Complete Guide to Amazon FBA Shipping from China: Essential Reading for Sellers

If you're an Amazon seller, sourcing products from China and shipping them to FBA warehouses may be one of the most critical components of your business. Efficient logistics not only save costs but also ensure timely inventory replenishment, avoiding stockout risks. This article comprehensively introduces various methods, processes, and considerations for shipping from China to Amazon FBA warehouses.

Overview of FBA Logistics Models

There are three main ways to ship from China to Amazon FBA warehouses: ocean freight, air freight, and express courier. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages:

Ocean Freight

Advantages:

• Cost-effective, especially for large-volume goods
• Suitable for non-seasonal products and sellers with ample lead time

Disadvantages:

• Long transit time, typically 30-45 days
• Requires more advance planning and inventory management

Air Freight

Advantages:

• Fast speed, typically arrives in 7-10 days
• Suitable for medium-volume goods and time-sensitive products

Disadvantages:

• Higher costs, typically 3-5 times more than ocean freight
• Restrictions on certain types of goods

Express Courier (Express)

Advantages:

• Door-to-door service, simple process
• Fastest speed, typically arrives in 3-5 days
• Suitable for small batches, high-value, and urgent products

Disadvantages:

• Highest unit cost
• Strict volume and weight limitations

Detailed Process for FBA Shipping from China

Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Shipping Method

Select the most suitable shipping method based on the following factors:

• Cargo volume and weight
• Time urgency
• Product seasonality
• Product profit margin
• Cash flow situation

Common rules of thumb:

• <100kg: Consider international express
• 100kg-500kg: Consider air freight

• 500kg: Consider ocean freight

Step 2: FBA Cargo Preparation

1. Product Inspection: Ensure product quality before shipping to avoid rejection by Amazon warehouses
2. FBA Packaging Requirements:
   • Each product needs a barcode
   • Packaging must be safe and sturdy
   • Follow Amazon's size and labeling requirements
3. Packing Requirements:
   • Sufficient box strength
   • Each box should not exceed 50 pounds (about 22.7kg)
   • Outer packaging labels must be clearly visible

Step 3: Create Amazon FBA Shipment Plan

1. Log in to the Amazon Seller platform
2. Create a shipment plan and obtain a shipment ID
3. Select the shipping destination (Amazon will assign specific FBA warehouses)
4. Print and affix FBA shipment labels

Step 4: Logistics Arrangements

Ocean Freight Process

1. Find a Suitable Freight Forwarder: Choose a freight agent with FBA experience
2. Consolidate Cargo: Transport goods from the factory to the forwarder's warehouse
3. Booking and Document Preparation:
   • Commercial invoice
   • Packing list
   • Bill of Lading (B/L)
4. Customs Clearance Arrangements:
   • US importer registration
   • ISF (Import Security Filing)
   • Customs clearance
5. Domestic Transportation: From port to Amazon warehouse

Air Freight Process

1. Consignment Arrangements: Book air cargo through a freight forwarder
2. Export Clearance: Prepare export documents
3. Air Transportation: Load cargo onto aircraft
4. Import Clearance: Customs procedures at destination
5. Last Mile Delivery: From airport to FBA warehouse

Express Courier Process (e.g., DHL/FedEx/UPS)

1. Schedule Pickup: Book pickup online or by phone
2. Packaging and Labeling: Prepare packaging and attach labels as required
3. Provide Documents: Commercial invoice and other necessary documents
4. Track Shipment: Online tracking throughout
5. Destination Delivery: Direct delivery to FBA warehouse

Step 5: FBA Receiving Confirmation

1. Track the status of goods arriving at FBA warehouse
2. Check Amazon's receiving confirmation
3. Resolve potential discrepancies or issues

Cost Structure Analysis

Ocean Freight Cost Structure

• Inland transportation from factory to port
• Export declaration fees
• Ocean freight charges
• Destination port handling fees
• Import duties and taxes
• Destination inland transportation
• Freight forwarder service fees

Air Freight Cost Structure

• Transportation from factory to airport
• Export declaration fees
• Air freight charges (based on actual weight or volumetric weight)
• Fuel surcharges
• Security screening fees
• Destination handling fees
• Import duties and taxes
• Transportation from airport to FBA warehouse

Express Courier Cost Structure

• Basic freight charges (calculated by weight)
• Fuel surcharges
• Remote area surcharges (if applicable)
• Customs clearance fees
• Import duties and taxes

Common Issues and Solutions

Customs Clearance Delays

Solutions:

• Ensure all documents are accurate and complete
• Use experienced customs clearance agents
• Avoid sensitive product categories
• Consider using expedited customs clearance services

Amazon Rejection

Common Causes:

• Packaging does not meet requirements
• Products do not match the declaration
• Labeling issues
• Damaged goods

Solutions:

• Strictly prepare goods according to Amazon requirements
• Conduct quality inspection before shipping
• Take photos of products before shipping as evidence

Lost or Damaged Goods

Solutions:

• Purchase appropriate cargo insurance
• Choose reputable logistics service providers
• Thoroughly document and photograph the condition of goods before shipping
• Submit claims promptly

Criteria for Selecting FBA Logistics Providers

1. FBA Expertise: Understanding of Amazon's special requirements
2. Price Competitiveness: Transparent quotes without hidden fees
3. Service Quality: Communication efficiency and problem-solving ability
4. Network Coverage: Service network in China and destination countries
5. Value-Added Services: Such as packaging, inspection, labeling, etc.
6. Tracking Systems: Real-time cargo tracking capability
7. Customer Reviews: Experiences from other FBA sellers

Seasonal Considerations

Peak Season (Q4) Shipping Recommendations

1. Advance Planning: Prepare at least 1 month earlier than usual
2. Ship in Batches: Avoid having all inventory in transit
3. Consider Expedited Methods: Upgrade shipping methods when necessary
4. Reserve Buffer Stock: Prepare for possible delays

Impact of Chinese Holidays

1. Chinese New Year (January-February): Prepare inventory at least 1 month in advance
2. National Day (Early October): Complete shipments before mid-September
3. Other Holidays: Confirm in advance with suppliers and logistics providers

Latest FBA Logistics Trends

1. Amazon Global Logistics Program: Utilize Amazon's own logistics solutions
2. Warehouse Consolidation: Amazon is reducing warehouse numbers and optimizing distribution networks
3. Increased Environmental Requirements: Higher environmental standards for packaging and transportation
4. Digital Management: Using logistics technology to improve efficiency
5. Multi-channel Distribution Integration: Comprehensive strategies combining FBA + self-owned warehouses + third-party warehouses

Conclusion

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA warehouses is a complex but manageable process. By choosing the appropriate shipping method, strictly following FBA requirements, and partnering with reliable logistics providers, you can establish an efficient supply chain that provides a competitive advantage for your Amazon business.

As the e-commerce industry rapidly develops, logistics strategies also need continuous adjustment and optimization. Ongoing learning and adaptation to new trends will help you maintain a competitive edge in the fierce market competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How to calculate volumetric weight for sea and air freight?

Sea freight calculation formula: Length(m) × Width(m) × Height(m) = Cubic Meters (CBM) Air freight calculation formula: Length(cm) × Width(cm) × Height(cm) ÷ 6000 = Volumetric Weight (kg)

Question 2: What's the difference between FBA Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) and Less Than Truckload (LTL)?

SPD is suitable for small goods shipped directly to Amazon warehouses. LTL is suitable for palletized goods that need to be delivered through Amazon's partnered carriers.

Question 3: How to reduce FBA shipping costs?

• Consolidate shipments
• Choose appropriate timing and shipping methods
• Compare quotes from multiple providers
• Optimize product packaging to reduce volume
• Consider establishing local transit warehouses