Amazon’s fulfilment centres (FCs) are designed for efficiency, but getting your deliveries accepted smoothly requires precision. Late shipments, incorrect documentation, or last-minute cancellations can lead to delays, penalties, and a hit to your vendor performance score.
In this guide, we cover the best practices for delivering to Amazon’s fulfilment centres, including delivery windows, bill of lading (BOL) requirements, handling rejections and redirections, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Amazon assigns strict delivery windows to keep its FCs running efficiently. Missing these slots can result in penalties, rescheduling delays, and disruptions to inventory availability.
Plan ahead – Secure your appointment as soon as possible through Carrier Central, part of your Amazon Vendor Services.
Confirm carrier availability – Ensure your carrier can meet the assigned slot to avoid rescheduling.
Monitor traffic and warehouse conditions – Unexpected delays happen, but tracking logistics in real-time helps mitigate risks.
Arrive within your window – Deliveries outside the booked slot may be rejected or subject to chargebacks.
If your carrier cannot make the assigned delivery window, reschedule the appointment instead of attempting to deliver outside the slot. Amazon penalises late or unplanned deliveries, which can impact future scheduling flexibility, and cause issues with Amazon Chargebacks.
The bill of lading (BOL) serves as a shipment receipt and is critical for Amazon to process inbound deliveries correctly. A missing or incorrect BOL can lead to delays, rejected shipments, or compliance penalties.
Accurate shipment details – Ensure product quantities, ASINs, and carton configurations match the advanced shipment notification (ASN).
Proper formatting – The BOL must be readable, include the correct Amazon reference number (ARN), and be presented at check-in.
ASN alignment – The details on the BOL must match the ASN submitted before shipping.
Using an incorrect reference number – Double-check that the ARN on the BOL matches the shipping confirmation.
Omitting pallet details – If applicable, include pallet configuration details to prevent issues during check-in.
Failing to provide a printed copy – Some FCs require a physical copy of the BOL upon arrival.
Amazon monitors vendor performance closely, and frequent late cancellations or missed appointments can damage your vendor rating. Avoiding these issues helps maintain smooth operations and good standing with Amazon.
Confirm appointments in advance – Double-check that your carrier has scheduled and confirmed the delivery slot.
Communicate with Amazon – If an issue arises, notify Amazon immediately through Vendor Central or Carrier Central.
Ensure documentation is correct – Missing paperwork or incorrect ASN details can lead to last-minute cancellations, which can affect your Amazon Ads Management.
Amazon may impose penalties for last-minute cancellations, including restricted appointment availability for future shipments and financial chargebacks.
Despite best efforts, shipments can sometimes be redirected or rejected. Knowing how to handle these situations efficiently can minimise delays and losses, and help your Amazon Product Listings stay on track.
Missed or incorrect delivery window – Late or early arrivals outside the scheduled slot.
Incorrect ASN or BOL details – Mismatches between shipment data and submitted documentation.
Damaged or non-compliant packaging – Amazon may refuse shipments with improper labelling or damaged goods.
Check the rejection reason – Amazon provides a reason for rejection via Vendor Central.
Correct the issue – Update the ASN, relabel cartons, or arrange a new appointment as required.
Coordinate with your carrier – Ensure the shipment is returned or redirected according to Amazon’s instructions.
What should I do if my carrier is running late?
Contact Amazon via Carrier Central to reschedule the delivery. Do not attempt to deliver outside the assigned slot without approval.
Can I change my delivery window after booking?
Yes, but you must request changes in Carrier Central as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
How do I avoid chargebacks for incorrect documentation?
Ensure the ASN, BOL, and shipment details all match before sending your delivery. Double-check everything before dispatching.
What happens if my shipment is rejected at the FC?
You’ll receive a notification through Vendor Central. Address the issue and work with your carrier to either correct the shipment or return it.
Delivering to Amazon’s fulfilment centres requires precision and planning. By booking delivery slots in advance, ensuring correct BOL documentation, and avoiding last-minute cancellations, vendors can maintain strong performance metrics and minimise delays.
Stay ahead of potential issues by following Amazon’s compliance requirements, and your deliveries will move through the system smoothly, keeping inventory available and customers happy. Consider working with an Amazon Marketing Agency in the UK for professional support.
Struggling with Amazon’s fulfilment requirements? Get in touch with us to see how we can help you unlock Amazon's full potential.