Choosing the Right LTL Carrier for FBA
Not all LTL carriers handle Amazon FBA shipments well. Some specialize in FC deliveries while others struggle with appointment systems and receiving procedures.
Amazon Partnered Carriers
Amazon offers discounted rates through partnered LTL carriers:
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Discounted rates | Limited carrier options |
| Integrated tracking | Less flexibility on pickup |
| Simplified billing | May not cover all origins |
| Auto-appointment scheduling | Can't choose specific carrier |
National LTL Carriers for FBA
| Carrier | FBA Experience | Coverage | Appointment Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| XPO Logistics | Excellent | National | Self-books via Carrier Central |
| Estes Express | Good | National | Manual booking needed |
| Old Dominion | Good | National | Manual booking needed |
| SAIA | Moderate | National | Varies by terminal |
| ABF Freight | Moderate | National | Manual booking needed |
Using a Freight Broker for FBA LTL
Advantages over booking direct:
- Access to all carriers and compare rates
- FBA-experienced dispatchers
- Appointment management
- Claims handling
- Single point of contact
When a broker makes sense:
- Shipping to multiple FCs regularly
- Need competitive rate shopping
- Want someone to handle appointments
- Issues with FC receiving (broker can intervene)
LTL Tips for FBA Sellers
- Always get a BOL — Carrier must provide signed proof of delivery
- Specify liftgate if the pickup location needs it
- Provide accurate pallet count and weight — Reclassification fees are expensive
- Book appointments before dispatch — Don't assume the carrier will handle this
- Track actively — LTL carriers don't always update tracking proactively
Indray's FBA LTL Service
Indray provides dedicated FBA LTL shipping with:
- Competitive rates across all national carriers
- Appointment scheduling in Carrier Central
- Signed BOL on every delivery
- Real-time tracking and communication
