel is at its final leg of the delivery process. At this point, your package will be sorted and loaded onto a delivery truck to be delivered.

As an eCommerce merchant or seller, you’ll want to understand how carrier facilities work so you're knowledgeable in all aspects of shipping and fulfillment. We’ll discuss how they work and vary from retailers like Amazon to major courier companies like USPS, UPS®, or FedEx.

What is a Carrier Facility?

Whenever you order an item, chances are your item will go through a carrier facility before arriving at its final destination.

A carrier facility is a large warehouse or a distribution center that stores packages people order within a given location.

Like a midpoint, the carrier facility is the center of the shipping activity. At a carrier facility, trucks unload shipments at the facility of that region. Then, delivery vehicles pick up packages and mail at the carrier facility to deliver to customers at the final destination.

Carrier Facilities Examples

The operations of carrier facilities are different from one facility to another. For example, certain facilities may be more extensive and have fleets of delivery vehicles and trucks, while others have smaller fleets.

The differences they have are solely dependent on the courier company. Next, we’ll look at carrier facilities like Amazon and others to get an idea of how each facility functions.

Amazon carrier facility

Amazon has warehouses to handle orders. So when you purchase an item from Amazon, your item will be transported to a carrier facility.

Your package will be sent directly to the designated address or pickup center depending on the requested delivery destination.

Your package will be sorted and loaded onto an Amazon delivery truck at an Amazon warehouse or distribution center. You can expect to receive your package soon at this point in the delivery process.

Once your package arrives, you’ll receive a notification that your package was left at whichever designated spot.

UPS Carrier Facility

The UPS carrier facility is usually the last stop before getting your order. When your item arrives at a UPS center, your item is sorted with the other packages.

After your package is sorted, it’s loaded onto the delivery truck and is on its way to delivery. You’ll also receive a tracking update via the UPS tracking apps with detailed tracking information.

Once your package is delivered, you’ll receive another notification that the package was dropped off at the address.

Carrier facility USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is regarded as being reliable among customers. USPS also has long-standing relationships with other international postal services like Royal Mail, China Post, and Hong Kong Post.

The USPS carrier facilities are also referred to as distribution centers. These facilities are used to process, scan, and sort mail before being sent to destinations. At the USPS carrier facility, your package gets sorted along with other items going to nearby destinations.

Your package will be scanned and loaded onto the delivery vehicle. Then, the status will be updated on the USPS tracking system like UPS and Amazon. Once your package delivers, you will be notified via the tracking app.

Related post: How to Ship a Package with USPS: What You Need to Know

Things to Know About Carrier Facilities

Carrier facilities are fundamental aspects of sending and receiving parcels. Therefore, there are many relevant things to know about these facilities to understand the shipping and fulfillment process better.

1. Understand what "left at the carrier facility" means

Once your package leaves the carrier facility, it will arrive shortly. It may take a few days before your package arrives at its destination depending on how busy a facility may be. You will get a notification whenever your package leaves because packages are scanned once loaded on the delivery vehicle.

2. Picking up a package at a carrier facility

Unfortunately, you can’t pick up your parcel at a carrier facility even if you live right by the carrier facility. This ruling is partly because of safety and legal concerns.

Instead, USPS offers the opportunity of picking up your package at the post office. For others like UPS and FedEx, there are retail locations where your packages can be picked up or dropped off.

3. Tracking the progress of your shipment during transit

Tracking shipments has a lot of advantages for the seller and buyer. As a merchant, you can give your customers real-time updates and communicate delays. If anything goes wrong, you will be able to contact the quarters. Tracking your package helps avert the possibility of a lost package or wrong delivery.

Optimize Your Carrier Facility Operations with Easyship

Carrier facilities are meant to ease deliveries and bring packages closer to their destination. With technology, USPS, UPS, and Amazon ensure that every package is duly processed, sorted, and sent to its destinations.

Carrier facilities are just one step of the shipping process. So if you're new to eCommerce, you'll want to understand the entire shipping process, not just the final leg of delivery.

Using a shipping platform can help improve your shipping and fulfillment process while improving the customer experience. Plus, a shipping platform can give users more visibility so they know where their items are every step of the way.

Easyship offers complete tracking visibility and updates via our shipping dashboard so you can see all your shipments in one place. By connecting your courier account, you’ll gain access to features and benefits such as the following:

• Easyship Shipping Dashboard: Manage all your orders and shipping activity from our shipping dashboard. Import orders, upload CSVs or sync directly from your eCommerce store.
• Global Fulfillment: Easyship has warehouse partners on four continents so that you can reach your customers all across the world. Plus, Easyship helps scale up fulfillment capabilities without increasing overhead costs.
• Shipping Policy Generator: Our shipping policy generator helps merchants and crowdfunding campaigns generate their shipping policy by providing tracking and insurance options, plus other vital information for your shipping process

Ready to optimize your warehouse operations? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account and get instant access to a global network of warehouses

Carrier Facility FAQ

What is a carrier facility in Amazon?

The carrier facility is the local distribution center that houses packages before they are sent to the receivers.

When it says a package arrived at a carrier facility, what does it mean?

This notification means your package arrived at the nearest carrier facility to you and will be delivered shortly.

Can you pick up packages from the USPS carrier facility?

No, you can't pick up packages from the USPS carrier facility. You'll have to wait for it to be delivered to the requested address.

If you found this article informative, you may enjoy the following:

• Fulfillment vs. Fulfilment: What's the Difference?
• How to Optimize Your Warehouse Shipping Operations
• SKUs vs. UPCs: What You Need to Know

‍

TABLE OF CONTENTSKey points

Key Points:

• A carrier facility is a large warehouse or distribution center that stores all the packages people order within a given location.
• Packages are processed, scanned, and sorted before they are sent to their destinations at a carrier facility
• The carrier facility is the center of the shipping activity for businesses

Get Your Ship Together.

By submitting the form, you agree to receive marketing emails from Easyship.

Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Effortlessly compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Instant discounts. Start in minutes.

Start Your Free PlanHow Easyship WorksLimited Time Offer

Buy 2 DHL Express Labels, Get The 3rd FREE! Start Your Free Trial Before Sept 30*.

CLAIM FREE LABELShipping Internationally? Unsure What Tariffs or Duties Apply?Try our FREE Tax & Duty Calculator

Trying to stay up to date on the latest cross-border shipping and import requirements? Get an instant estimate of all applicable taxes and duties for every country across 220+ global destinations or sign up and take advantage of our in-built HS Code lookup tool.

Calculate Tax & Duties Instantly (Free Tool)Ready to Stop Overpaying for Shipping?Try our FREE Shipping Rate Calculator

Looking for the cheapest way to ship a package? Get an instant shipping quote and compare rates from 550+ courier services across the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and more. Simply add your package size and delivery location, and you'll find the best deal in seconds.

Calculate Rates Instantly (Free Tool)Planning Your Campaign?

Get in touch with us now and our shipping consultants can give you a detailed quote and additional info to help with your campaign.

Get in touchThe Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREEThe Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREEGet in touch with our fulfillment experts!

We believe simple pricing is the best pricing. Get a quote with a simplified pricing structure and no hidden fees.

Contact usNeed help fulfilling your crowdfunding campaign?

We provide the necessary tools needed to keep you on budget for shipping and to safely deliver your product to backers around the world.

Learn moreTry our duty & tax calculator!

Need to estimate your shipping duties & taxes? Our calculator can give you an idea of what to expect.

TRY IT NOWSave up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Start in minutes.

GET STARTED FOR FREEGet a Free Quote for Your Campaign

Receive a personal cost estimate for your crowdfunding campaign from our trusted global fulfillment partners. Easyship is a certified Indiegogo partner.

GET FREE QUOTELooking for great rates from a top courier?

Save up to 74% on UPS shipping rates by shipping with Easyship. You can run a quote and generate your first shipments in literally minutes!

SHIP WITH UPS TODAYThe cheapest way to ship for eCommerce

Get instant access with volume-discounted shipping rates. Save up to 89% off on USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more. Easyship is free for 50 shipments each month.

SIGN UP FREE TO SAVEFind your perfect fulfillment partner with expert help

Let Easyship connect you to the largest shipping and fulfillment network on Earth. You’ll find trusted partners for all things logistics. Guidance is free from our global shipping experts.

ASK AN EXPERTDon’t miss our money and time-saving features!

Explore the powerful features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE ALL FEATURESStart saving on shipping in seconds

Create your free Easyship account to streamline shipping and save with discounted rates. No hidden fees. No minimums. Just savings.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNTCreate Your Shipping Policy Free

Use our guided walk-through to build the perfect shipping policy for your eCommerce business.

CREATE YOUR POLICY FREELooking to intergrate your Shopify store?

With 550+ pre-negotiated shipping services available with discounts of up to 91%, you can save time & money today when you integrate your Shopify store with Easyship

REGISTER FOR FREEUse Easyship Free Every Month

Easyship is free to use for 50 shipments every month. You’ll save big on our discounted shipping rates up to 91% off, and save time with smart automation. Signup is fast and free.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNTDon’t miss the key steps to fulfillment success

Follow the easy path to fulfillment success. Easyship’s free fulfillment checklist provides a proven step-by-step so you can ship at scale without the guesswork.

VIEW THE CHECKLISTShip for less with any courier, guaranteed

Save up to 89% off all shipping rates. Easyship offers the guaranteed cheapest volume-discounted rates on the market from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers.

SIGN UP TO SAVEDon’t miss all our money and time-saving features!

Explore the innovative features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE FEATURESWant the cheapest rates?

Register for an Easyship account today and you will gain access to the cheapest rates, instantly.

REGISTER FOR FREEWatch out for international duty and tax!

What exactly does it cost to ship cross-border? Use the free duty and tax calculator from Easyship to view accurate import costs for any shipment to anywhere.

USE FREEProtect Your Crowdfunding Budget from Cost Creep

Prices are rising, deliveries are slowing. Get up to speed on the state of crowdfunding shipping with expert Easyship analysis and keep your campaign on budget.

LEARN MOREDiscover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 550+ courier services at a glance.

GET A FREE QUOTEDiscover Your Cheapest Way to Ship

Find the guaranteed cheapest shipping in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discounted rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers at a glance.

COMPARE RATES FREECompare the best rates in seconds

Get an instant estimate of the cheapest shipping rates with our free calculator tool.

GET FREE RATE QUOTESSave money on every shipment

Save up to 91% off shipping with Easyship’s discount courier rates. Create your free account to save instantly on 550+ courier services, including USPS.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNTReady to ship internationally?

Get help from our global shipping experts on warehousing, global shipping and to connect with our network of trusted 3PLs.

GET FREE SHIPPING TIPSTry Pre-generated Return Labels For Free

Register for an Easyship account today and get 30-days access to a Premier plan with access to Pre-generated Return Labels.

Generate Return Labels TodayDiscover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS® & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREEFree Shipping for the Holidays 101

Learn how the leading brands offer free shipping, calculate costs, and ship on a budget for the holidays in our free shipping guidebook.

LEARN MOREYour Perfect Shipping Policy, Ready in Minutes

Use Easyship’s free shipping policy generator to formulate your perfect holiday shipping policy for returns, tracking, and more. Just follow the prompts and you’re done!

GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICYScale Your Growth Internationally With Pro Tips

Learn how to ship internationally without missing a step. Our case studies show you proven tactics for shipping worldwide from Easyship users who did it right.

READ CASE STUDIES No items found.Share on:

Related Articles

No items found.

Related Articles

International Shipping

What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship Internationally? 2025 Global Rates & Discounts

November 21, 2025Tips & Solutions

What's the Cheapest Way to Ship Packages? 2025 Best Rates & Discounts

November 21, 2025Partner Content

Access FedEx® UK Shipping Services: Compare & Ship Now On Easyship

November 11, 2025

Get the latest shipping news, expert guides and invites.

By signing up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Easyship. Unsubscribe at any time.

Simplify and save with our all-in-one Shipping Software for eCommerceGet Started in MinutesHow Easyship WorksStart with our Free PlanDiscounted Shipping RatesShipping Rate CalculatorShipping AppHow Easyship WorksMulti-Carrier Shipping SoftwareSmart Shipping DashboardShipping Rules & AutomationShipping Rates at CheckoutDiscounted Shipping RatesBuy Shipping Labels OnlineBulk Label PrintingInternational ShippingTax, Duty & Customs DocumentsLink Your Own Courier AccountBranded Tracking & AdvertisingPre-Paid Return LabelsShipping AnalyticsShipping APIView 100+ FeaturesShipping SolutionsGlobal Fulfillment NetworkPick & Pack Fulfillment3PL Fulfillment CentresCrowdfunding FulfillmentExpert Shipping ConsultationBuilt ForeCommerce ShippingHigh-Volume BrandsEnterprise ShippingShipping API3PL Fulfillment CentresView All Use CasesTop CouriersUSPSUPSFedExDHL ExpressCanada PostAustralia PostRoyal MailView 550+ Courier ServicesTop PlatformsShopify & Shopify PlusWooCommerceSquarespaceAmazoneBayEtsyWixTikTok ShopView 55+ IntegrationsFree ToolsShipping Rates CalculatorTax & Duty CalculatorCrowdfunding CalculatorShipping Policy GeneratorShipping Term GlossaryView All ToolsPopular BlogsCheapest Way To Ship PackagesCheapest International ShippingHow to Send a Prepaid Return LabelHow to Get Cheap LabelsUSPS vs. UPS vs. FedEx RatesUPS Holiday ScheduleFedEx Holiday ScheduleView All BlogsExpert GuidesShipping Guides by CountryInternational Shipping GuideUnderstanding Taxes & DutiesHow To Connect Your Online StoreHow To Add Rates at CheckoutHow to Manage eCommerce ReturnsWarehousing & Fulfillment GuideIndustry Events & WebinarsView All GuidesAbout UsAbout EasyshipCase StudiesTestimonialsIn the PressCareers (We're Hiring!)Contact UsSign-UpFree 14-Day Pro TrialAll Plans & PricingBecome a PartnerSalesContact SalesEnterprise SalesCrowdfunding SalesSupportHelp CenterDeveloper SupportAPI DocumentationEnglishEnglishJoin Us:Copyright Easyship Inc. © 2025Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyVulnerability Disclosure Policy