Amazon Freight Opens Full-Truckload Shipping to Seller Fulfillment Center Deliveries
Amazon has launched Amazon Freight, a full‑truckload (FTL) shipping service accessible via a new tab in Seller Central, offering 24‑hour to 10‑day booking windows, a pallet‑exchange program, and unified invoicing. High‑volume sellers can move up to 45 pallets (≈22,000 lb) in a single booking, replacing multiple LTL contracts and cutting logistics paperwork by ~40%.
Overview
Amazon has launched a full‑truckload (FTL) freight service that lets sellers ship palletized inventory directly to Amazon fulfillment centers or any other destination they choose. The new offering, called Amazon Freight, combines Amazon’s own transportation network with a web‑based portal, real‑time visibility and a dedicated support team. High‑volume sellers should pay attention because the service promises to replace multiple carrier contracts with a single, Amazon‑managed solution.
Key Points
- FTL capability — Sellers can move an entire truckload of pallets in one booking, eliminating the need to coordinate several less‑than‑truckload (LTL) carriers for a large restock.
- 24‑hour to 10‑day booking windows — A pickup can be arranged with as little as one day’s notice for urgent replenishment, or scheduled up to ten days ahead for routine shipments.
- Pallet exchange program – During transit Amazon will swap out damaged or missing pallets, removing the common cost of pallet loss and the administrative burden of returns.
- Unified management portal — All steps—booking, live tracking, invoicing and payment—are handled inside the seller’s existing Amazon Seller Central dashboard.
- Dedicated account assistance — Each participating seller receives a named account manager and 24/7 support, streamlining issue resolution while the load is in motion.
How Amazon Freight Works
- Access the portal — The seller logs into Amazon Seller Central, selects the “Amazon Freight” tab, and opens a new shipment request. For example, a toy manufacturer needing to replenish 30,000 units can start the process with a single click.
- Enter shipment details — The user inputs pallet count, weight, dimensions, and the desired fulfillment center or alternate address. In a typical case, a seller of home‑goods might enter 45 pallets weighing 22,000 lb destined for the PHX2 fulfillment hub.
- Choose a pickup window — The system presents available slots ranging from next‑day to ten days out. A seller facing a sudden stock‑out can select the 24‑hour slot, while a seasonal planner may lock in a date two weeks ahead.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
Consolidating carrier management into one Amazon‑managed contract reduces admin time and eliminates separate invoicing, saving roughly 40% of logistics paperwork effort. The pallet‑exchange program removes recurring costs from lost or damaged pallets, and the 24‑hour booking option lets sellers restock critical SKUs within a day, improving inventory availability.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Freight provides full‑truckload (FTL) shipping via a new Amazon Freight tab in Seller Central.
- Booking windows range from 24 hours to 10 days, allowing urgent restocks or scheduled shipments.
- The pallet exchange program swaps damaged or missing pallets during transit, eliminating typical pallet‑loss costs.
- A single FTL booking can handle up to 45 pallets (≈22,000 lb) to a fulfillment center, cutting carrier contracts by up to three.
Recommended Actions
- →Log into Seller Central, open the ‘Amazon Freight’ tab, and create a new shipment request with pallet count, weight, dimensions, and destination.
- →Select the desired pickup window (e.g., 24‑hour slot for urgent stock) and confirm to generate the tracking number.
- →Enroll in the pallet exchange program under Freight settings to avoid pallet‑loss fees.
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