Managing your Amazon inbound shipments can make or break your business because speed, cost, and accuracy define success. For sellers who’ve grown beyond small parcel deliveries but don’t yet need a full truckload, Amazon LTL Shipping opens a new lane, literally.
As your inventory grows, so do your shipping costs. That’s where Amazon LTL shipments (Less Than Truckload) step in, providing a middle ground that helps sellers lower expenses, optimize inventory flow, and stay compliant with Amazon FBA’s strict inbound requirements.
But to unlock the full benefits of Amazon LTL, you need to know the rules, requirements, and best practices that surround it. Let’s crack it all down.
What is Amazon LTL Shipping?
Amazon LTL Shipping allows multiple sellers to share space in the same truck when their shipment doesn’t require a full trailer. You only pay for the portion of space you use, which keeps your freight costs under control.
This method fits perfectly for shipments that weigh between 150 pounds and 15,000 pounds, too heavy for small parcel delivery but too small for full truckload services.
As an Amazon seller scaling your operations, mastering Amazon LTL shipments is a strategic advantage. By sending your inventory through Amazon LTL, you optimize costs, reduce logistical headaches, and ensure smoother delivery into Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
Why Amazon Sellers Should Prioritize LTL Shipments for FBA
Cost Savings
One of the primary reasons sellers opt for Amazon LTL shipments is cost efficiency. Paying for a fraction of a truckload instead of an entire truck results in significant savings, especially when shipping to multiple Amazon fulfillment centers.
Inventory Control
LTL allows for larger shipments than small parcel deliveries, enabling sellers to maintain better stock levels inside Amazon’s warehouse network while avoiding frequent restocking.
Increased Security
Since Amazon LTL shipments are typically palletized, they’re handled less during transit. This reduces the risk of product damage, resulting in fewer lost sales and fewer returns.
Amazon-Partnered Carrier Advantage
Amazon Seller Central provides access to Amazon-Partnered Carriers, offering deeply discounted rates for LTL shipments booked through Amazon’s account. This eliminates much of the pricing guesswork and simplifies logistics coordination.
When Should Amazon Sellers Use LTL Shipping?
Not every shipment is ideal for Amazon LTL. Sellers should consider LTL when:
- Shipment weight ranges between 150 to 15,000 pounds.
- Products are bulky or palletized.
- Freight does not justify paying for a full truckload.
- You want to optimize shipping costs while maintaining stable inventory levels.
LTL makes sense for growing sellers who are balancing cost management with steady sales growth on Amazon FBA.
What Determines Amazon FBA LTL Charges?
Several factors influence Amazon FBA LTL Charges:
Amazon’s Shipment’s Weight and Dimensions
The size and weight of your pallets directly affect your rate class. Larger, heavier pallets typically cost more to ship.
Freight Class
Amazon uses National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) to categorize your shipment. Most Amazon FBA LTL shipments fall under Class 100.
Distance and Zones
The farther your Amazon fulfillment center is from your origin point, the higher your Amazon FBA LTL charges will be.
Additional Services
If you need special handling, like lift-gates or residential pickups, additional fees may apply.
Amazon Seller Central: Booking Amazon LTL Shipments
The booking process starts inside Amazon Seller Central. Amazon makes it easy with its step-by-step interface:
- Navigate to Prepare Shipment under your Amazon FBA dashboard.
- Select Less Than Truckload (LTL) as your shipping method.
- Choose Amazon-Partnered Carrier to benefit from negotiated rates.
- Enter your Amazon shipment details: dimensions, pallet counts, and weights.
- Confirm your information to receive an estimate of your Amazon FBA LTL charges.
This seamless integration inside Amazon Seller Central helps sellers avoid complex coordination with multiple logistics companies.
Amazon Seller Requirements For LTL: Don’t Skip The Details
Failing to meet Amazon Seller Requirements for LTL can lead to costly delays or shipment rejections. Here are critical elements every seller must follow:
Pallet Specifications
- Use 40″ x 48″ four-way access wooden pallets.
- Stack pallets no higher than 72 inches.
- Weight limit per pallet: 1,500 pounds.
- Avoid particle board or broken pallets, Amazon will refuse damaged loads.
Packaging Standards
- All items must be boxed and labeled according to Amazon’s requirements.
- Use approved barcodes (FNSKU, ASIN, or UPC).
- Secure boxes tightly on pallets with stretch wrap.
Labeling
- Each pallet requires an Amazon Shipment ID label.
- Label placement must be on all four sides for easy visibility at the Amazon fulfillment center.
Scheduling Amazon LTL Deliveries: Strict Appointment Rules
Amazon does not allow random LTL deliveries to show up unannounced. The carrier must schedule an appointment using Amazon’s Carrier Central portal. Both you and your Amazon-partnered carrier must:
- Submit accurate pallet and carton counts.
- Provide Amazon Shipment ID, PRO tracking number, and reference ID.
- Schedule delivery at least 24 hours in advance.
Missed or late appointments are automatically rejected at Amazon fulfillment centers, causing delays and potential restocking issues.
Amazon Tools & Services
Navigating Amazon LTL shipments gets much easier with the right tools. At Manage Amazon, we provide comprehensive Amazon Store Setup and Optimization, but beyond that, we also help sellers streamline their FBM and FBA operations with tech-driven solutions.
Check out our guide here: Amazon tools and services to help optimize your FBM shipping.
With the right Amazon tools in your corner, even the most complex LTL shipments become manageable.
Common Amazon Shipping Challenges With LTL
Incorrect Booking
Booking an Amazon LTL shipment under the wrong freight class or weight can result in chargebacks or shipment rejections.
Carrier Non-Compliance
Carriers who are not registered with Amazon’s Carrier Central system cannot make delivery appointments, leading to costly rescheduling.
Unsafe Pallets
Amazon fulfillment center staff have strict safety standards. If your pallets are broken, unstable, or improperly stacked, your delivery will be refused immediately.
Pallet Building, The Foundation of Successful Amazon LTL Shipments
Building pallets correctly is not just about stacking boxes. Amazon LTL shipments require precision and compliance. Sellers must ensure:
- Each pallet remains within height, width, and weight restrictions.
- Heavy items go on the bottom to create a stable base.
- Fragile items are placed securely and adequately cushioned.
- Pallets are wrapped tightly using stretch film to prevent shifting in transit.
- “Do Not Break Stretch Wrap” signage is attached to prevent tampering.
A single unstable pallet can lead to rejection at the Amazon fulfillment center, causing delays and added expenses. Strict adherence to these guidelines ensures your Amazon shipment gets processed without hiccups.
Carrier Responsibilities in Amazon LTL Shipping
While sellers handle preparation, the carrier has their own checklist before delivery to Amazon:
- Must include the Amazon Shipment ID, PRO tracking number, and reference ID on the BOL.
- Pallet and box counts must be accurate before booking appointments.
- Must provide either physical or digital BOL documents at delivery.
- Register with Amazon Carrier Central before scheduling appointments.
Amazon requirements for carriers are non-negotiable. If your chosen carrier fails to meet these standards, Amazon fulfillment centers have the right to refuse entry, impacting your FBA inventory availability.
Vehicle Requirements: Amazon’s Strict Docking Standards
Even the truck delivering Amazon LTL shipments must meet Amazon’s stringent requirements. Vehicles must have:
- Clean, odor-free, and watertight trailers.
- Flat, stable flooring that can handle loaded pallet jacks.
- No corrugated or uneven surfaces.
- Secure, well-maintained equipment to ensure safe unloading.
Any failure in vehicle condition may cause immediate rejection at the Amazon fulfillment center dock. Amazon shipping challenges often stem from minor oversights like these.
How to Calculate Amazon FBA LTL Charges Accurately
Knowing your Amazon FBA LTL charges beforehand allows for better inventory planning. Here’s how to calculate your costs:
- Log into Amazon Seller Central.
- Select Prepare Shipment.
- Under Shipping Method, select Less Than Truckload (LTL).
- Choose an Amazon-Partnered Carrier.
- Fill in pallet information including quantity, dimensions, and weight.
- Input shipment date, contact details, and declared cargo value.
- Confirm shipping class (typically Class 100) and click calculate.
Accurate data input helps avoid billing errors and ensures you receive reliable freight estimates through Amazon’s account.
Common Reasons Amazon LTL Shipments Get Rejected
Amazon fulfillment centers maintain strict compliance protocols. Your Amazon LTL shipment may face rejection if:
- Delivery appointment was not scheduled.
- Carrier arrived late or without BOL.
- Incorrect vehicle or unsafe pallet condition.
- Shipment exceeded booked quantities.
- Inaccessible inventory due to poor stacking.
- Improper or missing Amazon Shipment ID labels.
Every rejected Amazon shipment leads to wasted time, lost sales, and added costs. That’s why thorough compliance with Amazon requirements is non-negotiable.
Amazon Seller Requirements For LTL: Box & Pallet Limitations
Beyond general shipment prep, Amazon seller requirements for LTL shipments include:
Box Limitations
- No single shipment may exceed 4,999 boxes. If it does, sellers must create multiple Amazon LTL shipments.
Pallet Grades
- 40″ x 48″ wooden pallets only.
- B Grade GMA pallets for most goods.
- 1A Grade GMA pallets required for grocery, beauty, and personal care items.
- No block repairs or broken boards allowed.
Complying with Amazon seller requirements for LTL ensures smooth processing inside the fulfillment center, safeguarding your inventory’s arrival.
The Booking Process Inside Amazon Seller Central
Amazon Seller Central simplifies the complicated process of booking Amazon LTL shipments:
- Navigate to the Shipping Queue.
- Select your inbound FBA shipment.
- Choose LTL and select Amazon-Partnered Carrier.
- Provide shipment information: quantity, pallet size, and weight.
- Generate pallet labels and book delivery appointment through Carrier Central.
Amazon Seller Central’s streamlined process helps sellers avoid many traditional Amazon shipping challenges and keeps inbound FBA shipments flowing efficiently.
Third-Party Logistics, Another Avenue for Amazon Sellers
For some sellers, managing Amazon LTL shipments in-house becomes overwhelming. That’s where third-party logistics (3PL) partners come in. 3PLs help navigate Amazon’s requirements, handle warehouse prep, and even schedule compliant deliveries.
For a full analysis, explore our detailed blog here: All You Need to Know About Amazon Third Party Logistics: Pros and Cons in 2025
With 3PL support, Amazon sellers can scale faster while ensuring consistent compliance with FBA shipping standards.
How Manage Amazon Simplifies Your Amazon LTL Shipping Process
Amazon LTL shipping can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Manage Amazon, we take the complexity out of Amazon LTL shipments and Amazon FBA logistics.
From Amazon Store Setup and Optimization to full-service account management, we ensure your inbound shipments meet every Amazon requirement, on time and error-free. Contact us today and let’s move your Amazon business forward with confidence.
