RDU1 — Amazon Fulfillment Center RDU1
4851 Jones Sausage Rd, GARNER, NC 27529-9438
RDU1 Amazon Fulfillment Center – Garner, NC 27529 (2025 Complete Guide)
Warehouse code: RDU1
Facility type: Multi-story robotics sortable fulfillment center
Full address: 4851 Jones Sausage Road, Garner, NC 27529, United States
Scale: Approximately 2.6 million square feet across four floors
Opened: August 1, 2020
Workforce size: Approximately 4,000-4,300 workers across four shifts
Note: This guide summarizes common practices and experiences for RDU1. For any shipment, Amazon's current Seller Central and Carrier Central documentation always takes priority.
1. Why RDU1 matters in Amazon's network (2025 snapshot)
RDU1 is one of Amazon's largest fulfillment centers on the East Coast and a flagship facility in the Southeast. Located in Garner (part of the Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle area), the facility spans approximately 2.6 million square feet across four floors—making it among the biggest in Amazon's entire network.
The facility opened on August 1, 2020, built on the brownfield site of a former ConAgra Slim Jim processing plant. RDU1 is highly automated, utilizing Hercules robotic transporters and mechanical arms to handle smaller sortable items (up to 18.5 inches). The facility can ship up to 600,000 packages daily, serving customers across the southeastern United States.
North Carolina's central East Coast location and strong transportation infrastructure (including I-40, I-95, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport) make RDU1 strategically positioned to reach customers from Virginia to Florida and beyond.
RDU1 has also been at the center of high-profile worker organizing efforts, with the Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE) group formed by workers in response to workplace concerns.
2. Core questions from FBA sellers & truck drivers (2025 answers)
2.1 Do I need an appointment to deliver to RDU1?
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 this massive facility handles enormous volume.
2.2 What are the receiving hours?
RDU1 operates 24/7 with four different shift patterns. Typical shift schedules include:
- Day Shift: Approximately 06:00 – 16:30 (Eastern Time)
- Night Shift: Approximately 18:00 – 04:30 (Eastern Time)
- Early Morning Shift: Various start times
- Weekend Shift: Available for coverage
Always confirm your specific appointment window through Carrier Central.
2.3 What types of products does RDU1 handle?
RDU1 is a sortable fulfillment center handling smaller items up to approximately 18.5 inches. The facility performs:
- Inbound receiving
- Stowing inventory
- Picking and packing orders
- Shipping packages
The robotics systems (Hercules transporters) are optimized for these smaller, sortable items.
2.4 What pallet and packaging rules apply?
RDU1 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; double-stacked under 100 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 Does RDU1 handle hazardous materials?
RDU1 is a sortable fulfillment center for standard consumer goods. Hazmat and oversized items are 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.
- Volume backlogs – peak periods can create receiving delays at high-volume facilities.
3. Traffic, routing and parking tips for truck drivers
3.1 Recommended approach route
RDU1 is located in Garner, south of Raleigh:
- From I-40, take Exit 303 or Exit 312 and follow signs to Jones Sausage Road / NC-42.
- The facility is at 4851 Jones Sausage Road, in an industrial area south of I-40.
A truck-specific GPS is recommended to navigate the Raleigh-area highway system.
3.2 On-site check-in and staging
At RDU1:
- Stop at the security checkpoint and present ID, BOL, and Amazon reference numbers.
- Wait for dock or staging instructions—this large facility has multiple dock areas.
- Follow posted speed limits, PPE requirements, and chocking rules.
Plan off-site rest at nearby truck stops if approaching hours-of-service limits.
3.3 Nearby truck stops and parking
The Garner / I-40 corridor has several truck-friendly facilities:
| Truck Stop | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ballpark #44 Travel Center | 5477 NC Hwy 42, Garner (I-40 Exit 312) | 24-hour diesel, convenience store, fast food, multiple fuel lanes |
| Wilco Travel Plaza #6985 | I-40 Exit 312, Hwy 42 NW | Truck parking, diesel pumps |
| Speedway | 4541 Jones Sausage Rd, Garner (Exit 303) | 24/7 store, 2-3 truck parking spots, diesel |
The Ballpark Travel Center at Exit 312 offers the most comprehensive services near RDU1.
4. Nearby hotels and food (practical picks for drivers & sellers)
The Garner area (I-40 Exit 312 corridor) offers several lodging options.
4.1 Hotels within a short drive
| Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton Inn Raleigh/Clayton I-40 | 100 Hampton Drive, Garner | Free breakfast, pool, WiFi, near Exit 312 |
| Comfort Inn Garner | 126 Cleveland Crossing Dr | Outdoor pool, free breakfast and parking |
| Sleep Inn Garner | 105 Commerce Parkway | Smoke-free, free WiFi & breakfast |
| Holiday Inn Express Garner | 105 Leone Court | Upper-midscale, suite rooms available |
| Super 8 Motel Garner | 101 Leone Court | Budget option, outdoor pool |
| Econo Lodge Garner | 1602 Mechanical Blvd | Budget friendly, truck parking available |
For drivers with tractor-trailers, call ahead to confirm parking.
4.2 Food and dining options
- NC-42 / Exit 312 corridor has numerous fast-food and restaurant options.
- Downtown Garner (5-10 minutes) has additional local restaurants.
- Raleigh (15-20 minutes north) offers extensive dining options.
5. Worker and driver perspectives on RDU1
Reviews from warehouse workers and truckers highlight:
- Massive scale: At 2.6 million square feet across four floors, RDU1 is one of Amazon's largest facilities—expect a structured, high-volume environment.
- High automation: Hercules robots and mechanical arms handle much of the movement, with workers performing picking, packing, and quality tasks.
- Four shifts: The facility runs around the clock with day, night, early morning, and weekend shifts.
- Peak periods: Mandatory overtime is common during Prime Day and Q4 holidays, with shifts potentially extending to 60 hours/week.
- Worker organizing: CAUSE has been active in organizing efforts; a union election was held in February 2025.
For FBA sellers: plan for volume and potential receiving delays at this massive facility, especially during peak periods.
6. Nearby Amazon facilities (for network awareness)
The Raleigh-Durham and North Carolina region hosts multiple Amazon facilities:
- RDU5 – Durham, NC – additional fulfillment capacity
- CLT2 / CLT3 / CLT4 – Charlotte area – serving western North Carolina
- Multiple delivery stations throughout the Triangle and North Carolina
Amazon may route shipments to different facilities based on inventory distribution needs.
7. Quick FAQ for FBA sellers shipping to RDU1
Q1: How big is RDU1?
Approximately 2.6 million square feet across four floors—one of Amazon's largest facilities.
Q2: When did RDU1 open?
RDU1 opened on August 1, 2020.
Q3: What does RDU1 specialize in?
Smaller sortable items up to approximately 18.5 inches, using robotics for efficient processing.
Q4: Do I need an appointment for LTL/FTL freight?
Yes. All appointments are managed through Carrier Central.
Q5: How many packages does RDU1 ship daily?
Up to 600,000 packages per day.
Q6: Is there overnight truck parking nearby?
Yes. The Ballpark Travel Center at I-40 Exit 312 offers truck parking and services.
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 RDU1.