The 10 Best Freight Forwarders for Amazon FBA
- we1677
- Jan 7
- 10 min read
Simplifying Shipping for Amazon FBA: What You Need to Know
Shipping products from China to an Amazon fulfillment center is often overlooked by sellers, who tend to focus on product design and marketing. However, neglecting to plan your shipping strategy early can lead to unexpected costs and delays.
International shipping from a factory to an FBA center can be pricey, and these costs might impact the profitability of your product. That’s why it’s essential to calculate freight logistics and costs as soon as possible.
Using traditional parcel delivery services like UPS for your Amazon shipments may seem convenient, but it’s typically only cost-effective for shipments under 150 kg. For larger orders, partnering with a professional freight forwarder, such as Flexport or Freightos, is a smarter and more economical option.
Common Pitfalls When Choosing a Freight Forwarder
Many sellers default to selecting the cheapest freight forwarder. While this might save money upfront, it can lead to hidden fees, poor communication, or tracking issues. These problems can cause unnecessary stress and disrupt your supply chain.
What This Guide Covers 🕵️♂️
In our Amazon freight forwarder guide, we’ll explore:
What a freight forwarder does.
The costs involved.
The step-by-step shipping process.
Key shipping terms you should know.
Tips for choosing the best Amazon freight forwarder.
Our list of the 10 Best Freight Forwarders for Amazon FBA.
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Now, let’s dive in and find the perfect freight forwarder for your Amazon business!
Understanding Freight Forwarders and Their Role in Shipping
What is a Freight Forwarder?
A freight forwarder is a logistics company that specializes in organizing and managing the transportation of goods across international borders. They ensure your products move smoothly from manufacturers to Amazon fulfillment centers or your chosen warehouse.
Their primary responsibilities include:
Coordinating the entire shipping process.
Managing customs clearance.
Navigating international shipping laws and regulations.
Streamlining logistics for businesses.
Freight forwarders are essential for Amazon private label sellers, offering services such as:
Arranging inland transportation.
Warehousing goods.
Preparing shipping and export documents.
Booking cargo space.
Negotiating freight rates.
Providing freight insurance.
Why Use a Freight Forwarder?Handling international shipping independently can be overwhelming, with complex regulations and potential pitfalls. It’s best to rely on experienced professionals to avoid costly mistakes.
What is a Customs Broker? 👩💻
A customs broker specializes in navigating customs clearance processes to ensure shipments comply with import and export laws. They help prevent delays and complications by:
Preparing and submitting customs documentation.
Calculating duties and taxes.
Classifying goods according to regulations.
Ensuring compliance with trade laws.
Many freight forwarders include customs brokerage services in their offerings, though you can hire a customs broker separately if needed.
Key Roles of a Freight Forwarder
Freight forwarders coordinate various logistics providers to handle road, sea, and air transportation. Although they don’t transport goods themselves, they manage the entire process, including:
Documentation: Managing paperwork such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin.
Consolidation and Warehousing: Combining shipments from multiple exporters to reduce costs and storing goods until ready for shipment.
Cargo Space Booking: Arranging transport via sea, air, rail, or road.
Customs Clearance: Ensuring goods comply with customs regulations and facilitating clearance.
Freight Insurance: Offering coverage for goods to protect against potential transit losses.
Tracking Shipments: Monitoring shipments from origin to destination and updating clients on progress.
Established freight forwarders leverage relationships with carriers and brokers to ensure seamless logistics and reduced stress for sellers. 😎
Should You Use a Freight Forwarder?
International shipping, especially from China to Amazon fulfillment centers, is complex and error-prone. Many private label sellers encounter issues when managing logistics themselves.
Benefits of Using a Freight Forwarder for Amazon FBA 🚀
Expertise: Knowledge of international shipping rules prevents delays and extra costs.
Cost Savings: Freight forwarders negotiate competitive rates with carriers due to their shipping volume.
Efficiency: They handle logistics, freeing you to focus on your Amazon business.
Reliable Network: Access to a vast network of carriers and agents ensures timely deliveries.
Customs Assistance: They handle all customs formalities to avoid border delays.
Risk Mitigation: Insurance and tracking services help minimize shipping risks.
When You Might Not Need a Freight Forwarder
Freight forwarders may not be necessary in these scenarios:
Small Shipments (<150 kg): Use couriers like UPS or FedEx, as they handle customs and simplify the process.
Samples or Emergency Stock: For small shipments, ask your supplier to ship via air courier.
Domestic Shipping: If your supplier is in the same country, you can manage logistics independently as it’s less complicated.
By understanding your shipping needs, you can decide whether to engage a freight forwarder or manage logistics yourself.
Amazon FBA Freight Forwarder Costs 💰
Shipping costs can be complex, with multiple factors influencing the total amount. A simple rule of thumb is approximately $1 per kg for sea freight shipments.
To avoid unexpected expenses, always request a detailed quote from your freight forwarder, specifying what is included and excluded. If anything is unclear, ask for written confirmation.
Here’s a breakdown of common freight forwarding costs:
Freight Charges: Costs for ocean, air, or land transportation. Sea freight is cheaper but slower compared to air.
Container Costs: Either Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL). LCL is typically more affordable for smaller shipments.
Customs Brokerage Fees: Charges for handling customs documentation and clearance.
Documentation Fees: Costs for preparing necessary shipping paperwork.
Handling Charges: Fees for terminal handling, storage, and related activities.
Insurance: Coverage for protecting goods during transit.
Surcharges: Additional fees for fuel, peak seasons, security, war risk, and demurrage penalties.
Value-Added Services: Costs for extras like shipment consolidation or special handling.
Last-Mile Delivery: Fees for delivering goods to Amazon fulfillment centers.
Pro Tip: Use platforms like Freightos to compare quotes from multiple freight forwarders and simplify the process.
Who Pays the Freight Forwarder?
Typically, the responsibility lies with the Amazon FBA seller (importer). However, payment terms depend on the agreed-upon Incoterms between the seller and supplier.
Popular Incoterms for Amazon FBA Sellers:
Ex-Works (EXW):
Seller’s responsibility ends at their location.
Buyer arranges transport and assumes all risks.
FOB (Free on Board):
Seller delivers goods onto the vessel.
Risk transfers to the buyer once loaded.
Cost and Freight (CFR):
Seller covers shipping to the destination port.
Risk transfers at the loading point.
Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF):
Similar to CFR, but the seller also provides insurance.
Risk still transfers upon loading.
Delivered at Place (DAP):
Seller delivers to an agreed destination.
Buyer handles import duties.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP):
Seller covers all costs, including duties.
Maximum obligation for the seller.
Most Amazon sellers use EXW, FOB, or DDP depending on their logistical needs.
Amazon Freight Service 🚛
Amazon provides its own freight services, known as Amazon Freight, for shipments within the U.S. Key features include:
GPS-tracked 53’ dry vans.
Flexible booking options, including next-day scheduling.
24/7 customer support.
Access to a vast network of carriers and trailers.
Transparent and competitive pricing.
Amazon Freight simplifies shipping for larger shippers, offering integration options and solutions for both Amazon-bound and off-Amazon deliveries.
6 Key Stages of Freight Forwarding Shipping Process
Shipping goods internationally to Amazon FBA typically involves six steps:
Export Haulage: Collecting goods from the manufacturer and transporting them to the freight forwarder’s warehouse.
Export Customs Clearance: Preparing export documents and ensuring compliance with the origin country’s regulations.
Origin Handling: Inspecting, labeling, and packaging goods to meet Amazon FBA requirements.
Transportation: Shipping via sea, air, or road while tracking progress and updating Amazon.
Import Customs Clearance: Submitting documents, paying taxes, and clearing goods through customs.
Final Mile Delivery: Delivering goods to Amazon fulfillment centers according to their guidelines.
Freight Forwarding Terminology 🤓
Familiarize yourself with these common shipping terms:
3PL (Third-Party Logistics): Outsourced logistics providers handling warehousing, labeling, and transportation.
Bill of Lading (BOL): Document serving as a receipt, contract, and title for shipped goods.
Commercial Invoice: A customs document detailing the shipped goods’ value and transaction specifics.
Customs Broker: Licensed expert assisting with customs clearance and compliance.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Seller assumes all costs and risks until delivery, including duties.
Demurrage: Penalty for exceeding the free time allowed for container use.
FCL (Full Container Load): Exclusive use of an entire container, ideal for large shipments.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Shared container space for smaller shipments, reducing costs.
HS Code: Harmonized System Code used for product classification in international trade.
Incoterms: Rules defining buyer-seller responsibilities in global trade.
Customs Duty: Taxes imposed on imported goods.
Certificate of Origin: Document certifying the origin of goods, often needed for preferential tariffs.
By understanding these terms and processes, you can better manage your shipping and logistics operations for Amazon FBA.
How to Select the Right Freight Forwarder for Amazon FBA
Choosing the ideal freight forwarder for your Amazon FBA shipments is critical for smooth operations. Consider these seven essential criteria to ensure you partner with the best logistics provider:
1. Clear Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone of a reliable freight forwarder.
Why It Matters: Poor communication can lead to missed deadlines and increased costs.
What to Look For:
A company that manages your shipment across time zones without outsourcing to third-party couriers.
Responsiveness and clarity during the quoting process, as this reflects future service quality.
2. Transparent Pricing
Understanding the costs involved ensures better control over your shipments.
Ask These Questions:
Can they clearly break down charges, including customs duties and fees?
Do they explain Incoterms and what’s included or excluded in your shipment?
3. Expertise in Amazon FBA Requirements
Freight forwarders with Amazon FBA experience can save you from compliance issues.
Key Benefits:
Familiarity with FBA-specific delivery and packaging guidelines.
Expertise in optimizing door-to-door logistics, which can significantly cut costs.
4. Reliability and Reputation
A dependable freight forwarder is critical for timely and hassle-free deliveries.
How to Vet:
Check online reviews or testimonials in Amazon seller communities and Facebook groups.
Look for companies known for reliability and strong customer service.
5. Global Network
A freight forwarder with a robust international network ensures smooth shipping.
Why It’s Important:
Many forwarders rely on third-party agents, leading to visibility gaps.
Choose a provider with a presence in both the origin and destination countries to avoid delays.
6. Comprehensive Services
The more services a freight forwarder offers, the easier your logistics become.
What to Look For:
Can they handle customs clearance, warehousing, hazardous materials, or temperature-sensitive items?
Do they provide packaging and labeling services for Amazon FBA compliance?
7. Advanced Technology and Tracking
Real-time tracking simplifies logistics and helps you plan for product launches.
Key Features to Expect:
Live shipment tracking.
Notifications for exceptions or delays.
Proof of delivery for added assurance.
Top 10 Freight Forwarders for Amazon FBA
1. Freightos
Key Features: Online marketplace, instant quotes, rate comparisons, tracking.
Why Choose Them: Competitive pricing, user-friendly, and part of Amazon’s Solution Provider Network.
Website: Freightos
2. Unicargo
Key Features: Door-to-door services, customs clearance, FBA preparation, and storage.
Why Choose Them: Expert in Amazon FBA requirements with excellent customer support.
Website: Unicargo
3. Shippo
Key Features: Logistics services focused on Amazon FBA in the UK and Europe.
Why Choose Them: Personalized service for European markets.
Website: Shippo
4. Medey
Key Features: Global freight forwarding, customs brokerage, last-mile delivery.
Why Choose Them: Strong global network and reliable service for FBA sellers.
Website: Medey
5. Shipkoo
Key Features: FBA prep and shipping, international freight, warehousing.
Why Choose Them: Integration with Amazon FBA and cost-effective solutions.
Website: Shipkoo
6. Flexport
Key Features: Real-time tracking, supply chain management, advanced technology.
Why Choose Them: User-friendly platform with excellent support and insights.
Website: Flexport
7. American New Logistics Service
Key Features: Comprehensive freight forwarding, inventory management, FBA prep.
Why Choose Them: Transparent pricing and strategic route optimization.
Website: American New Logistics Service
8. Prep It Pack It Ship It
Key Features: Specialized FBA prep, packing, labeling, storage, and shipping.
Why Choose Them: Tailored solutions for Amazon sellers.
Website: Prep It Pack It Ship It
9. Boss Continental
Key Features: Freight forwarding, global shipping, Amazon FBA compliance.
Why Choose Them: Focused on Amazon FBA with a global reach.
Website: Boss Continental
10. Shapiro
Key Features: Customized logistics, FBA expertise, customs brokerage.
Why Choose Them: Strong focus on compliance and reliable customer service.
Website: Shapiro
By choosing the right freight forwarder, you’ll streamline your shipping process, reduce costs, and ensure your products reach Amazon fulfillment centers smoothly.
Key Takeaways on Choosing the Right Amazon Freight Forwarder
Selecting the cheapest freight forwarder may seem like a smart move initially, but it could lead to unexpected costs and complications. A forwarder offering high-quality services combined with competitive rates might save you significant money and prevent logistical headaches in the long run.
What to Prioritize:
Look for a freight forwarder with transparent pricing, detailed quotes, and clear communication tools.
Ensure they provide real-time updates on your shipment's status.
Consider the value of in-house customs brokerage services to minimize transit delays.
⚠️ Important: Be cautious of forwarders claiming they can assign more favorable tariff codes for reduced duties. This practice could violate regulations and jeopardize your business.
To simplify the process, start by obtaining quotes from the companies on our recommended top 10 list. These forwarders have proven reliable and are trusted by thousands of Amazon sellers.
Best of luck and happy selling!James 👨
Amazon Freight Forwarder FAQs
Q: Can I ship directly from China to Amazon FBA?
A: Yes, you can ship directly to an Amazon FBA warehouse or to a logistics/prep company. For your first order, it’s advisable to ship to yourself or a prep service to inspect the products and ensure proper labeling and packaging.
Q: Does Alibaba ship to Amazon FBA?
A: Many manufacturers on Alibaba offer direct shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses. Verify that they are familiar with Amazon’s shipping and preparation requirements to avoid issues.
Q: Does Alibaba have its own shipping service?
A: Yes, Alibaba provides Alibaba.com Logistics Services. This platform connects sellers with verified logistics companies, offering door-to-door and port-to-port services via air and sea freight.
Q: How much does it cost to ship from China to Amazon FBA?
A: Air freight costs range from $5 to $8 per kilogram with carriers like DHL or UPS. For larger shipments, sea freight costs approximately $3500 for a 40’ container, making it more economical.
Q: What is the cheapest way to ship from China to the USA?
A: Sea freight is significantly cheaper than air freight but slower. For instance, shipping a 100g product might cost $0.60 by air and only $0.05 by sea, though transit times are approximately 4 days for air and 25 days for sea. Many sellers use air freight for an initial small quantity and sea freight for the bulk shipment.
Q: Is it legal to resell products from Alibaba on Amazon?
A: Yes, it’s legal as long as your products comply with local safety and quality standards. Many private label sellers source products from Alibaba to resell on Amazon.
Q: Can I handle Amazon FBA shipping without a freight forwarder?
A: Yes, but freight forwarders simplify the process, ensure compliance, and often save time and money while minimizing potential delays.
Q: What is the best Incoterm for Amazon FBA?
A: Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is preferred as it places all shipping responsibilities on the seller until delivery to Amazon FBA. Ex-Works (EXW) is another popular option, where you handle logistics from the supplier’s factory to the fulfillment center.
Q: Can a freight forwarder help me source products?
A: While their focus is logistics, some freight forwarders can recommend suppliers or work with sourcing agents.
Q: Can a freight forwarder assist with customs issues?
A: Yes, most freight forwarders offer customs brokerage services and can help resolve customs delays or other issues.
By working with the right freight forwarder, you can streamline your shipping process and focus more on growing your Amazon business. 🚀
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