Freight Forwarder China to USA Amazon FBA: Complete Seller Guide

Last year, Mark, an Amazon seller dealing in small electronics, realized that shipping from China to his FBA warehouses in the USA wasn’t as straightforward as he thought. He faced confusing paperwork, unexpected fees, and delivery delays. This 2025 guide breaks down everything sellers like Mark need to know about using freight forwarders for Amazon FBA.

1. Why Use a Freight Forwarder?

Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between you and shipping carriers, handling:

• Consolidation of shipments

• Documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading)

• Customs clearance

• Coordinating delivery to Amazon FBA warehouses

Mark shared: “Without my freight forwarder, I would have spent days figuring out HS codes and import duties. Their expertise saved me both time and money.”

2. Choosing the Right Forwarder

When selecting a freight forwarder for FBA shipments, consider:

• Experience with Amazon FBA: They must understand Amazon’s strict labeling, carton requirements, and shipment routing.

• Service coverage: Air freight, sea freight, and LCL/FCL options.

• Real-time tracking: Digital tracking systems help prevent surprises.

• Transparent fees: Watch for hidden charges like THC, documentation fees, or port congestion surcharges.

A beauty product seller noted: “We switched to a forwarder who provided real-time tracking and Amazon-compliant packing. It reduced our shipment rejections to zero.”

3. Step-by-Step Shipping Process

1. Prepare goods at the factory in China, ensuring proper labeling and packaging.

2. Book shipment with your forwarder (air or sea depending on urgency).

3. Forwarder handles export clearance in China.

4. Shipment transit with real-time tracking updates.

5. US customs clearance by the forwarder.

6. Delivery to Amazon FBA warehouse in compliance with Amazon’s inbound requirements.

One electronics seller explained: “Following this process step-by-step minimized delays and extra charges. It’s surprisingly easy once you have the right partner.”

4. Cost Considerations

Shipping costs include:

• Base freight (air or sea)

• Customs duties and taxes

• Terminal Handling Charges (THC)

• Amazon prep and labeling fees (if outsourced)

• Insurance for high-value products

Mark discovered: “Including insurance and THC in the budget upfront prevented surprise expenses. The total cost was predictable and manageable.”

5. Tips for 2025

• Consolidate multiple small shipments into one container for sea freight savings.

• Schedule shipments well ahead of peak seasons to avoid delays.

• Maintain good communication with your forwarder and Amazon FBA teams.

• Leverage digital tools for tracking, duty calculation, and shipment planning.

Shipping from China to USA Amazon FBA warehouses doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a reliable freight forwarder, careful planning, and understanding of Amazon’s requirements, sellers can streamline logistics, reduce costs, and ensure timely delivery.

As Mark said: “Freight forwarders aren’t just a service—they’re a bridge between your factory and your customer. In 2025, choosing the right one makes all the difference.”