As inventory scales, the wrong inbound mode (too much SPD (Small parcel delivery), poorly timed FTL) eats margin quietly. The Amazon Partner Carrier Program (PCP) puts LTL (Less-than-truckload) quoting, labeling, and appointments into Send to Amazon, so you can move palletized freight more cheaply and compliantly. This guide shows when LTL (Less-than-truckload) wins, how to prep pallets, and the exact steps to book your first PCP shipment.
Contents
LTL vs. SPD vs. FTL (and when to switch)
- SPD (Small parcel delivery):Best for low volume or urgent top-ups; cost per unit spikes as cartons grow.
- LTL (less-than-truckload): Shared trailer space; sweet spot for ~2–12 pallets; strong cost/unit and reliable ETAs.
- FTL (full truckload): Whole 53’ trailer; best for high volume and direct transit with minimal touches.
Pro move: Build a breakpoint table per lane (origin → destination), comparing SPD, LTL, FTL at your common pallet counts.
Why book LTL inside Send to Amazon (PCP)?
- Native workflow: Quotes, labels, tracking in one place.
- Appointment compliance: Carriers used to Amazon docks and reference IDs.
- Scalability: Repeatable templates for replenishment waves (weekly/bi-weekly).
Pallet, site & document standards
Palletization:
- 40×48 in, wood, 4-way access (GMA B grade or better)
- Boxes even & square, no overhang; box labels outward
- Stretch wrap tight; pallet labels on all 4 sides
- “Do not break down” note for carriers if needed
Site readiness:
- Dock preferred; or lift-gate if no dock (≤12 pallets / ≤20,000 lb)
- Space for 53’ trailer or arrange a box truck
- Clear, safe staging area; steady business hours for pickup
Docs & references:
- In PCP, Amazon manages delivery appointments; your booking needs accurate contact, hours, and pickup details.
- Track everything in Shipping Queue → Shipment events
Step-by-step: LTL Partner Carrier booking
- Send to Amazon: Inventory → Shipments → Send to Amazon
- Pack & confirm method: Choose LTL (Less-than-truckload); select Partner Carrier to see rates
- Labels: Print box and pallet labels (all four sides)
- Pickup & tracking: Confirm freight-ready date/hours; monitor in Shipping Queue
For AWD: Inventory → Warehousing & Distribution (AWD) → Send to AWD → select Partner Carrier → labels → track)
Cost levers most brands miss
- Carton consolidation: fewer, fuller cartons → fewer pallets → lower accessorials.
- Standard heights: consistent pallet heights reduce handling exceptions.
- Lane repetition: sticking to repeat lanes often improves quote consistency.
- Damage prevention: correct wrap & corner protection cut OS&D, rework, and fees.
- Replen cadence: plan 2–12 pallet cycles; keep 6–8 weeks DOS at FBA; use AWD as short buffer (not long-term storage).
KPI dashboard to run every week
- Cost per unit inbound (by lane & mode)
- Lead time variance (pickup → check-in)
- Damage/OS&D rate
- Dock exception rate (labels/pallet spec/appointments)
- Fill rate & pallet utilization (height & cube)
Where Big Internet Ecommerce (BIE) fits in
At BigInternetEcommerce.com, we implement:
- Inbound breakpoint calculator (SPD vs LTL vs FTL by lane / pallet count),
- Pallet & labeling SOP (ready for any 3PL/warehouse),
- Send to Amazon templates for PCP,
- Scorecard tracking $/unit, lead time, and exceptions.
Get your lane-specific inbound breakpoint and a pallet/label SOP you can hand your warehouse.
Book a 20-min session with Big Internet Ecommerce (BIE) today!
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