Getting your first shipment ready for Amazon FBA can be pretty confusing to get right. Between labeling, wrapping, and meeting Amazon’s requirements, there’s a lot to understand. However, once you know the sequence, it’s much easier than it looks.
This guide will walk you through the process step by step so you can have a successful shipment on your first try. You’ll learn to:
- Create a shipping plan in Seller Central
- Meet Amazon’s Pallet Requirements
- Avoid common seller mistakes
How to create a shipping plan in Amazon
You build every FBA shipment inside a workflow in Seller Central called Send to Amazon. In that flow, you pick what you are sending, how it is packed, and how it will travel to Amazon’s fulfillment center: either as Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) or Less Than Truckload (LTL) with pallets.
While SPD is better for small quantities, sellers report that once you’re sending enough cartons (individual product boxes) to fill a pallet, LTL with a partnered carrier is both a simpler and cheaper option.
At the end, you print labels and hand the freight to the carrier.
Now let’s do it step by step.
Step 1: Select a product
Log in, go to your inventory, and start the Send to Amazon workflow from the product you want to replenish. You can reach it from “Manage All Inventory”. Select the SKUs you’re going to ship and then click on Send/Replenish Inventory.”
This is where the process begins.
Step 2: Enter how it is packed and save a template
If you do not already have a template, enter the number of units per box, plus the box size and weight. You can save this as a reusable case‑pack template so you do not retype it in your next shipment.
This step is important. Make sure all your numbers are exact to the package you’ll actually send. One common mistake many sellers commit is filling up the blanks with approximate numbers.
Even if close, box dimensions, weight, and unit numbers have to be precise. If not, it may cause your shipment to be rejected.
Step 3: Set quantities and your ship‑from address.
Type how many units you will send now. Confirm the ship‑from location. When the numbers look right, continue to the shipping confirmation part of the flow.
Note: If you ship two or more SKUs, you can still complete the plan without marking every pallet as “single SKU.” In simple terms, enter your box details correctly first, then choose LTL later and print both box and pallet labels when asked to.
Step 4: Choose shipping method
Pick Small Parcel Delivery if you will send individual boxes, or Less Than Truckload if you will send pallets.
Confirm the date, the carrier option, and the offered charges. Accept the charges to lock the plan.
Amazon partnered carriers are a shipping option offered by Amazon that usually offer discounted rates for sellers.
Once you’ve selected the carrier, the next step is to enter the Freight Ready Date so Amazon knows when your shipment will be available for pickup.
Finally, before you lock the plan, you’ll see a page showing the full breakdown of charges. Review these carefully to make sure everything is correct before proceeding.
If you choose LTL, the process is the same except at the end. This is the recommended shipping method from Amazon. It’s often cheaper for larger quantities and more efficient for FBA. We’ll see more on that later.
Step 5: Print labels and prepare the physical freight
Print the shipment labels provided in the flow. For pallets, you will print box labels first and pallet labels later in the process.
Remember to treat pallet shipments in the plan the same way as box shipments. If it’s one product per box, enter it exactly like that. Mixed SKUs on the same pallet are fine, you don’t need a special single SKU label.
Second screenshot that shows pallet labels queued for printing.
Now that your shipment plan is created in Seller Central, let’s look at how to actually prepare your pallets for pickup.
How to prepare pallet shipments
If you have large quantities, LTL is more cost-effective than sending the same boxes individually via SPD. The cost is spread across many units that other sellers load in the same truck using pallets.
Amazon’s Partnered Carrier program offers discounted LTL rates, and they suggest using it if your freight fills at least one pallet.
As we saw, in Seller Central, you enter your carton details first, and then you select your shipping method. If you do choose LTL, the pallets you send must follow Amazon’s requirements:
- Material: ISPM-15 heat-treated wood pallets only. The heat treatment kills pests so they don’t spread during transport.
- Size: Standard 40 × 48 in (101.6 × 122 cm). This size fits Amazon’s warehouse equipment and loading docks.
- Max height: 72 in (including pallet). Tall pallets are harder to move safely and can tip over or hit warehouse racks.
- Max weight: 1,500 lb (~680 kg). Heavier pallets can damage equipment or be unsafe for forklift drivers.
- Labeling:
- FNSKU labels on every box so Amazon can track products.
- Pallet labels: four per pallet.
Common mistakes
There are several mistakes to avoid when preparing your first pallets. The most common ones? Using damaged pallets and covering labels with opaque wraps. Amazon will reject these shipments, and you will have to start everything again.
That’s why you should prepare your pallet with these three easy steps in mind:
- Put the heaviest boxes on the bottom. Keep weight even from left to right and front to back and don’t let any box hang over the edge.
- Wrap the cargo with transparent stretch film so every label can be seen and scanned.
- Put one pallet label on each of the four sides. Place the labels on the outside of the wrap. Every box still needs its own FNSKU.
Conclusion
Sending your first FBA shipment may feel overwhelming at first, but once you follow the steps in Seller Central and stick to Amazon’s requirements, the process becomes routine.
With practice, preparing shipments will take less and less time.
Just make sure to pay attention to package templates and choose a shipping option that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need approval before sending products to FBA?
Yes, some categories and products require approval before you can ship them to Amazon.
What’s the difference between SPD and LTL?
Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) is best for small quantities; each box is labeled and shipped individually.
Less Than Truckload (LTL) is better for larger quantities. Multiple boxes are placed on pallets and shipped together, which can be cheaper per unit.
Do all shipments need pallets?
No. Pallets are only required if you’re shipping with LTL. If you’re sending a smaller number of boxes through SPD, you don’t need pallets.
What kind of labels do I need for FBA shipments?
FNSKU labels that go on every unit so Amazon can track inventory.
Box labels printed in Seller Central for each carton.
Pallet labels that are only required if using LTL, with one label on each of the four sides of a pallet.
How do I know if my shipment has been received?
Once the carrier scans your shipment, you can track it in Seller Central under Shipping Queue. Amazon will also update the status when the shipment is checked in and units are available for sale.
What happens if I make a mistake in my shipping plan?
If the error is small (like a mislabeled box), Amazon may re-label it for a fee. Larger mistakes like wrong dimensions, damaged pallets, or missing labels can cause your shipment to be rejected and returned.
Can I send multiple SKUs in one shipment?
Yes. As long as you enter accurate details for each SKU in your shipping plan, you can include them together in the same shipment.
What’s the most common reason shipments get delayed?
Incorrect or missing labels, using non-compliant pallets, or entering wrong box weights/dimensions in Seller Central.
Is it cheaper to use Amazon’s Partnered Carrier program?
Most of the time, yes. Amazon negotiates discounted rates for SPD and LTL. However, if you already have a strong relationship with your own carrier, it’s worth comparing costs.
Ready to Ship to Amazon Like a Pro?
Your first FBA shipment doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes, cut through the confusion, and get your products checked in at Amazon without delays.
Why go alone? Amazon has strict rules for packaging, labeling, and shipping. One small misstep can mean rejections, extra fees, or weeks of lost sales. That’s why working with experts who have done this hundreds of times can save you time, money, and frustration.
Take the First Step
Contact the BellaVix Team. Fill out the form below and tell us a little about your business. One of our Amazon specialists will reach out to schedule a time that works for you. No pressure, just practical advice tailored to your goals.
Why Go Alone?
Amazon has strict rules for packaging, labeling, and shipping. One small misstep can mean rejections, extra fees, or weeks of lost sales. That’s why working with experts who have done this hundreds of times can save you time, money, and frustration.
Take the First Step
Fill out the form below and tell us a little about your business. One of our Amazon specialists will reach out to schedule a time that works for you. No pressure—just practical advice tailored to your goals.
Whether you’re preparing your very first shipment or scaling to multiple pallets a week, BellaVix can help you ship smarter, stay compliant, and keep your products moving smoothly into Amazon’s warehouses.
Start here, and let’s get your FBA operations running with confidence.