As major sales events approach, Amazon sellers are confronting two critical operational challenges that could disrupt their business plans: intensified scrutiny of FBA shipment labels and widespread warehouse congestion at key fulfillment centers.
I. The "Multiple Consignees" Label Controversy: Facts and Mitigation Strategies
Recent reports circulating within the e-commerce community indicate U.S. Customs is strictly enforcing compliance on FBA shipments where label information shows discrepancies in consignee details. The primary concern involves mismatches between the company name on FBA labels and the importer of record information used for customs clearance.
Key Developments:
- Core Issue: Customs authorities may reject shipments if the destination company name on FBA labels doesn't match the importer's tax identification information used for clearance.
- Logistics Recommendations: Some freight forwarders advise removing or obscuring company names on labels to prevent clearance complications.
Industry Perspectives:
While some sellers question the validity of these reports, multiple logistics providers confirm actual cases of container inspections and month-long delays. Industry veterans note that customs verification of importer authenticity isn't new, though enforcement methods vary beyond just examining "multiple consignee" scenarios.
Recommended Actions:
- Pre-Printing Adjustment: Remove company names from FBA labels before printing to maintain clear consignee information.
- Post-Printing Modification: For already printed labels, completely obscure company names using permanent markers to prevent any legibility.
II. Amazon Warehouse Congestion: Critical Locations and Operational Workarounds
Compounding label concerns, fulfillment center capacity issues are creating significant logistical bottlenecks. Multiple facilities report appointment cancellations, scheduling delays, and extended processing times that threaten to disrupt inventory availability during peak sales periods.
Most Affected Locations:
- West Coast: ABQ2 (severe congestion, rejecting shipments), ONT8, SBD1, MIT2, GEU3, PSC2 (limited appointments), LAX9, LGB8, GYR2 (appointment delays)
- East Coast: TPA2, AVP1, MEM1 (appointment delays of 1+ weeks), ABE8 (severe congestion with 3+ week scheduling delays)
Business Impacts:
- Delayed warehouse intake disrupting sales timelines
- Slower product shelving creating inventory backlogs
- Potential stockouts of high-demand items during critical sales windows
Contingency Planning:
- Route shipments to alternative fulfillment centers with better capacity
- Build additional lead time into shipping schedules
- Consider multi-warehouse distribution strategies
- Monitor real-time logistics updates for dynamic adjustments
- Maintain close communication with logistics partners
III. Sales Event Preparation: Strategic Planning for Peak Performance
With major promotional events approaching, sellers must prioritize addressing both label compliance and warehouse capacity challenges to ensure uninterrupted operations.
- Conduct thorough FBA label verification before shipment
- Select optimal shipping methods based on current conditions
- Implement advanced inventory positioning
- Enhance product listings for maximum visibility
- Develop targeted promotional campaigns
Successful participation in major sales events requires comprehensive preparation to navigate operational complexities while capitalizing on increased consumer demand.