Simplifying Cross-Border Logistics for Amazon FBA Sellers
Amazon FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon) is the go-to solution for companies looking to export their goods and sell on one of the largest online marketplaces.
When an Amazon customer clicks “Buy Now”, their chosen product is picked and packed at one of Amazon’s fulfilment centres. Once ready, the item is transported for final-mile delivery, giving customers the speed and convenience they’ve come to expect.
However, before this can happen, the product must first be delivered to the fulfilment centre – and for many FBA sellers, that means managing complex international shipments.
At CCL, we are one of the market leaders offering specialised gateway logistics solutions, with years of experience in organising logistics for both Amazon FBA sellers and suppliers.
So, as an FBA expert, we thought we’d break down how cross-border logistics for Amazon FBA warehouses work and how CCL can make your goods’ journey from A to B completely hassle-free.
How does Amazon FBA work for sellers?
Essentially, Amazon FBA is the service that allows businesses to sell their products on the Amazon platform, while benefitting from Amazon’s trusted name and services.
The FBA program involves the seller storing their products in fulfilment centres with Amazon handling packaging, final-mile delivery, customer service and returns.
This provides sellers with an efficient way to outsource the final stages of their logistics and get better online visibility of their products from Amazon’s platform.
Sellers can also benefit from making products eligible for Amazon Prime shipping - offering customers speedier delivery!
However, while Amazon handles fulfilment and delivery to the customer, it’s the seller’s responsibility to ensure their products reach Amazon’s warehouses first.
To overcome cross-border challenges, third partner logistics providers – like CCL – are brought on board to ensure their goods are delivered in-full and on-time.
International shipping to fulfilment centres
Given the high consumer demand for fast delivery through Amazon Prime, reliable and efficient logistics is at the heart of Amazon’s business model.
With a logistics-first approach, it’s equally important for sellers to prioritise dependable, efficient and effective export logistics in their operations too.
Depending where you are in the world, products may need to be internationally transported to the UK fulfilment centres.
When choosing the right logistics methods, factors such as cost, speed and volume must be carefully considered. Shipments can be moved by sea, air, road or rail, depending on your business needs and the type of product you’re transporting.
At CCL, we specialise in managing this process from start to finish – connecting our clients to the best logistics networks, tailored to their needs.
We even have a ETSF (External Temporary Storage Facility)based near London Heathrow Airport that handles, sometimes thousands, of FBA boxes on a daily basis for our clients.
Working with leading transport couriers, we ensure these products are efficiently distributed to Amazon FBA centres across the UK.
Before products can reach the fulfilment centres, however, customs clearance and proper documentation will need to be carefully completed!
Customs clearance for Amazon FBA
For any exported goods entering the UK, correct documentation and customs clearance are required.
This is a critical step that overseas FBA sellers must complete before their products can be sold through Amazon’s UK network.
Incorrect or incomplete documentation can result in costly delays, fines or investigations by HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).
Given the complexity and challenges that can arise during customs clearance, businesses exporting goods rely on customs clearance brokers to streamline this process and ensure compliance.
And, as cross-border logistics experts, CCL provides exactly this!
Empowered by our digitalised system, CCL offers customs clearance and delivery services while providing full tracking information to our Amazon clients’ customers.
We also have extensive experience dealing with HMRC in regards to goods that are under investigation. We understand HMRC's customs expectations and the type of inquiries they may have regarding inspected goods.
Additionally, as our Heathrow ETSF facility is a bonded warehouse, our Amazon FBA clients – whether shipping by air or sea - can defer paying customs duties until their products are moved to the fulfilment centre.
CCL – supporting international Amazon FBA sellers with logistics they can trust
At CCL, we handle all aspects of cross-border logistics for Amazon FBA sellers.
In addition to logistics and customs clearance, we can even make delivery bookings directly with Amazon using our own CARP (Carrier Appointment Request Portal) account. This means we won't hassle you for a delivery booking, and all we'll require is the Amazon ID number and FBA number.
In short – we make cross-border logistics easy for international Amazon FBA sellers!
Ready to take your Amazon FBA supply chain to the next level?
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