Shipping to Amazon FBA can be complex for DTC founders, retail marketers, and procurement leads managing fulfillment and logistics. This guide breaks down the process, costs, SLAs, and risks, helping you streamline shipments for accuracy and on-time delivery with an operator’s mindset. For deeper help and tailored support, explore All Points’ specialized       Amazon seller services.    

What Is Amazon FBA Shipping and When Should You Use It?

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) shipping refers to sending inventory from your warehouse or 3PL directly to Amazon fulfillment centers using Amazon's specific packaging, labeling, and routing requirements. Using Amazon’s “Send to Amazon” workflow in Seller Central, sellers create shipment plans and prepare goods for inbound delivery.    

When to use Amazon FBA shipping:

         
  • You sell on the Amazon Marketplace and want Amazon to handle storage, picking, packing, shipping, and customer service.
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  • You want access to Amazon Prime customers and faster delivery speeds without investing heavily in your own nationwide fulfillment network.
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  • You can maintain strict compliance with Amazon’s inbound requirements to avoid delays, rework fees, or penalties.
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Benefits of Amazon FBA shipping include:

         
  • Prime reach and improved customer conversion
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  • Predictable last-mile delivery performance via Amazon’s network
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  • Simplified internal operations so your DTC teams focus on growth and merchandising
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For a comprehensive breakdown of Amazon FBA shipping requirements and best practices, Amazon’s own resource center is invaluable: Amazon Seller Central Shipping Basics. Additionally, Jungle Scout offers an accessible overview at       Shipping to Amazon FBA.    

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Step-by-Step Workflow for Shipping to Amazon FBA

Ensuring a smooth inbound shipment to Amazon requires disciplined adherence to requirements. Use this operator-standardized workflow to optimize accuracy, speed, and compliance.    

1. Build a shipment plan in Seller Central

         
  • Use the “Send to Amazon” workflow to select SKUs and desired quantities.
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  • Decide on product prep options (who applies labels—your warehouse or Amazon).
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  • Generate all necessary shipment labels from Seller Central specific to your shipment plan.
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2. Prepare products according to Amazon specifications

         
  • Unit-level requirements: Correct scannable barcodes (FNSKU or manufacturer UPC, depending on your authorization); suffocation warnings on polybags (minimum 1.5 mil plastic thickness); bubble wrap for fragile items; expiration date labeling in MM-YYYY format; secure packaging for adult products or hazardous materials.
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  • Case packs: Prefer consistent single-SKU cases with uniform quantities; securely sealed; avoid mixed-SKU cases unless approved.
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  • Hazardous materials: Properly classify and ensure carrier and Amazon approvals.
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3. Apply labels precisely

         
  • Unit labels (FNSKU) must cover UPCs unless brand exemption applies.
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  • Carton labels generated in Seller Central must be applied flatly on a carton face, avoiding seams or edges.
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  • Pallet labels require placement on four sides at shoulder height and clearly indicate shipment IDs and pallet counts (e.g., 1 of 10).
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  • Avoid glare or smudging on labels, especially under shrink wrap.
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4. Select your shipping method

         
  • Small Parcel Delivery (SPD): Ideal for smaller quantities, usually shipped via Amazon Partnered Carriers such as UPS. Offers faster turnaround but higher per-unit cost.
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  • Less than Truckload (LTL) / Full Truckload (FTL): For palletized shipments, usually more economical per unit but requires appointment booking and longer lead times.
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5. Enter accurate shipment and carton details

         
  • Input exact carton contents, weights, and dimensions in Seller Central.
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  • For pallets, include accurate pallet counts, stackability, weight, and height; confirm use of slip sheets, corner boards, and compression wrap per Amazon’s packaging guidelines.
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  • Print and include a Bill of Lading (BOL) for freight shipments.
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6. Schedule carrier pickup or dropoff

         
  • SPD shipments can be dropped off or scheduled with Amazon Partnered Carriers.
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  • LTL/FTL shipments require appointment scheduling—only carriers integrated with Amazon’s systems can book appointments.
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7. Track shipment progress and confirm receipt

         
  • Monitor carrier tracking info and status updates in Seller Central through stages: Shipped, Delivered, Checked In, Receiving, and Closed.
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  • Immediately reconcile any missing or damaged units with documentation to avoid inventory misallocation.
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     For detailed insights on shipment creation and processing, visit Amazon’s tutorial at       How to Send Inventory to Amazon Fulfillment Centers.    

Key Amazon FBA Shipping SLAs and KPIs

Amazon enforces strict SLA targets to maintain fast and accurate inventory turns. While some timing varies by fulfillment center and season, DTC brands should manage to these targets:

Consistent achievement of these SLAs improves your visibility in Amazon’s buy box algorithm and boosts seller metrics.    

Pricing Drivers for Amazon FBA Shipments

         
  • Shipment size and weight: SPD pricing is per box, and freight costs for LTL/FTL are based on pallet count, weight, and freight class. Dimensional weight pricing is standard.
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  • Packaging complexity: Custom kitting, polybagging, bubble wrap, taping, and bundles increase labor and material costs. Non-standard carton sizes increase freight charges and handling complexity.
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  • Shipping method and proximity: SPD is faster for small, urgent shipments but carries higher per-unit costs. LTL/FTL is cost-effective for pallets but requires scheduling and can introduce delays. Locating inventory near Amazon’s FCs (e.g., below in the Atlanta advantage section) reduces freight cost and transit time.
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  • Split shipments: Amazon may split inbound shipments across multiple fulfillment centers, increasing labeling, cartons, pallets, and freight expenses. Optimizing case packs and order quantities or using Amazon’s Inventory Placement Service can reduce this risk.
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  • Non-compliance costs: Properly budgeting for accurate prep, labeling, and compliant materials can forestall costly rework fees, shipment refusals, and delayed receiving that hurt sales.
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Risks & Mitigations When Shipping to Amazon FBA

Navigating Amazon’s strict requirements entails risk. Awareness and proactive mitigation ensure smoother inbound flow:

         
  • Non-compliant packaging or labeling
    Risk: Delayed receiving, rejection, or rework fees.
    Mitigation: Strict adherence to Amazon’s current prep guides—verify barcodes at multiple QC points; use photo documentation during inspection.      
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  • Shipment inaccuracies
    Risk: Inventory misallocation, stranded ASINs, chargebacks.
    Mitigation: Use cartonization software or SOP checklists; double-check counts; secure cartons post-inspection.      
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  • Transit delays and missed appointments
    Risk: Stockouts, poor delivery SLAs, loss of Buy Box eligibility.
    Mitigation: Select reliable or Amazon Partnered Carriers; ship early in the week; build in buffer days; leverage regional advantages.      
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  • Damage in transit
    Risk: Unsellable inventory, slow claim resolutions.
    Mitigation: Right-size cartons; use adequate cushioning and corner protection; stretch-wrap properly; clearly mark handling instructions.      
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  • Unexpected cost overruns from split shipments
    Risk: Increased labor and freight expenses.
    Mitigation: Plan replenishments in case or pallet quantities aligned with your ASINs; audit shipment plans before execution.  
       

The Atlanta Advantage for Amazon FBA Shipping

Positioning inventory in Atlanta provides a strategic logistics edge for east- and southeast-based brands shipping to Amazon fulfillment centers. Roughly 80% of the U.S. population is reachable within 2-day ground transit to Amazon FCs in the East, Midwest, and South.    

Key benefits of the Atlanta hub include:

         
  • Faster dock-to-stock times from shorter linehauls and easier appointment scheduling.
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  • Lower per-unit transport cost for both SPD and LTL/FTL shipments.
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  • Improved inventory velocity and healthier in-stock rates on high-priority ASINs.
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All Points operates an Atlanta-based network delivering end-to-end services—including printing, custom kitting, warehousing, and distribution—that keeps your Amazon shipments compliant, accurate, and on schedule with real-time KPI visibility you can trust. Learn more about our warehousing and distribution solutions.    

What You Get with All Points

Partnering with All Points ensures a streamlined Amazon FBA inbound program backed by decades of 3PL experience and Amazon expertise:    

         
  • Custom kitting and labeling adhering strictly to Amazon FBA specs
    We provide retail-ready and FBA-ready packaging—including FNSKU labeling, suffocation warnings, polybagging, bubble wrap, and secure taping—to eliminate costly rework. Discover our custom kitting and product assembly services.      
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  • Integrated printing services
    All labels, inserts, instructions, and branded collateral are produced onsite, minimizing handoff errors and speeding turnaround times.      
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  • Operator-grade execution
    Documented SOPs, barcode scan validation, staged quality assurance, photo records, and SLA/KPI tracking ensure 99.99%+ accuracy and on-time dispatch.      
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  • Warehousing & distribution aligned with Amazon replenishment schedules
    We position inventory optimally, release replenishments by case and pallet, and plan waves consistent with your forecast. Details: warehousing and distribution solutions.      
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  • Comprehensive Amazon expertise
    Assistance with shipment planning, prep guidance, SPD vs LTL mode decisions, cartonization, and compliance documentation is included to reduce complexity and avoid penalties. More on our         Amazon seller services.      
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How to Decide: SPD vs. LTL/FTL (Quick Rubric)

Inbound Prep Checklist (Save This)

         
  • Units: Correct and scannable FNSKU or UPC barcodes; 1.5 mil polybags with suffocation warnings as needed; expiration dates on units and master cartons.
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  • Bundles/Sets: Clearly marked “sold as set”; sealed to prevent separation; single FNSKU per set.
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  • Cartons: Consistent case packs; comply with dimension and weight limits; avoid mixed-SKU cases unless allowed; labels printed from current Seller Central shipment plan.
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  • Pallets: Standard 40"x48"; 4-way entry; max height and weight per Amazon specs; corner boards and stretch-wrap; labels on all four sides.
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  • Documentation: Finalized carton contents matched to shipment IDs on labels; BOL printed for freight; photographic records kept.
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  • Booking: SPD dropoff or LTL/FTL pickup scheduled; appointments verified; tracking info uploaded in Seller Central.
       

Common Questions We Get (Short Answers)

How fast will Amazon receive and process my inventory?
Typically within 48–72 hours after delivery during normal periods, but timing varies by fulfillment center and peaks may extend processing time.    

Can Amazon fix prep mistakes?
Sometimes but at a rework fee and with delay risk. Shipping compliant inventory upfront is always faster and cheaper.    

What causes split shipments?
Amazon’s network load balancing and inventory distribution strategy split your units across FCs. Optimizing case packs and order sizes reduces splits.    

What if I don’t have barcodes ready?
We print and apply compliant FNSKU labels and inserts onsite—cutting handoffs and speeding execution.    

How do I control costs?
Standardize case packs; lock down strict prep SOPs; carefully select SPD or LTL mode; audit shipment plans before labeling.    

Example SLA/KPI Cadence with All Points

         
  • 100% pre-shipment quality assurance via sample scans and photographic evidence.
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  • 100% on-time dispatch compared to agreed ship dates.
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  • 99.99%+ carton content accuracy target.
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  • Weekly reporting of shipment status (shipped, receiving, closed) plus exception logs with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
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The Bottom Line

Shipping the best way to Amazon FBA requires discipline: precise prep, correct mode selection, accuracy in documentation, and close dock-to-stock tracking. Consolidate your entire FBA inbound program—kitting, labeling, printing, warehousing, and outbound—under one experienced roof close to Amazon’s fulfillment lanes. Doing so reduces surprises, accelerates inventory turns, and improves your customer experience.    

   

FAQ

What are the packaging requirements for Amazon FBA shipments?
Amazon requires scannable barcodes (FNSKU/UPC), polybags with suffocation warnings, sealed bundles, expiration dates in MM-YYYY format on all packaging levels, and standardized cartons and pallets as per their specs.    

How long does Amazon take to process inbound shipments?
On average, 48–72 hours from delivery to inventory being sellable—but varies by FC and seasonal volume.    

What shipping methods work best for Amazon FBA freight?
SPD fits small and urgent replenishments; LTL/FTL is better for pallets and cost savings. Amazon Partnered Carriers simplify appointment setup and receiving.    

How does All Points ensure shipment accuracy to Amazon?
Through SOP-driven prep, barcode scan validation, photo QA, cartonization checks, and shipment audits, All Points targets 99.99% + accuracy and timely dispatch.    

What penalties apply to non-compliant Amazon shipments?
Fees for rework, delays in receiving, shipment refusals, and inventory stranded at FCs. Compliance-first preparation avoids these costly setbacks.    

Disclaimer

All operational details and recommended practices conform with Amazon’s current guidelines but are subject to change as Amazon updates its policies. Always verify the latest requirements in Seller Central. All Points provides guidance based on industry standards and does not guarantee outcomes. Shipping decisions should be tailored to your unique business context.    

For additional resources and expert advice on shipping to Amazon FBA, check the following trusted references:

Conclusion

Mastering Amazon FBA shipping means precise prep, mode choice, and compliance to avoid costly delays. This guide helps DTC brands streamline labeling, packing, and scheduling for on-time delivery and inventory accuracy. Partner with experts like All Points to simplify your FBA inbound process and boost your Amazon success.

Streamline your Amazon FBA shipping with All Points!

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