Air Freight China to US for Amazon FBA: Seller Checklist

Seller check 1: approve the final packed shipment, not the early estimate

Before air freight is booked, confirm the final carton count, carton dimensions, gross weight, and any repacking changes. Sellers who approve a quote from draft packing data often learn too late that the chargeable weight and total landed cost have moved.

Seller check 2: define the destination workflow

Decide whether the cargo moves direct to Amazon FBA, to a prep center, or through a domestic warehouse transfer. That one decision changes delivery timing, pallet handling, label responsibility, and what the forwarder should include in the scope.

Seller check 3: clear restricted-cargo questions early

If the product includes batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, cosmetics, or branded goods, confirm the document and packing review before the shipment is rushed to the airport. Air freight only protects time when the cargo is actually acceptable for departure and import.

Seller check 4: manage to sellable date, not flight date

The seller-side KPI is when the inventory becomes sellable in Amazon, not when the flight lands in the US. Build buffer for customs, local transfer, appointment timing, and Amazon receiving so the shipment plan matches the commercial need.

Seller check 5: keep one owner for exceptions

Before dispatch, know who will handle document corrections, customs questions, relabeling, missed appointments, or receiving exceptions. Air freight gets expensive fastest when the shipment is moving but nobody clearly owns the fix when a handoff fails.

What still needs human review

The exact checklist changes by cargo type, importer setup, and whether the shipment routes direct to FBA or through prep.
Seller Central and customs requirements should be checked for the live shipment before booking.