If there is one thing, Amazon does well; it’s optimising and streamlining their processes. If you send imported products through to an FBA center, you should be aware of Amazon pallet requirements.
In this guide, I will be covering some of the questions I commonly receive from sellers.
Let’s get into it.
How Do I Send a Pallet to Amazon FBA?
When sending products to an FBA center, you start by selecting your inventory.
Next, you’ll need to confirm shipping details.
Then you’ll need to print box labels.
Pallet information is confirmed in the next stage of Amazon’s workflow.
Before you can send a pallet to Amazon FBA, you will need to do the following:
- Confirm the number of pallets in your shipment.
- Print four pallet ID labels for each pallet in your shipment. This is what the fulfillment center will use to verify your shipment.
- One label needs to be placed on each side of the pallet.
- You can now select Mark All as Shipped to let Amazon know they can expect your inventory.
Many sellers often ask whether they can get their goods imported and delivered straight to an Amazon FBA warehouse directly from their supplier.
The answer is, yes.
Shipping directly to Amazon is quicker and cheaper. However, you will still need to ensure your shipment meets Amazon’s requirements.
Sellers should also be aware that Amazon may ask them to ship to multiple fulfillment centers.
(Source: Amazon Seller Central)
Amazon Pallet Requirements (FBA)
Regardless of whether you are selling your products on Amazon U.S. or UK, your shipment cannot exceed 5,000 boxes.
Let me take you through some of the specific Amazon pallet requirements of these two major Amazon marketplaces.
Amazon U.S.
- Only 4-way access wooden pallets can be used for shipments. Plastic, cardboard, or particleboard is not permitted.
- Boxes cannot hang over the edges of the pallet.
- Depending on the products you are shipping, the pallet requires a certain number of boards on the top and the bottom.
- Pallets need to be in good condition, or they will be rejected.
You can read the full requirements for U.S. sellers here.
Amazon UK
- Only 4-way access wooden pallets can be used for shipments. Plastic, cardboard, or particleboard is not permitted.
- When delivering stock to EU countries, use 800×1200 mm Euro/CHEP.
- Pallets shipped internationally must be heat treated to ISPM-15 standard.
- Pallets need to be in good condition, or they will be rejected.
You can read the full requirements for UK sellers here.
Amazon Pallet Weight Limit
Next, let’s look at the pallet weight limits you should be aware of.
As a U.S. seller, your pallet cannot exceed 1,500 lb. Single pallets also cannot be higher than 72 inches.
As a UK seller, your pallet cannot exceed 500 kg (or 1,000 kg if double-stacked). Single pallets cannot be higher than 180 cm.
Amazon Pallet Label Requirements
For Amazon to accept your shipment, it needs to have the required labels.
Amazon U.S.
- An FBA pallet label needs to be attached to all four sides of the pallet on the stretch wrap in the top centre.
- FBA box ID labels should be attached to each box on the pallet. These can also be created and printed during the shipment creation workflow.
- Labels should be square and not at an angle.
- Pallets that only contain one ASIN should be labelled: “Single ASIN Pallet”.
Amazon UK
- Each pallet needs a label that includes the vendor name, a To and From address, PO numbers, number of cartons, and pallet # X of X in the upper right corner.
- Each box on the pallet requires its label.
- Labels should be clearly visible when unpacking the pallet.
- Any pallets that contain mixed but visually similar products must include “Mixed Merchandise” on the label.
(Source: Zhihu)
How Do Pallets Have to Be Packaged for Amazon FBA?
When packing a pallet for Amazon FBA, ensure that the necessary height requirements mentioned above are met.
It’s also essential not to bundle boxes using bags, straps, or elastic and to ensure none of the boxes hangs over the pallet’s edge.
Should you choose to use stackable pallets, make sure, they have flat tops.
In terms of wrapping the pallets, only use clear plastic to wrap the pallet multiple times.
This will prevent the products from shifting during transit. Be sure to use the stretch wrap from the top of the pallet to the bottom.
Lastly, make sure the contents are stable – the stretch wrap should not be used to stabilise the contents.
How to Arrange an LTL Delivery to Amazon?
Should you choose to use the LTL delivery option to get your products to an Amazon FBA center, the guidelines are quite similar.
All pallets used to ship non-small items should be 1,200 mm x 1,000 mm (47 inches x 39 inches) in size. Any other sizes are instantly rejected and will be returned at the seller’s expense.
Some of the other requirements that need to be met include the following:
- Pallets should not contain more than 5,000 boxes.
- Each pallet requires a label with the vendor name, a To and From address, PO numbers, number of cartons, and pallet # X of X in the upper right corner.
- Any pallets that contain mixed but visually similar products must include “Mixed Merchandise” on the label.
- Every pallet needs to be wrapped in stretch plastic.
- Damaged pallets will not be accepted.
- Single-stacked pallets cannot be higher than 1.5 m.
- Products cannot hang over the sides of the pallet.
Once your shipment is ready, select Less than truckload (LTL) as your shipping method on Amazon Seller Central.
In Closing
Amazon pallet requirements are detailed but straightforward. It’s important to understand these requirements, especially as a new seller, to avoid unnecessary costs.
If you are getting started as an FBA seller, you might be considering hiring a mentor or signing up for a course.
If you want to learn about how we have built and scaled five private-label brands on the Amazon platform, check our training.
More soon.
