Amazon LTL Shipping: How it Work For FBA, Requirements & Guidelines

As a seller, you might want to know how LTL shipments work for Amazon FBA and what kind of charges it incorporates.

Well, not many of them are aware of the fact 95% of the businesses are done through LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipments on average.

The moment your product quantities reach a particular point, you can save lots of money on inbound shipping for Amazon FBA with the help of their so-called “LTL Trucking” feature.

Now, you might wonder what is LTL and what is the ideology behind Amazon LTL shipments? Let’s unveil it in depth.

Quick Guide:

1. What Is LTL Shipping?
2. Benefits Of LTL Shipping
3. When Should You Choose LTL Shipping?
4. What Determines The Rate For LTL Shipping?
5. Overview Of Amazon LTL Shipments
6. How To Arrange An LTL Delivery To Amazon?
7. Requirements For Shipment Packaging
8. Carrier Requirements For LTL Deliveries
9. Amazon Seller Requirements For LTL
10. How To Calculate The Amazon FBA LTL Charges?
11. Common Reasons Your Delivery Can Be Rejected

What Is LTL Shipping?

LTL (Less Than Truckload) is a facility or option that is used for transporting small freights or when freights do not require using a whole trailer.

At a basic level, LTL shipment is the freight transportation that occupies only a tiny portion of the total trailer.

In simple words, multiple shippers will share their space in the same truck and will pay only for the portion that they are using and not whole for the whole truck. This makes LTL shipping a cost-effective shipping method freights.

However, this shipping method is used only when the freight weighs from 150 to 15,000 pounds.

Benefits Of LTL Shipping

If you are into an online business, you will find the option of LTL shipment very convenient, as there are various advantages to it. These include:

• Increased Security: A majority of LTL shipments are packed onto pallets prior to being loaded into a truck. A well-packed pallet has a higher chance of staying secured when compared to shipments with numerous smaller units.
• Cost Effective: Since you are not going to occupy the entire space in the truck and it is going to be only a small portion, this is apparently going to save lots of money. Thus, making LTL a cost-effective option for shipments.
• Efficient Tracking: Every LTL carrier offers enhanced tracking capabilities via the bill, which includes details like PO number, shipment reference number, PRO number, pick-up date, lading number, etc.
• Service Options: Whenever you ship through LTL, you get access to some special services such as lift-gates, easy pickup, and quick delivery.
• Eco-friendly: Since multiple occupants are going to use the same truck, it not only saves on fuel but also the amount of carbon emitted is also low.

When Should You Choose LTL Shipping?

• Go for LTL option when you want to maximize your cost savings.
• Choose the LTL shipping option if the freights weigh below 15,000 pounds.
• Pick LTL if your freights don’t require a full trailer.

What Determines The Rate For LTL Shipping?

The factors that determine the rates of LTL shipping include:

• Mode: Every LTL shipment can be expedited, usually for an extra fee.
• Dimension: The Amazon’s shipment’s weight and size determine the class of freight, which directly affects its rate.
• Location: The distance between the source and destination plays a key role in determining the rates for LTL shipments. As a general rule, the farther the distance, the greater the price.

Overview Of Amazon LTL Shipments

Amazon has partnered with FTL/LTL (Full Truckload/Partial Truckload) Carriers to deliver shipments that exceed 150lb.

Now, these carriers pick up as well as deliver your FBA (Fulfilled By Amazon) Inbound Shipments for extremely discounted rates.

The rates are first billed to Amazon’s account and further, they pass the charges to you entitled as “Inbound Transportation Charges” on your Settlement Report.

How To Arrange An LTL Delivery To Amazon?

If you are using the LTL option to get your stock to reach the Amazon Fulfillment Centre, then follow the guidelines mentioned below:

Pallet Label & Pallet Requirements

All parcel shipments (non-small) should be palletized. Pallets should be of the below measurement:

1200 mm x 1000 mm

Pallets of other sizes will be instantly rejected.