On this page, you will learn what is required of you, the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) seller, for less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) deliveries to Amazon fulfillment centers. You’ll also be able to download help guides for ocean full container load (FCL) deliveries.
A single LTL shipment cannot exceed 5,000 boxes. To ship more than 5,000 boxes, you must create a second shipment.
All partnered carrier shipments not delivered by small parcel carriers must be loaded on pallets. For non-partnered carrier shipments that cannot be sent on pallets and need to be floor loaded, see the Floor Loading Policy.
Follow these guidelines when stacking boxes on your pallet:
Watch this brief video for more information about building a pallet.
Each carton on the pallet must comply with Amazon's shipment packaging requirements.
Assembly: The units on each pallet must all belong to one shipment ID. Place shipping boxes that are intended to be sold together, such as a set, and that weigh more than 100 lb on a single pallet (one sellable unit on each) or clamp them together. Single, non-clampable shipping boxes or units, such as furniture, that weigh more than 100 lb, are more than 80 inches long, or are more than 30 inches wide should be placed on their own pallet.
Weight and height: Total weight of the pallet must not exceed 1,500 lb. Single pallets must not be higher than 72 inches, including the height of the pallet, unless a single unit is taller than 72 inches. A single pallet can be up to 98 inches, including the height of the pallet, if it conforms to the "clampable" instructions outlined in the Floor Loading Policy. A single pallet that is 98 inches will be “squeezed” and split into two pallets by a clamp truck so the units can be received.
Stacking and wrapping: Stage boxes using only standard pallet stacking requirements. Do not bundle shipping boxes using bags, elastic, or extra straps. The contents must not overhang the pallet edge.
All pallets must be wrapped multiple times in clear plastic stretch wrap with a "do not break stretch wrap" or "do not break down" notification to the carrier. The stretch wrap must completely hold the product to the pallet to prevent shifting during transit. The stretch wrap must wrap from the top of the stack, down to and including the pallet. The stretch wrap should not be used to stabilize the load on the pallet; the contents should be stable once the stretch wrap is removed.
Labeling: Every box on the shipment must have a unique FBA box ID label that complies with Amazon's shipment label requirements. Wrapped pallets must have FBA pallet labels placed on all four sides on the outside of the stretch wrap.
Loading: The overall height of the pallets must allow 6 inches of clearance from the top of the stack to the roof of the container. Allow for at least 3 inches between pallets and walls while in transit by using air bags to ensure stability, non-metal straps, or a safety net to prevent the load from shifting or falling. Allow for at least 8 inches of clearance from the last row of pallets to container doors to engage a dock leveler.
Amazon fulfillment centers accept double-stacked pallets provided they are safe to load and unload and do not cause product damage during transit. You can double stack pallets as needed to maximize freight efficiency. Follow the above guidelines as well as the following for double-stacked pallets:
Include the following information on labels when it applies:
Label | Applies to: |
---|---|
Team Lift | Single-unit boxes that exceed 50 lb* |
Mech Lift | Single-unit boxes that exceed 100 lb* |
Mixed SKU | Pallets and boxes that contain more than one type of sellable unit (different SKU or condition) |
Sold as set | Sellable units that consist of multiple products that are intended to be sold as a single SKU. Whenever possible, wrap units belonging in a set together within the box to prevent them from being separated. |
For more information about specific product categories that require specialized prep, see Packaging and prep requirements.
For each LTL/FTL shipment you create in your shipping queue, you must provide a valid bill of lading (BOL) to the carrier, so it can schedule a delivery appointment. Shipment BOLs that do not meet the requirements listed below will be refused upon delivery. For Amazon partnered LTL/FTL shipments, a BOL will be generated on the morning of the pickup date and is available in the Track Shipment tab of the Shipment Summary. You can additionally download a blank BOL to fill in for your partnered carrier shipment here.
Follow these guidelines when filling out the BOL form provided by your carrier. Information must be printed, NOT handwritten. We encourage use of a standard BOL template, which helps ensure that your shipment is easy to identify and received in a timely manner. If your carrier does not provide a template, make sure your BOL includes the following information:
Include the BOL number on the shipping container or pallet label. This allows for quick freight verification upon delivery to the Amazon fulfillment center.
Amazon fulfillment centers accept ocean full container load (FCL) shipments provided they are safe to unload and do not cause product damage during transit. Download the FBA Ocean Container Preparation Guidelines (English and Chinese versions) to print out and share with your supplier or factory, or for yourself.
Ensure your carrier has an accurate BOL for your shipment. Most of the shipment information is found in the Summary page of the shipment creation workflow. Provide your carrier with the User Manual for Carriers.
Your carrier will need to schedule a delivery appointment through Carrier Central. For more information, see Carrier requirements for Less than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) deliveries.