Amazon could be forced to sell logistics business under Bill

Workers fulfil orders at an Amazon fulfilment centre on Prime Day. A proposed Antitrust Bill may force Amazon to sell of its valuable logistics services division, that is accused of monopolistic practices. — Bloomberg

Amazon.com Inc. could be forced to sell its valuable logistics services division — the network of warehouses and delivery hubs around the country that power quick delivery of online orders — under antitrust legislation proposed by a congresswoman from Amazon’s hometown of Seattle, according to a spokesman for the lawmaker.

Washington Democrat Pramila Jayapal has proposed a bill with bipartisan support that would prevent Amazon from luring sellers to use its logistics services in exchange for preferential treatment on its busy web store. Nearly 85% of Amazon’s biggest sellers use its Fulfillment by Amazon service, paying the online retailer fees for warehouse storage, packing and shipping of their products, according to a report last October from Democratic staff on the House Judiciary Committee’s antitrust panel.