Ship pallets to Amazon fulfillment centers, the right way.

When you create an FBA shipment in Seller Central and choose less-than-truckload, Amazon assigns a destination fulfillment center and generates your FBA shipment ID and pallet labels. You can use Amazon's partnered carrier program or bring your own carrier. With your own carrier, the carrier requests a delivery appointment through Amazon Carrier Central, and the freight must arrive during that appointment window.

Amazon fulfillment centers operate on scheduled appointments. Freight that arrives without an appointment, or misses its window, can be turned away and may need to be redelivered, adding redelivery and storage charges.

Delivered In Time helps you compare LTL carriers that deliver to Amazon facilities and coordinates the details your carrier needs for the appointment.

Amazon requires standard 40 x 48 inch, four-way-access wooden pallets in good condition. Pallets should be GMA Grade B or better, with no broken boards or protruding nails. Heat-treated pallets are recommended, and many facilities do not accept plastic, paper, or custom-sized pallets without prior approval.

Loaded pallet height is limited to 72 inches including the pallet, and pallet weight is generally limited to 1,500 pounds. Cartons should not overhang the pallet edge. Each pallet should be tightly stretch-wrapped in clear plastic so labels remain visible and cartons stay secure. Single-SKU pallets and mixed-SKU pallets each have their own labeling rules.

Amazon updates its receiving requirements from time to time, so always confirm the current rules in Seller Central before shipping.

Every carton needs its FBA box label, and every pallet needs Amazon pallet labels. Amazon asks for four pallet labels, one on the top center of each side, so the pallet can be identified from any direction. Remove or cover old shipping labels and barcodes to avoid scanning errors.

The bill of lading should reference the FBA shipment ID and the Amazon Reference ID or PO number, the destination fulfillment center code, the number of pallets and cartons, and the total weight. The carrier PRO number is used to request the Carrier Central appointment. Mismatched counts are a common reason for receiving delays.

The most common issues are oversized or overweight pallets, damaged pallets, missing or hidden labels, loose cartons, and missed appointments. Any of these can lead to refused freight, repalletizing fees, or delayed check-in of your inventory.

Build extra transit time into your plan, especially during Q4 when Amazon facilities are at peak capacity and appointments book up quickly. Ship early, confirm counts, and keep your shipment ID, PRO number, and appointment ID together for easy follow-up.

The same preparation principles apply to Walmart Fulfillment Services, Target Plus partners, and third-party fulfillment warehouses. Each receiver publishes its own routing guide, but standard pallets, clear labeling, accurate paperwork, and scheduled appointments are universal.