Everything You Need to Know About the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program

The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program is a vital tool for sellers looking to optimize their logistics and save on shipping costs. Designed to streamline inventory shipments to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, the program offers pre-negotiated rates and trusted carrier partnerships. For both new and experienced sellers, it eliminates many challenges associated with shipping, making it easier to focus on growing your business.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program, including its benefits, enrollment process, and tips for making the most of its features. Whether you’re shipping small parcels or full truckloads, this program can transform your logistics strategy.

What is the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program?

Shipping inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers can be complex and costly, especially for sellers without established logistics partnerships. The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program bridges this gap by connecting sellers with trusted carriers under pre-negotiated rates.

This program is specifically designed for sellers using:

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): To store and ship inventory via Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
• Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD): For long-term storage and inventory distribution.
• Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF): For orders from other platforms managed by Amazon.

By enrolling in the program, sellers can reduce the time spent coordinating shipments and focus on growing their business.

Key features include:

• Affordable rates negotiated directly by Amazon with its partnered carriers.
• Streamlined integration into Seller Central for easy shipment planning and tracking.
• Reliable service, ensuring your products are delivered safely and on time to fulfillment centers.

Benefits of the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program

Understanding the advantages of the program can help sellers make informed decisions about their logistics strategy. Here are some standout benefits:

1. Lower Shipping Costs

Amazon’s partnered carriers offer significant savings, with rates often 20-25% lower than standard shipping costs. This can greatly reduce expenses for sellers with high shipment volumes.

2. Simplified Processes

The program is fully integrated into Seller Central, making it easy to create shipments, track progress, and manage logistics without needing external tools. This saves time and eliminates the hassle of negotiating with multiple carriers.

3. Diverse Shipping Options

Sellers can choose between Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) for smaller packages, Less Than Truckload (LTL) for medium-sized shipments, and Full Truckload (FTL) for bulk inventory. These flexible options accommodate businesses of all sizes.

4. Improved Reliability

Amazon only works with carriers known for their efficiency and dependability. This ensures that your inventory arrives at fulfillment centers on time, minimizing delays and disruptions.

By leveraging these benefits, sellers can streamline operations and gain a competitive edge in their markets. For more tips on logistics management, check out our guide on how to master FBA in 2024.

How Does the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program Work?

The program is designed to integrate seamlessly into Amazon Seller Central, ensuring an intuitive user experience. Here’s a detailed look at how it works:

Step 1: Preparing Your Inventory

Before initiating a shipment, sellers need to prepare their inventory in compliance with Amazon’s FBA requirements. This includes:

• Proper labeling of each product.
• Packaging items securely to prevent damage.
• Ensuring all units meet FBA guidelines for size, weight, and condition.

Step 2: Creating a Shipment Plan

In Seller Central, navigate to the “Send to Amazon” workflow to create a shipment plan. Provide details such as:

• The inventory being shipped.
• The destination fulfillment center.
• The shipment method (SPD, LTL, or FTL).

Step 3: Selecting a Partnered Carrier

Amazon offers a list of partnered carriers. Sellers simply choose a carrier based on cost and preferences. The program automatically applies discounted rates negotiated by Amazon.

Step 4: Tracking the Shipment

Once the shipment is on its way, sellers can track progress directly in Seller Central, providing visibility and peace of mind.

This streamlined process reduces manual effort and eliminates the need for external shipping software.

How to Enroll in the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program

Joining the program is straightforward and open to all Amazon sellers. Here’s how you can enroll:

Step 1: Log in to Seller Central

Access your account and navigate to the Shipping Settings section. Ensure you’ve selected FBA, AWD, or MCF as your preferred fulfillment method.

Step 2: Configure Your Shipping Preferences

When setting up shipments, choose a partnered carrier from the available options. Amazon automatically applies the discounted rates, so there’s no need for additional negotiations.

Step 3: Use the Program for Your First Shipment

Follow the “Send to Amazon” workflow to ship inventory using your chosen carrier. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays.

Enrollment is automatic for most sellers during the shipment creation process, making it easy to get started without extra paperwork.

Common Challenges When Using the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program

While the program is designed to simplify logistics, sellers may encounter a few challenges:

1. Carrier Delays

Occasionally, partnered carriers may face delays due to high demand or operational issues. To minimize disruption, plan shipments well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

2. Hidden Fees

Although rates are discounted, sellers should review all associated costs, such as fuel surcharges or handling fees for oversized items.

3. Compliance Issues

Failure to meet Amazon’s FBA guidelines can result in shipments being rejected or delayed. Always double-check packaging and labeling requirements.

By staying informed and proactive, sellers can overcome these challenges and ensure smooth shipping operations.

Comparison of the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program with Other Shipping Options

Is the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program the best option for your business? Here’s how it compares to other logistics solutions:

Partnered Carriers vs. Independent Carriers

• Cost: Partnered carriers offer pre-negotiated rates, often cheaper than independent carriers.
• Integration: Partnered carriers integrate seamlessly with Seller Central, while independent carriers require external tools.

Partnered Carriers vs. Amazon Freight

• Scope: Partnered carriers handle domestic shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers, while Amazon Freight specializes in full truckload shipments to other destinations.
• Flexibility: Partnered carriers accommodate SPD, LTL, and FTL shipments, offering more options for sellers.

For sellers looking to streamline their operations and save on costs, the Partnered Carrier Program often emerges as the preferred choice.

Conclusion

The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program is more than just a shipping solution—it’s a strategic advantage for sellers aiming to streamline operations, reduce costs, and ensure reliable logistics. By leveraging Amazon’s pre-negotiated rates and trusted carrier network, sellers can save time and resources while maintaining the high standards that Amazon customers expect.

Whether you’re shipping small parcels or managing large inventory transfers, the program offers the flexibility and efficiency needed to support your growth. Combined with seamless integration into Seller Central, the program empowers sellers to focus on what matters most: scaling their business and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

If you’re ready to take your logistics to the next level, the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program is the perfect partner to help you succeed.

FAQs

1. What is the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program?
   It’s a service that connects sellers with pre-approved carriers at discounted rates for shipping inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers.

2. Who can use the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program?
   Any Amazon seller using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), or Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD).

3. What are the benefits of the program?
   Lower shipping costs, simplified logistics, and reliable carriers vetted by Amazon.

4. How do I enroll in the program?
   Enrollment is automatic during the shipment creation process in Seller Central.

5. Can I consolidate shipments for FBA and AWD?
   No, shipments to FBA and AWD cannot be combined due to different fulfillment center destinations.