Overview

Amazon is reminding sellers to secure their Amazon Freight delivery appointments well ahead of the winter holiday season, warning that fulfilment centre capacity fills up quickly during peak periods. For sellers relying on palletised FBA shipments, early booking is essential to avoid stockouts during the most profitable quarter of the year.

What's Changing

• Delivery slots filling faster — Appointment windows at fulfilment centres become increasingly scarce as the holiday season approaches, with late bookers facing significant delays
• Cancellation fees apply — Sellers who cancel booked freight slots may be charged fees, making rescheduling the preferred option when plans change
• Receiving capacity is limited — Amazon's fulfilment network operates near maximum capacity during Q4, and shipments without proper appointments may sit in queue for extended periods
• Direct revenue impact — Poor freight planning during peak season leads to stockouts that damage sales, rankings, and account metrics

Why Early Booking Is Critical

The winter holiday season drives the majority of annual revenue for many Amazon sellers, with customer demand surging from late October through December. During this window, competition for inbound delivery appointments at fulfilment centres intensifies dramatically. Sellers who delay booking their freight slots often find preferred time windows already taken, leaving them with less convenient appointments or delays that push inventory arrival past key selling dates like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Booking early gives sellers the ability to choose preferred delivery windows and carrier assignments, which is particularly valuable for those managing large volumes of palletised inventory. It also creates a buffer against unexpected transit delays, providing flexibility to adjust plans without losing queue position entirely.

Labelling and Compliance Can Make or Break Your Shipment

One of the most frequent causes of delivery rejections at fulfilment centres is incorrect or incomplete pallet labelling. Amazon requires every inbound pallet to display accurate shipment details including pallet counts, unit counts, total weights, and the FBA reference number. During the holiday rush, a rejected shipment could mean days or weeks of delay before a new appointment becomes available.