DCA1 — Amazon Fulfillment Center DCA1
1700 Sparrows Point Boulevard, Sparrows Point, MD 21219
DCA1 Amazon Fulfillment Center – Sparrows Point, MD 21219 (2026 Complete Guide)
Warehouse code: DCA1
Facility type: Robotics fulfillment center
Full address: 1700 Sparrows Point Boulevard, Sparrows Point, MD 21219, United States
Scale: 855,000 square feet
Opened: 2019
Workforce size: 1,500+ full-time employees
Location: Tradepoint Atlantic, Baltimore County
Note: This guide summarizes common practices and experiences for DCA1. For any shipment, Amazon's current Seller Central and Carrier Central documentation always takes priority.
1. Why DCA1 matters in Amazon's network (2026 snapshot)
DCA1 is Amazon's 855,000 square foot robotics fulfillment center at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, Maryland—the massive redevelopment of the former Bethlehem Steel site in Baltimore County. The facility opened in 2019 and employs over 1,500 full-time workers.
Tradepoint Atlantic is a 3,100-acre logistics campus that has become one of the East Coast's most important industrial developments. DCA1's location provides:
- Port of Baltimore – direct access to one of the East Coast's busiest ports
- I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) – circling the metro area
- I-95 – Eastern Seaboard corridor
- I-895 (Harbor Tunnel) – direct harbor crossing
- BWI Airport – air cargo connectivity
The "DCA" code references Washington-area fulfillment, reflecting the facility's role serving both the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas—a combined population exceeding 9 million.
2. Core questions from FBA sellers & truck drivers (2026 answers)
2.1 Do I need an appointment to deliver to DCA1?
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.
Baltimore-Washington corridor logistics volume is significant—plan accordingly.
2.2 What are the receiving hours?
DCA1 operates with standard fulfillment center schedules. Always confirm your specific appointment window through Carrier Central.
2.3 How long does unloading usually take?
- Scheduled appointments during normal periods typically see efficient processing.
- Peak season can result in longer dwell times.
Baltimore traffic on I-695 and I-95 can be congested—factor in extra transit time.
2.4 What pallet and packaging rules apply?
- 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.
- Labeling: Clear, scannable FBA labels on all cartons and pallets.
2.5 What are the most common causes of rejection or delay?
- 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.
- Baltimore tunnel/bridge traffic – harbor crossings can cause delays.
3. Traffic, routing and parking tips for truck drivers
3.1 Recommended approach route
DCA1 is located at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point:
- From I-695 East, take Exit 41 (North Point Blvd / MD-151) and head south.
- Continue to Sparrows Point Boulevard.
- The facility is at 1700 Sparrows Point Boulevard.
From I-95, connect to I-695 East and take Exit 41. Avoid the Harbor Tunnel (I-895) during rush hours.
3.2 On-site check-in and staging
- 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 Baltimore / Sparrows Point area truck parking options:
| Location | Address | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dundalk Truck Parking | 6701 Dunhill Rd, Dundalk | Fenced, 24/7 CCTV, security, $25/day |
| TA Truck Stop #216 | 5501 O'Donnell St, Baltimore (I-95 Exit 57) | Full services, showers, ~8 miles |
| TA Truck Stop #151 | Jessup, MD (I-95 Exit 41A) | Full services, ~20 miles |
| New Transit Truck Stop | Millersville, MD (I-97 Exit 10) | Overnight parking, ~14 miles |
Dundalk Truck Parking is the closest option, 5 minutes from I-695, I-895, and I-95.
4. Nearby hotels and food
4.1 Hotels within a short drive
| Name | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton Inn Dundalk | ~5 miles | Free breakfast, near I-695 |
| Holiday Inn Express White Marsh | ~8 miles | Modern amenities, pool |
| Comfort Inn Essex | ~6 miles | Budget option, free parking |
| Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport | ~20 miles | Full-service, airport access |
4.2 Food and dining options
- North Point Blvd corridor has various restaurants.
- Dundalk (5-10 minutes) has local dining.
- Downtown Baltimore (20 minutes) offers Inner Harbor restaurants, crab houses, and diverse cuisine.
- Fells Point (15 minutes) has waterfront dining.
5. Worker and driver perspectives on DCA1
- Tradepoint Atlantic: Former Bethlehem Steel site, now a world-class logistics campus.
- Port access: Direct connection to the Port of Baltimore.
- Robotics facility: Advanced automation for efficient processing.
- Baltimore-DC corridor: Serves a combined 9+ million population.
- Harbor crossings: Plan routes to avoid tunnel/bridge congestion.
6. Nearby Amazon facilities
- DCA6 – Baltimore, MD – additional Baltimore capacity
- BWI1 – Sterling, VA – Northern Virginia
- BWI2 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore metro
- EWR4 – Robbinsville, NJ – Northeast corridor
- Multiple delivery stations throughout Maryland and Virginia
7. Quick FAQ
Q1: How big is DCA1?
DCA1 is 855,000 square feet at Tradepoint Atlantic.
Q2: What is Tradepoint Atlantic?
A 3,100-acre logistics campus built on the former Bethlehem Steel site in Sparrows Point.
Q3: When did DCA1 open?
DCA1 opened in 2019 and employs 1,500+ full-time workers.
Q4: Does DCA1 use robotics?
Yes—DCA1 is a robotics fulfillment center.
Q5: Do I need an appointment?
Yes. All appointments are managed through Carrier Central.
Last updated: March 14, 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 DCA1.