From the factory door to the first warehouse · From factory to the fulfilment centre
FBA first-mile requirements
Amazon FBA first-mile shipments need a shipping plan, compliant carton and pallet labels, an appointment and a delivery window. Small label errors become receiving delays.
Key facts
| Shipping plan | Created in Seller Central before the shipment leaves; it sets the destination and labels |
|---|---|
| Carton labels | Each box needs the correct shipment and box labels; old labels must be removed |
| Pallet rules | Height, weight, wrapping and pallet-label rules vary by marketplace |
| Appointment | Deliveries often need a booked slot; turning up unannounced can be refused |
| Receiving | Mislabeled or oversized cartons can be rejected, delayed or charged |
| Official source | Amazon Seller Central help pages for the destination marketplace |
The shipping plan is the contract with the warehouse
The shipping plan tells Amazon what is arriving, in which boxes and at which fulfilment centre. If the physical shipment does not match the plan, receiving slows down or the shipment is refused. Creating the plan after the goods have left the factory is a common and expensive mistake.
Check the destination marketplace's current carton weight and size limits, pallet height, label placement and barcode requirements. These change, and a rule that was fine last year may now trigger a rejection.
Cost of a bad first mile
A rejected or misrouted shipment can add storage, rework, reshipping and lost sales. The freight saving from a cheaper forwarder can disappear in one receiving exception. Choose the forwarder on its experience with the specific fulfilment centre, not only on the rate.
Keep the packing list, carton labels and delivery appointment together. If a dispute arises, these documents are the evidence of what was sent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send different SKUs in one carton?
Usually yes if the shipping plan and labels reflect the mixed carton, but the marketplace's rules on commingling and box content must be followed. Check the current requirements before packing.
What happens if the carton exceeds the weight limit?
The fulfilment centre may refuse it, charge a handling fee or require rework. Check the limit for the destination marketplace and tell the factory before production packing.
Do I need an appointment?
Many fulfilment centres require a booked delivery slot. The forwarder or Amazon partner should book it; confirm who is responsible before the container arrives.
Ask a compliance question
Free first answer by email. Tell us the destination, the product and the channel — we will point you to the rule and the official source. No obligation, no sales sequence.