Avoid These 15 FBA Shipping Mistakes
New Amazon sellers lose thousands of dollars to avoidable shipping and logistics errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Not Booking FBA Delivery Appointments
LTL and FTL shipments require appointments through Carrier Central. Without one, your truck gets turned away.
Mistake 2: Using Small Parcel for Large Quantities
Shipping 20+ boxes via UPS/FedEx is almost always more expensive than using LTL through a freight broker.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Weight Limits
Amazon's 50 lb box limit is strictly enforced. Overweight boxes get rejected and may incur fees.
Mistake 4: Wrong FNSKU Labels
Using the wrong FNSKU sends your inventory to another seller's listing. Triple-check every label.
Mistake 5: Not Wrapping Pallets Properly
Loose stretch wrap = unstable pallets = damaged products = rejected shipments.
Mistake 6: Shipping to the Wrong FC
Always verify the fulfillment center address in your shipping plan before dispatching.
Mistake 7: Not Getting BOL Signed
Without a signed BOL, you have no proof of delivery for discrepancy claims.
Mistake 8: Sending Expired Products
Products within 90 days of expiration are rejected. Check dates before shipping.
Mistake 9: Skipping Box Content Information
Not providing box contents adds $0.15/unit in processing fees and delays check-in.
Mistake 10: Ignoring Amazon's Prep Requirements
Each product category has specific prep requirements. Review them before every shipment.
Mistake 11: Not Planning for Multi-FC Splits
Without IPS, Amazon splits shipments across multiple FCs. Budget for multiple deliveries.
Mistake 12: Shipping During Peak Season Without Planning
Q4 carrier capacity is limited. Book freight early to avoid premium rates.
Mistake 13: Not Reconciling Shipments
Amazon loses 1–3% of received units. Always reconcile and file claims for discrepancies.
Mistake 14: Using Old Boxes with Visible Labels
Amazon may scan old labels, routing your products incorrectly. Use new boxes or cover all old labels.
Mistake 15: Not Having a Freight Partner
DIY shipping works for small volumes, but scaling requires a professional freight partner who understands FBA logistics. Indray Inc ships 100+ FBA loads weekly.
