Amazon Global Logistics
This article applies to selling in: United States

Amazon Global Logistics

Amazon Global Logistics helps you send your FBA inventory from China to fulfillment centers in the US, the UK, and the EU (France, Germany, Italy, and Spain) via ocean.

You can ship your inventory using ocean freight. For standard ocean shipping mode, you can choose full-container load (FCL) or less-than-container load (LCL) for the US, the UK, and the EU. You can also choose fast ocean shipping mode for the US. The door-to-door services include shipment pickup at origin, cross-border ocean transportation, customs clearance, and delivery to destinations.

You can also leverage Ship to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) for cross-border transportation, storage, and replenishment into Amazon fulfillment centers from China to the US. The door-to-door services include shipment pickup at origin, cross-border ocean transportation, storage, customs clearance, and replenishment to destinations.

How to get started

To set up your profile, go to the portal link by destination (US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, or Spain) and sign in using your existing credentials.

Click Set up profile to choose your payment method and to set up an importer of record.

For step-by-step instructions on creating a profile, download our onboarding guides:

After you set up your profile, you can start booking your first Amazon Global Logistics shipment. Go to the Send to Amazon portal link by your destination: US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, or Spain.

For step-by-step process on booking:

Use Amazon Global Logistics for optimized inventory placement in the US

Ocean shipping

Amazon Global Logistics will manage the optimal placement of your inventory using our integrated network of facilities and warehouses in China and the US.

As part of shipping plan creation in Seller Central, you will be able to view and compare placement options with respective shipping rates and varying FBA inbound placement service fees.

Below are the options for optimized inventory placements in the US.

Amazon Managed Placement

Effective March 1, 2024, you can use the Amazon Managed Placement (AMP) service. This service is a box (carton) placement solution that helps us reduce the placement cost when you adhere to specific shipping requirements. AGL AMP is a flat per shipment rate solution that includes other destination charges required for placement. Thus, you will not be charged the FBA inbound placement service fee separately. This service can be used for both large bulky (non-sortable) and standard (sortable) cargo types, available in LCL and FCL, and for both standard ocean and fast ocean (premium service) modes.

The following are the benefits of this service:

  • With this service, Amazon Global Logistics will optimally distribute inventory at the destination on your behalf, allowing you to inbound inventory to one location. Amazon will then split the inventory across multiple fulfillment centers for optimal placement.
  • As you’ll ship to one location, you won’t be required to split purchase orders for multiple destinations and you’ll avoid hassle of multiple customs documentations and shipments tracking.
  • Through this service, shipments will be inbounded to the facilities close to the destination port, leading to the fastest entry into the Amazon fulfillment network and fastest buyable inventory on receive.
  • If your inventory is high-unit density per container (more units per container), AMP option can lower your total costs.

The following requirements apply to the Amazon Managed Placement service:

  • No more than 2,000 boxes (cartons) can be shipped per 40-foot container.
  • No more than 1,000 boxes (cartons) can be shipped per 20-foot container.
  • Sort types cannot be mixed in a container. Refer to the cargo size details section below.
  • AMP AGL purchase orders must be shipped with AGL AMP shipping option.

For more information, go to Inbound Defects and Guardrails.

Minimal shipment splits

Effective March 1, 2024, you can select the Minimal shipment splits option to ship large bulky (non-sortable) cargo and standard-size (sortable) cargo to a single location in the East or the West Coast destination. The FBA inbound placement service fee will apply.

If your inventory is low-unit density per container (that is, less units per container), the Minimal shipment splits option could have a lower FBA inbound placement service fee per shipment. This option lets you ship goods of the same sort type to a single Amazon fulfillment center without having to split a shipment.

This option is also designed so that your inventory is placed closer to the destination port for fast delivery to customers. This option can be used for both LCL and FCL, and for both standard ocean and fast ocean modes.

The following requirements apply to the Minimal shipment splits:

  • Sort types cannot be mixed in a container.
  • Ensure that the containers are shipped to the same coast, as mentioned in the original shipping plan in Seller Central.

High-density units’ example: The table below is an illustrative example of total cost of shipping with AMP vs Minimal shipment splits for a 40-foot FCL container shipping 25,000 units.

Illustrative example on cost calculation Minimal shipment splits Amazon Managed Placement
Per-unit FBA inbound placement service fee rate for West region $0.30 $0
FBA inbound placement service fee $7,500 $0
AGL shipment rate* (AMP includes other destination charges for placement) $5,400 $8,700
Total shipping cost (FBA inbound placement service fee + shipping rate) $12,900 $8,700

Low-density units’ example: The table below is an illustrative example of total cost of shipping with AMP vs Minimal shipment splits for a 40-foot FCL container shipping 4,000 units.

Illustrative example on cost calculation Minimal shipment splits Amazon Managed Placement
Per-unit FBA inbound placement service fee rate for West region $0.49 $0
FBA inbound placement service fee $1,960 $0
AGL shipment rate* (AMP includes other destination charges for placement) $5,400 $8,700
Total shipping cost (FBA inbound placement service fee + shipping rate) $7,360 $8,700

Note: The above shipping rates and FBA inbound placement service fee are illustrative and actual rates may vary. To view our shipping rates, go to the AGL shipment rates section. For more information on FBA fee, go to FBA inbound placement service fee.

Ship to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution

With Ship to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD), you can enjoy the benefits of an integrated, low-cost bulk storage solution that helps you stay in stock for FBA. AWD pricing covers FBA inbound placement services, therefore no separate inbound placement service fee is charged.

With this service, we will transport your ocean FCL or LCL shipments from origin to an Amazon Warehousing and Distribution facility in the US.

Amazon monitors inventory levels for your SKUs in the distribution centers. When the total supply (both on-hand and to-arrive inventory) goes below the optimal level, we will automatically replenish inventory in the right quantities at the right fulfillment centers. This will increase the potential for same-day and next-day delivery speeds for FBA and Multi-Channel Fulfillment orders.

By using Amazon Global Logistics to access Amazon Warehousing and Distribution facilities, you can also access exclusive lower fees.*

For more information, go to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution fees.

Ship to AWD product eligibility: Ship to AWD is available for a wide variety of FBA products. This includes standard size (sortable) and non-perishable items that don’t have an expiration date. We currently don’t accept grocery, perishables, hazmat, Amazon devices, gift cards, high-value products, jewelry, shoes, and watches.

*This program is subject to change or cancellation by Amazon at any time, and other Amazon terms and conditions continue to apply. Ship to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution is offered by Amazon Global Logistics and Amazon Warehousing and Distribution.

Extra-large size (heavy bulky) inventory

For heavy bulky items, as the FBA inbound placement service fee doesn’t apply, you can continue to inbound to a single location with no change in the shipping process.

Amazon Global Logistics shipping and placement options summary

Amazon Global Logistics service Description Cargo type Amazon Global Logistics shipping rates FBA inbound placement service fee
Minimal shipment splits Inbound inventory to a single Amazon fulfillment center, without having to split a shipment Standard (sortable) or large bulky (non-sortable) Minimal shipment splits rates FBA inbound placement service fee for Minimal shipment splits
Amazon Managed Placement Inbound to one location. We’ll split the inventory across multiple fulfillment centers in the US Standard (sortable) or large bulky (non-sortable) Amazon Managed Placement rates (includes other destination charges required for placement) No fee
Ship to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution Inventory is shipped to an Amazon Warehousing and Distribution facility in the US, and replenished into fulfillment centers in the US Standard (sortable) Ship to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) rates AWD pricing covers FBA inbound placement services, therefore no separate placement service fee is charged.
Extra-large (heavy bulky) shipment Inbound inventory to a single Amazon fulfillment center, without having to split a shipment Extra-large (heavy bulky) Extra-large (heavy bulky) rates No fee

Use Amazon Global Logistics for UK and EU destinations

For destinations in the UK and the EU, you can ship your inventory using ocean freight. You can choose the standard ocean shipping mode for either FCL or LCL shipments.

With Amazon Global Logistics, you can ship to a single destination in the UK and the EU, allowing you to ship goods of the same sort type to a single Amazon fulfillment center, without having to split the shipment.

Amazon Global Logistics shipment rates

Rates for Amazon Global Logistics vary by origin, destination, mode, placement option, and volume. For a complete list of rates, go to the Amazon Global Logistics portal and get a shipping estimate. You can also calculate your FBA inbound placement service fee using the calculator available during the booking process.

To learn about how to get a quote, go to Booking transportation with Amazon Global Logistics.

Typical transit times

Estimated transit time is the time between receipt of the cargo at the point of origin and delivery or arrival at the destination, either cross-dock or fulfillment center. Estimated transit time may also include time spent in customs clearance. Volume and external market conditions might affect the actual transit time.

Transit time also varies depending on the place of origin, destination, and shipping mode. For your planning purposes, be sure to check the estimated transit lead time when you are booking transportation.

Mode Origin ports in China Destinations Estimated transit time (days)
Standard ocean (FCL) Fuzhou, Hong Kong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiamen, Yantian UK 50–60 days
Germany, France, Italy, Spain 55–65 days
Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Lianyungang, Nansha, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiamen, Yantian, Zhuhai US–West Coast 45-55 days
US–Central 50–60 days
US–East Coast 55–65 days
Fast ocean (FCL) Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian US–West Coast 35–45 days
Standard ocean (LCL) Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen, UK 55–65 days
Germany 58–68 days
Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Xiamen US–West Coast 54–64 days
US–Central 50–60 days
US–East Coast 53–63 days
Fast ocean (LCL) Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen US–West Coast 38–48 days
Ship to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) FCL Yantian, Shanghai, Xiamen, Tianjin, Ningbo, Zhuhai, Lianyungang, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Nansha, Qingdao, Fuzhou US–West Coast 45–55 days
US–East Coast 57–67 day
Ship to Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) LCL Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen US–West Coast 45–55 days
US–East Coast 57–67 day

US Cargo size details

  • Small standard size (sortable): Any product that measures less than 38.1 cm (15 inches) x 30.48 cm (12 inches) x 1.905 cm (0.75 inches) and weighs less than 7.25 kg (16 lb).
  • Large standard size (sortable): Any product that measures:
    • Product length ≥ 38.1 cm (15 inches) and < 45.72 cm (18 inches)
    • Product width ≥30.48 cm (12 inches) and < 35.56 cm (14 inches)
    • Product height ≥1.905 cm (0.75 inches) and < 20.32 cm (8 inches)
    • Product weight ≥7.25 kg (16 lb) and < 9.07 kg (20 lb)
  • Large bulky size (non-sortable): Any product with one or more of the following conditions:
    • Product length ≥ 45.72 cm (18 inches) and < 149.86 cm (59 inches)
    • Product width ≥ 35.56 cm (14 inches) and < 83.82 cm (33 inches)
    • Product height ≥ 20.32 cm (8 inches) and < 83.82 cm (33 inches)
    • Product weight ≥ 9.07 kg (20 lb)
  • Extra-large size: Any product with one or more of the following conditions:
    • Product length ≥149.86 cm (59 inches)
    • Product width or height ≥ 83.82 cm (33 inches)
    • Product weight > 23 kg (50 lb)
Note: Extra-large exceeds 59 inches for the longest side or 33 inches for the median side or 33 inches for the shortest side or 130 inches for length + girth, or if the product’s greater of unit weight or dimensional weight exceeds 50 lb.
  • Specialty: Includes clothing, jewelry, and shoes.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Amazon charge a separate fee for inbound placement service? When will the FBA inbound placement service fee go into effect?

The FBA inbound placement service fee for standard (sortable) and large bulky (non-sortable) sized items reflects the cost of distributing inventory to fulfillment centers close to customers. This fee will be effective as of March 1, 2024. Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) will offer you flexible shipment placement options. Amazon will optimize the inventory distribution within the fulfillment network, bringing products closer to customers, expediting delivery time, and decreasing transportation expenses. As part of shipping plan creation in Seller Central, you will be able to view and compare placement options with respective shipping rates and varying FBA inbound placement service fee.

Is there a plan to implement the FBA inbound placement service fee policy for orders shipped to the UK and the EU?

The FBA inbound placement service fee does not apply to orders shipped to the UK and the EU, and there is currently no plan to implement it in these regions.

What happens to AGL shipments with FBA purchase orders created before March 1, 2024?

For purchase orders created before March 1, 2024, for standard and large bulky sized items shipping directly to destination, while we will utilize the Minimal shipment splits placement option, you will not incur the FBA inbound placement service fee as effective date for the FBA inbound placement service fee is March 1, 2024. Note that the Shippers (through Shipper Central) must select Minimal shipment splits as inbound method for purchase orders created before March 1, 2024. For heavy bulky items, as the FBA inbound placement service fee doesn’t apply, you can continue to inbound to a single location with no change in the booking and purchase order creation process.

What happens to AGL shipments with FBA purchase orders created on or after March 1, 2024?

The FBA inbound placement service fee will be effective starting March 1, 2024. Minimal shipment splits placement option created on or after March 1, 2024, will incur the FBA inbound placement service fee, which will be charged by FBA within 45 days after the goods are received in the warehouse. Amazon Managed Placement (AMP) purchase orders created on or after March 1, 2024, will not incur the FBA inbound placement service fee separately as the AGL AMP flat rate includes other destination charges required for placement. For heavy bulky items, as the FBA inbound placement service fee doesn’t apply, there is no change in the booking and purchase order creation process.

What is the impact of FBA inbound placement service fee on shipping heavy bulky items?

For heavy bulky items, there is no change in the process. As the FBA inbound placement service fee doesn’t apply to heavy bulky items, therefore AMP and Minimal shipment splits placement options are not applicable. You can continue to inbound to a single location with no change in the shipping process.

Does AGL still offer merchant preferred fulfillment or fulfillment center locking services? If not, why is these services not needed?

Starting March 1, 2024, Amazon will place your inventory optimally at the destination, no longer requiring merchant preferred fulfillment or fulfillment center locking services. With AMP, you can send your inventory to one location and we will then spread the inventory across multiple fulfillment centers for optimal in-stock placement. With Minimal shipment splits service, you can ship goods into a single destination in the East or the West Coast without having to split a shipment.

How is AGL the fastest entry point into Amazon network vs non-AGL (third-party solutions)?

When you use AGL, with both AMP and Minimal shipment splits placement options, it is the fastest way to enter Amazon network with shipments becoming buyable faster. Your inventory becomes buyable upon first receive in the Amazon facility. AGL inbounding facilities are closer to the destination ports resulting in products being buyable faster upon receiving in these facilities.

What changes in user experience will go into effect when placing orders through Seller Central starting March 1, 2024?

To ship directly to the destination via Seller Central, starting March 1, 2024, you will see a new shipping placement option for AMP. This option will allow you to ship to one location which Amazon will then split to multiple destinations, incurring no FBA inbound placement service fee. The displayed rates for AMP are of shipping cross border and other destination charges required for placement. Thus, you will not be charged the FBA inbound placement service fee separately. You will also see the option to book Minimal shipment splits to ship to a single location, incurring FBA inbound placement service fee. You will be able to compare AGL shipping rates and estimated FBA inbound placement service fee associated with your shipment. The booking experience does not change for shipping heavy bulky items and Ship to AWD service.

Service Provider Network

The Service Provider Network is a directory of services offered by third parties. The services that are listed are available to all Amazon sellers and are organized by categories, including account management, accounting, taxes, storage, training, and translation.

Services that are listed in the network's international shipping category may be useful for China-based sellers who are seeking help with exporter of record requirements. Under Value added service on the left-hand side, select Customs brokerage, and then review listings for exporter of record services. If you prefer to use a third-party exporter of record, these service providers can help you with exporter of record qualifications. Some exporter of record service providers also offer value-added services like foreign exchange receipts, tax refund services, transportation services, and consulting services.

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Amazon Global Logistics

  • Restricted products and dangerous goods (hazmat) for Amazon Global Logistics
  • Amazon Global Logistics Freight Terms and related Program Policies
  • GSS Freight program common errors
  • Amazon Global Logistics importer setup and customs compliance
  • Amazon Global Logistics product compliance
  • Booking transportation with Amazon Global Logistics
  • Value-added services for Amazon Global Logistics
  • After you book with Amazon Global Logistics: Bill of lading, shipment tracking, and changing a booking
  • Paying for Amazon Global Logistics
  • Claims and reimbursements through Amazon Global Logistics
  • Inbound Defects and Guardrails