Hard to believe that Amazon is going to move the needle much with something like this. Shipping is already fast. Getting it where it needs to be is obvious. As you have noted there are many examples of manufacturers anticipating demand and doing something similar. But they don't have or file for patents. What about a patent for anticipating that your chain restaurant will need less help on certain days of the year or when it rains? Most business would not waste time on this thing (patents) although they do these things if they can. They don't crow about it though (unless they are doing a dog and pony show).
This is the type of thing that most companies would do in many cases and never talk about. Because they aren't as obsessed with creating an image of invincibility which Amazon spends so much time with. [1] It's kind of like the shock and awe of US Military propaganda (where they show the well oiled military machine.) People eat this type of thing up. "Oh look how special Amazon is".
[1] To scare off competition. Look how mighty we are. Look at the barriers to competing with us!