As competition intensifies in the U.S. e-commerce market, an increasing number of Amazon sellers are adopting multi-warehouse air shipping strategies to reduce delivery times and enhance customer experience. However, this seemingly convenient approach conceals numerous operational requirements that, if overlooked, may lead to cargo delays, unexpected fees, or even disruptions to store operations.
Warehouse Allocation: Precision Matters
Amazon's FBA program enforces strict requirements for multi-warehouse shipments. To avoid additional configuration fees, sellers must ensure products are evenly distributed across at least five boxes, with identical SKU combinations and quantities in each container. This demands meticulous planning—any imbalance in product distribution across warehouses may result in delayed processing or rejection.
Weight and dimension specifications require equal attention:
- Individual boxes should not exceed 32kg (70lbs)
- "Team Lift" labels must be prominently displayed on boxes over 30kg (66lbs)
- Maximum single dimension: 152cm (60 inches)
- Total girth (length + width×2 + height×2): ≤330cm (130 inches)
Packaging Standards: Compliance is Non-Negotiable
Five-layer corrugated boxes are mandatory for all shipments. Prohibited materials include:
- Used containers
- Packaging with external branding
- Wooden crates or metal frames
Internal packaging must utilize protective materials like bubble wrap to minimize movement during transit. Fragile items require clear "FRAGILE" markings. Labeling protocols dictate:
- FBA labels must completely obscure original box markings
- ASIN codes and box IDs must remain scannable
- Warehouse-specific addresses and allocation numbers are mandatory
- "Made in China" declarations must appear on all containers
- Specialized labels (UN markings for batteries, etc.) where applicable
Customs Documentation: Accuracy Ensures Smooth Transit
Each shipment requires separate commercial invoices and packing lists with perfectly matching:
- Product descriptions
- HS codes
- Declared values
Multi-category shipments demand warehouse-specific breakdowns. Common compliance requirements include:
- UN38.3 certification for battery-containing products
- FDA documentation for cosmetics/medical devices
Logistics Strategy: Alignment Optimizes Efficiency
Effective multi-warehouse distribution requires:
- Carriers supporting multi-address delivery
- Partners with U.S.-based sorting facilities
- Route optimization (LAX for West Coast, JFK/ORD for East Coast)
Amazon's system requires separate shipment creations for each warehouse location. Small-volume distributions may utilize manual multi-shipment setups to meet carrier minimums (e.g., UPS's 23kg requirement).
Successful implementation of multi-warehouse air shipping demands comprehensive attention to inventory distribution, packaging standards, regulatory compliance, and carrier selection. Only through rigorous adherence to these protocols can sellers minimize operational risks and maximize logistical efficiency.