How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Amazon FBA?

The short answer

There is no reliable one-number answer without carton data. A small urgent shipment may be cheapest by express or air, while a heavier replenishment order usually needs LCL or FCL. The useful number is the total inbound cost per sellable unit.

Main cost blocks

Add factory pickup, export handling, international freight, fuel or peak season surcharges, destination handling, customs entry, duties and taxes, delivery appointment charges, prep fees, labeling, palletization, and any storage or waiting time.

Why per-unit cost matters

Two quotes can look similar at shipment level but create different unit economics. Divide the all-in inbound amount by the number of sellable units, then compare it against margin, ad cost, storage fees, and stockout risk.

Air, LCL, and FCL cost logic

Air is priced by chargeable weight. LCL is usually driven by CBM plus fixed handling fees. FCL is container-based, so it becomes efficient when volume is high enough to absorb the full-container cost.

How to reduce surprises

Ask the forwarder to show exclusions and assumptions. Confirm whether customs duty, Amazon appointment handling, liftgate needs, pallet exchange, storage, and demurrage are included or billed separately.

What still needs human review

Rates change by week, route, season, carrier capacity, and Amazon receiving conditions.
Duty and tax estimates depend on product classification and declared value.