Amazon FBA Pallet Requirements #1 Guide

Understanding the Amazon FBA pallet requirements is crucial

FBA pallet warehousing distribution refers to the integrated service offered by Amazon where your palletized inventory is stored in strategically located warehouses across the country. 

Amazon FBA pallet is a standard wooden platform used to securely transport and store large quantities of products within the Amazon FBA network. 

Amazon then picks, packs, and ships your products to customers based on their orders. This service eliminates the need for you to manage your own warehousing and fulfillment operations. 

amazon fba pallet requirements

Does FBA Require Pallets?

Not all FBA shipments require pallets. However, Amazon mandates pallets for specific scenarios: 

  • Weight: Shipments exceeding 150 lbs (68 kgs)typically necessitate pallets. 
  • Quantity: Shipments with more than 20 individual boxes often benefit from palletization for better handling. 
  • Truckload Shipments: If your shipment fills an entire truck (FTL), it will likely require palletization. 

What Type of Pallets You Should Use?

Several factors come into play when selecting Amazon FBA pallet requirements:

Pallet Type 

4-Way Entry Pallets are the preferred choice for Amazon FBA as they allow forklifts to access the pallet from all four sides for efficient handling. 

Using a pallet with four-way entry ensures faster unloading times at Amazon warehouses and contributes to a smoother fulfillment process. 

Pallet Size 

Amazon FBA pallet dimensions are 48″ x 40″ maximum 72″ (including the pallet height). 

Double-stacked pallets can reach a maximum height of 100 inches, and that falls under FBA pallet requirements. 

Sticking to these dimensions prevents delays or rejection of your shipment upon arrival at the Amazon warehouse. 

Pallet Material 

Amazon only accepts wooden pallets. 

Plastic pallets are not permitted. Wooden pallets provide the necessary strength and durability to safely support and transport your products throughout the fulfillment process. 

Pallet Grades 

GMA Standard Pallets (Grade B or Higher) meet industry standards for strength and durability, ensuring safe and secure transport. 

GMA stands for Grocery Manufacturers Association, and their grading system ensures pallets meet specific weight capacity and construction requirements. 

Choosing GMA Standard Grade B pallets or higher guarantees your pallets can withstand the weight and potential rogers of transport. 

ISPM-15 compliance 

All wooden packaging material entering the U.S. must comply with ISPM 15. This regulation mandates heat treatment or fumigation of the wood to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. 

Ensure your pallets have the ISPM-15 stamp for smooth customs clearance. 

ISPM 15 compliance is crucial to avoid delays at international borders and ensures your shipment arrives at the Amazon warehouse on schedule.

Step-by-step Guide on How to Label your Amazon FBA Pallet

Proper labeling is essential for efficient reception at Amazon warehouses. 

Print FBA Labels

Generate FBA labels through your seller Central Account. Each pallet requires a unique FBA label. You can print these labels directly from your Seller Central dashboard. 

Amazon recommends using a barcode scanner to ensure the accuracy of the label information. 

Affix Labels Securely

Attach the FBA labels to all four sides of the pallet, ensuring clear visibility from any angle. 

Use weatherproof labels to withstand potential transit conditions, such as rain, snow, or high humidity. 

Applying a clear plastic cover over the labels offers additional protection from the elements. 

Include Additional Markings

Consider including your company name, contact information, and pallet weight for easy identification. 

While not mandatory, this information can be helpful for Amazon warehouse personnel in case of any questions or discrepancies. It can also expedite the receiving process if a pallet gets separated from its FBA labels. 

How to Palletize your Shipment

Securely stacking and wrapping your products on the pallet is necessary for safe transportation. 

Ensure the weight is evenly distributed across the pallet base to prevent tipping or damage during transit. 

Stack your boxes in a stable and secure manner, considering the Amazon FBA pallet weight limit and Amazon pallet height limit. 

Completely enclose the pallet and all boxes with heavy-duty shrink wrap to prevent shifting and ensure stability. 

What to Do When Your Pallet is Rejected by the Amazon Warehouse?

While uncommon, Amazon may reject a pallet if it doesn’t meet Amazon pallet shipping requirements. 

In such cases, Amazon will notify you and detail the reason for rejection. What you need to do is the following: 

Review the rejection reason carefully and examine the feedback from Amazon to understand the specific issue. 

Repackage and re-label in order to best address the identified problem. Repackage the pallet if necessary, and generate new FBA labels for reshipment. 

Consider contacting Amazon Seller Support for clarification or assistance, reach out to Amazon Seller Support for further guidance.

 

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistakes to watch out for are using incorrect pallet types or sizes. Ensure you use the 4-way entry pallets that comply with Amazon pallet size requirements.

Double-check that FBA Amazon pallet labels are clearly visible, securely attached and contain accurate information. 

Play close attention to weight distribution, stacking patterns, and secure shrink-wrapping to prevent product damage. 

Amazon FBA Pallet FAQs

What are the essential requirements for shipping pallets to Amazon FBA? 

A summary of the essential requirements are as follows: 

  • Pallet Type: 4-way entry wooden pallets (GMA Standard B Grade or higher). 
  • Pallet Size: 48″ x 40″ maximum 72″ (including the pallet height) for single pallets, and a maximum height of 100 inches for double-stacked pallets. 
  • Pallet Material: Wood only (plastic pallets are not accepted). 
  • ISPM 15 Compliance: Pallets must comply with ISPM 15 regulations for international shipments. 
  • Palletization: Products must be securely stacked, evenly distributed, and completely shrink-wrapped for stability during transport. 

How should I package and label my pallets for shipment to Amazon FBA? 

The key points for packaging and labeling are as follows: 

Packaging: Use strong cardboard boxes suitable for the weight and dimensions of your products. Consider adding internal padding or dunnage for fragile items. 

Labeling: Print FBA labels through your Seller Central accountant affix them securely to all four sides of the pallet. Use weatherproof labels and consider adding a clear plastic cover for additional protection. 

Markings: Include your company name, contact information, and pallet weight (not mandatory but helpful for identification). 

Are there any weight or size restrictions for shipping pallets to Amazon FBA? 

Individual pallets should not exceed 1,500 lbs (680kg). If your pallet surpasses this weight limit, you’ll need to contact Amazon Seller Support for special arrangements. They may require the shipment to be broken down into multiple pallets or explore alternative fulfillment options. 

Amazon pallet size cannot exceed 72 inches in height, including the pallet itself. Double-stacked pallets can reach a maximum height of 100 inches. The standard pallet dimensions are 48″ x 40″. 

Sticking to these measurements ensures smooth processing at Amazon warehouses. 

What documentation do I need when shipping pallets to Amazon FBA? 

When shipping pallets to Amazon FBA, you’ll primarily rely on the FBA labels generated through your Seller Central account. These labels contain all the necessary information for Amazon to identify and receive your shipment. 

However, it’s always a good practice to maintain copies of your commercial invoice and bill of lading for your records.