UK LTL to Amazon FCs: shipper’s checklist, labels and delivery windows

UK LTL to Amazon FCs: shipper’s checklist, labels and delivery windowsGetting products into Amazon fulfilment centres (FCs) is a crucial step for UK brands and sellers looking to reach more customers. Whether you’re shipping a handful of pallets or scaling up your supply chain, the way you move stock into FCs can make a real difference to cost, speed and reliability.

This guide is for shippers and logistics companies weighing up when Less‑than‑Truckload (LTL) is the right fit for Amazon FC inbound. You’ll find clear, practical advice on how LTL freight transportation compares to other options, along with practical advice on how to make delivery as efficient and seamless as possible.

We define Less‑than‑Truckload (LTL) as a freight option designed for shipments that are too large for a parcel but don’t fill a full trailer—usually between one and six pallets. Your goods are combined with other compatible loads, allowing you to pay only for the space you use while maintaining predictable transit and delivery.

LTL pallet shipping is often the right choice for Amazon FC inbound when you have modest, regular shipments. It gives you flexibility, cost control, and access to Amazon’s network without the commitment or complexity of full‑truckload moves.

LTL involves sharing trailer space with other shippers, making it a cost‑efficient solution for 1–6 pallets. When you can consistently fill a trailer or need the fastest, most controlled service, Full‑Truckload (FTL) is the best option.

Getting pallet specs right is essential for successful inbound at Amazon fulfilment centres. Amazon UK FCs rely on standard sizes and robust packaging to keep goods moving efficiently and avoid delays at the dock.

Most Amazon UK FCs accept both the standard UK pallet (1200 mm x 1000 mm) and the Euro pallet (1200 mm x 800 mm), but it’s always wise to confirm with the specific FC in advance. Pallet height is typically capped at 1.8 metres including the pallet base. Exceeding this can result in extra handling or even refused delivery.

The maximum pallet weight is usually 1000 kg (including the pallet). Exceeding this limit can create safety risks and may mean your shipment cannot be processed as planned.

Accurate labelling and booking are critical for seamless deliveries into Amazon FCs. Even a perfectly built pallet can be delayed (or even refused) if shipment data isn’t correct or the booking doesn’t match what arrives at the gate.

Amazon requires all inbound shipments to be clearly identified at both the carton and pallet level. Each carton should display the appropriate Amazon shipment label (such as FBA or SSCC), with barcodes placed on flat, visible surfaces.

Each pallet should also have a visible label that includes the shipment reference and, where required, the purchase order or ASN. Ideally, labels should be placed on at least two adjacent sides, at eye level.

Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the carrier’s consignment note or bill of lading matches the physical shipment for a smooth check-in and receiving process.

Delivery to Amazon FCs is by appointment. Start by requesting a booking slot in the Amazon Freight portal. Once your booking is confirmed, the Amazon Freight team will coordinate collection and ensure timely delivery within the allocated window.

It’s also important to align internally, making sure your warehouse and logistics partners know the confirmed slot, and that all labels and paperwork match the appointment details.

Most LTL shipments into Amazon FCs are scheduled within standard business hours, with deliveries planned for the agreed booking slot, often a morning or afternoon window. This approach works well for routine inventory flows, offering predictable transit times and clear cost control.

For urgent or high-priority shipments, Amazon Freight also offers time-definite options on key routes, such as pre‑10:00 or pre‑12:00 delivery. These premium services prioritise your pallets for early arrival, providing added certainty when timing is critical, such as before a product launch or peak sales period.

Not every collection or delivery point has a raised loading dock or full warehouse infrastructure. For LTL movements into Amazon FCs, understanding the physical realities at both your site and the FC will ensure a seamless delivery.

If your facility (or your supplier’s) doesn’t have a dock or forklift, a tail-lift vehicle may be required for safe loading or unloading. Amazon Freight can provide tail-lift services when this is flagged at booking, but not all vehicles are equipped as standard, so advance notice is essential.

It’s also important to remember that standard LTL service is typically kerbside at the collection site: drivers will collect pallets from a safe, accessible point at the property boundary, rather than inside your facility, unless a tail-lift or inside collection has been arranged.

Environmental regulations are an increasing consideration for shipments moving in and out of UK cities. Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) in London and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in cities like Birmingham can affect your routing and final delivery costs, especially for collections or deliveries in these regulated areas.

If your collection point or destination FC falls within a ULEZ, LEZ, or CAZ, your carrier will typically pass on any zone-related charges. Amazon Freight makes these costs transparent: you’ll see any relevant environmental surcharges clearly listed in your booking and invoice, so there are no surprises at month-end.

Even with the best planning, exceptions can happen. Knowing how redelivery works, and how to minimise the risk, is key to keeping your Amazon FC inbound process running smoothly and your costs under control.

A redelivery may be required if your shipment arrives outside the confirmed booking window, turns up without a valid reference, has incomplete paperwork or if any pallet is non-compliant.

With Amazon Freight, redelivery usually incurs an additional charge. This may be a fixed fee or calculated per pallet, depending on the nature of the failed attempt and the carrier’s terms. Storage fees may also be charged if your freight needs to be held pending a new booking.

To resolve an exception, first identify the root cause: review the carrier’s notes, check your booking details, and confirm all shipment documentation. Once the issue is addressed, arrange a new booking window in the Amazon Freight portal and ensure your team is aware of the changes.

Every pallet moving through an LTL network will be handled multiple times. Preparing your freight for these touchpoints is the best way to avoid damage.

Start by building a stable pallet: stack heavier cartons at the bottom, lighter ones at the top, and avoid gaps that can collapse in transit. Use high-quality stretch wrap, applied from the pallet base up, to secure the load tightly. For heavier or less stable shipments, add plastic or steel strapping, and use corner boards to protect edges from impacts and keep multi-carton loads square and stable.

Visibility is essential for managing inbound shipments to Amazon FCs. Amazon Freight provides real-time tracking and robust proof of delivery tools, making it easy to monitor progress and resolve any questions quickly.

Throughout the LTL journey, you’ll have access to milestone updates. Live estimated time of arrival (ETA) lets you proactively manage resources at your warehouse and coordinate with Amazon teams.

Once delivery is complete, electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) provides a time-stamped record of who received your pallets at the FC. These records are accessible in the Amazon Freight portal.

Choosing LTL for Amazon FC inbound gives you the flexibility to move smaller shipments efficiently without compromising on compliance or visibility. With the right preparation and the support of Amazon Freight, you can streamline your inbound process and boost supply chain efficiency as your business grows.

Take advantage of Amazon Freight’s global freight network, advanced logistics technology, and competitive pricing. Create your free shipper account today to get started.

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