FBA Inbound Shipping Route Optimizer — Compare AGL, AMP, AWD, 3PL, and SMP

Amazon FBA sellers importing from China and other overseas suppliers have five main routing options for getting inventory into Amazon fulfillment centers: Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), standard freight forwarder with self-managed inbound (SMP), Amazon Partnered Carrier for the domestic leg (AMP), Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD), and third-party logistics warehouses (3PL).

Each route has a different cost structure. AGL charges a premium over market ocean freight rates but eliminates the need for a freight forwarder. AWD waives FBA inbound placement fees but adds processing and storage fees. The Amazon Partnered Carrier Program offers discounted domestic shipping but requires an import warehouse. 3PLs offer the most flexibility for complex prep and multi-channel selling but are typically the most expensive per unit.

This free calculator automatically selects the correct container type (LCL for shipments under 5 CBM, 20ft FCL up to 25 CBM, 40ft FCL above 25 CBM) based on your carton dimensions and unit count. It then computes all-in cost per unit for all five routes and ranks them from cheapest to most expensive, showing detailed line-item breakdowns including ocean freight, customs broker fees, ISF filing, port drayage, carrier fees, warehouse fees, and FBA inbound placement fees.

Key Amazon FBA Inbound Placement Fees

Amazon charges an inbound placement fee for every unit sent to FBA. For standard-size products, the single-destination fee is approximately $0.38 per unit and the multi-destination (minimal shipment splits) fee is approximately $0.27 per unit. AWD enrollment waives these fees. These fees are subject to change — always verify current rates in Amazon Seller Central.

Container Types for FBA Inbound Shipments

LCL (Less than Container Load) is used for small shipments under approximately 5 CBM and is billed per cubic meter. A 20-foot FCL holds up to approximately 25 CBM and is more cost-effective for mid-size shipments. A 40-foot FCL holds up to approximately 58 CBM and is used for large shipments. This calculator auto-selects the appropriate container type based on your carton dimensions and quantity.