Overview

When sending inventory to an Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) distribution center using your own carrier, a delivery appointment must be booked in advance through Amazon's carrier appointment request portal. This requirement ensures smooth dock operations and prevents shipment rejections at the facility. Understanding the appointment booking process is essential for sellers who manage their own freight logistics to AWD.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Appointments are mandatory for LTL and FTL deliveries — If you're shipping less-than-truckload or full-truckload freight to an AWD distribution center, your carrier must have a confirmed appointment before arriving. Without one, the shipment will be turned away.
• Small parcel deliveries are exempt — Appointment booking is not required for small parcel shipments sent to AWD facilities, which simplifies the process for lower-volume shipments.
• Amazon-managed carriers handle scheduling automatically — If you use Amazon's partnered carrier program for your AWD shipment, the delivery appointment is arranged on your behalf. You only need to book manually when using your own carrier.
• Incorrect DC selection leads to rejection — Your carrier must select the exact AWD distribution center that matches the box labels generated during the shipping workflow. Choosing the wrong facility in the appointment portal will result in the shipment being refused at the dock.
• Reference IDs and shipment IDs are critical — Carriers must have all AWD reference IDs (PO lists), shipment IDs, and tracking or PRO numbers ready when booking the appointment and included on the delivery manifest or bill of lading.

How the Appointment Process Works

The booking process begins with your carrier creating an account on Amazon's carrier appointment request portal, if one does not already exist. Amazon provides a user manual that walks through the account creation steps. Once logged in, the carrier selects the correct destination AWD distribution center — this must match the facility shown on the box labels generated during the shipping workflow in Seller Central. The carrier then chooses the freight type, load type, trailer number, and preferred delivery date within the portal. After submitting the request, Amazon sends a confirmation that the request has been received, then verifies the details and schedules the appointment. The confirmed appointment details are sent to the carrier's registered email address.