Amazon to Raise AWD, MCF, and Buy with Prime Fees in 2026
Beginning January 15, 2026, Amazon will implement new pricing and fee increases across Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD), Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), and Buy with Prime. The changes take effect immediately after the 2025 holiday peak period (October 15, 2025 – January 14, 2026) and will impact both inbound and outbound operations for sellers using Amazon’s logistics network.
We’ve been anticipating this shift since our Amazon Supply Chain Updates 2025 coverage and our Amazon Accelerate recap, where we asked: Are these changes really for sellers—and if so, at what cost? Those predictions are now playing out, as Amazon raises rates across AWD, MCF, and Buy with Prime, further centralizing control while pushing sellers toward higher-cost programs.
AWD (Amazon Warehousing & Distribution) Fee Changes
- West Region Storage: Increases to $0.57 per cu ft/month (up from $0.48, a 19% increase); other regions remain flat.
- Transportation Fees: Base rate rises to $1.40 per cu ft (from $1.15). Amazon-Managed rates increase from $1.04 to $1.26 per cu ft (+20–22%).
- Inbound/Outbound Box Fees: Each rises by $0.05 per box.
- Discounts: Smart Storage (10%) and Managed Storage (20%) discounts remain for qualifying sellers.
MCF (Multi-Channel Fulfillment) Fee Changes
- Per-Unit Fees: Increase by about $0.30 per unit on average, particularly for 1–2 unit orders; 3+ unit standard orders remain unchanged.
- Size Tiers: New, more granular tiers for small, large, bulky, and extra-large items using the greater of dimensional or actual weight.
- Discounts: High-volume sellers can qualify for Preferred Pricing (up to 15% off) plus $1 FBA credits per MCF unit.
Buy with Prime Fee Changes
- Fulfillment Fees: Increase by $0.24 per unit for all orders.
- Prime Service Fee Minimum: Decreases from $1.00 to $0.30 — benefiting smaller sellers.
- Peak Fees: Remain in effect through January 14, 2026, then revert to the new base rates.
| Service | 2026 Base Rate Change | Surcharge / Notes | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWD Storage | $0.57 / cu ft (West) | $0.05 box in/out fee; Smart/Managed discounts apply | Jan 15 2026 |
| AWD Transport | $1.40 / cu ft | Managed $1.26 / cu ft | Jan 15 2026 |
| MCF | +$0.30 per unit (avg) | Preferred Pricing and FBA credits for volume sellers | Jan 15 2026 |
| Buy with Prime | +$0.24 per unit | Prime Service Fee min drops to $0.30 | Jan 15 2026 |
Seller Impact
The adjustments will raise costs for most sellers, especially those storing inventory in West Coast AWD facilities or fulfilling frequent small-parcel orders through MCF or Buy with Prime. Amazon advises sellers to rebalance inventory away from the West Region and enroll in Smart Storage or Managed Programs to offset costs (official forum announcement).
How Tactical Helps
With Amazon’s 2026 cost increases, sellers have more reason to diversify. Tactical’s SplitSmart™ cross-dock solution offers a flat-rate, multi-node alternative to AWD — moving inventory to five Amazon FCs in 8–10 days vs 14+ days through standard routing. Tactical’s bi-coastal network also provides transparent per-pallet pricing and multi-channel fulfillment for Shopify, Walmart, and TikTok Shop orders without the MCF surcharge.
Bottom line: Amazon’s latest rate hike underscores a trend we’ve been tracking for months — increased consolidation under the Amazon logistics umbrella at the expense of flexibility for sellers. As AWD, MCF, and Buy with Prime become more expensive and less customizable, sellers who take back control of their routing, storage, and fulfillment will see the greatest savings and stability heading into 2026.
Sources: Amazon Seller Forum, Supply Chain Dive, Buy with Prime Pricing, Amazon Supply Chain Updates 2025.
Related Content: