Seller requirements for less than truckload, full truckload, and full truckload shipments
On this page, you will learn about Amazon’s requirements for less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers. A request made to you, the FBA seller. You can also download a help guide for Ocean Full Container Load (FCL) shipments.
Important: The following are Amazon’s requirements for LTL/FTL shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers. Following the guidelines below, and making sure your carriers and suppliers do the same, will help:
Make sure your shipments are accepted
Make sure your inventory is Efficient and accurate unloading, receiving and storage
Avoid having to remove or dispose of your shipment, or pay extra for it, because it does not meet the requirements of these guidelines
Related Guides< p>For additional requirements for LTL and FTL shipments, see Seller Requirements for LTL and FTL Shipments and Floor Loading Policy.
For weight, size, and shipment packaging requirements, see Shipping and Routing Requirements.
For smaller shipments, see Small Package Express to Amazon.
For Ocean Full Container Load (FCL) shipments, please download these help guides (English and Chinese).
For more information about Amazon-partnered carriers, see Amazon-Partnered Carrier Options.
Box Limit
The number of boxes in a single LTL shipment cannot exceed 5,000. To ship more than 5,000 boxes, you must create a second shipment.
Pallet Requirements
Use a four-way access wooden pallet measuring 40 x 48 inches. Do not ship items on pallets made of fragile materials such as plastic, cardboard, or particle board.
If a single large item has exposed edges when mounted on a 40 x 48-inch pallet, use a pallet size and type appropriate for the item.
Shipping items on pallets that meet GMA Standards Grade B or higher. Regardless of the pallet material (wood, plywood, composite, etc.), GMA Standard Class B pallets should meet the following requirements:
Top 6 or 7 boards, depending on board width
No less than 4 wooden boards at the bottom
Equipped with longitudinal beams for enhanced support
Four-way forks
The wooden blocks of the longitudinal beams are not repaired
Only use GMA Class 1A pallets to ship food items. A pallet is considered a GMA Grade 1A pallet if it meets the following conditions:
7 boards on the top
5 boards on the bottom
Equipped with vertical ribs for enhanced support Beams
Four-way forks
The wooden blocks of the longitudinal beams have not been repaired
Personal care, health and beauty products only accept GMA 1A and 1B grade pallets. . A pallet is considered a GMA Class 1B pallet if it meets the following criteria:
6 or 7 boards on top, depending on board width
No less than 4 boards on bottom
Equipped with longitudinal beams for enhanced support
Four-way forks
Only 1 longitudinal beam may be equipped with a plug or have undergone other types of repairs
Only ship on pallets that are in good condition.
Amazon does not accept broken or damaged pallets and may reject them at the seller’s expense.
Stacking Pallets
All partnered carrier shipments that are not shipped by a small package carrier must be loaded on pallets. For non-partnered carrier shipments that cannot be shipped on pallets and require floor loading, please see the floor loading policy.
When stacking boxes on pallets, please follow these guidelines:
When shipping multiple ASINs on one pallet, separate the ASINs effectively so they can be easily received distinguish.
All guidelines shown on the box packaging, such as maximum stacking height, box orientation requirements and handling restrictions, must be followed.
Pallets should be stacked with the FBA box number label facing outward so that each barcode on the box can be scanned without damaging the pallet.
Stack boxes on pallets so they are stable and flush on all sides. It is recommended to use the brick stacking method, placing the heaviest items at the bottom.
For a single ASIN pallet, all boxes must be stacked the same way (i.e. all horizontally or vertically). Boxes can still be turned in different directions but must be stacked the same way.
Ideally, palletized packaging should be no more than 50 inches tall (45 inches for boxes, 5 inches for pallets) and stackable, as this uses space efficiently and leaves maximum room for the trailer. Non-stackable pallets are limited to a height of 72 inches and are less space efficient.
How to stack pallets
Each carton on a pallet must meet Amazon’s shipment packaging requirements.
Assembly: Items on each pallet must have the same shipment number. Place or secure boxes of shipments that are planned to be sold together (such as bundled items) and weigh more than 100 pounds on a pallet (one sellable item per pallet). Individual, non-fastenable boxes or items (such as furniture) that weigh more than 100 pounds, are more than 80 inches in length, or are more than 30 inches in width should be placed on individual pallets.
Weight and Height: The total weight of the pallet must not exceed 1,500 pounds. An individual pallet may not be taller than 72 inches (including the height of the pallet itself), unless an individual unit is taller than 72 inches. A single pallet may not exceed 98 inches in height (including the height of the pallet itself) if it meets the “secureable” specifications described in the Floor Loading Policy. A single 98-inch-tall pallet will be split into two pallets by a self-loading truck to receive merchandise.
Note: A single pallet sent by an Amazon-partnered carrier cannot exceed 72 inches in height on a 40 x 48-inch pallet. To maximize freight efficiency, pallets should be stackable and no higher than 100 inches (50 inches per pallet). For more information, see Amazon Partnered Carrier Options.
Stacking and Wrapping: Boxes must be stacked according to standard pallet stacking requirements. Do not use bags, elastic bands, or other ties to tie boxes. The product must not be visible from the edge of the pallet.
All pallets must be wrapped multiple times in clear plastic stretch film and the carrier must be told “Do not break stretch film” or “Do not open”. The stretch film must completely secure the merchandise to the pallet to prevent the merchandise from moving during shipping. The stretch film must be wrapped from the top of the stack to the pallet and around the pallet. Stretch wrap should not be used to secure the load on the pallet and the load should remain stable after the stretch wrap is removed.
Labeling: Each box in a shipment must have a unique FBA box number label that meets Amazon shipment labeling requirements. Wrapped pallets must have FBA pallet labels on all four sides outside of the stretch film.
Loading: The overall height of the pallet must allow a 6-inch clearance between the upper portion of the stack and the top of the container. During transportation, allow at least 3 inches between the pallet and the interior walls of the container, using air bags to ensure stability and non-metallic straps or safety nets to prevent the load from shifting or falling. Allow at least 8 inches of clearance between the last row of pallets and the container door for the pallet lift.
Double-layer pallets
Amazon fulfillment centers accept double-layer pallets, provided that the pallets can be safely loaded and unloaded and the products will not be damaged during transportation. You can double stack pallets as needed to maximize shipping efficiency. Please follow the above guidelines as well as the following guidelines for double pallets:
The total height of two stacked pallets must not exceed 100.00 inches (50.00 inches per pallet)
Pallets Leave at least 6 inches of space between the top of the pallet and the top of the container to allow a forklift to safely unload the pallet.
Boxes should be stacked evenly and neatly, and the edges of the pallet should not be exposed.
Boxes should be stacked in rotating layers to ensure a stable stack.
Brick stacking method; heavier boxes should be placed on the bottom layer of the pile and on pallets to prevent lighter boxes from being crushed or damaged.
When stacking boxes, make sure the sides and top are flush to ensure a stable stack.
Leave enough space when stacking pallets to facilitate unloading.
The weight of stacked pallets and the stacking position of boxes should be centered to ensure stability and prevent pallets from tilting or falling during transportation.
Pallet label requirements
Affix Amazon logistics pallet labels on the four sides outside the pallet stretch film.
Apply an FBA pallet label to each pallet (four labels per pallet, affixed to the top center of each side) and to each box on the pallet FBA box number labels. You can print FBA box number labels and pallet labels from the Prepare Shipments page.
Affix the labels flatly (not at an angle) to all sides of the pallet so that the forklift driver can see the labels when the forklift approaches and lifts the pallet.
If the pallet contains only one ASIN, label it “Single ASIN Pallet.”
When shipping multiple SKUs on a single pallet, separate the different SKUs effectively so that the fulfillment center can easily tell them apart upon receipt. See special pallet labeling requirements below.
Important:
Per the Amazon Shipping Program, you are required to affix four additional Amazon carrier pallet number labels when sending shipments to your local fulfillment center. Affix copies of the same label on all four sides of the pallet, along with the FBA pallet label. Please make sure that all labels on each pallet have the same “Pallet Count” number. For more information, see Amazon Shipping.
Special Pallet Label Requirements for Different Product Types
Please include the following information on the label (if applicable):
Label Scope: Single product boxes weighing more than 50 pounds when shared by multiple people* Mechanical handling of single item boxes over 100 pounds* Mixed SKUs Pallet and box sets containing more than one salable item (different SKUs or conditions) Do not split salable items consisting of multiple items intended to be sold as a single SKU . Whenever possible, items that are part of a set should be packaged in a single box to avoid separation.
Important: Boxes may not exceed the standard weight limit of 50 pounds unless they contain a single oversized item that exceeds 50 pounds. We have strict management policies regarding box weight and dimensions. Sending overweight or oversized boxes to a fulfillment center may result in us blocking future shipments to the fulfillment center. For more information, see Transportation and Routing Requirements.
For more information on specific product categories that require specialized preparation, see Packaging and Preparation Requirements.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
For each LTL/FTL shipment you create in the shipment processing schedule, you must provide the carrier with a valid Bill of Lading (BOL) so they can Ability to schedule delivery appointments. Shipment bills of lading that do not meet the following requirements will be rejected upon delivery. For Amazon-partnered LTL/FTL shipments, the bill of lading will be generated on the morning of the pickup date and can be viewed in the [Track Shipment] tab of “Shipment List”. You can also download a blank bill of lading here and fill it out for your partnered carrier shipment.
Please follow these guidelines when completing the bill of lading form provided to you by the carrier. Relevant information must be printed and cannot be handwritten. We recommend using a standard bill of lading template, which helps ensure Amazon easily recognizes and receives your shipment in a timely manner. If your carrier does not provide a template, make sure your bill of lading includes the following information:
All shipment tracking and shipment numbers for your shipment. You can find this information in the Overview of the Standardized Shipment Creation Process.
Seller name
Shipping address (street address, city, province, zip code)
Seller’s legal name
< p>Carrier Name and Standard Carrier Letter Code (SCAC)
Carrier’s Shipper Reference Number (PRO Code)
Quantity of items processed (per pallet, box) Information
Trailer and seal number (truck load shipments only)
If the trailer is loaded, locked, and sealed without allowing the driver to count or inspect the contents of the shipment, it will be included on the bill of lading. “Shipper’s Load and Count” or “SLC” is printed on it.
Correct pallet and box count quantities
Freight deadlines
Indicate the bill of lading number on the shipping container or pallet label. This enables fast shipment verification upon arrival at Amazon fulfillment centers.
Ocean Full Container Load (FCL) Shipments
Amazon fulfillment centers will accept Ocean Full Container Load (FCL) shipments if they can be unloaded safely without damage to the product in transit. You can download the FBA Sea Container Preparation Guide (English and Simplified Chinese) to print and provide to your supplier or factory, or to refer to yourself.
Schedule Delivery
Make sure your carrier has the accurate bill of lading number for your shipment. Most shipment information can be found on the Overview page of the standardized shipment creation process. Provide your carrier with a carrier user manual.
Your carrier needs to schedule a delivery appointment through the carrier platform. For more information, see Carrier requirements for less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipments.
Original details from Amazon’s official website:
Seller requirements for LTL, FTL, and FCL deliveries
On this page, you will learn what is required of you, the 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.
Important:Below are the requirements for LTL /FTL deliveries to Amazon fulfillment centers. Following these guidelines, and making sure that your carriers and suppliers follow them, will help:
Ensure that your shipments are accepted
Enable the most efficient and accurate unloading, receipt and storage of your inventory
Prevent you from having to remove or dispose of, or pay additional fees for, shipments that don't meet these guidelines
Related guidelines< p>For additional requirements for LTL and FTL shipments, seeCarrier requirements for LTL and FTL deliveriesandFloor Loading Policy.
For weight, dimension, and shipment packing requirements, seeShipping and routing requirements.
For smaller shipments, seeSmall parcel delivery to Amazon.
For ocean full container load (FCL) shipments, download these help guides (English and Chinese).
For additional information about Amazon Partnered Carriers, seeAmazon Partnered Carrier options.
Box limits
A single LTL shipment cannot exceed 5,000 boxes. To ship more than 5,000 boxes, you must create a second shipment.
Pallet requirements
Use 40 x 48 inches, 4-way access wooden pallets. Do not ship units on pallets made of weak material such as plastic, cardboard or particle board.
If a single, large unit cannot fit on a 40 x 48 inches pallet without overhanging the edges, use a pallet size and type that is suitable for the unit.
Ship units on GMA Standard B Grade or higher pallets. Regardless of the material (lumber, plywood, composite, etc.) , GMA Standard B Grade pallets have:
6 or 7 boards on top, depending on board width
No less than 4 boards on bottom
Stringers for added support
4-way entry
No block repairs to stringers
Ship Grocery products on GMA 1A Grade pallets only. GMA 1A Grade pallets have:
7 boards on top
5 boards on bottom
Stringers for added support
4-way entry
No block repairs to stringers
Only GMA 1A and 1B Grade pallets are acceptable for Health & Personal Care and Beauty products. GMA 1B Grade pallets have:
6 or 7 boards on top, depending on board width
No less than 4 boards on bottom
Stringers for added support
4-way entry
Only 1 stringer may have a plug or other type of repair
Ship only on pallets that are in good condition.
Broken and damaged pallets are not acceptable and may be rejected at the seller's expense.
Build pallets
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 theFloor Loading Policy.
Follow these guidelines when stacking boxes on your pallet:
When shipping multiple ASINs on a pallet, physically separate the ASINs so that they are easy to differentiate upon receipt.
Any guidelines shown on the box packaging must be followed, such as stack height maximums, box orientation requirements, and handling restrictions.
Build pallets with the FBA box ID labels facing outwards to allow each barcode on the box to be scanned without breaking down the pallet.
Stack boxes on pallets so that they are stable and flush on all sides. Brick stacking, with heaviest items on the bottom , is recommended.
For single ASIN pallets, all boxes must be stacked the same way (i.e. horizontal or vertical). Boxes can still be turned in different directions, but they all must be stacked in the same way .
Pallets ideally have a pack height no higher than 50 inches (45 inches for boxes and 5 inches for pallet) and are stackable, as this is space efficient and maximizes trailer space. Non-stackable pallets cannot exceed 72 inches in height and are less space efficient.
How to build 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.
Note:Single pallets sent with an Amazon partnered carrier must be no higher than 72 inches on 40 x 48 inch pallets. To maximize freight efficiency, pallets should be stackable and no higher than 100 inches (50 inches per pallet). For more information, seeAmazon Partnered Carrier options.
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 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'sshipment 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.
Double-stacked pallets
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:
Two stacked pallets cannot exceed 100.00 inches total in height (50.00 inches per pallet stack)
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Allow for at least 6 inches of space from the top of the pallet to the container ceiling to allow for the safe unloading of pallets with a forklift.
Stack boxes evenly and squarely from corner to corner and do not allow boxes to overhang the pallet edge.
Boxes should be stacked in rotating layers to ensure stack stability.
Brick stacking; heavy boxes should be on the bottom stack layers and pallets to prevent lighter boxes from being crushed or damaged.
The sides and top of the stacked boxes are flush to ensure stack stability.
Stack pallets with adequate space to allow for unloading .
Stacked pallets should have the weight and box stacks centered to ensure stability and to prevent the pallets from leaning or falling during transit.
Pallet label requirements
Place FBA pallet labels on all four sides of the pallet on the outside of the stretch wrap.
Affix FBA pallet labels to each pallet (four per pallet, one on each side in the top center) and FBA box ID labels to each box on the pallet. You can print FBA box ID and pallet labels from thePrepare shipment page.
Place labels squarely (not on an angle) on all four sides of the pallet so that the forklift driver can see them when approaching with the forklift to lift the pallet.
Label the pallet “Single ASIN Pallet” if it contains only one ASIN.
When shipping multiple SKUs on a pallet, physically separate the SKUs, so they are easy to tell apart when received at the fulfillment center. See the special pallet labeling requirements below.
Important:
When sending your shipment to a local fulfillment center under the Amazon Freight program, there are additional sets of four Amazon carrier pallet ID labels required. Place a copy of the same label on all four sides of the pallet with your FBA pallet label. Make sure that all labels on each pallet have the same “Pallet Count” number. For more information, seeAmazon Freight.
Special pallet label requirements for product types
Include the following information on labels when it applies:
LabelApplies to:Team LiftSingle- unit boxes that exceed 50 lb*Mech LiftSingle-unit boxes that exceed 100 lb*Mixed SKUPallets and boxes that contain more than one type of sellable unit (different SKU or condition)Sold as setSellable 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.
Important:Boxes must not exceed the standard weight limit of 50 lb, unless they contain a single oversize unit that exceeds 50 lb. Box weight and dimension policies are strictly enforced. Sending overweight or oversize boxes to the fulfillment center may lead to blocking of future shipments. For more information, seeShipping and routing requirements.
For more information about specific product categories that require specialized prep, seePackaging and prep requirements.
Bills of lading (BOLs)
For each LTL/FTL shipment you create in your shipping queue, you must provide a valid bill of lading (BOLs) ) 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 theTrack Shipmenttab of the Shipment Summary.You can additionally download a blank BOL to fill in for your partnered carrier shipmenthere.
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:< /p>
All Amazon Reference IDs and Shipment IDs contained in the shipment. You can find these in theSummaryof theShipment Creation Workflow.
Seller name
From address (street address, city, state, ZIP code)
Legal name of the seller
Carrier name and standard carrier alpha code (SCAC)
Carrier's shippers reference number (PRO#)
Handling unit quantity (pallet, box, each) information
Trailer and seal number (truckload shipment only)
"Shipper load and count" or "SLC" if the trailer is loaded, locked, and sealed without enabling the driver to count or inspect the shipment contents
Correct pallet and box count quantities
Freight charge terms
Include the BOL number on the shipping container or pallet label. This allows for quick freight verification upon delivery to the Amazon fulfillment center.
Ocean full container load (FCL) shipments
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 (EnglishandChineseversions) to print out and share with your supplier or factory, or for yourself.
Scheduling a delivery
Ensure your carrier has an accurate BOL for your shipment. Most of the shipment information is found in theSummarypage of theshipment creation workflow. Provide your carrier with theUser Manual for Carriers.
Your carrier will need to schedule a delivery appointment through Carrier Central. For more information, seeCarrier requirements for Less than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) deliveries.
Article source: Amazon official website< /p>