When choosing a FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) freight forwarder from China, it’s important to find a reliable service that can handle all aspects of shipping your products to Amazon’s warehouses, including customs clearance, freight forwarding, and delivery to Amazon fulfillment centers. Here are some top FBA freight forwarders and the steps involved in shipping your goods from China to Amazon FBA:
1. Top FBA Freight Forwarders from China
These freight forwarders specialize in Amazon FBA shipments and offer services tailored to e-commerce sellers:
a. Freightos
- Overview: Freightos is an online freight marketplace that offers a platform to compare rates from multiple freight forwarders, including those that specialize in FBA shipping.
- Services: Air freight, sea freight, door-to-door delivery, FBA prep services, customs clearance, and insurance.
- Benefits: Transparent pricing, online tracking, and access to a network of global logistics partners.
- Website: Freightos
b. Easyship
- Overview: Easyship is a global shipping platform that integrates with e-commerce platforms like Amazon. They offer global shipping solutions, including FBA prep, customs clearance, and international shipping.
- Services: Door-to-door delivery, express and economy shipping, FBA prep, customs brokerage, and Amazon FBA warehouse delivery.
- Benefits: FBA-specific shipping solutions, automated shipping label creation, and easy integration with Amazon Seller Central.
- Website: Easyship
c. ShipBob
- Overview: ShipBob is a well-known logistics provider that offers global fulfillment, including China-to-USA shipping for Amazon FBA sellers.
- Services: Freight forwarding, air and sea shipping, customs clearance, FBA prep, and FBA warehouse delivery.
- Benefits: Integration with Amazon, 3PL (third-party logistics) services, and fast delivery times.
- Website: ShipBob
d. Yusen Logistics
- Overview: Yusen Logistics is a global logistics company that provides shipping solutions for e-commerce businesses, including Amazon FBA sellers.
- Services: Ocean freight, air freight, customs brokerage, FBA prep, and delivery to Amazon FBA warehouses.
- Benefits: Experience in international shipping, competitive pricing, and a large network of partners.
- Website: Yusen Logistics
e. Flexport
- Overview: Flexport is a digital freight forwarder that offers a range of logistics services, including shipping from China to Amazon FBA warehouses.
- Services: Air and sea freight, customs clearance, FBA prep services, and delivery to Amazon fulfillment centers.
- Benefits: End-to-end visibility, excellent customer support, and a tech-driven platform for booking and tracking shipments.
- Website: Flexport
f. FBA Forwarding
- Overview: FBA Forwarding specializes in freight forwarding services for Amazon FBA sellers. They handle shipping from China to Amazon FBA warehouses, including customs clearance and prep services.
- Services: Air freight, sea freight, FBA prep, packaging, labeling, and delivery to Amazon fulfillment centers.
- Benefits: Expertise in Amazon FBA shipments, competitive rates, and a focus on e-commerce businesses.
- Website: FBA Forwarding
g. Antidote
- Overview: Antidote is an international freight forwarder offering FBA-specific services for Amazon sellers, including air and ocean shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to Amazon’s warehouses.
- Services: FBA prep services, sea freight, air freight, customs brokerage, and FBA warehouse delivery.
- Benefits: Simplified FBA shipping, cost-effective solutions, and expert support.
- Website: Antidote
2. Steps for Shipping from China to Amazon FBA Using a Freight Forwarder
Step 1: Choose Your Freight Forwarder
- Research the freight forwarders listed above or others, considering factors such as services, rates, delivery times, and reputation.
- Important: Ensure the freight forwarder understands the requirements of shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses (e.g., labeling, packaging, FBA prep services).
Step 2: Ship from Your Supplier to the Freight Forwarder
- After choosing a freight forwarder, you will need to send your products from your Chinese manufacturer or supplier to the freight forwarder’s warehouse in China.
- Important: Provide your freight forwarder with all the necessary details, including product information, shipping dates, and the Amazon FBA warehouse address in the U.S.
Step 3: FBA Preparation
- Your freight forwarder can assist with FBA preparation services, which include:
- Labeling: Printing and applying Amazon barcode labels (FNSKU).
- Packaging: Ensuring the packaging complies with Amazon’s requirements.
- Bundling: If you’re selling bundles, ensuring correct packaging.
Step 4: Customs Clearance and Shipping
- Your freight forwarder will manage the customs clearance process. They’ll ensure all the necessary documents (commercial invoice, packing list, etc.) are provided to U.S. Customs for clearance.
- The freight forwarder will also manage the shipping method, either by air freight (faster but more expensive) or sea freight (cheaper but slower).
Step 5: Delivery to Amazon FBA Warehouse
- Once cleared by U.S. Customs, the freight forwarder will transport your goods directly to the Amazon FBA warehouse.
- Ensure that your freight forwarder is familiar with the Amazon FBA shipping plan and delivers your products to the correct FBA warehouse addresses.
Step 6: Confirmation and Inventory Updates
- After delivery, Amazon will receive your products and update your FBA inventory. You can track the status of your inventory in Amazon Seller Central.
3. Important Considerations for FBA Shipping
A. Amazon FBA Shipping Requirements
- Labeling: Amazon requires products to be labeled with FNSKU labels. Your freight forwarder should handle this for you, or you can send your labels to the forwarder.
- Product Preparation: Your freight forwarder should ensure that your products are packaged correctly and meet Amazon’s requirements. For example, products should be individually packaged, and fragile items should be adequately protected.
- Shipping Plan: Amazon requires sellers to create an FBA shipping plan in Seller Central before shipping inventory to FBA warehouses. This plan includes the number of units, warehouse destinations, and labeling information.
B. Choose the Right Shipping Method
- Air Freight: Faster, but more expensive. Ideal for high-value or small shipments.
- Sea Freight: More economical for larger shipments but slower. It’s suitable for bulk orders and non-urgent goods.
- Express Services: If you’re in a hurry, some freight forwarders offer express shipping options for faster delivery.
C. Customs and Import Duties
- Make sure your freight forwarder handles customs duties and import taxes for U.S. shipments. Typically, the U.S. Customs will not charge duties on low-value items, but you may need to pay duties depending on the product category and value.
4. Costs of Shipping from China to Amazon FBA
- Sea Freight: Generally $2,500 to $4,000 USD per 20-foot container (for bulk shipments). For LCL (Less than Container Load), the cost can range from $100 to $200 per cubic meter (CBM).
- Air Freight: Prices typically range from $5 to $10 USD per kilogram (kg). Air freight is more expensive but faster (usually 5-7 days).
- FBA Prep Fees: If you use a freight forwarder for FBA prep, expect to pay additional fees for labeling, packaging, and inspection. Fees can range from $0.30 to $2 per unit depending on the complexity.
Conclusion:
- Freight Forwarders like Freightos, Easyship, ShipBob, and Flexport are excellent options for FBA shipping from China to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
- It’s crucial to choose a freight forwarder that specializes in FBA shipments to ensure smooth customs clearance, proper labeling, and delivery to the correct Amazon warehouse.
- Shipping costs depend on your chosen method (air or sea) and the size of your shipment.
Would you like more detailed information on any of the freight forwarders, or assistance in choosing one for your FBA business?