For cross-border e-commerce sellers, few scenarios are more frustrating than having carefully prepared shipments rejected by Amazon FBA due to non-compliance with strict standards, potentially missing crucial sales opportunities like Prime Day. To avoid such situations and ensure smooth warehouse entry, a detailed Amazon FBA logistics guide becomes essential.
Five Critical Factors for Amazon FBA Success
Successfully delivering goods to Amazon FBA warehouses requires attention to these key elements:
- Advanced Planning: Amazon's complex and frequently changing FBA policies necessitate thorough preparation and detailed logistics planning to prevent delays or rejections.
- Choosing the Right Logistics Partner: Selecting an experienced, reputable provider can streamline operations through comprehensive services including freight, customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution.
- Strict Adherence to Packaging Requirements: Amazon enforces rigorous standards for packaging, labeling, and palletization that must be precisely followed.
- Effective Inventory Management: With high FBA storage fees, sellers must maintain optimal inventory levels to avoid overstocking or shortages.
- Proactive Communication: Timely resolution of potential logistics issues requires constant coordination with service providers.
EU Amazon FBA: Creating Shipment Plans
For shipments to EU FBA warehouses, sellers must follow these steps in Seller Central:
- Log into Amazon Seller Central
- Navigate to "Manage Amazon Shipments" under Inventory
- Select shipment type (SPD or LTL)
- Add products and quantities
- Prepare shipments according to Amazon specifications
- Arrange and track freight
Key Policy Changes and Operational Considerations
Amazon's 2018 storage policy adjustments introduced higher monthly and long-term storage fees, requiring sellers to optimize inventory strategies. Recent market updates indicate potential delivery delays due to weather conditions and port congestion.
For shipment modifications, sellers can only make minor quantity changes after confirmation. Significant adjustments require canceling and recreating shipment plans. Amazon may split shipments across multiple fulfillment centers, requiring separate preparation for each destination.
Pallet Specifications and Storage Options
Full container shipments to Amazon must comply with strict pallet requirements:
- Dimensions: 40" x 48"
- Maximum height: 72"
- Maximum weight: 1,500 lbs
- Material: Wood or plastic only
For sellers needing partial fulfillment, storage services allow flexible inventory management between shipments.
Shipping Timelines and Cost Considerations
Delivery times vary significantly by method:
- Ocean freight: 2-4 weeks to U.S.
- Air freight: 3-5 days to U.S.
- Ground transport: 1-2 weeks to U.S.
Cost structures differ based on whether using Amazon's logistics services or third-party providers. Sellers should carefully evaluate LTL and UPS pricing based on weight, dimensions, and destination.
Prime Day Preparation and Regional Considerations
The annual Prime Day event creates significant supply chain pressures, requiring sellers to:
- Stock adequate inventory
- Optimize logistics channels
- Monitor stock levels closely
Regional operations in markets like Australia and the EU require specific attention to local import regulations and FBA requirements that may differ from other markets.
Labeling Requirements and Holiday Deadlines
Proper labeling varies by delivery method and is critical for warehouse acceptance. Sellers targeting holiday sales must adhere to strict fulfillment center deadlines for events like Black Friday and Christmas.