Skip to content

Amazon Quote by Scott Galloway

“In early 2016, Amazon was given a license by the Federal Maritime Commission to implement ocean freight services as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary. So, Amazon can now ship others’ goods. This new service, dubbed Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), won’t do much directly for individual consumers…” quote by Scott Galloway
Download Open image
““In early 2016, Amazon was given a license by the Federal Maritime Commission to implement ocean freight services as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary. So, Amazon can now ship others’ goods. This new service, dubbed Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), won’t do much directly for individual consumers. But it will allow Amazon’s Chinese partners to more easily and cost-effectively get their products across the Pacific in containers. Want to bet how long it will take Amazon to dominate the oceanic transport business? 67 The market to ship stuff (mostly) across the Pacific is a $ 350 billion business, but a low-margin one. Shippers charge $ 1,300 to ship a forty-foot container holding up to 10,000 units of product (13 cents per unit, or just under $ 10 to deliver a flatscreen TV). It’s a down-and-dirty business, unless you’re Amazon. The biggest component of that cost comes from labor: unloading and loading the ships and the paperwork. Amazon can deploy hardware (robotics) and software to reduce these costs. Combined with the company’s fledgling aircraft fleet, this could prove another huge business for Amazon. 68 Between drones, 757/ 767s, tractor trailers, trans-Pacific shipping, and retired military generals (no joke) who oversaw the world’s most complex logistics operations (try supplying submarines and aircraft carriers that don’t surface or dock more than once every six months), Amazon is building the most robust logistics infrastructure in history. If you’re like me, this can only leave you in awe: I can’t even make sure I have Gatorade in the fridge when I need it.””

Scott Galloway

About This Quote

Source Article: The Economist, “Amazon’s Ocean Freight Ambitions”, 2016

Amazon’s entry into ocean freight leverages its logistics tech to cut costs, threatening traditional low‑margin shipping firms.

In simple terms: Amazon may dominate cheap shipping by automating labor and using its fleet.

Key Takeaway

Watch how tech can reshape a $350 billion market.

Themes

logistics technology competition economics automation

Mood

optimistic analytical cautious

Type

business strategic forecasting

When to use this quote

  • import/export businesses
  • e‑commerce sellers
  • freight forwarders
  • retail supply chains

Key Concepts

supply chain optimization economies of scale disruption

Questions to Reflect On

  • How will traditional shippers respond?
  • What risks does Amazon face in scaling ocean logistics?
A Different Perspective

Amazon still faces regulatory hurdles and entrenched industry relationships.

2.1 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Scott Galloway

Explore all 26 Scott Galloway quotes

More Amazon quotes

Browse all 434 Amazon quotes