Do I need an appointment for inbound?

Appointment requirement varies; confirm with carrier or Amazon Seller Central.

MDW2 — Amazon Fulfillment Center MDW2

MDW2 Amazon Fulfillment Center – Joliet, IL 60433 (2025 Complete Guide)

Warehouse code: MDW2
Facility type: Fulfillment center
Full address: 250 Emerald Drive, Joliet, IL 60433, United States
Location: Joliet logistics corridor, near I-55/I-80 and CenterPoint Intermodal Center
Operating hours: 24/7

Note: This guide summarizes common practices and experiences for MDW2. For any shipment, Amazon's current Seller Central and Carrier Central documentation always takes priority.

1. Why MDW2 matters in Amazon's network (2025 snapshot)

MDW2 is Amazon's fulfillment center in Joliet, Illinois—located in one of North America's most significant logistics corridors. The facility sits near the CenterPoint Intermodal Center, which is North America's largest inland port, providing exceptional rail and trucking connectivity.

The Joliet/Elwood area offers unique advantages:

Direct rail access to Union Pacific Joliet Intermodal Terminal and BNSF Logistics Park Chicago
I-55/I-80 intersection – major highway crossroads
Inland drays from Great Lakes ports
Intermodal transfers for container shipments

MDW2 serves the Joliet/Will County area and the broader Chicagoland market—the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States. The facility supports dependable parcel flows and LTL/TL linehauls across the Midwest.

2. Core questions from FBA sellers & truck drivers (2025 answers)

2.1 Do I need an appointment to deliver to MDW2?

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.

The Joliet intermodal corridor sees high traffic—plan accordingly.

2.2 What are the receiving hours?

MDW2 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with day and night shifts. Always confirm your specific appointment window through Carrier Central.

2.3 How long does unloading usually take?

Amazon does not publish guaranteed unload times. General feedback suggests:

Scheduled appointments during normal periods typically see efficient processing.
Peak season can result in longer dwell times.

I-55 and I-80 traffic can be heavy, especially near the intermodal terminals—factor in extra transit time.

2.4 What pallet and packaging rules apply?

MDW2 applies standard FBA network requirements:

Pallet dimensions: 48" x 40" (standard 40" × 48") wooden pallets with 4-way access.
Height limit: Single pallets should not exceed 72 inches.
Weight limit: Maximum 1,500 lbs per pallet.
Stability: Use corner boards and stretch-wrap.
Labeling: FBA Box ID labels on cartons; four FBA pallet labels (one per side).

2.5 What equipment does MDW2 accommodate?

MDW2 accommodates:

53' trailers (dry van and intermodal)
Box trucks
Rear, dock-high unloading

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 – improper dimensions, weight, or labeling.
Labeling errors – missing Box ID or pallet labels.
Paperwork mismatch – BOL, ASN, or shipment ID doesn't match.
Intermodal delays – rail schedule variations can impact timing.

3. Traffic, routing and parking tips for truck drivers

3.1 Recommended approach route

MDW2 is located in Joliet's industrial corridor:

From I-55, take Exit 253 (US-52 / Jefferson Street) and head toward Emerald Drive.
From I-80, take Exit 132 (Houbolt Road) and connect to the industrial area.
The facility is at 250 Emerald Drive.

A truck-specific GPS is essential for navigating the Joliet intermodal complex.

3.2 On-site check-in and staging

At MDW2:

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.

3.3 Nearby truck stops and parking

The Joliet area has several truck parking options:

Truck Stop	Location	Features
Pilot Travel Center	40 E Laraway Rd (IL-53 & Laraway)	52 public + 16 prime spaces, 4 showers, CAT scale, 24-hour
CenterPoint trailer parking	1800 CenterPoint Way	164 trailer stalls, 40 cab truck stalls
Acres Truck Parking	CenterPoint Intermodal Center	Dedicated truck parking facility
CN Joliet Intermodal	785 Draper Ave	Intermodal services, restrooms, WiFi

Pilot Travel Center on Laraway Road offers the most comprehensive overnight amenities.

4. Nearby hotels and food (practical picks for drivers & sellers)

The Joliet area offers several lodging options.

4.1 Hotels within a short drive

Name	Distance	Notes
Hampton Inn Joliet/I-55	~5 miles	Free breakfast, pool
Fairfield Inn Joliet South	~5 miles	Modern amenities, near I-80
Holiday Inn Express Joliet	~6 miles	Free parking, breakfast
Comfort Inn Joliet	~5 miles	Budget option

For drivers with tractor-trailers, use Pilot or CenterPoint parking facilities.

4.2 Food and dining options

Laraway Road corridor has fast food and restaurants.
Downtown Joliet (10-15 minutes) has local dining.
Chicago (40-50 minutes) offers extensive dining options.

5. Worker and driver perspectives on MDW2

Reviews from warehouse workers and truckers highlight:

Intermodal hub: The CenterPoint Intermodal Center creates high logistics activity.
Rail connectivity: Unique access to Union Pacific and BNSF intermodal terminals.
Chicago proximity: Serves the third-largest US metro area.
Traffic considerations: I-55 and I-80 can be congested near interchanges.
Midwest weather: Winter snow and ice require preparation.

For FBA sellers: MDW2's intermodal access provides unique shipping flexibility.

6. Nearby Amazon facilities (for network awareness)

The Chicago and Illinois region hosts numerous Amazon facilities:

ORD2 – Channahon, IL – near largest inland port
ORD5 – Matteson, IL – 3.8M sqft mega facility
ORD6 – Wood Dale, IL – Chicago metro
MDW4 / MDW6 – Chicago area – sortation and delivery
MKE1 – Kenosha, WI – Chicago-Milwaukee corridor (1.1M sqft)
Multiple delivery stations throughout Chicagoland

Amazon may route shipments to different facilities based on inventory distribution needs.

7. Quick FAQ for FBA sellers shipping to MDW2

Q1: Where is MDW2 located?
MDW2 is at 250 Emerald Drive in Joliet, Illinois, near CenterPoint Intermodal Center.

Q2: What makes Joliet strategically important?
Joliet hosts North America's largest inland port with direct rail access to UP and BNSF intermodal terminals.

Q3: Do I need an appointment for LTL/FTL freight?
Yes. All appointments are managed through Carrier Central.

Q4: Is MDW2 open 24/7?
Yes—the facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q5: What highways provide access?
I-55 (Exit 253) and I-80 (Exit 132) provide access to the Joliet logistics corridor.

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 MDW2.