Can you afford to lose your reputation on Amazon? Know the Carrier Requirements

At eMarspro, we understand how crucial it is for sellers to meet the carrier requirements set forth by Amazon when delivering shipments to their fulfillment centers. The guidelines are essential to ensure that deliveries are smooth, timely, and meet the standards Amazon expects. This article is designed to help sellers and their carriers navigate these requirements efficiently, avoiding potential issues that could result in delivery delays or rejected shipments.

1. Understanding the Carrier Requirements

Delivering goods to Amazon's fulfillment centers involves strict guidelines that carriers must adhere to, ensuring a seamless and compliant delivery process. These guidelines cover various areas, from scheduling delivery appointments to vehicle condition and packaging of shipments.

Sellers should be well-acquainted with these rules to avoid any disruptions. This article outlines the critical requirements for carriers and highlights potential challenges sellers might face, as well as practical solutions.

2. Prepaid Carrier List and Metrics

For sellers using prepaid carriers, Amazon provides a "Prepaid Carrier List" that is key to evaluating the performance of their carrier. This list includes metrics such as:

(i) Weekly Volume: The number of shipments the carrier delivers to Amazon weekly.

(ii) Scheduling Effectiveness: The carrier’s First Pass Yield, showing how often the carrier arrives at the scheduled time without any changes.

(iii) No-Show Rate: The percentage of missed appointments.

(iv) On-Time Arrival: Carrier punctuality, considering a +/-30 minute window around the appointment time.

Sellers should ensure that the selected carriers meet the standards Amazon sets in these areas. Potential concerns include a carrier’s no-show rate or delayed arrival, both of which could impact shipment timelines. It is essential to thoroughly evaluate a carrier’s performance metrics before choosing one.

Carrier punctuality, considering a +/-30 minute window around the appointment time.

3. Carrier Compliance for Shipment Information

Carriers are required to submit essential information when delivering goods to Amazon's fulfillment centers. Sellers must ensure the carrier has:

(i) A complete list of Amazon reference IDs, shipment IDs, and tracking or PRO numbers included on the delivery manifest or Bill of Lading (BOL).

(ii) Information about the number of boxes and pallets being shipped, as well as any special load types (e.g., floor-loaded shipments).

Failure to provide this information may result in delays or refusal of the shipment. Sellers can avoid these issues by double-checking that all shipment data is provided to the carrier and accurately reported to Amazon.

4. Scheduling Delivery Appointments

One of the most critical steps in the process is scheduling a delivery appointment. Carriers must follow these key steps:

(i) Register with Amazon before making an appointment.

(ii) Schedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance.

(iii) Ensure they adhere to the scheduled time. Deliveries that are more than 30 minutes late can be rejected without any penalty to Amazon.

(iv) Communicate any shipment delays, especially due to weather, so the appointment can be rescheduled based on fulfillment center availability.

5. Potential Challenges for Sellers:

(A) Limited Appointment Availability:

If the carrier does not secure an appointment in advance, it may cause significant delays in delivery.

(B) Missed Appointments:

Shipments that are delayed or miss their appointment windows are subject to rejection, meaning the carrier must reschedule, potentially adding extra costs and delaying the processing of inventory.

Solutions:

- Sellers should work closely with their carriers to ensure delivery appointments are scheduled well in advance.

- It's recommended to have contingency plans in place, such as alternative carriers, to avoid missed appointments.

(C) Floor-Loaded Shipments

When it comes to floor-loaded shipments (those not placed on pallets), Amazon prefers that all shipments are palletized. However, if floor loading is unavoidable, the carrier must notify Amazon ahead of time. Limited appointment slots for floor-loaded shipments can lead to delays.

Concerns:

- Limited Availability for Floor-Loaded Shipments: As palletized shipments are preferred, scheduling floor-loaded deliveries may present logistical challenges.

- Rejection of Non-Compliant Shipments: If a shipment is floor-loaded and not indicated as such, Amazon can reject it.

Solutions:

- Sellers should ensure that carriers specify floor-loaded shipments during the appointment booking process to avoid complications.

- Whenever possible, palletize shipments to reduce risks of scheduling issues and rejection.

(D) Vehicle Condition

The condition of the delivery vehicle is also a crucial factor. Vehicles must meet several standards, including:

- Floors that can withstand a fully loaded pallet jack.

- Cleanliness and being watertight.

- The absence of obstructions, strong odors, or any safety hazards.

- Even, non-corrugated floors to ensure the safe unloading of products.

Failure to meet these vehicle standards may result in shipment refusal, causing delays and potential extra costs to the seller.

Challenges for Sellers:

- Vehicle Rejections If the carrier's vehicle does not meet the required standards, shipments may be rejected, leading to significant delays and additional transportation costs.

- Solutions Sellers should ensure their carriers use compliant vehicles that meet Amazon’s stringent vehicle condition standards.

Periodic vehicle inspections and communication with carriers can help prevent such rejections.

(E) Additional Considerations

- Amazon Partnered Carrier Program: If using Amazon’s partnered carriers, sellers must provide an Amazon-generated BOL. It is available by 8 a.m. on the day of pickup and is essential for scheduling delivery appointments.

- Delivery Time Windows: Ensure that small-parcel shipments are delivered within seven days of the first shipment receipt, or risk rejection.

6. Key Recommendations from eMarspro

At eMarspro, we recommend sellers follow these best practices to ensure smooth delivery experiences:

1. Select a Carrier with a Strong Track Record: Evaluate carriers based on performance metrics such as punctuality, volume, and First Pass Yield.

2. Provide Accurate Shipment Information: Ensure carriers have complete shipment details to avoid delays or rejection at fulfillment centers.

3. Plan for Contingencies: Have alternative carriers ready in case of scheduling issues or missed appointments.

4. Ensure Compliance with Vehicle Standards: Work with carriers to guarantee their vehicles meet Amazon’s stringent requirements to avoid shipment rejection.

By adhering to these guidelines and taking proactive steps, sellers can minimize potential risks and ensure that their products reach Amazon’s fulfillment centers in a timely and efficient manner.

7. Final Thoughts

Amazon’s carrier requirements are strict but necessary to ensure the efficient processing and management of inventory at its fulfillment centers. Sellers must work closely with their carriers to meet these standards, avoid unnecessary costs, and keep their shipments flowing smoothly. With careful planning and compliance, sellers can successfully navigate the complexities of delivering to Amazon, ensuring their products reach customers without any delays.

At eMarspro, we are here to help sellers optimize their logistics and ensure compliance with all Amazon requirements for seamless fulfillment.

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