Shipping inventory to Amazon FBA fulfillment centers is a core operational skill for every FBA seller. Done correctly, it gets your products into Amazon's network quickly and cost-efficiently. Done incorrectly, it results in additional fees, processing delays, and sometimes rejected shipments.
This guide covers the end-to-end process for U.S.-based sellers shipping to Amazon FBA in 2025 and 2026.
Step 1: Prepare your products for FBA
Before you ship anything to Amazon, your products must meet Amazon's FBA product and packaging requirements. Key requirements include:
- Each unit must have a scannable barcode (either a manufacturer barcode or an FNSKU label applied over it)
- Products must be packaged to survive fulfillment center processing and multi-step shipping
- Certain categories require additional prep: poly bags for clothing and soft goods, bubble wrap for fragile items, suffocation warning labels for poly bags with openings over 5 inches
- Sets and bundles must be clearly marked and packaged together
Review Amazon's current FBA Product Preparation Requirements in Seller Central before each shipment, as requirements are updated periodically.
Step 2: Create an FBA shipment in Seller Central
Go to Inventory > Manage FBA Shipments and select "Send/replenish inventory." Choose the products and quantities you're sending. Amazon will assign you to one or more fulfillment center destinations based on its inbound placement algorithm.
In 2024, Amazon introduced inbound placement service fees. These fees cover the cost of Amazon distributing your inventory across its network. Sending to a single location (minimum placement option) results in higher per-unit placement fees; sending to multiple locations (Amazon-optimized placement) reduces or eliminates placement fees but requires you to split your shipment across multiple destinations.
Step 3: Label your products
Each unit needs a scannable label. If your products have manufacturer barcodes and you're enrolled in Amazon's stickerless, commingled inventory program, Amazon will use the manufacturer barcode. Otherwise, you'll need to apply FNSKU labels (Amazon-specific barcodes) to each unit. Labels can be printed directly from Seller Central and must meet Amazon's size and placement requirements.
Step 4: Choose your shipping method
Amazon offers two main options for inbound shipping in the U.S.:
- Amazon Partnered Carrier Program: Amazon-negotiated rates with UPS (for small parcel) or freight carriers (for pallets). These rates are typically competitive and are billed directly to your seller account. This is the most common option for small-to-medium shipments.
- Non-partnered carrier: Use your own carrier account (FedEx, UPS, or others). This may be preferable if you have negotiated rates, are shipping from a third-party warehouse, or have specific freight requirements.
Step 5: Ship your inventory and track inbound progress
Once your shipment is confirmed, generate the box content information (what's in each box), print your box labels, and ship your inventory to the assigned fulfillment center(s). Track receiving status in Seller Central under Manage FBA Shipments. Processing times vary from 1–7 business days under normal conditions and can be longer during Q4.
Common FBA shipping mistakes to avoid
- Missing or incorrect labeling — results in unplanned service fees and processing delays
- Sending products that don't meet prep requirements — Amazon may charge prep service fees or reject the shipment
- Inaccurate box content information — mismatches trigger investigation holds
- Shipping to the wrong fulfillment center — always ship to the address assigned in your specific shipment, not a previous destination
For help optimizing your FBA inbound process or navigating the logistics of scaling your Amazon business, reach out to the team at ePlaybooks.
