Amazon Global Logistics Explained: Shipping Across Borders

Managing international shipping can be daunting for any Amazon seller. Tasks like managing logistics, understanding customs regulations, etc., can overwhelm even the most experienced sellers.

Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) simplifies this process. The program makes it easier to send your products from China directly to Amazon’s fulfillment centers in different countries and regions.

By managing every aspect of the shipping process—from the initial pickup at your manufacturer to the final delivery at the warehouse—AGL ensures that your products move smoothly across international borders.

In this blog, we’ll explore how AGL works, break down the Amazon global logistics rates with it, and discuss the advantages and potential challenges. We’ll also provide you with the steps to get started, ensuring you have all the information needed to make the most of this program.

By the end of this blog, you’ll understand how to leverage AGL effectively for your business, helping you ship globally with confidence.

Let’s then quickly dive into the details, shall we? 

Learn how to start with Amazon Global Logistics in this section.

Glossary

Before we get started, let’s familiarize ourselves with some important terms used in this guide. 

Understanding these terms will help you grasp the details of Amazon Global Logistics more clearly and make it easier to follow the discussions in the upcoming sections.

1. Freight: The transportation of goods in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. In AGL, this primarily refers to ocean freight.
2. Ocean Freight: Shipping products by sea, often more affordable than air shipping but slower. It includes:
   • Full Container Load (FCL): Renting an entire container for large shipments is typically more cost-efficient for bigger loads.
   • Less-Than-Container Load (LCL): Sharing container space with other shippers, ideal for smaller shipments that don’t fill a container.
3. Fast Ocean Freight: A quicker shipping option than standard ocean freight, balancing cost and speed.
4. Air Freight: Shipping products by air, faster than ocean freight but more expensive. Suited for urgent shipments.
5. Customs Clearance: The process of getting permission from the origin and destination countries for goods to enter and exit through legal compliance, including duty and tax payments.
6. Palletization: Placing goods on a pallet (a flat structure made of wood, plastic, or metal) to stabilize and secure items during transit, minimizing damage risks.

What is Amazon Global Logistics?

Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) is Amazon’s door-to-door ocean freight service for sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). It’s part of Amazon’s fully automated Supply Chain services. 

With AGL, you can ship inventory directly from China to Amazon’s Fulfillment Centers like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) in the USA, the UK, and the EU. 

This setup offers: 

1. Reduced landed costs (the total cost incurred for shipping the product from the supplier to the final destination) and; 
2. Competitive shipping rates

Both these benefits, when combined together, make global shipping smoother and more affordable for sellers.

Note: If you use Fulfilled by Merchant, then you cannot use the Global Logistics transportation program. In that case, you can explore some AGL alternatives.

How Does AGL Work?

Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) manages each step of the shipping journey from your supplier to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Product Preparation at Manufacturer/Warehouse

The journey begins at your supplier’s location, where products are prepared for shipment.

Step 2: Domestic Pickup & Export Preparation

Amazon arranges to pick up goods from the origin warehouse and prepares them for export.

Step 3: Export Customs Clearance

AGL manages customs clearance to ensure goods can leave the origin country smoothly.

Step 4: Ocean Freight Shipping

Products are shipped by sea using Amazon’s Standard or Fast Ocean services, based on your preferred speed and budget.

Step 5: Import Customs Clearance

Upon arrival in the destination country, AGL handles import customs clearance, making sure your products enter without delays.

Step 6: Country of Destination Delivery

After clearing customs, AGL transports goods to Amazon’s distribution network for storage and fulfillment.

After the goods are delivered to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, several options are available to optimize inventory management and distribution:

• AWD (Amazon Warehousing & Distribution):
  • AWD provides long-term storage for bulk inventory. It helps you keep stock ready for FBA. 
  • When your inventory runs low, AWD automatically sends more stock to FBA centers, ensuring steady availability.

Note: Ship to AWD is only available for shipments from China to the US.

• Amazon Managed Placement (AMP):
  • AMP makes sure your products are split and placed across several U.S. fulfillment centers. This helps to reduce delivery times and improve customer satisfaction.
  • AMP charges a simple flat fee for each shipment, and you don’t have to pay extra for FBA placement. It’s perfect for large, bulky, or standard-sized products. 
  • You can use it for both LCL (Less-Than-Container Load) and FCL (Full-Container Load) shipments with either Standard or Fast Ocean services. 

Bonus: Read more about Less-Then-Container Load and Full-Container Load as well as Standard and Fast Ocean Services in the services offered through AGL section.

• Minimal Shipment Splits:
  • This option sends large, bulky, or standard inventory of the same type to a single Amazon fulfillment center in the U.S. 
  • It helps get your inventory closer to the destination port and your customers. If you ship containers with lower unit densities (meaning fewer items packed per container), Minimal Shipment Splits can help reduce FBA costs.
  • You can use Minimal Shipment Splits for both LCL (Less-Than-Container Load) and FCL (Full-Container Load) shipments with either Standard Ocean or Fast Ocean services. 

Note: However, keep in mind that minimal shipment splits will incur FBA inbound placement service costs.

Step 7: Products Go Out For Last Mile & Customer Delivery

Finally, Amazon handles last-mile delivery to the customer’s doorstep, completing the shipping cycle.

Benefits of Amazon Global Logistics

Let’s understand what are the benefits of this shipping and logistics model from Amazon: 

• Simplified Global Shipping
  This transportation program handles the entire shipping process—from pickup to delivery at Amazon Fulfillment Centers—making logistics easier for sellers.
• Affordable Freight Options
  AGL offers budget-friendly choices like Standard and Fast Ocean Freight, which help lower costs, especially for bulk shipments.
• Customs Clearance and Compliance
  The program manages both export and import customs clearance, ensuring compliance with international regulations and easing cross-border shipments.
• Direct Access to FBA and AWD Storage
  Shipments go directly to Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Amazon Warehouse Distribution (AWD) storage. This helps to reduce restocking delays and additional handling.
• Lower Inventory and Logistics Costs
  This logistics setup helps cut down on storage and inventory costs, especially for those managing large volumes.
• Simple Booking and Real-Time Tracking
  Sellers can book shipments in Seller Central and track them in real time, making logistics management straightforward. 

Countries in Which Amazon Global Logistics Offers Shipping Services

It’s important to note that the AGL transportation program is only supported in some countries. These include: 

AGL helps to ship ocean cargo from:

• China and Hong Kong

AGL Ships to:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain

Different Freight Services Offered by Amazon Global Logistics

Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) offers several shipping options to fit your business needs, each with specific benefits:

• Standard Ocean Freight:
  • Full Container Load (FCL): You get the entire container for your shipment. This option works well for large shipments since you maximize space and reduce handling.
  • Less-Than-Container Load (LCL): LCL allows you to share container space with other sellers, making it more affordable. It’s perfect if you don’t have enough inventory to fill a container.
• Fast Ocean Freight: This is a quicker ocean shipping option than Standard Ocean. Fast Ocean Freight also offers FCL and LCL choices. 

It’s a good balance between cost and speed, costing less than air freight while getting goods to Amazon faster than Standard Ocean Freight.

• End-to-End Solutions:
  • Local Pickup:
    • AGL picks up your goods right from your supplier or warehouse. This removes the need to organize multiple shippers and simplifies the process.
  • Palletization:
    • Amazon prepares your goods on pallets, ready to meet Amazon’s standards. Proper palletization keeps items safe during transit and makes handling smoother at fulfillment centers.
  • Labeling:
    • AGL labels products according to Amazon’s guidelines, so items meet FBA standards on arrival. This step helps avoid any issues with Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
  • Cargo Insurance:
    • Insurance coverage protects your items against loss or damage during transit. Different coverage options are available to suit various shipment values.
  • Customs Clearance:
    • AGL manages customs at both the origin and destination, ensuring smooth entry and exit. This prevents delays and keeps shipments compliant with regulations.

How Amazon Global Logistics Integrates with Supply Chain by Amazon

Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) and Supply Chain by Amazon (SCA) work hand in hand to make shipping and inventory management easier for sellers. 

As we discussed already, AGL helps you ship products internationally and handles everything from freight to customs. This means you can move inventory directly from your suppliers in other countries (China) to Amazon’s FBA or AWD centers.

Supply Chain by Amazon takes it further by streamlining the entire process. It handles:

• Bulk Storage: Stores your products in bulk.
• Wide Distribution: Makes your products available across all sales channels, not just on Amazon.
• Inventory Management: Automates inventory replenishment.
• Fast Delivery: Ensures quick delivery to customers.

Together, AGL and SCA simplify logistics, save costs, and help you focus more on your business.​

If you’re interested in enhancing Amazon inventory management for your store, check out our detailed blog on the best Amazon inventory management software here.

Amazon Global Logistics Cost

There are no upfront costs to sign up with Amazon Global Logistics. And there aren’t any subscription fees either. You only pay for transportation when you use the service.

The transportation costs will include:

Shipping and Customs Brokerage

This section covers the core costs associated with transporting goods and clearing customs.

• Transportation to Fulfillment Center: This is the main cost for moving goods to Amazon’s warehouse. It can make up a large part of the total shipping fee.
• Customs Clearance: There are fees for clearing customs at both the export and import stages. Import clearance usually costs more, as it ensures goods meet the destination country’s rules.
• Customs Automation: This service automates parts of the customs process, sometimes lowering fees.

Value-Added Services

Value-added services include additional services that improve handling and preparation for shipping.

• Container Loading: This covers the cost of loading items into a container, especially for full or shared loads.
• Origin Documentation and Cargo Handling: These are fees for preparing paperwork and handling cargo at the starting point.
• Palletization: Palletizing keeps items stable during shipping, but it adds an extra charge if chosen.

Customs Fees and Duties

This section explains the costs associated with import taxes and customs duties.

• Duties and Taxes: These are added costs based on the destination country. The amount depends on the type and value of the products.

Annual Continuous Bond

This bond is important for frequent importers to streamline customs across multiple shipments.

• This is a yearly fee for regular importers. It helps with customs processing for multiple shipments over the year.

Note: When using global logistics Amazon, sellers are required to purchase an Annual Continuous Bond for importing. This bond costs around $350 per year and covers multiple shipments over the year. This can smoothen customs processing for you as a seller, as you don’t need a separate bond for each shipment. Another option is a Single Entry Bond. It costs $50-$75 per shipment. However, it’s more cost-effective to choose an Annual Continuous Bond if you import more than four shipments per year.

Is AGL Cheap or Expensive: What Real Users Say 

We did some research to get some real-world user Amazon global logistics review on how much it can really cost sellers and if it is cheap or not. 

1. One Reddit user said that AGL is cheaper than regular ocean freight, and Amazon even picks up directly from suppliers in China. They liked that AGL assigns a local contact to arrange the pickup with the supplier. 

2. Another Reddit user mentioned that AGL is usually cheaper, but extra costs, like import taxes, aren’t included in the initial quote. 

They advised considering placement fees and suggested that splitting shipments to multiple locations could help reduce costs. 

They recommended comparing AGL quotes to what manufacturers offer to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

3. A third Reddit user pointed out that manufacturers often add a small markup (a slight increase in price to cover their handling costs) to shipping costs when they manage it themselves. They suggested getting a quote from AGL through Seller Central and comparing it with other forwarders.

While they said that some forwarders now match AGL’s price, they prefer using AGL since it’s integrated with Seller Central. However, they mentioned delays with AGL’s service, especially for shipments to Europe.

4. In the Amazon Seller Central forum, one user was upset because their AGL costs were four times higher than the estimate. 

They were originally quoted $840 but ended up paying $3,200 due to extra taxes, duties, and other fees, as we can see in the screenshot shared by them. 

The user said their supplier had offered to ship everything for $1,600, including all costs. 

These higher-than-expected AGL costs hurt their business, especially during the holiday season.

Delivery Times

When it comes to Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), there isn’t a fixed delivery time. The time it takes for shipments to arrive depends on several factors, including:

1. Shipping Mode: Using Standard Ocean Freight generally takes longer, whereas Fast Ocean Freight shortens the transit time.
2. Customs Clearance: Delays often occur during the customs clearance process, both at the origin and destination countries.
3. Port Congestion: Crowded ports can increase waiting times for both loading and unloading cargo.
4. Vessel Availability: Sometimes shipments are delayed due to vessel ((the ship used to transport goods across seas) schedules, especially when shipping from high-demand areas like China.

Real-World User Insights

• One user mentioned that their shipment using Standard Ocean Freight took exactly 30 days from Ningbo, China to an Amazon fulfillment center, and they were happy with the service and pricing.

• Another user reported a much different experience, with their shipment being 3 months behind schedule. The shipment was picked up in late May, and while the expected arrival was early July, the shipment was still delayed as of mid-September. 

They expressed disappointment with AGL’s lack of reliability in this case.

How to Get Started with Amazon Global Logistics?

Let’s now learn how a seller can register for the Amazon Global Logistics transportation program. 

Prerequisites

Before beginning, there are a few key prerequisites you’ll need to have ready to ensure a smooth process:

1. Importer of Record (IOR)

The IOR is the legal entity responsible for ensuring imported goods comply with customs regulations. They handle duties, taxes, and necessary documentation for shipments.

2. Customs Bond (for the US)

A customs bond is a guarantee required for U.S. imports, ensuring duties and taxes are paid. A continuous bond covers all shipments for a year.

3. Identification Number (EIN or CAIN)

The IRS issues an EIN as a business tax ID. If you don’t have one, you can use a CAIN for customs purposes, and Amazon can assist in obtaining it.

4. Company Officer Information

You must provide a company officer’s contact details to authorize Amazon to manage customs activities via a signed Power of Attorney (POA).

Additional Key Terms to Know

• Power of Attorney (POA): This is a legal document that authorizes Amazon to act on your company’s behalf in customs matters. Amazon needs this to manage imports smoothly. It ensures all customs tasks are done without your constant input.
• Non-resident Corporate Certification (NRCC): If your company is outside the U.S., you need this certification to let Amazon handle import operations as a non-resident.

This certification works alongside the POA, especially for companies not based in the U.S., when interacting with U.S. customs.

Step-by-Step Process to Start with Amazon Global Logistics

Now, let’s look at the process in detail. 

Step 1: Access the Amazon Global Logistics Seller Central Portal

• Navigate to the AGL portal: Log in to the Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) portal using your existing Amazon Seller Central credentials.
  • Use this link: Amazon Global Logistics Portal.

• Set up your profile: Once logged in, select the Set-up profile link to begin the process of choosing your payment method and creating an Importer of Record (IOR) profile.

Step 2: Choose Your Payment Method

• Default payment method: The default payment method for AGL is USD. If your account is already set to USD, no additional action is required.
• Changing payment options: Ensure that your preferred payment method is correctly set in the Payment Method tab.

Step 3: Set Up Importer of Record (IOR)

• Access the IOR setup: On the profile setup page, go to the Importer of Record (IOR) section and select Add new importer of record (IOR).
• Importer Number (EIN or CAIN): If your importing country is the United States, you will need to provide one of the following:
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN): A unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify business entities in the US.
  • Customs Assigned Importer Number (CAIN): If you do not have an EIN, Amazon can request a CAIN on your behalf.
  • If you have an EIN or CAIN, select Yes and enter your EIN or CAIN in the provided field.
  • If you don’t have an importer number (either EIN or CAIN), select No, the importer does not have a CAIN and allow Amazon to request one for you. Make sure to check the box indicating that you want Amazon to request a CAIN.

• Data for IOR Profile: Enter the details of your IOR profile:
  • Country/Region: The country or region where your importer entity is legally registered.
  • Importer Company Name: The full, legal name of your company, ensuring it is in Latin characters.
  • Street Address, City, and ZIP Code: Provide the full and accurate address of your company.
  • Importer Primary Contact: Enter the name, phone number, and email of your company’s primary contact for importing matters.

Important Note: Before submitting, ensure all details (such as company name, address, and ID numbers) match exactly as they appear on your business license. Even minor differences in spelling, capitalization, or abbreviation will cause delays.

• Doing Business As (DBA): If your business operates under a different trade name, select Yes for Registered Trading Name (DBA or Doing Business As) and provide the details. If your legal entity and DBA differ, you must input the correct information for both.

Step 4: Enter Power of Attorney (POA) Details

• POA for US-based IORs: Select the POA signatory role from the dropdown and enter the name and email of the person authorized to sign the Power of Attorney (POA).
• For Non-US Resident IORs: If your IOR is based outside the US, you will need to fill in the Non-resident Corporate Certification (NRCC) as well.
  • A second officer role must be provided, and you must enter the second officer’s name and email.

Important Noe: The POA signer and the NRCC officer must be different individuals with unique email addresses. If there’s only one officer in your company, check the box to indicate this, and enter the details of a secondary employee for the NRCC. The POA and NRCC will be sent via DocuSign to the provided email addresses, not your Seller Central login email. Make sure the appropriate officers are aware and ready to sign electronically.

Step 5: Customs Bond Setup

• Customs Bond: A customs bond is required to guarantee the payment of import duties, taxes, and fees to the US Customs and Border Protection.
  • If you already have a customs bond, select Yes and specify how often your IOR will import goods per year.
  • For new bonds: If you don’t have an active continuous customs bond, select Buy Bond to proceed with purchasing one.
    • In the How often will the IOR import in one year? dropdown, select the frequency of imports.
    • Provide the email address to receive the final entry summaries for shipments.
  • Bond Purchase: After selecting Buy Bond, a quote window will appear where you can enter the necessary information. A quote for a one-year bond will be generated. Once reviewed, select Confirm purchase.
• Note: Payment for the customs bond will be charged with your first shipment.

Step 6: Submit IOR Details

• After purchasing the bond: Return to the IOR setup page to confirm that the Customs bond bought message appears.

• Duties and Taxes Payment: If the IOR has previously imported goods, you can set up an Automated Clearing House (ACH) account to pay duties and taxes.
  • You’ll need to provide a Payer Unit Number (PUN) if you want to use this option.
• Final Entry Summaries: Enter the email address where the IOR’s final shipment entry summaries should be sent.

Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents

• Depending on your business type, you may be required to upload supporting documents (e.g., business license, utility bill).
  • If documents are in a language other than English, ensure the company name is translated and written in English.
  • Only files under 2 MB are accepted, and allowed formats include: .docx, .doc, .xml, .jpg, .xlsx, .xls, .bmp, .pdf, .csv, .png.
• Note: Once submitted, IOR details cannot be changed until Amazon completes its review. This review may take up to 2-3 business days.

Step 8: Sign and Approve POA and NRCC

• Once your submission is completed, the POA and NRCC (if applicable) will be sent to the designated signatories via DocuSign.
  • Ensure that both the POA and NRCC documents are signed promptly to avoid delays.
  • If your submission is rejected, you will receive an email with details on why it was not compliant. Make corrections and resubmit.

Step 9: Final Approval and Starting Shipments

• Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation by email.
• Start booking your shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers directly from your location using the “Send/replenish inventory” workflow in Seller Central. Track your shipment to ensure it reaches the fulfillment center successfully.

Challenges of Amazon Global Logistics

With that, let’s now look at the cons of this door-to-door ocean freight transportation program from Amazon. 

• Potential Exposure of Supplier Information
  Amazon’s access to supplier details may lead to direct sourcing, which could affect the exclusivity of some sellers.
• Frequent Delivery Delays
  Shipments can often face delays, particularly during peak seasons, as Amazon may prioritize its own inventory over others.
• Upfront Billing Requirement
  Logistics fees are deducted upfront from Seller Central, which can impact cash flow, especially if there are shipping delays.
• Customer Service Limitations
  Customer support for AGL is limited. 
• Higher Costs for Smaller Sellers
  Smaller sellers can face higher costs due to minimum shipment sizes, upfront fees, and import duties. These factors can make AGL less affordable for those with lower shipping volumes.

Is Amazon Global Logistics Worth It?

Now, let’s try to understand when Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) might be a good choice and when it might not be:

AGL works well if

• Shipments are frequent: Importing more than four shipments a year makes the $350 Continuous Bond worthwhile since it covers multiple shipments for the year.
• You ship in bulk: Larger volume shipments, especially from China to the U.S., UK, or EU, benefit from AGL’s cost-saving freight options. Direct integration with FBA and AWD reduces delays.
• Simplified logistics is needed: AGL handles everything from customs to delivery, simplifying logistics for large sellers.

AGL may not be ideal if

• Shipments are less frequent: For fewer than four shipments a year, the bond costs and fees can be expensive. A single-entry bond is a cheaper alternative for occasional shipments.

• You’re a smaller seller: The minimum shipment sizes and upfront fees can be costly, making AGL less attractive for those with smaller shipments.
• Tracking and support are critical: Some users report issues with tracking and customer support, especially during busy periods.

Verdict

AGL is a great option for large sellers who ship frequently and want to streamline logistics. But for smaller sellers or those needing fast deliveries, the added costs and potential delays may not make it worth it.

While exploring global logistics Amazon, you might also like to read:  1. A Guide to Amazon Retail Arbitrage For Profitable Reselling 2. Amazon Dropshipping for Sellers: An Ultimate Guide 3. Amazon Product Launch Guide: 8 Steps to Launch a New Product 4. How to Buy UPC Codes for Amazon: A Complete Guide with Tips 5. Amazon 1P vs 3P: Key Difference, Pros and Cons for sellers

Amazon Global Logistics Alternatives

After reading the previous section, let’s say you decide that Amazon Global Logistics is not for you, or if you are a seller who uses Fulfilled by Merchant on Amazon, then we have also covered some alternatives that can help you with crossborder shipping. 

These include:

Third-Party Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders, or 3PL companies, manage shipping and freight services. They transport goods from your supplier to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

• Pros: Competitive rates for Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments and flexible shipping options. Customs assistance simplifies imports.
• Cons: Possible hidden fees, longer transit times, and more coordination needed with multiple contacts.

Costs: Varies by provider.

Best For: Businesses needing custom shipping solutions and Amazon FBM sellers.

DHL Global Forwarding

DHL, a trusted global carrier, offers Air Freight for faster delivery and Ocean Freight for larger shipments.

• Services: Multimodal options combining air, ocean, road, and rail; customs brokerage.
• Pros: Reliable, strong tracking, and customs expertise.
• Cons: Higher costs on some routes; less integration with Amazon’s systems.

Costs: Air Freight based on weight/dimensions; Ocean Freight by chargeable weight; seasonal and fuel surcharges may apply.

Best For: Sellers needing a mix of freight options to balance cost and speed.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions

UPS offers varied shipping options, including Air Freight for quick delivery and Ocean Freight for bulk shipments. Ground Freight covers in-country and international movements.

• Pros: Known for reliability, excellent customer service, and a vast logistics network.
• Cons: Separate accounts may be needed for services; rates vary by shipment size and speed.

Costs: Base rates depend on service type and market, with fuel, peak, regulatory, and customs surcharges.

Best For: Sellers requiring a strong global network and reliable logistics.

Conclusion

If you are just starting to sell on Amazon and looking to streamline your shipments from China to Amazon fulfillment centers in the US, UK, and other supported regions, Amazon Global Logistics offers a straightforward and effective solution.

However, it’s important to note that while AGL is beneficial, it does have limitations such as potential delays and hidden fees, and is primarily tailored for Amazon FBA sellers. This might not suit every seller’s needs.

If you find that AGL doesn’t fully meet your requirements, consider alternatives like third-party freight forwarders, DHL, etc., which can provide more flexibility and reliability tailored to your specific logistic needs.

Good luck in optimizing your shipping strategy!

FAQs

1. What is Amazon Global Logistics?

Amazon Global Logistics is an end-to-end ocean freight service. It allows sellers to ship goods directly from China to Amazon fulfillment centers in the US, UK, and the EU. This service is part of Amazon’s integrated supply chain system.

2. Is Amazon Global Logistics cheaper?

Yes, Amazon Global Logistics can offer competitive rates. The service helps lower logistics costs by managing the entire supply chain, including customs and delivery, which streamlines processes and reduces expenses.

3. How to use Amazon Global Logistics?

To use Amazon Global Logistics, sellers must create an account on Seller Central. After setting up a payment method and import details, they can book and track shipments directly through the platform.

4. Which regions are currently served by Amazon Global Logistics for cross-border shipping?

Amazon Global Logistics currently supports shipping from China to the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

5. What shipping options does Amazon Global Logistics provide for freight?
   

Amazon Global Logistics offers two main options: Standard Ocean (FCL/LCL) for cost-effective shipping and Fast Ocean (FCL/LCL) for faster delivery compared to standard ocean shipping.

6. Do I need to divide my purchase orders when using Amazon Managed Placement?

No, Amazon Managed Placement does not require sellers to split purchase orders for multiple destinations.

7. Are there specific shipping guidelines I should know about when using Amazon Managed Placement?

Yes, shipping via Amazon Managed Placement has limits on the number of cartons per container—2,000 cartons for a 40-foot container and 1,000 for a 20-foot container.

8. Are there any drawbacks to using minimal shipment splits instead of Amazon Managed Placement?

Yes, minimal shipment splits may result in higher FBA inbound placement costs, especially for containers with lower unit densities.

9. Does Amazon Global Logistics manage customs clearance for imports?
   

Indeed. Amazon Global Logistics provides customs brokers to handle clearance at both the origin and destination.

10. Will Amazon Global Logistics collect shipments directly from my supplier or facility?
    

Yes, Amazon Global Logistics offers a pickup service from your or your supplier’s location.