TPA1 — Amazon Fulfillment Center TPA1
3350 Laurel Ridge Ave., Ruskin, FL 33570
TPA1 Amazon Fulfillment Center – Ruskin, FL 33570 (2025 Complete Guide)
Warehouse code: TPA1
Facility type: Robotics sortable fulfillment center
Full address: 3350 Laurel Ridge Avenue, Ruskin, FL 33570, United States
Scale: 1.1 million square feet (equivalent to 28 football fields)
Opened: September 17, 2014
Workforce size: Over 2,500 employees
Note: This guide summarizes common practices and experiences for TPA1. For any shipment, Amazon's current Seller Central and Carrier Central documentation always takes priority.
1. Why TPA1 matters in Amazon's network (2025 snapshot)
TPA1 was Amazon's first major fulfillment center in the Tampa Bay area, opening on September 17, 2014. Located in Ruskin (Hillsborough County), the facility spans 1.1 million square feet and serves as a critical logistics hub for the southeastern United States.
The facility uses Amazon Robotics technology, featuring hundreds of robots including self-driving vehicles, labeling machines, and over 10 miles of conveyor systems. TPA1 primarily handles smaller items like electronics, kitchen appliances, books, DVDs, and toys, shipping to customers throughout the Southeast and worldwide.
Tampa Bay's strategic location—with easy access to I-75, the Port of Tampa, and Tampa International Airport—makes TPA1 essential for serving Florida's large and growing population. Since opening with 1,000 employees, the facility has expanded to employ over 2,500 workers across multiple shifts.
2. Core questions from FBA sellers & truck drivers (2025 answers)
2.1 Do I need an appointment to deliver to TPA1?
For LTL and FTL inbound freight, yes—an appointment is required. All appointments are managed through Amazon Carrier Central:
- During regular months, plan to book 7–14 days in advance.
- In Q4 (October–December) and around Prime Day, aim for 2–3 weeks ahead as Florida's population and e-commerce volume create high demand.
2.2 What are the receiving hours?
TPA1 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Typical receiving windows follow shift schedules, but always confirm your specific appointment through Carrier Central.
2.3 How long does unloading usually take?
Amazon does not publish guaranteed unload times. General feedback from drivers suggests:
- Early-morning arrivals during the day shift often see faster turnaround.
- Peak season (Q4 holidays and Prime Day) can result in extended dwell times.
Florida's I-75 corridor can experience heavy traffic, especially during tourist seasons—factor in extra transit time.
2.4 What pallet and packaging rules apply?
TPA1 applies standard FBA network requirements:
- Pallet dimensions: 48" x 40" GMA pallets with 4-way entry.
- Height limit: Single pallets should not exceed 72 inches.
- Weight limit: Maximum 1,500 lbs per pallet.
- Stability: Use corner boards and stretch-wrap to secure loads.
- Labeling: Clear, scannable FBA labels on all cartons and pallets.
Florida's humidity can affect packaging—ensure products are protected from moisture.
2.5 Does TPA1 handle hazardous materials?
TPA1 is a sortable fulfillment center for smaller consumer goods. Hazmat and oversized items are typically routed to specialized facilities. Confirm eligibility through FBA Dangerous Goods in Seller Central.
2.6 What are the most common causes of rejection or delay?
Based on Amazon documentation and carrier feedback:
- Appointment problems – no valid appointment or late arrival.
- Non-compliant pallets – too tall, heavy, unstable, or non-standard.
- Labeling errors – missing or unreadable labels.
- Paperwork mismatch – BOL, ASN, or shipment ID doesn't match.
- Moisture damage – Florida humidity requires proper packaging.
3. Traffic, routing and parking tips for truck drivers
3.1 Recommended approach route
TPA1 is located in Ruskin, south of Tampa:
- From I-75, take Exit 240 (Ruskin/Sun City Center) and head west on College Avenue / Laurel Ridge Avenue.
- The facility is at 3350 Laurel Ridge Avenue in an industrial area.
- Alternatively, use US-41 (Tamiami Trail) for local access.
A truck-specific GPS is recommended to avoid residential areas and navigate Florida's frequent road construction.
3.2 On-site check-in and staging
At TPA1:
- Stop at the security checkpoint and present ID, BOL, and Amazon reference numbers.
- Wait for dock or staging instructions.
- Follow posted speed limits, PPE requirements, and chocking rules.
Florida weather can bring sudden thunderstorms—be prepared for potential weather delays during summer months.
3.3 Nearby truck stops and parking
Truck parking options in the Ruskin/Tampa area:
| Truck Stop | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ruskin Rest Area I-75 SB | I-75 Southbound | 38 parking spaces, 24 hours, restrooms, vending |
| Pilot Travel Center | I-75 Exit 250 (Gibsonton) | Full services, showers, restaurant |
| Love's Travel Stop | I-75 Exit 229 (Sun City Center) | Diesel, parking, showers |
Note: Dedicated truck parking directly in Ruskin is limited. Plan to use I-75 corridor facilities.
4. Nearby hotels and food (practical picks for drivers & sellers)
The Ruskin/Sun City Center area offers several lodging options.
4.1 Hotels within a short drive
| Name | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Inn & Suites Sun City Center | ~5 miles | Free parking, pool, breakfast |
| Hampton Inn Sun City Center | ~5 miles | Near I-75, business services |
| Holiday Inn Express Riverview | ~10 miles | Closer to Tampa, modern amenities |
| La Quinta Inn Apollo Beach | ~8 miles | Budget option, truck parking possible |
For drivers with tractor-trailers, call ahead to confirm parking availability.
4.2 Food and dining options
- US-41 (Tamiami Trail) has numerous restaurants and fast food.
- Sun City Center (5 minutes south) has shopping and dining.
- Apollo Beach (5 minutes north) has waterfront restaurants.
5. Worker and driver perspectives on TPA1
Reviews from warehouse workers and truckers highlight:
- Large-scale robotics: TPA1's hundreds of robots and 10+ miles of conveyors create an efficient, high-tech environment.
- Florida weather: Summer heat and humidity, plus afternoon thunderstorms, are factors for both workers and drivers.
- Growth facility: Since 2014, TPA1 has grown significantly, reflecting Tampa Bay's population boom.
- Tourist traffic: I-75 can be congested during peak tourist seasons (winter/spring).
- Non-union: The facility operates without union representation.
For FBA sellers: properly packaged shipments that account for Florida's humidity move through TPA1 more smoothly.
6. Nearby Amazon facilities (for network awareness)
The Tampa Bay and Florida region hosts multiple Amazon facilities:
- TPA2 – Lakeland, FL – additional fulfillment capacity (Central Florida)
- JAX2 / JAX3 – Jacksonville, FL – serving Northeast Florida
- MCO1 / MCO2 – Orlando area – Central Florida coverage
- MIA1 – Miami, FL – South Florida gateway
- Multiple delivery stations throughout Florida
Amazon may route shipments to different facilities based on inventory distribution needs.
7. Quick FAQ for FBA sellers shipping to TPA1
Q1: How big is TPA1?
TPA1 is 1.1 million square feet—equivalent to about 28 football fields.
Q2: When did TPA1 open?
TPA1 opened on September 17, 2014, as Amazon's first major Tampa Bay fulfillment center.
Q3: What products does TPA1 handle?
Primarily smaller sortable items: electronics, kitchen appliances, books, DVDs, toys, and similar products.
Q4: Do I need an appointment for LTL/FTL freight?
Yes. All appointments are managed through Carrier Central.
Q5: Is there overnight truck parking at TPA1?
On-site overnight parking may be limited. Use I-75 truck stops like the Ruskin Rest Area or Pilot/Love's facilities.
Q6: Does TPA1 use robotics?
Yes. TPA1 features hundreds of robots and over 10 miles of conveyor systems.
Last updated: January 24, 2026
This guide is based on publicly available information, Amazon documentation, and community feedback. Always verify the latest requirements in Seller Central and Carrier Central before scheduling a delivery to TPA1.