Amazon Launches Cross-Border Pallet Shipping for UK Sellers Expanding to EU Markets
Amazon has launched a new pallet shipping solution for UK sellers to send inventory to EU fulfillment centers, partnering with UPS SCS for transport and AVASK for customs brokerage at €60 per shipment, with promotional onboarding incentives for new users.
Overview
Amazon has introduced a cross-border pallet shipping solution for UK-based sellers sending inventory to EU fulfillment centers. The service, powered by a partnership between UPS Supply Chain Solutions and tax compliance firm AVASK, offers a more cost-effective alternative to small-parcel shipping for sellers moving larger quantities of stock across the English Channel.
Key Points
- Pallet-based cross-border shipping — UK sellers can ship inventory to EU fulfillment centers using full pallets rather than small-parcel solutions
- UPS SCS transport partnership — UPS Supply Chain Solutions handles freight and logistics for cross-border shipments
- AVASK brokerage services — AVASK provides customs brokerage support and indirect representation for EU compliance at €60 per shipment
- Promotional onboarding incentives — New users receive free account setup, one year of free indirect representation, and free brokerage on first three shipments
How Pallet Shipping Works
- Integrated workflow — Pallet shipping option integrated into Amazon's existing cross-border fulfillment workflow for UK sellers
- Consolidated shipments — Ship products on full pallets as single consignments instead of breaking inventory into individual small parcels
- Per-unit cost reduction — Pallet format reduces per-unit shipping costs, especially for high-volume or bulky products
- UPS tracking — Reliable transit times and tracking capabilities through UPS SCS infrastructure
Customs and Compliance
- €60 per-shipment brokerage — AVASK handles customs documentation, duty calculations, and border clearance for each shipment
- Indirect representation — AVASK acts as importer of record on behalf of seller, taking shared liability for customs compliance (required for non-EU businesses)
- No EU entity needed — UK sellers without EU-based legal entity can ship cross-border through AVASK's indirect representation
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
UK sellers expanding into EU marketplaces now have a more cost-effective way to ship inventory in bulk via pallets instead of small parcels. The integrated brokerage and customs compliance support removes a major post-Brexit friction point that has deterred many sellers from EU expansion.
Key Takeaways
- UK sellers can now ship pallets (not just small parcels) to EU fulfillment centers through Amazon's integrated cross-border solution
- UPS SCS handles freight transport while AVASK provides customs brokerage at €60 per shipment with indirect representation
- New users get free account setup, one year of free indirect representation, and free brokerage on their first three shipments
- Pallet shipping significantly reduces per-unit costs for high-volume sellers compared to small-parcel cross-border options
Recommended Actions
- →If you sell in EU marketplaces from the UK, evaluate whether pallet shipping reduces your current cross-border fulfillment costs compared to small-parcel or third-party freight options
- →Take advantage of the promotional onboarding package to test the service risk-free on your first three shipments before committing
- →Ensure your VAT registrations and EU compliance documentation are current before initiating cross-border pallet shipments
Comments
Join the discussion
Log in or create an account to share your thoughts on this update.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!