As order volumes tend to climb towards the end of the year, every booking slot and pallet becomes more important. The right preparation can help shippers reduce delays, protect capacity, and keep goods flowing smoothly into fulfillment centers. To make planning easier, Amazon Freight has launched its Peak Season Success Guide.
Why peak planning matters
Q4 brings surging demand and less flexibility in the network. Early, accurate planning can make the difference between a smooth delivery and a costly disruption. Shippers who prepare ahead of time secure more reliable capacity and reduce the risk of rejected or delayed loads.
Top tips from the guide
Book early and book accurately
Booking at least 48 hours before pickup helps ensure carrier assignment, appointment scheduling, and compliance checks. Shippers are also encouraged to keep POs, bills of lading, and ASNs up to date to avoid last-minute issues.
Prepare shipments carefully
From pallet standards to secure wrapping, correct load preparation protects goods in transit and helps fulfillment center teams process deliveries safely. Heavy pallets and oversized goods need special handling—check the guide for full requirements.
Make the most of extended hours
Many warehouses close by early evening, but fulfillment centers run 24/7. Shippers who extend their operating hours into the night consistently secure more slots and see fewer pushouts.
Follow sort center rules
Since mid-2025, all sort center POs must be delivered to the designated site only. Routing to the wrong location leads to rejected loads and delays across the wider network.
Clearing up common misconceptions
The guide also addresses frequent questions, such as Amazon Freight’s role in chargebacks, how routing decisions are made, and why load reschedules can be complex. Understanding these distinctions helps shippers save time and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
Download the full guide
The Peak Season Success Guide is available now for Amazon Freight customers. It provides detailed checklists, shipment prep requirements, and booking practices to help shippers move confidently through peak.
