How to Confirm Shipping When Sending Inventory to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD)
Covers the step-by-step shipping confirmation workflow for sending inventory to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD), including shipping methods, carrier options, and labeling requirements.
Overview
Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) offers sellers a bulk storage and distribution solution that can help reduce long-term storage fees and streamline inventory replenishment into Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) centers. Before your inventory reaches an AWD distribution center, you must complete a multi-step shipping confirmation workflow in Seller Central. This guide walks through the confirm shipping process so sellers can get their products moving efficiently.
Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know
- Multi-step workflow - Sending inventory to AWD follows a structured process with up to six steps, covering everything from selecting inventory to confirming final shipping details.
- Box content information is required - You must provide box content details for each SKU before you can proceed to the shipping confirmation step.
- Shipping method options vary - Sellers can choose between small parcel delivery (SPD) and truckload (TL) shipments, each with different label and carrier requirements.
- Partnered carriers available - Amazon offers partnered carrier options for truckload shipments, which can simplify logistics and potentially reduce shipping costs.
- Pallet labels apply to specific shipments - Pallet labeling requirements only apply to truckload shipments using a partnered carrier.
The AWD Shipping Workflow
The process for sending shipments to AWD follows a clear six-step workflow within Seller Central. In Step 1, you select the inventory you want to send to the distribution center. Step 2 focuses on confirming your shipping plan, where you can view your assigned shipping destination and choose a shipping method to transport your products to the AWD facility. Step 3 involves printing box labels for your shipment. Step 4 covers carrier selection, which applies specifically to truckload shipments. Step 5 addresses pallet labels, required only for truckload shipments using an Amazon partnered carrier. Finally, Step 6 is where you confirm shipping details, applicable to small parcel delivery shipments and partnered carrier truckload shipments.
Shipping Methods and Carrier Options
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
Understanding the AWD shipping workflow helps sellers avoid delays when sending bulk inventory to Amazon's distribution centers. Errors in this process can hold up stock replenishment and impact product availability for customers.
Key Takeaways
- AWD shipping follows a six-step workflow covering inventory selection through final shipping confirmation
- Box content information must be completed for every SKU before shipping can be confirmed
- Truckload shipments with partnered carriers require additional pallet labeling steps
- Small parcel and truckload shipping have different workflow requirements and carrier options
Recommended Actions
- →Prepare accurate box content data (weights, dimensions, SKU counts) before starting the AWD shipping workflow
- →Consider using Amazon's partnered carrier program for truckload shipments to simplify logistics
- →Double-check your assigned AWD shipping destination in Step 2 before confirming your shipping plan
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!