Amazon Shifts Delivery Methods in Pittsfield and Lee

Amazon has significantly changed how packages reach Berkshire County residents, with the majority now bypassing traditional mail carriers in select communities.

According to Bob Maloy, postmaster in Lanesborough, whom I spoked with on Tuesday, approximately 85% of Amazon packages destined for the city of Pittsfield and the town of Lee are now being delivered by Amazon's own branded delivery vans rather than through the United States Postal Service, UPS, or FedEx.

However, the rest of Berkshire County continues to receive Amazon deliveries via USPS, UPS, and FedEx, maintaining the traditional partnership between the online retail giant and these carriers.

The shift represents Amazon's expanding Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program, which uses independently-owned delivery companies operating Amazon-branded vans. The program launched nationally in 2018 but has taken years to reach more rural areas like the Berkshires.

Amazon's move to self-delivery in Pittsfield and Lee is most likely due to the population density and delivery volume in these communities compared to smaller Berkshire towns. The company typically builds out its own delivery infrastructure in areas where package volume justifies the investment in local distribution.

The Amazon distribution warehouse in Holyoke, MA is where these Berkshire delivery trucks originate from according to Maloy.

For USPS, UPS, and FedEx, the change means reduced package volume in Pittsfield and Lee, though these carriers continue handling Amazon deliveries throughout the rest of Berkshire County, including communities like Lanesborough, Great Barrington, North Adams, and Adams.

The transition mirrors a broader trend nationwide as Amazon continues expanding its logistics network to reduce dependence on third-party carriers and speed up delivery times to customers. Is it here to stay?