How to Create an Amazon FBA Shipment in Seller Central: Complete Guide

First Posted March 29, 2026 | 🕒 Last Updated on March 29, 2026 by Ryan Conlon

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Creating an Amazon FBA shipment in Seller Central is a straightforward process that gets your products to Amazon’s warehouses efficiently. Once you understand the step-by-step workflow, you can send inventory to fulfillment centers and start selling faster.

The shipment creation process involves selecting products, choosing quantity, picking prep requirements, and generating shipping labels. Amazon guides you through each step with clear instructions and validation checks.

How To Create An Amazon FBA Shipment In Seller Central

Log into Seller Central and navigate to the Inventory menu, then select “Send to Amazon.” This launches the shipment workflow that will guide you through the entire process step by step.

You’ll start by selecting which products to include in your shipment and specifying quantities. Amazon automatically determines the best fulfillment centers based on your inventory distribution and shipping costs.

Step 1: Select Products and Set Quantities

Choose the products you want to send from your existing catalog or create new listings first. Enter the exact quantity for each SKU – be precise because Amazon tracks these numbers closely.

Amazon may split your shipment across multiple fulfillment centers to optimize their network. This is normal and actually reduces your shipping costs in most cases.

1. Search for products. Use the product search bar or browse your existing catalog to find items.
2. Enter quantities. Input the exact number of units you’re sending for each SKU.
3. Review splitting. Check if Amazon recommends sending products to different warehouses.
4. Confirm selections. Double-check your product list and quantities before proceeding.

Choose Prep Requirements and Packaging

Amazon displays prep requirements for each product based on category guidelines and previous shipment history. You can handle prep yourself or pay Amazon to do it for an additional fee.

Review packaging requirements carefully – some products need poly bags, bubble wrap, or special labeling. Proper prep and labeling prevents delays and ensures your inventory reaches customers in good condition.

• Self-prep – Handle all packaging and labeling requirements yourself before shipping.
• Amazon prep – Pay Amazon $0.15 per unit to handle prep requirements at the fulfillment center.
• Mixed approach – Prep some items yourself and let Amazon handle others based on complexity.

Print Product Labels

Generate and print product labels for each unit in your shipment. Amazon provides labels in PDF format that you can print on standard adhesive label sheets.

Apply labels directly to products or their packaging, making sure barcodes are clearly visible and not damaged. Each product needs its unique FNSKU label to track inventory correctly.

Select Box Contents and Packing Method

Choose between individual product packaging or mixed SKU boxes depending on your shipment size and product variety. Mixed boxes work well for smaller quantities while individual packaging suits high-volume single products.

Amazon provides packing templates that show exactly how many units fit in each box size. This helps you minimize shipping costs and meet weight restrictions.

Generate Shipping Labels and Documentation

Print shipping labels and any required documentation like delivery appointments or special handling instructions. Amazon generates all necessary paperwork automatically based on your shipment details.

Keep copies of all documentation until your shipment is received and checked in at the fulfillment center. This helps resolve any delivery issues quickly.

Shipping Options and Carrier Selection

Amazon partners with major carriers to offer discounted shipping rates for FBA shipments. You can choose from Amazon’s partnered carrier options or arrange your own shipping.

Partnered carriers typically offer better rates and streamlined tracking integration. Working with freight forwarders can provide additional savings for large or international shipments.

• Amazon partnered carriers – Discounted rates with integrated tracking and delivery confirmation.
• Your own carrier – Use existing shipping accounts but provide tracking information manually.
• Freight services – Required for shipments over 150 pounds or oversized items.

Track Shipment Progress

Monitor your shipment status through the “Shipment Summary” page in Seller Central. Amazon provides real-time updates from pickup through final check-in at the fulfillment center.

Most shipments arrive within 3-5 business days, but check-in processing can take an additional 1-3 days depending on volume. Understanding the fulfillment process helps set realistic expectations for inventory availability.

Common Shipment Issues and Solutions

Address problems quickly by monitoring shipment notifications and responding to any Amazon requests for additional information. Most issues involve missing labels, incorrect quantities, or packaging violations.

Keep detailed records of what you shipped including photos of properly labeled products. This documentation helps resolve discrepancies during the check-in process.

• Missing units – Provide proof of shipment and Amazon will investigate and potentially reimburse.
• Prep violations – Amazon charges fees for fixing packaging issues you could have handled.
• Wrong quantities – Inventory adjustments appear in your account with explanations.
• Damaged products – Amazon removes and disposes of damaged inventory automatically.

Final Thoughts

Creating Amazon FBA shipments becomes routine once you understand the workflow and requirements. The system guides you through each step with clear instructions and helpful validation checks.

Start with smaller shipments to learn the process, then scale up as you become more comfortable with prep requirements and shipping logistics. Mastering these basics sets the foundation for efficient inventory management and profitable FBA operations.