Shipping and Routing Requirements – Box Dimensions – Box Weight – How to pack a Box
Shipping and Routing Requirements
The requirements below apply to boxes shipped to Amazon fulfillment centers whether by small parcel delivery, less than truckload (LTL), or full truckload (FTL) shipping.
Shipping Matrix: A printer-friendly document that provides a summary of the Shipping and Routing requirements for Small Parcel and LTL/FTL shipments to our fulfillment centers. Check back periodically for updated versions.
Packaging and Shipping Inventory to Amazon: Download and print this manual for Packaging and Shipping Inventory to Amazon, or share with your distributor or supplier when they send directly to Amazon. Check back periodically for updated versions.
Box dimensions
- Boxes containing multiple standard-size units must not exceed 25″ on any side.
- Learn more about weight and measurement requirements (sign-in required).
- Please note that UPS allowances for larger box dimensions and weight do not apply to boxes containing multiple standard-size FBA units.
Box contents
- The contents of each box must contain inventory from only one Shipment ID. You must not combine Units from multiple shipments in the same box. You can find the Shipment ID on the shipment summary page.
- Ensure that the shipment details listed in your Seller Account match the physical shipment to the fulfillment center, including:
- Merchant SKU
- FNSKU
- Condition
- Quantity shipped
- Packing option (individually packed or case packed)
Box weight
If you are using an Amazon-Partnered carrier, accurately weigh and measure boxes and pallets to ensure that the correct values are supplied for every shipment.
- Boxes must not exceed the standard weight limit of 50 lb., unless they contain one single oversized Unit that exceeds 50 lb.
- For a single oversized Unit that exceeds 50 lb., attach a label that clearly indicates “Team Lift” on the top and sides of the box
- For a single oversized Unit that exceeds 100 lb., attach a label that clearly indicates “Mech Lift” on the top and sides of the box
- Boxes containing Jewelry or Watches must not exceed 40 lb.
Shipment packing guidelines
For information on packaging individual Units, go to Packaging and Prep Requirements.
Containers
- Neither point-of-sale containers nor pallet-sized boxes, also known as “gaylords,” may be used.
- Boxes should not be bundled together using bagging, taping, elastic, or extra straps.
- If you are reusing boxes from previous shipments, be sure to remove any previous shipping labels or markings to avoid confusion by the carrier.
- If you are reusing a retail box to ship different products (for example, a large printer box to ship smaller media products), be sure to cover or remove any scannable barcodes on the outside of the box to avoid confusion during the receive process.
The following standard boxes are acceptable:
- Regular slotted carton (RSC)
- B flute
- ECT-32 (edge crush test)
- 200 lb./sq. inch (burst strength)
Dunnage
Accepted forms of packing materials include:
- Foam sheets or cushioning
- Air pillows
- Bubble wrap
- Full sheets of paper
The following forms of packing materials are not allowed:
- All types of packing peanuts
- Crinkle wrap
- Shredded paper
Shipment Type
Additional guidelines apply based on the shipping method you use. Refer to these resources:
- Small Parcel Delivery Requirements
- Arranging for Less than Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload Deliveries to Amazon
Refused Shipments
In general, these guidelines will be followed for inbound shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers that do not meet the listed requirements.
- Overage, damage, and mis-ships may be rejected at the dock and no Return Authorization Requests will be processed for these returns. Refused shipments may be returned to you at your expense
- Shipments that are coded as “Damaged” or “Defective” may be refused at the dock and may incur a return freight charge.
- You may not refuse or return shipments that are returned to you without first contacting Amazon. Shipments that you refuse or return to Amazon without first attempting resolution with Amazon may be refused and any transportation costs incurred to reship to you will be at your expense.
Distributor shipping directly to a fulfillment center
You can either forward the labels for your shipment to your distributor, or you can grant limited access to your seller account to manage the labeling. For more information, go to Set User Permissions.
To ensure the shipment is received correctly, your distributor should follow these Amazon shipment requirements: