air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse

Shipping inventory quickly and efficiently is crucial for Amazon sellers who source products from China. One of the most reliable and time-saving shipping methods is air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse. Whether you're launching a new product or restocking fast-moving inventory, air shipping offers unbeatable speed and simplified logistics—especially when handled by an experienced freight forwarder.

In this article, we’ll break down the process, costs, key considerations, and best practices to help you make the most of air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse.

1. Why Choose Air Freight for Amazon FBA Shipments?

Air freight is a preferred choice for Amazon FBA sellers for several key reasons:

• Speed: Air shipments typically arrive in 3–7 days, ensuring your inventory is in stock quickly.

• Reliability: Scheduled flights and streamlined customs procedures reduce delays.

• Better cash flow: You can sell and generate revenue faster compared to ocean freight.

• Compliance: Professional forwarders are familiar with Amazon’s strict receiving requirements.

Using air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse is especially ideal for:

• Product launches

• Restocking bestsellers

• Seasonal inventory spikes

• High-value or lightweight items

2. Step-by-Step Process of Air Freight to FBA Warehouse

Here’s how a typical air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse shipment works:

1. Quote and Booking

   • Provide shipment details: weight, dimensions, product type, destination.

   • Choose DDP, DAP, or EXW shipping terms.

2. Pickup from Chinese Supplier

   • Forwarder arranges pickup or supplier delivers to export warehouse.

3. Export Customs Clearance

   • Required documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, etc.

4. Air Freight Shipping

   • Cargo is loaded onto a scheduled flight from China to the destination country (e.g., USA).

5. Import Customs Clearance

   • Your forwarder handles duties, taxes, and coordinates with US Customs.

6. Final Delivery to Amazon FBA

   • Cargo is delivered to the specified Amazon warehouse (e.g., FTW1, ONT8, etc.).

Working with an experienced forwarder for air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse ensures each step is handled professionally.

3. Required Documents for Amazon FBA Air Freight

To ship via air freight successfully, ensure you have these documents prepared:

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Airway Bill (AWB)

• Amazon FBA Shipment ID & Label

• Product Compliance Certificates (if applicable)

Your freight partner will also help you upload shipment plans to Amazon Seller Central and book delivery appointments with Amazon.

4. DDP vs DAP vs EXW: Which Is Best?

When arranging air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse, choosing the right incoterm affects costs and responsibilities:

For most Amazon FBA sellers, DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is the most convenient and popular option.

5. Cost of Air Freight from China to Amazon FBA

Air freight is priced based on:

• Chargeable weight (based on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher)

• Origin & destination airports

• Fuel surcharges

• Last-mile trucking to FBA warehouse

Typical Rates (subject to market changes):

• 5–10 kg: USD $7–9/kg

• 11–50 kg: USD $6–8/kg

• 51–300 kg: USD $4–6/kg

• 300 kg+: Discounted/custom pricing

Ask your forwarder for an all-in quote that includes pickup, customs clearance, and delivery to Amazon.

6. Amazon FBA Requirements to Watch Out For

Amazon has very specific requirements that affect how your shipment is prepared and delivered:

• Carton Size & Weight: No single carton >25 inches on any side or over 50 lbs without special labeling.

• Labeling: Each box must have a unique FBA box label generated from Seller Central.

• Delivery Appointments: Amazon FBA requires scheduled inbound delivery appointments.

• Shipment ID Tracking: All air freight shipments must be traceable and matched to your FBA shipment plan.

A forwarder experienced in air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse will guide you through all of these steps and ensure full compliance.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls when using air freight for Amazon FBA:

• Using a supplier unfamiliar with Amazon labeling and prep

• Failing to declare accurate item value (may trigger customs inspection)

• Choosing the cheapest forwarder with no FBA experience

• Not planning for holidays or flight congestion (e.g., Golden Week, Black Friday)

• Skipping cargo insurance for high-value shipments

8. How to Choose a Reliable Forwarder

When selecting a logistics partner for air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse, consider:

• Years of experience with Amazon shipments

• DDP/DAP options

• In-house customs brokers

• Real-time tracking and customer support

• Ability to handle multiple warehouses or split shipments

A strong logistics partner will not only ship but also provide Amazon-compliant labeling, bundling, repacking, and warehousing.

9. Case Study: Private Label Brand Launch in the US

A European startup sourced skincare products from a factory in Guangzhou and needed fast delivery to two Amazon FBA locations in the US (LAX9 and FTW1). Their forwarder offered a tailored air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse plan:

• Pickup from supplier

• Custom prep (inner boxes, barcode label printing)

• Air freight via Hong Kong to LAX

• DDP customs clearance and final-mile trucking

• On-time delivery to both FBA centers in 6 days

The result: smooth product launch, zero FBA issues, and faster inventory turnover.

10. Final Thoughts: Air Freight for Amazon Sellers

In today’s competitive Amazon marketplace, speed matters. Air freight from China to Amazon FBA warehouse offers the fastest way to restock your inventory and keep your product listings active. With proper planning and a reliable forwarder, you can minimize delays, stay compliant with Amazon’s strict requirements, and scale your business confidently.