Shipping your products efficiently and cost-effectively is a big challenge for many Amazon FBA sellers. Did you know that the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program can provide discounted shipping rates, making it an attractive solution for sellers? In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate through the intricacies of this program to help streamline your shipping process.
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Key Takeaways
The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program offers discounted shipping rates for FBA sellers, providing cost-effective and efficient shipping solutions.
FBA sellers have three options for inbound shipments: Small Parcel Delivery (SPD), Less than Truckload (LTL), and Full Truckload (FTL), all with competitive rates through the program.
To use the program, FBA sellers need to follow a step-by-step process for submitting carton content and transportation information, including estimating shipping costs and requesting package and pallet labels.
The program is more cost-effective and convenient compared to non-partnered carriers, offering deep discounts, faster delivery times, waived storage fees, liquidation fees for New-to-FBA items, and a delivery window policy.
Did you also know that Amazon has an exclusive fulfillment program for small and light products? Learn more about it in our article on the Amazon FBA Small and Light Program.
Simplify eCommerce fulfillment and stay on budget - view our services and pricing here.
What is the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program?
The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program is a shipping service offered by Amazon that provides discounted rates for FBA sellers.
Benefits of the program
The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program presents a host of advantages for FBA sellers desiring cost-effective and efficient shipping solutions. Reduced rates ensure your transportation costs remain low without compromising the speed or reliability of delivery.
It's specifically designed to streamline inbound shipments, offering considerable convenience. The program is certainly beneficial for third-party sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon as it assists with inventory management tasks such as storage, packaging, and shipping.
Further sweetening the deal are the competitive rates offered compared to non-partnered carriers. With this program in place, managing inventories becomes more accessible – all while reaping discounted shipping benefits that directly enhance profitability.
Inbound shipment options (SPD, LTL, FTL)
Amazon FBA Sellers have three primary options when it comes to inbound shipments using the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program: Small Parcel Delivery (SPD), Less than Truckload (LTL), and Full Truckload (FTL).
Inbound Shipment Option | Description |
Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) | Small Parcel Delivery is an ideal choice for shipments consisting of individual boxes. Each box in an SPD shipment should weigh under 50 lbs, and the program allows a maximum weight of 150 lbs. This option benefits from the Amazon Partnered Carrier program's cost-effective rates. |
Less than Truckload (LTL) | Less than Truckload is a suitable option for larger shipments that don’t fill an entire truck. It provides cost-saving benefits for heavy or large items. The minimum weight for an LTL shipment is 150 lbs. |
Full Truckload (FTL) | Full Truckload is perfect for huge shipments that require an entire truck. It's the most cost-effective option for large-scale FBA sellers. There is no weight limit for FTL shipments, and the program's discounted rates make it an economical choice for large shipments. |
Each of these options is designed to meet different shipping needs and all three options offer competitive rates through the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program. Therefore, whether you’re shipping individual boxes or large pallets, the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program has a solution for you.
How to Use the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program
To use the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program, FBA sellers need to follow a step-by-step process for submitting carton content and transportation information. They can estimate shipping costs, request package and pallet labels, and then send their shipments to Amazon's fulfillment network.
Step-by-step process for submitting carton content and transportation information
To use the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program and submit carton content and transportation information, follow these steps:w
Prepare your shipment: Make sure your products are properly packaged and labeled according to Amazon's guidelines. Ensure that each carton has a unique identification label.
Create a shipment plan: In your seller account, go to "Manage Inventory" and select the products you want to ship. Click on "Send/Replenish Inventory" and choose "Create a new shipping plan." Follow the prompts to provide details about your shipment, such as the number of cartons, dimensions, weight, and destination.
Select an Amazon partnered carrier: Choose one of the partnered carriers from the available options provided by Amazon based on your shipment size and requirements.
Enter carton content information: For each carton, enter the contents accurately in terms of quantity, SKU, and condition. This information helps Amazon track inventory accurately.
Provide transportation information: Fill in details about the pickup location, scheduled pickup date, contact person, and any special instructions for pickup.
Estimate shipping costs: Amazon provides an estimate of shipping costs based on your shipment characteristics. Review this estimate before proceeding.
Request package labels: Once you have entered all necessary information, click on "Print Labels for This Shipment" to generate package labels for each carton.
Request pallet labels (if applicable): If you are shipping multiple cartons on a pallet or using less-than-truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FTL) options, request pallet labels as well.
Send shipments to Amazon's fulfillment network: Affix the package labels to each corresponding carton according to Amazon's guidelines. Arrange for pickup with the selected carrier or drop off your shipments at their designated location.
Track your shipments: Use tracking numbers provided by the partnered carrier to monitor the progress of your shipments.
Don't know whether to choose Fedex or UPS for shipping your products? Check out our Fedex vs UPS article here.
Estimating shipping costs
To estimate shipping costs through Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program, you can use the Shipping Calculator in your seller account. This tool allows you to enter details such as package weight and dimensions, destination zip code, and transportation method (SPD, LTL, or FTL).
The calculator will then provide an estimated cost for shipping based on these factors. This can help you plan and budget for your shipments more effectively. Additionally, keep in mind that the rates offered through the program are often discounted compared to other carriers, saving you money on your shipping expenses.
With this information at hand, FBA sellers can make informed decisions about their shipping options within the Partnered Carrier Program.
Requesting package and pallet labels
To ensure smooth shipping and labeling of your products, it's important to know how to request package and pallet labels through Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program. Here are the steps:
Login to your Amazon Seller Central account and go to the 'Shipping Queue' page.
Find the shipment you want to request labels for and click on 'Work on Shipment'.
On the 'Prepare Shipment' page, select the option for 'Prepare Packages' or 'Prepare Pallets', depending on your shipment size.
Enter the required information such as weight, dimensions, and quantity of packages or pallets.
Once you've entered all the necessary details, click on 'Calculate' to get an estimate of the shipping costs.
Review the estimated shipping costs and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding.
Next, click on 'Print Labels' to generate the package or pallet labels.
Print out the labels and affix them securely to each package or pallet according to Amazon's guidelines.
Ensure that all labels are clear and legible for easy identification during transit.
Sending shipments to Amazon's fulfillment network
Pack your items securely in boxes or pallets according to Amazon's packaging requirements.
Print and attach the package labels provided by Amazon for each box or pallet.
Arrange for pickup or drop off of your shipments with the partnered carrier chosen during the shipping process.
Ensure that you have all the necessary transportation information, including shipment ID and carrier tracking number.
Track your shipments using the carrier's tracking system or through Seller Central on Amazon.
Monitor the delivery status and make any necessary adjustments or follow-ups if there are delays or issues.
Keep records of all shipment details, including dates, carrier information, and tracking numbers for future reference.
Amazon Partnered Carrier Program vs. Non-Amazon Partnered Carriers
In this section, we will compare the cost and convenience of using Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program versus non-Amazon partnered carriers. Discover which option is best for your FBA shipments.
Keep reading to learn more!
Cost and convenience comparisons
The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program offers FBA sellers competitive rates and convenient shipping options compared to other carriers. With deep shipping discounts, sellers can save money on their inventory shipping fees, which is crucial for making a profit on Amazon FBA. The program not only provides discounted rates but also streamlines the entire shipping process, reducing headaches and improving overall convenience for sellers. By utilizing Amazon's partnered carriers, sellers can enjoy faster delivery times and benefit from waived storage fees and liquidation fees for New-to-FBA items. It's important for FBA sellers to take advantage of this cost-effective and convenient shipping service to optimize their business operations and maximize their profits.
Delivery window policy
The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program also includes a delivery window policy, which is an important aspect for FBA sellers. This policy ensures that your shipments are delivered within a specific timeframe, allowing you to better plan and manage your inventory.
With the program, you can select from different delivery options based on your needs and preferences. This helps to avoid any delays or issues with getting your products to Amazon's fulfillment network on time.
By adhering to the delivery window policy, you can maintain a smooth and efficient shipping process, ensuring that your customers receive their orders in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the program offers competitive rates compared to other carriers in the market. As an FBA seller, this means you can save money on shipping costs while still enjoying reliable service and fast deliveries.
It's important to take advantage of these discounted rates through the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program as it can greatly impact your profitability as an FBA seller.
Tips and Best Practices for Using the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program
Here are some helpful tips and best practices to maximize your experience with the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program. Read on to learn how you can track shipments, cancel shipments, use Amazon Global Logistics, and more!
Tracking shipments
To ensure the smooth flow of your inventory and stay updated on its progress, tracking shipments is crucial. With the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program, you can easily track your shipments from start to finish.
By using the tracking information provided by the partnered carrier, you will know exactly where your packages are and when they will arrive at their destination. This allows you to manage your inventory effectively and provide accurate delivery estimates to your customers.
Tracking shipments also enables you to identify any potential issues or delays along the way, so you can quickly address them and maintain a seamless shipping process.
Canceling shipments
If you ever need to cancel a shipment through Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program, it's important to know the process and potential implications. Canceling shipments can be done directly through your seller account, but keep in mind that fees may apply depending on the timing of the cancellation.
It's crucial to act quickly if you need to cancel a shipment to avoid any unnecessary charges. By understanding how to navigate this process within the program, you can effectively manage your inventory and shipping needs as an Amazon FBA seller.
Using Amazon Global Logistics
One option for FBA sellers within the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program is to utilize Amazon Global Logistics. This service allows sellers to easily ship their products internationally, expanding their customer base and potentially increasing sales.
With Amazon Global Logistics, FBA sellers can take advantage of Amazon's worldwide distribution network and reliable shipping partners to reach customers in different countries.
By using Amazon Global Logistics, sellers can streamline their international shipping process and ensure that their products are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively. This service eliminates the need for sellers to navigate complex customs procedures and deal with multiple carriers.
Instead, they can rely on Amazon's expertise in global logistics to handle these aspects.
Not only does using Amazon Global Logistics simplify the shipping process for international orders, but it also offers competitive rates compared to other carriers. Sellers can save money on shipping costs while still providing a fast and reliable delivery experience for their customers around the world.
Final thoughts on the program's benefits and drawbacks
The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program offers a range of benefits for FBA sellers. One of the biggest advantages is the discounted shipping rates, which can save sellers significant costs on their inbound shipments to Amazon's fulfillment network.
The program also provides convenience and efficiency by streamlining the shipping process, allowing sellers to easily submit carton content and transportation information, estimate shipping costs, request package and pallet labels, and send shipments directly to Amazon.
However, it's important for sellers to keep in mind some potential drawbacks of the program. For one, there may be limited carrier options available depending on your location and shipment size.
Additionally, while the program aims to enhance delivery speed, there may still be instances where delays occur. It's essential for sellers to track their shipments closely and communicate with Amazon if any issues arise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program is a valuable resource for FBA sellers looking to streamline their shipping process and save money. By taking advantage of the program's discounted rates and convenient options, sellers can improve their delivery speed and reduce transportation costs.
With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and best practices, this comprehensive guide equips FBA sellers with all the information they need to effectively utilize the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program for their shipping needs.
Start maximizing your efficiency and profits today by leveraging this powerful program!
Are you an Amazon FBM seller? Here's an article on FBM shipping guidelines.
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FAQs
1. What is Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program for FBA sellers?
Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program is a service provided by Amazon that allows FBA sellers to use specific carrier partners to ship their inventory directly to Amazon fulfillment centers. This program offers discounted rates, streamlined shipping processes, and enhanced tracking capabilities.
2. How do I qualify for Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program?
To qualify for the program, you must be an active FBA seller with an eligible FBA shipment in the United States or other participating countries. You will need to meet certain criteria and adhere to Amazon's packaging and labeling requirements.
3. Can I use my own preferred carrier instead of Amazon's partnered carriers?
While using Amazon's partnered carriers offers benefits such as discounted rates and improved logistics integration, you are not required to use them exclusively. As long as your chosen carrier meets Amazon’s requirements and provides accurate tracking information, you have the flexibility to select your preferred carrier.
4. How can using the Partnered Carrier Program benefit my business?
Using the Partnered Carrier Program can benefit your business in several ways. It provides cost savings through discounted shipping rates, streamlines your shipping processes by integrating with existing workflows, enhances visibility into tracking and delivery updates, and ensures compliance with Amazon’s packaging and labeling requirements for seamless inventory management on the platform.