From the Editor’s Desk

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) has transformed global e-commerce, offering businesses unparalleled reach across the U.S. market. But for international exporters, the challenge lies not in securing sales, but in navigating the strict requirements of shipping palletized goods to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

Unlike standard freight operations, FBA shipments must adhere to Amazon’s detailed guidelines for palletization, labeling, and appointment scheduling. Errors in compliance can lead to rejected deliveries, extra storage costs, or delayed listings on the Amazon marketplace.

In this article, Beeontrade outlines the essentials of preparing, documenting, and shipping palletized goods to Amazon FBA USA, while highlighting strategies to reduce freight costs and maintain 3PL visibility across your digital supply chain.

Key Takeaways

FBA Compliance

• Amazon mandates strict pallet size (40” x 48”), height (max 72”), and weight (max 1,500 lbs per pallet).
• Shipments must include scannable carton and pallet labels generated from Amazon Seller Central.

Logistics & Cost Control

• Consolidating shipments into full pallets reduces per-unit freight costs compared to loose cartons.
• Choosing the right Incoterms (e.g., DDP vs. FOB) directly impacts landed costs and customs responsibilities.

3PL & Predictive Logistics

• 3PL providers with FBA experience streamline scheduling with Amazon’s Carrier Appointment Request Portal (CARP).
• Predictive logistics platforms ensure proactive visibility into delays, appointments, and inventory flow.

Preparing Palletized Goods for Amazon FBA

Pallet Standards

All pallets shipped to Amazon FBA USA must be 40” x 48” standard GMA pallets, made of sturdy wood or plastic. Pallets must not exceed 72” in height, including the pallet base, and cannot weigh more than 1,500 lbs.

Packaging Requirements

Cartons must be securely shrink-wrapped and stacked with even distribution. Overhanging cartons or damaged pallets risk rejection at Amazon’s fulfillment center.

Labeling & Documentation

Each carton must carry an Amazon-generated FNSKU barcode, while each pallet must have four scannable pallet labels. Bills of lading should clearly reference Amazon shipment IDs to prevent clearance delays.

Shipping Process and Customs Considerations

International Shipping

Exporters shipping to the USA must prepare a full set of documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, Importer Security Filing (ISF), and customs bond. Forwarders play a key role in ensuring these requirements are met.

Delivery to Amazon Fulfillment Centers

Amazon requires deliveries by appointment only. Carriers must book delivery slots via the CARP system, and failure to arrive on time can result in rejections or penalties. Using 3PLs with existing Amazon relationships can minimize disruptions.

Cost Optimization Strategies

Full Container Load (FCL) vs. Less than Container Load (LCL)

For high-volume shippers, FCL provides better freight cost reduction per pallet, while smaller shippers may benefit from forwarders consolidating LCL shipments into pallets before delivery to FBA centers.

Incoterm Selection

Using DDP shifts customs clearance and last-mile delivery to the seller, simplifying buyer experience but raising costs. FOB gives buyers more flexibility to manage freight costs with their own 3PLs.

Predictive Planning

Predictive logistics platforms allow sellers to anticipate seasonal bottlenecks at Amazon fulfillment centers and plan shipments to avoid delays and surcharges.

Beeontrade’s Perspective

At Beeontrade, we see Amazon FBA compliance not as a burden but as a gateway to efficiency. By aligning palletization, customs, and freight operations with Amazon’s requirements, shippers can achieve faster inventory turnover, reduced costs, and stronger marketplace performance. Through digital supply chain integration and 3PL visibility, exporters can approach the U.S. e-commerce market with confidence.

Sources

• Amazon FBA – Fulfillment by Amazon Guidelines
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Import Guidelines
• The Loadstar – E-commerce and Logistics Trends
• Journal of Commerce – Freight Market Insights