Overview

Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) offers sellers a bulk storage solution that feeds inventory into Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) centers automatically. The first step in creating an AWD shipment is selecting which products and quantities you want to send. Understanding this process helps sellers efficiently manage upstream inventory and avoid common mistakes that can delay shipments.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• AWD is a bulk storage program — It serves as an upstream warehouse that automatically replenishes your FBA inventory, helping you avoid stockouts and long-term storage fees at FBA fulfillment centers.
• Step 1 focuses on inventory selection — Before you deal with shipping details, box labels, or carrier selection, you must first identify which eligible products you want to send and specify quantities.
• Not all products qualify — AWD has specific product eligibility requirements, so sellers should verify their items are eligible before attempting to create a shipment.
• Quantity planning matters — Choosing the right amount of inventory to send affects storage costs, replenishment timing, and overall supply chain efficiency.
• The workflow has multiple steps — After choosing inventory, sellers proceed through shipping configuration, box labeling, carrier selection (for truckload shipments), pallet labeling, and final shipment details.

How the AWD Shipment Creation Process Works

Creating an AWD shipment follows a structured, multi-step workflow within Seller Central. The process begins with Step 1, where you choose the inventory you want to send. This involves selecting products from your catalog that meet AWD eligibility criteria and specifying the quantities for each item. Once your inventory selections are confirmed, you move through subsequent steps including configuring your shipping method, printing box labels, selecting carriers for truckload shipments, generating pallet labels, and reviewing final shipment details. For small parcel delivery shipments and partnered carrier truckload shipments, there is an additional step for entering shipment details such as tracking information.