Amazon Now Requires FBA Shipment IDs for Partner Carrier Program Deliveries
Effective November 1 2025 Amazon will require every Partner Carrier Program shipment to include both an FBA Reference ID (e.g., FBAX7M2Q9L) and a separate Reference/PO number (e.g., 4K9J2L8M). Carriers missing either ID will be blocked from booking a dock slot, and Amazon offers a 90% rate reduction on PCP shipments booked through its carrier integrator until December 31 2025.
Overview
Effective November 1 2025, Amazon will require every shipment sent through the Partner Carrier Program (PCP) to include two specific inbound identifiers before a carrier can schedule a delivery appointment at an Amazon fulfillment center. The rule adds a mandatory data‑exchange step for sellers, but it also creates a clear checkpoint that can prevent inbound delays if handled correctly.
Key Points
- Two‑ID rule — Each PCP shipment must carry both an FBA Reference ID and a separate Reference/PO number.
- Appointment lockout — Carriers lacking the correct IDs will be blocked from booking a dock slot, causing potential unload delays.
- Discount window — Amazon is offering a 90 % rate reduction on PCP shipments booked through its carrier integrator until December 31 2025.
- Seller responsibility — The onus of transmitting the IDs rests entirely on the seller; Amazon does not forward the information automatically.
- Compliance deadline — The requirement becomes enforceable on November 1 2025, giving sellers a short window to adjust processes.
What's Changing
- Identify the FBA Reference ID — After creating an inbound shipment in Seller Central, the system displays a code that starts with “FBA” followed by nine alphanumeric characters (e.g., FBAX7M2Q9L). This ID links the shipment to the specific inbound plan.
- Locate the Reference/PO number — A second eight‑character alphanumeric code appears on the shipment summary page (e.g., 4K9J2L8M). This number is either the seller‑provided purchase‑order reference or a system‑generated reference ID.
- Share both IDs with the carrier — When arranging pickup or delivery, sellers must copy the exact strings and transmit them to the carrier, typically via email, a shared spreadsheet, or the carrier’s booking portal. A single typo can prevent the carrier from securing a dock appointment.
- Carrier books the appointment — With the correct IDs in hand, the carrier accesses Amazon’s appointment system, selects an available time slot, and confirms the booking. The fulfillment center then expects the shipment to arrive with those exact identifiers.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
If sellers do not transmit the required IDs, carriers cannot secure a delivery appointment, leading to unload delays, possible rescheduling fees, and inventory hold‑ups. The short compliance window (less than two months) and the 90% discount incentive make timely process updates essential for cost‑effective inbound logistics.
Key Takeaways
- The two‑ID rule starts on November 1 2025 and applies to all PCP shipments.
- Carriers lacking the correct FBA Reference ID and Reference/PO number will be blocked from booking dock appointments.
- Amazon provides a 90% rate reduction on PCP shipments booked through its carrier integrator until December 31 2025.
- The FBA Reference ID format is 'FBA' followed by nine alphanumeric characters (e.g., FBAX7M2Q9L).
Recommended Actions
- →In Seller Central, open each inbound shipment, copy the FBA Reference ID and the Reference/PO number, and paste both into the carrier’s booking ema...
- →Update your SOP to add a ‘Transmit IDs to carrier’ checkpoint after carrier booking, and train staff or 3PL partners on locating these IDs.
- →If using shipping software, configure a custom field to auto‑pull the two IDs from Seller Central and include them in carrier communication templates.
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