Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) transforms e-commerce logistics by managing storage, packaging, and shipping—freeing sellers to focus on growth. In 2023 alone, FBA handled over 4 billion units in the U.S., reinforcing its reputation for efficiency.
Amazon Freight Less-than-Truckload (LTL) complements FBA by providing an affordable way to ship smaller loads. It leverages Amazon’s network to reduce costs while ensuring fast, reliable delivery.
However, Amazon Freight LTL isn’t the only option. uShip connects sellers with top freight carriers, offering competitive rates and flexible solutions beyond Amazon’s network. Whether you need to ship inventory to an FBA warehouse or transport goods elsewhere, uShip provides more choices, competitive pricing, and customized shipping options.
What is Fulfillment by Amazon?
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) allows sellers to store products in Amazon’s warehouses while Amazon manages storage, packing, shipping, customer service, and returns. For example, a shoe seller can send 100 pairs to an Amazon fulfillment center, and Amazon will handle delivery directly to customers.
But what if your products require specialized shipping? uShip helps businesses move oversized, fragile, or specialty inventory efficiently. By combining FBA with uShip’s flexible shipping options, sellers can expand their logistics strategy and cut shipping costs.
How Does Amazon FBA Work?
Here’s how FBA simplifies logistics:
- Product storage – Sellers ship inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, where it’s securely stored until an order is placed.
- Order processing – Amazon picks, packs, and ships the order, reducing sellers’ workload.
- Customer service – Amazon handles shipping-related inquiries and returns, ensuring a seamless experience.
- Prime eligibility – FBA products qualify for Amazon Prime, which can boost sales and visibility.
For sellers shipping large or fragile inventory, uShip offers an alternative to Amazon’s rigid fulfillment process, connecting you with professional carriers for a customized shipping experience.
Benefits of Using Fulfillment by Amazon
FBA offers:
✅ Simplified logistics – Amazon manages shipping and returns, but you still need to transport your inventory to FBA centers. uShip helps with flexible and affordable freight solutions.
✅ Expanded reach – FBA provides exposure to millions of Prime customers, and uShip ensures inventory arrives safely and cost-effectively.
✅ Lower shipping costs – Amazon offers discounted rates for deliveries to customers, while uShip provides competitive pricing for shipments to fulfillment centers.
✅ Scalability & flexibility – FBA works for businesses of all sizes, but uShip gives sellers full control over their shipping needs, whether moving bulk inventory or individual shipments.
What Is Amazon Freight LTL?
Before diving into Amazon Freight LTL, let’s define Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipping. LTL helps businesses transport smaller loads by sharing truck space with other shipments, lowering costs.
Here’s how Amazon Freight LTL works:
- Create your shipment in Seller Central – Enter product details and destination.
- Palletize your goods – Securely stack and shrink-wrap boxes on pallets.
- Label clearly – Ensure shipment IDs are visible and scannable.
- Select a carrier & schedule pickup – Amazon’s partner carriers offer low rates, but uShip lets you compare multiple carriers for even better deals.
- Shipment pickup – The LTL carrier collects and transports the load.
- Check-in at the fulfillment center – Amazon verifies your shipment before making products available for sale.
💡 Pro Tip: If you need custom shipping solutions beyond standard LTL, uShip connects you with top-rated carriers for cost-effective, flexible transport.
Advantages of Amazon Freight LTL
🚛 Cost savings – Share truck space and only pay for the space you use. With uShip, you can compare rates and find even more savings.
🚛 Faster logistics – Consolidated pallets improve efficiency. Need additional transport options? uShip provides door-to-door solutions.
🚛 Secure shipping – Properly palletized goods reduce damage risk. uShip’s network includes carriers experienced in handling fragile or high-value shipments.
🚛 Scalability – LTL shipping grows with your business. uShip offers flexibility when Amazon’s network doesn’t fit your needs.
What Does “Fulfilled by Amazon” Mean?
When an item is labeled “Fulfilled by Amazon”, Amazon handles storage, packaging, and shipping. This ensures:
✔ Efficient storage & packing – Amazon keeps inventory in climate-controlled warehouses.
✔ Fast delivery – Amazon Prime members benefit from quick shipping.
✔ Seamless customer service – Amazon manages returns, refunds, and inquiries.
However, Amazon’s fulfillment process comes with storage fees and limitations. uShip helps sellers manage inventory strategically by offering alternative storage and transportation solutions.
Cost Overview: Amazon FBA & Freight LTL
Amazon FBA Costs
📦 Fulfillment fees – Charged per unit based on size/weight.
📦 Storage fees – Monthly fees based on occupied space, plus long-term fees for inventory stored over 365 days. Use uShip to move slow-moving stock and avoid excess storage costs.
📦 Additional fees – Includes returns processing, labeling, and referral fees.
Amazon Freight LTL Costs
🚚 Shipment size & weight – Larger shipments cost more.
🚚 Distance – Longer hauls increase costs.
🚚 Extra services – Liftgate delivery or inside pickup adds fees.
🚚 Fuel surcharges – Fluctuate based on market rates.
🚚 Accessorial charges – Special handling or remote deliveries cost extra.
💡 Tip: For flexible and affordable freight options, uShip lets sellers compare carrier rates beyond Amazon’s network.
Storage & Inventory Optimization
Amazon storage policies impact costs and efficiency. Here’s how to optimize your inventory:
✔ Avoid excess storage fees – Long-term storage fees apply after 365 days. uShip provides alternative shipping solutions to move slow-moving stock elsewhere.
✔ Monitor IPI score – Amazon tracks inventory performance, limiting storage if scores drop. uShip helps manage surplus inventory with efficient transport options.
✔ Replenish strategically – Forecast demand to prevent stockouts and avoid unnecessary storage.
Does Amazon Freight LTL Serve FBA Sellers Only?
No—Amazon Freight LTL is open to all businesses, but it isn’t always the most flexible or cost-effective option.
uShip provides an alternative by connecting sellers with top-rated carriers for oversized, custom, or bulk shipments not suited for Amazon’s network.
Conclusion
By integrating Amazon FBA, Freight LTL, and uShip, sellers can streamline logistics and cut costs.
🔹 Amazon FBA simplifies fulfillment but comes with storage fees and limitations.
🔹 Amazon Freight LTL provides a structured LTL solution, but rates and options may be limited.
🔹 uShip offers competitive pricing, more carrier choices, and flexibility for non-standard shipments.
💡 The bottom line? Amazon’s shipping network works well for many, but with uShip, you get the freedom to compare, customize, and save.
TL;DR: Maximize Your Shipping Options
- Amazon FBA simplifies fulfillment but comes with storage fees and restrictions.
- Amazon Freight LTL offers affordable shipping but may not fit every seller’s needs.
- uShip gives you flexibility, cost savings, and access to top freight carriers, making it a smart alternative for moving inventory efficiently.
💡 The takeaway? Don’t limit your shipping strategy—compare your options with uShip and find the best fit for your business. 🚛
