Getting your products from Chinese suppliers to Amazon’s fulfillment centers doesn’t have to be complicated. But shipping mistakes can cost you time, money, and inventory.
The best way to ship products from China to Amazon FBA is through DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping with a freight forwarder specializing in Amazon requirements. This ensures all costs, customs clearance, and final delivery are handled smoothly.
Choosing the right shipping method impacts your bottom line and inventory planning. Let’s break down the key options you need to compare.
What Are the Main Shipping Methods from China to Amazon FBA?
Shipping delays can lead to stockouts and lost sales. Knowing your options helps avoid surprises.
The main shipping methods are air freight (fast but expensive) and ocean freight (slow but cost-effective). Air suits small, urgent shipments; ocean works best for bulk inventory.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
| Méthode | Cost (per kg) | Temps de transit | Meilleur pour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Express | $4–$8 | 5-10 jours | Small, high-margin items |
| Sea LCL | $1–$3 | 25-35 jours | Medium shipments |
| Sea FCL | $0.50–$2 | 20–30 days | Large-volume sellers |
Air shipping is fastest but costs 3–5x more than ocean. Sea freight requires longer lead times but saves money for bulk orders.
Should I Choose FCL or LCL Ocean Shipping for My Amazon Inventory?
Ordering too much inventory ties up cash, but under-ordering causes stockouts.
Choose FCL (Full Container Load) if shipping 15+ CBM of goods—it’s cheaper per unit. Use LCL (Less than Container Load) for smaller shipments under 10 CBM to avoid paying for unused space.
FCL saves money but requires enough inventory to fill a 20ft or 40ft container. LCL lets you ship smaller quantities but costs more per CBM.
- FCL Cost Example: $2,800 for a 20ft container (≈1,000 boxes).
- LCL Cost Example: $180/CBM for 5 CBM (≈300 boxes).
Seasonal spikes (like Q4) increase rates. Book at least 4 weeks early.
How Fast Is Air Express Shipping from China to Amazon FBA?
Running out of stock during a product launch is painful.
Air express takes 5–10 days door-to-door but costs more. Use it for urgent restocks or high-value items where speed outweighs cost.
Popular air routes:
- UPS/FedEx: 5–7 days (premium price).
- Economy Air: 8–10 days (20% cheaper).
Weather and customs can add delays. Always pad your timeline by 2–3 days.
Should I Use DDP Shipping for My Amazon FBA Inventory from China?
Unexpected duty fees can wreck your profit margins.
Yes, DDP shipping is ideal for Amazon sellers—it includes all costs upfront (taxes, duties, delivery) so you avoid surprise fees.
How DDP Works:
1.Supplier/freight forwarder quotes all-inclusive price.
2.They handle China export and U.S. customs clearance.
3.Goods arrive at FBA without extra charges.
Non-DDP shipments risk Amazon rejecting goods if duties aren’t prepaid.
Conclusion
Shipping to Amazon FBA requires balancing cost, speed, and reliability. Ocean freight (FCL/LCL) suits bulk shipments; air freight saves time for urgent orders. Always use DDP to avoid hidden fees and ensure smooth customs clearance.
Au MBMLog, we specialize in DDP shipping from China to Amazon FBA. Our door-to-door service handles everything—consolidation, customs, and delivery—so you can focus on growing your business. Get a quote today to simplify your supply chain.
