A guide to shipping for Amazon FBA
Shipping your products to an Amazon warehouse for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) may seem challenging, especially if you're new to the platform. But understanding the best way to ship to Amazon FBA will help ensure your inventory arrives on time and efficiently. In this guide, we'll explore FBA Amazon shipping requirements, break down the costs, and share strategies for sending your products to Amazon FBA seamlessly.
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Understanding Amazon FBA shipping requirements
Amazon FBA is a service that allows sellers to store products in Amazon's warehouses while the platform handles storage, packaging, shipping, customer service, and returns. Amazon FBA is ideal for businesses to expand their reach without adding the complexity of logistics.
Packaging for Amazon FBA
Making sure your products are packaged and labeled according to Amazon’s FBA guidelines will ensure they arrive safely and are easy to process at the fulfillment center. Use sturdy, right-sized boxes and pack items snugly to prevent damage and make the most of your shipping costs.
Approved Carriers
Amazon only accepts shipments from approved LTL carriers. Avoid costly mistakes by booking shipments with Freightquote’s easy online tool. Check the box for "Deliver to an Amazon warehouse" to automatically filter to approved Amazon LTL carriers. This will help you save time while adhering to Amazon’s guidelines.
Booking Amazon FBA with Freightquote
When booking an Amazon FBA shipment using Freightquote’s tool, include Amazon-specific details in the booking process so they appear on the Bill of Lading (BOL) for smooth transfer to the Amazon Warehouse. These details can be added in the “special instructions” and “delivery details” field during booking:
- Amazon PO Numbers
- FBA shipment ID
- Appointment time for full truckload shipments
Creating an FBA Shipment: A step-by-step process
Creating a shipment plan is an important part of successful FBA shipping. Through your Amazon Seller Central account, you’ll enter product details and choose which fulfillment center your items will ship to.
Follow this simple ‘send to Amazon’ workflow to make the process even easier:
- 1. Log in to your Amazon Seller Central dashboard and select the products you want to send to FBA. Make sure they’re eligible for FBA, or convert them if they’re not.
- 2. Get your products ready by securely packing them in Amazon-approved boxes. Use the right packing materials to protect items during shipping. Each unit needs to be labeled with a unique FNSKU, following Amazon's labeling rules.
- 3. Use the 'Send to Amazon' tool to create your shipment plan. Enter the product quantities, choose a shipping method, and note which fulfillment center(s) Amazon assigns—sometimes you’ll need to split your shipment between a few locations.
- 4. Once your shipment details are confirmed, include the packing slip in your shipment.
- 5. Quote and book your shipments using Freightquote’s online tool.
Best practices for shipping to Amazon FBA
Plan ahead
- Use Amazon Seller Central tools to forecast demand and book shipments early.
- Plan well in advance for Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday surges.
- Remember: Amazon may not accept deliveries on your preferred timeline—early planning helps avoid stockouts.
Prepare for delays
- All truckload shipments to Amazon require delivery appointments.
- Let Freightquote by C.H. Robinson handle scheduling—we manage thousands daily.
- Track your shipment status to stay informed and adjust if Amazon reschedules.
Find opportunities to save
- Combine shipments to save on freight costs.
- Avoid last-minute or expedited shipping to protect your budget.
- Leverage an online tool like Freightquote to quickly compare quotes and identify freight savings opportunities.
Cost considerations when shipping to Amazon FBA
Shipping to Amazon FBA isn’t just about getting your products from point A to point B—it’s also about making smart decisions to stay profitable. Costs can sneak up on you, from carrier fees to Amazon’s own charges for storage and fulfillment. Understanding where your money goes (and how to save) can make a big difference.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key cost areas to keep on your radar, along with some helpful tips:
| Cost category | What to know | Tips to save |
|---|---|---|
| Freight & Shipping | Rates depend on carrier, box size, weight, and destination. Charges often include a base rate, fuel surcharge, and extra service fees. | Use tools like Freightquote to compare rates and find the best shipping options for your budget. |
| Amazon Storage Fees | Amazon Storage Fees Monthly fees are based on how much space your inventory takes up. Expect higher fees during Q4. Long-term storage kicks in after 271 days. Keep stock moving and avoid overstocking. Monitor inventory regularly to avoid long-term fees. | Keep stock moving and avoid overstocking. Monitor inventory regularly to avoid long-term fees. |
| FBA Fulfillment Fees | These are per-unit fees Amazon charges to pick, pack, and ship your orders. Costs go up with item size and weight. | Factor these into your pricing and stay aware of any changes Amazon makes to fee structures. |
It helps to look at your shipping costs alongside storage and fulfillment fees, since all three affect your bottom line. Planning ahead, staying organized, and using comparison tools can go a long way in keeping your FBA operation running efficiently—and profitably.
Freightquote simplifies FBA shipping
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When you need to ship building and construction materials across the United States and Canada, whether it's a single pallet of bricks or a bulk shipment of steel beams, you deserve reliable freight shipping services that ensure safe and timely transportation.
Freightquote specializes in handling complex construction material shipments, including oversized and heavy items that demand special care. Trust our expertise in shipping building and construction materials to simplify the process for small and growing businesses like yours.
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