Is your FBA supply chain stable? If not, it might be time to consider using Amazon Global Logistics to move inventory from overseas factories to Amazon fulfillment centers in a more controlled way.
When you build a successful Amazon FBA business, a reliable supply chain is part of the foundation. But managing international freight, customs clearance, and delivery timelines can quickly become complicated for many sellers.
Delays at ports, rising freight costs, and coordination between multiple shipping partners often create unnecessary risk. Amazon Global Logistics helps reduce some of that friction by connecting international shipping directly with Amazon’s fulfillment network.
In this guide, our Amazon agency explains how Amazon Global Logistics works and why it can help FBA sellers move inventory efficiently from overseas suppliers. We also share common challenges, step-by-step setup instructions, and expert tips for faster fulfillment on Amazon while managing international shipping on Amazon.
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What Is Amazon Global Logistics and How Does It Work?
Amazon Global Logistics is a freight service that helps sellers move inventory from overseas manufacturing hubs directly to Amazon fulfillment centers. The program supports ocean and air shipping and connects suppliers in countries like China and Vietnam to Amazon warehouses in regions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Japan.
The service works as a door-to-door shipping solution that manages several parts of the logistics process in one place. Amazon handles pickup from the supplier, export documentation, international freight, customs clearance, and final delivery to Amazon warehouses, while sellers can book, pay, and track shipments inside Seller Central.
Supply chain disruptions remain a serious problem for many businesses, with reports showing that more than 90% of Amazon sellers have experienced negative effects from supply chain issues. Amazon Global Logistics helps reduce some of that risk by simplifying international shipping and connecting inventory transportation directly with Amazon’s fulfillment network.
Benefits of Using Amazon Global Logistics
Amazon Global Logistics offers several advantages that simplify international shipping for FBA sellers. These benefits are one reason many sellers choose to move their overseas inventory through Amazon’s own logistics network.
- Ship inventory directly from suppliers to Amazon fulfillment centers with fewer stops.
- Book, pay, and track all shipments within Seller Central.
- Access competitive rates for ocean and air freight.
- Get faster receiving times at Amazon warehouses.
- Ship bulk inventory into AWD for automatic FBA replenishment.
Drawbacks of Using Amazon Global Logistics
While Amazon Global Logistics offers many advantages, there are challenges sellers should understand before committing. Addressing these drawbacks helps sellers decide whether AGL is the right choice for their business.
- Limited control over shipments once they’re in Amazon’s network.
- No flexibility to redirect inventory to a 3PL, personal warehouse, or alternative destination.
- Potential delays at ports or fulfillment centers due to strict Amazon processes.
- Complex customs and compliance requirements increase the risk of cargo holds or fines.
- High storage and removal fees if inventory does not sell quickly.
How to Get Started with Amazon Global Logistics
Getting started with Amazon Global Logistics is straightforward if you have your supplier details, business documents, and Seller Central account ready. Still, many sellers struggle at first because they aren’t familiar with eligibility requirements or the onboarding steps.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before creating an AGL account, make sure your business qualifies. AGL is available to active FBA or AWD sellers who ship inventory from approved countries like China or Vietnam to Amazon fulfillment centers in the U.S., U.K., EU, or Japan.
Step 2: Set Up Your Amazon Global Logistics Account
In Seller Central, go to Inventory > Shipments > Amazon Global Logistics and create your shipper profile. Link a payment method so shipping costs are deducted directly from your seller account, avoiding international wire transfers.
Step 3: Complete the Importer of Record (IOR) Setup
Provide your business license, tax ID, and digitally sign a Power of Attorney to authorize Amazon’s customs brokers to act on your behalf. U.S. shipments also require a Continuous Customs Bond, which can be purchased through the AGL onboarding workflow.
Step 4: Book Your Shipment
Once your IOR is approved, select Amazon Global Logistics when creating your FBA shipment. Enter your supplier address in China or Vietnam and choose your shipping method: standard ocean for cost efficiency, fast ocean for priority delivery, or air freight for urgent restocks.
Step 5: Use the AWD Strategy for Maximum Efficiency
Instead of shipping directly to a Fulfillment Center, consider sending bulk inventory to AWD. Amazon can auto-replenish FBA stock as items sell, lowering storage costs and preventing stockouts.
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Expert Tips for Optimizing AGL Shipments
Using Amazon Global Logistics can streamline international shipping and reduce many headaches for FBA sellers, but if done incorrectly, it can still lead to delays and higher costs. By following best practices, sellers can optimize transit times, lower fees, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
Tip 1: Sync Cargo Ready Dates with Your Supplier
Confirm with your manufacturer exactly when your inventory will be ready for pickup. Missing the cargo ready date can cause your container to miss the scheduled vessel, leading to cascading delays and longer lead times.
Always allow a buffer of at least 10 days to accommodate production or packaging delays. This gives AGL enough time to schedule transport efficiently and prevents last-minute complications at the port.
Tip 2: Optimize Shipment Modes Based on SKU Velocity
Choose between Standard Ocean, Fast Ocean, or Air Freight depending on how quickly your inventory will sell. High-velocity SKUs benefit from Fast Ocean or air freight to reduce time-to-FBA and avoid stockouts.
Use floor-loaded containers for full container loads to maximize space and reduce landed cost per unit. Properly selecting your shipping mode balances speed and cost for each product type.
Tip 3: Leverage Upstream Prep at the Origin
Perform labeling, bundling, and packaging at your factory in China or Vietnam rather than in the U.S. This reduces handling costs by 3-4x and ensures shipments are FBA-ready before leaving the port.
Use origin splitting to send inventory to multiple regional hubs if applicable. This can lower inbound placement fees and get your products closer to end customers faster.
Tip 4: Use AWD for Auto-Replenishment
Ship bulk inventory into AWD instead of directly to FBA. This helps avoid low-inventory penalties and inbound placement fees while keeping FBA stock replenished automatically.
AWD storage rates are lower than FBA monthly fees, and Amazon moves inventory into FBA as demand requires. This approach helps maintain consistent stock without paying premium storage costs.
Tip 5: Ensure Accurate Documentation and Compliance
Double-check all customs documents, including commercial invoices and HS Codes. Even with AGL’s AI pre-population, errors can lead to customs delays, fees, or rejected shipments.
Prioritize compliance by following Amazon’s documentation guidelines strictly. Accurate paperwork ensures smooth customs clearance and avoids unexpected disruptions in your supply chain.
FAQs About Amazon Global Logistics
Make Amazon Global Logistics Work for You
Using Amazon Global Logistics is a powerful way to streamline international shipping if used correctly, as long as you understand eligibility, shipment setup, and customs requirements. Sellers who follow best practices can reduce delays, control costs, and keep inventory moving efficiently.
AGL gives you direct access to Amazon’s global fulfillment network, faster fulfillment on Amazon, and simplified international shipping on Amazon. While there are drawbacks like limited flexibility and strict compliance, knowing how to navigate them ensures smoother operations and lower risk.
Are you ready to optimize your Amazon supply chain with global logistics? Reach out to our full-service Amazon agency and let our experts help you!
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