Introduction: Why Freight Forwarders Can Make or Break Your FBA Business
When I first started helping Amazon sellers more than 10 years ago, the number one challenge wasn’t product sourcing or advertising—it was shipping. I’ve seen great businesses stumble because they underestimated how complex Amazon FBA freight can be.
If you’ve ever tried sending products to an Amazon fulfilment centre yourself, you know it’s not as simple as booking a courier. There are customs forms, strict pallet requirements, special Amazon barcodes, and—something many sellers don’t realise—mandatory delivery appointments.
That’s why experienced freight forwarders for Amazon FBA are invaluable. A trusted partner like SL Global Logistics helps you avoid costly mistakes, keeps your goods moving smoothly, and ensures you meet Amazon’s strict compliance standards. In this guide, I’ll share insights from my decade in logistics, practical examples of what can go wrong, and how a forwarder like SL Global Logistics can save you money and stress.
What Exactly Do Freight Forwarders for Amazon FBA Do?
A standard freight forwarder arranges the movement of goods from supplier to destination. But when Amazon FBA is involved, things get trickier.
Amazon has detailed rules that many generalist forwarders don’t fully understand. If those rules aren’t followed, your shipment can be rejected, delayed, or slapped with extra charges.
Specialist freight forwarders for Amazon FBA, like SL Global Logistics, take care of:
- Customs clearance and paperwork so your goods don’t get stuck at the border.
- Booking Amazon delivery slots (you cannot simply turn up at a fulfilment centre).
- Ensuring packaging, palletisation, and labelling meet FBA’s standards.
- Consolidating shipments if you buy from multiple suppliers.
- Real-time communication and tracking, so you always know where your stock is.
With SL Global Logistics, sellers benefit from end-to-end services designed specifically for Amazon FBA, reducing risk at every stage of the process.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your First Amazon FBA Shipment
Early in my career, I worked with a seller who thought managing his first shipment from China to the UK on his own would save money. Instead, it cost him over £3,000 extra.
Here’s why:
- Paperwork errors delayed the shipment at customs for two weeks.
- Incorrect pallets led Amazon to refuse the delivery.
- No pre-booked slot meant the truck was turned away at the fulfilment centre.
If he had used a specialist like SL Global Logistics, all three of these issues would have been avoided. They handle customs declarations, know Amazon’s pallet rules, and book delivery appointments as standard.
After switching to SL Global Logistics, that same seller’s next shipment arrived on time, within budget, and without stress.
Key Things to Look for in a Freight Forwarder for Amazon FBA
Not every freight forwarder is suitable for Amazon FBA. Here’s what you should look for:
1. Proven Amazon Experience
Ask directly: “How many Amazon FBA shipments have you managed this year?” SL Global Logistics has years of hands-on experience shipping to Amazon fulfilment centres across the UK and Europe.
2. Global Reach
Since many sellers source from China, India, or Vietnam, your forwarder needs strong international partners. SL Global Logistics has established routes and local agents to manage overseas collection and export.
3. End-to-End Service
The best forwarders handle everything—from picking up goods at the supplier, through customs, to final delivery at Amazon. SLG covers the full process, including optional services like labelling and palletisation.
4. Transparent Pricing
Hidden fees can crush your margins. SL Global Logistics provides clear breakdowns of freight, customs duties, handling, and Amazon fees upfront.
5. Reliable Communication
Good communication prevents headaches. With SLG, clients receive regular updates and direct support throughout the shipping process.
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight for Amazon FBA
Sellers often ask: “Should I use air or sea freight?” The answer depends on cost vs. speed.
Air Freight
- Best for small, urgent, or high-value goods.
- 5–10 days transit.
- More expensive, but great for avoiding stockouts.
Sea Freight
- Ideal for bulk orders where cost matters more than speed.
- 30–45 days transit.
- Much cheaper per unit.
Many of my clients use a hybrid approach: send a small batch by air to get stock live on Amazon quickly, and the rest by sea to save costs. SL Global Logistics offers both options, making it easy to coordinate hybrid shipments under one plan.
Common Mistakes Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
After a decade in logistics, I’ve seen these mistakes cause sellers big problems:
Misunderstanding Incoterms (FOB, EXW, DDP).
Choosing the wrong terms can leave you paying unexpected costs. SL Global Logistics advises clients on the right terms for their situation.
Non-compliant packaging and labelling.
Amazon has strict barcode and pallet requirements. SLG helps sellers get this right before shipping to avoid rejections.
Poor inventory planning.
Late shipments lead to stockouts and lost rankings. With SLG’s guidance, sellers can align freight schedules with Amazon demand cycles.
How a Freight Forwarder Like SL Global Logistics Saves You Money
Freight forwarding isn’t just an added cost—it’s often a money-saver. Here’s how SL Global Logistics helps:
Avoiding mistakes. Customs fines or rejected deliveries can wipe out profits. SLG prevents these issues before they happen.
Consolidation services. If you’re sourcing from multiple suppliers, SLG combines shipments to cut per-unit costs.
Better rates. Thanks to their established shipping volumes, SL Global Logistics often secures lower carrier rates than individual sellers could get.
One of my clients cut logistics costs by 15% after switching to SLG, simply because consolidation and smoother customs handling eliminated extra charges.
Preparing for Your First Shipment: A Checklist
If you’re shipping to Amazon FBA for the first time, here’s a simple checklist:
✅ Confirm Incoterms with your supplier.
✅ Partner with a freight forwarder like SL Global Logistics.
✅ Provide accurate product details (dimensions, weight, HS codes).
✅ Arrange Amazon-compliant labelling and barcoding.
✅ Prepare customs documents (invoice, packing list, certificate of origin).
✅ Book a delivery appointment at the fulfilment centre.
✅ Track your shipment and stay in touch with your forwarder.
SL Global Logistics walks clients through each step, ensuring nothing gets overlooked.
Conclusion: Focus on Growing Your Amazon Business
Freight forwarding may not be the most glamorous part of eCommerce, but it’s one of the most crucial. A rejected shipment or customs delay can set you back weeks. The right freight forwarder for Amazon FBA ensures your goods arrive smoothly, on time, and at the lowest possible cost.
From my experience, I recommend working with a specialist like SL Global Logistics. Their team has the expertise, network, and Amazon-specific know-how to take the stress out of FBA shipping—so you can focus on building your brand and driving sales.
Ready to ship with confidence? Contact SL Global Logistics today and let their team guide you through every step of Amazon FBA freight forwarding.
FAQs
1. Do I really need a specialist freight forwarder for Amazon FBA?
Yes. General forwarders may not understand Amazon’s strict delivery requirements. A specialist like SL Global Logistics prevents costly delays and rejections.
2. How much does freight forwarding for Amazon FBA cost?
It depends on shipment size, origin, and method (air vs sea). Small air shipments might cost $1,000–$2,000, while full sea containers range from $4,000–$8,000. SLG provides clear, itemised quotes so you know what to expect.
3. Can I split shipments between air and sea freight?
Yes. Many sellers ship a small portion by air to get products live quickly, then send the bulk by sea to save money. SL Global Logistics manages hybrid shipments efficiently.