Overview

Sending large shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers requires careful adherence to specific freight delivery standards. Whether you're shipping less than truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), or ocean full container load (FCL), Amazon enforces strict requirements that sellers and their carriers must follow. Meeting these requirements ensures your inventory is accepted, processed efficiently, and stored without delays or extra fees.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Three freight shipping methods — Amazon supports LTL (less than truckload) for partial shipments sharing trailer space, FTL (full truckload) for shipments filling an entire trailer, and FCL (full container load) for ocean freight shipments in standard shipping containers.
• Non-compliance has consequences — Shipments that fail to meet Amazon's delivery requirements may be refused at the dock, returned, or subject to additional handling fees. Repeated violations can affect your account standing.
• Carrier coordination is essential — Sellers are responsible for ensuring that their freight carriers and suppliers understand and follow Amazon's fulfillment center delivery guidelines, including appointment scheduling and load preparation.
• Delivery appointments are mandatory — All LTL and FTL shipments require scheduled delivery appointments. Arriving without an appointment or outside the scheduled window can result in your shipment being turned away.
• Proper documentation speeds receiving — Each shipment must include accurate bills of lading (BOL) and Amazon shipment ID labels to facilitate smooth check-in and inventory processing.

Shipping Methods Explained

Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is the most common method for mid-size Amazon sellers who need to send palletized freight but don't have enough inventory to fill an entire trailer. LTL shipments share trailer space with other shippers, which reduces cost but requires careful palletization since your goods will be handled multiple times during transit. Full truckload (FTL) shipping is ideal for large-volume sellers who can fill a 48-foot or 53-foot trailer. FTL shipments are typically faster and experience less handling damage since the trailer goes directly from origin to the fulfillment center. Ocean full container load (FCL) applies to sellers importing goods internationally, usually from manufacturers in Asia, using standard 20-foot or 40-foot shipping containers. Amazon provides specific help guides for FCL deliveries given the additional complexity of customs clearance and port logistics.