What is the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program?

While shipping your products to Amazon FBA may sound daunting, Amazon makes it easy to do — and more affordable than choosing a shipping carrier yourself. 

In this article, we’ll explore what the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program is, the different shipping options available, and how to use it. 

What is the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program?

The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program is a shipping service offered by Amazon to help sellers efficiently and cost-effectively send inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers. 

This program allows sellers to transport their goods at discounted rates using Amazon’s contracted carriers, such as UPS and FedEx. 

Here are the key features and benefits of the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program:

• Discounted shipping rates. Sellers can take advantage of Amazon’s pre-negotiated shipping rates, which are often lower than standard rates. This helps reduce shipping costs.

• Integrated shipping process. The program is integrated with Amazon’s shipping workflow, making it easy for sellers to create and manage shipments within Seller Central.

• Simplified labeling and tracking. Shipping labels can be generated directly through Seller Central, and shipments can be tracked easily. This simplifies the shipping process and ensures proper tracking of inventory.

• Multiple carrier options. Sellers can choose from different carriers, such as UPS and FedEx, to best suit their needs.

• Reliable and timely delivery. By using Amazon’s trusted carriers, sellers can ensure that their inventory reaches Amazon fulfillment centers reliably and on time, which is crucial for maintaining inventory levels and meeting customer demand.

• Support for various shipment sizes. The program supports different shipment sizes, from small parcel deliveries to larger freight shipments, providing flexibility for sellers with varying shipping needs.

• Easy payment. Shipping costs are charged directly to the seller’s Amazon account, streamlining the payment process and ensuring accurate invoicing.

Amazon Partnered Carrier shipping options

With the Partnered Carrier Program, there are three shipping options available. Small parcel (SP), less than truckload (LTL), and full truckload (FTL) delivery. All of these options can be booked within Seller Central. 

Small parcel delivery

Small Parcel Delivery involves shipping individual boxes to Amazon that are each labeled individually, typically using carriers such as UPS or FedEx.

• Size and weight: Suitable for smaller, lighter shipments. Each box has weight and size limitations (up to 50 lbs per box and specific dimensional limits).
• Packaging: Sellers need to package and label each box individually.
• Handling: Ideal for shipments that can be handled manually without special equipment.
• Speed: Often faster due to the use of parcel delivery networks, which can provide quick transit times.

Best for:

• Sellers with small to medium-sized shipments of less than 200 boxes.
• Shipments that consist of multiple individual boxes.
• Frequent shipments with varying quantities.

Less than truckload (LTL) delivery

Less than truckload delivery is used for larger shipments that do not fill an entire truck. Multiple sellers’ shipments share truck space, making it cost-effective for medium-sized shipments.

• Size and weight: Suitable for shipments larger than what can be handled via small parcel but not large enough to require a full truck. Typically ranges from 150 lbs to 15,000 lbs.
• Packaging: Items are usually palletized and shrink-wrapped for transport.
• Handling: Requires a loading dock or forklift for loading and unloading.
• Cost: More economical than small parcels for larger shipments due to shared truck space.

Best for:

• Sellers with medium-sized shipments that exceed small parcel limitations.
• Shipments that are too large or heavy for manual handling.
• Cost-conscious sellers need a balance between speed and cost.

Full truckload (FTL) delivery

Full truckload delivery involves dedicating an entire truck to a single shipment. This method is used when the shipment volume is large enough to fill a whole truck.

• Size and weight: Suitable for large shipments, typically over 15,000 lbs or when a shipment occupies the full capacity of a truck.
• Packaging: Items are palletized and secured for transport. The entire truck is used for one seller’s shipment.
• Handling: Requires facilities equipped to handle large shipments, such as loading docks and forklifts.
• Speed: FTL is generally faster than LTL as there are no stops for multiple deliveries; the shipment goes directly to its destination.

Best for:

• Sellers with large volume shipments.
• Bulk shipments that require dedicated truck space.
• Time-sensitive shipments that benefit from direct delivery routes.

How to use an Amazon-Partnered Carrier

To use an Amazon partnered carrier, you simply need to create your FBA shipment within Seller Central and choose the partnered carrier shipping option. 

When you choose this option, you receive discounted shipping rates and the convenience of buying and printing your shipping labels directly from Seller Central. Amazon makes the shipment process as simple as possible, making it easy for sellers of all sizes to create a small parcel or LTL/FTL delivery. 

How to create an FBA shipment in Seller Central

To start, go to your Inventory tab in Seller Central, then click on Shipments. 

Once you are in this section, go to the Shipments tab up top and click on Send to Amazon. 

In this section, you can follow each step of the shipment process. Choose your ship from address, enter your shipment contents, and choose your shipping carrier. 

For a full in-depth overview of how to create a shipment in Amazon Seller Central, please read our article on How to Ship Directly to Amazon FBA in 2024: Step-by-Step Guide.

Do you have to use an Amazon Partnered Carrier when creating a shipment in Seller Central?

No, you do not need to use an Amazon Partnered Carrier in order to ship your goods to an Amazon fulfillment center. You still need to create your shipment within Seller Central, but there is an option to choose a non-partnered carrier and add your own shipping details. 

Do you use Amazon Partnered Carriers when shipping to Amazon?

Amazon wants to make it as easy as possible for for sellers of all sizes to ship their products directly to Amazon FBA. When creating a shipment in Seller Central, for most sellers, the Amazon Partnered Carrier is the best option. 

What option do you use when creating a shipment? If you have any more questions, let us know in the comments.