Amazon is investing more than $4 billion to expand its rural delivery network, aiming to bring faster shipping to customers in small towns and less populated areas across the U.S. The company says the move will create over 100,000 new jobs and help speed up deliveries by as much as 50% in these regions. Once complete, the expanded network will cover over 13,000 zip codes and handle over a billion additional packages yearly.

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The plan includes growing Amazon’s rural delivery stations from around 70 at the end of 2023 to more than 200 by the end of 2026. Each new station is expected to create about 170 jobs, with many more added through Amazon’s delivery programs like DSP, Flex, and Hub Delivery.

“We’re stepping up our investment to make life easier for rural customers,” the company said. “At a time when other logistics providers are pulling back, we’re going bigger.”

Customers are already experiencing the improved service. “Amazon opening a delivery station in our town has been an incredible boon for our community,” said Mayor Roslyn White of Abbeville, Louisiana. “Not only has it created more than 300 jobs for our residents, it has dramatically improved delivery speeds.”

Amazon’s delivery programs also offer extra income for individuals and local businesses. Small companies, like florists and coffee shops, can earn up to $27,000 a year through the Hub Delivery program by helping deliver packages in their neighborhoods.

According to Amazon, this expansion will help meet growing demand in rural areas, while giving Prime members in towns like Milton, Florida, and North Pole, Alaska, the same fast delivery options as big cities.