Getting your shipment delivered to an Amazon FBA warehouse isn't as simple as dropping off a package. Amazon requires scheduled delivery appointments for LTL and FTL shipments — and missing or mishandling an appointment can result in refused delivery, delays, and extra fees.
This guide explains how Amazon FBA delivery appointments work, how to schedule them, and how to avoid common issues.
How Amazon FBA Delivery Appointments Work
The Appointment System
Amazon fulfillment centers use a dock appointment scheduling system to manage inbound deliveries. Here's how it works:
- Carrier requests appointment: Your freight carrier contacts Amazon's scheduling system to request a delivery window
- Amazon assigns slot: Amazon provides a date and time window for delivery
- Carrier delivers during window: Truck arrives within the assigned slot
- Amazon receives shipment: FBA warehouse processes the delivery
Who Schedules the Appointment?
| Shipping Method | Who Schedules | How |
|---|---|---|
| LTL (Less than Truckload) | Your carrier or freight forwarder | Through Amazon's Carrier Central portal |
| FTL (Full Truckload) | Your carrier or freight forwarder | Through Amazon's Carrier Central portal |
| Small Parcel (UPS/FedEx) | No appointment needed | Carrier delivers directly; Amazon accepts parcels |
| Amazon Partnered Carrier | Amazon arranges | Amazon schedules automatically |
If you ship DDP with Skyler Logistics: We handle the appointment scheduling for you.
Delivery Appointment Requirements by Method
LTL (Less than Truckload)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment required? | Yes — mandatory |
| Lead time to schedule | 24–72 hours before delivery |
| Delivery window | Typically 2–4 hours |
| Max pallets per LTL | Usually 6–12 pallets |
| Max weight per pallet | 1,500 lb |
| Pallet size | 40" × 48" (GMA standard) |
| Late arrival | If truck is >1 hour late, appointment may be canceled |
| Rescheduling fee | $50–100 if appointment is missed |
FTL (Full Truckload)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment required? | Yes — mandatory |
| Lead time to schedule | 48–96 hours before delivery |
| Delivery window | Typically 2–4 hours |
| Max pallets per FTL | Up to 26 pallets (standard 53ft trailer) |
| Max weight per pallet | 1,500 lb |
| Pallet size | 40" × 48" (GMA standard) |
| Detention fee | If loading/unloading takes >2 hours, carrier may charge $50–100/hour |
Small Parcel (No Appointment)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment required? | No |
| Max package weight | 50 lb per package |
| Max package dimensions | 25" × 25" × 25" (varies by carrier) |
| Carrier | UPS, FedEx, or Amazon Partnered Carrier |
| Label | Amazon FBA shipment label on each package |
How to Schedule a Delivery Appointment
Step 1: Create FBA Shipment Plan
- In Amazon Seller Central, create your FBA shipment
- Select LTL/FTL as the shipping method (not Small Parcel)
- Enter carton and pallet information
- Confirm shipment plan
Step 2: Provide Shipment Details to Your Carrier
Your carrier or freight forwarder needs: - FBA Shipment ID (e.g., FBA15ABCD123) - Destination warehouse address (from Amazon's shipment plan) - Pallet count and dimensions - Total weight - BOL (Bill of Lading) number
Step 3: Carrier Schedules Appointment
Your carrier contacts Amazon's Carrier Central: 1. Carrier logs into Amazon's appointment scheduling system 2. Requests available delivery slots 3. Amazon confirms a date and time window 4. Carrier provides you with the appointment confirmation
Step 4: Prepare for Delivery
- Ensure BOL matches FBA shipment ID exactly
- Pallets are properly labeled on all four sides
- Carton labels are on top and one side of each carton
- Shrink wrap is secure
Step 5: Delivery Day
- Carrier arrives within the appointment window
- Amazon checks in the truck
- Amazon unloads pallets/cartons
- Carrier obtains delivery receipt (POD)
- Amazon begins receiving process
Amazon FBA Warehouse Delivery Hours
| Warehouse Type | Delivery Hours (Local Time) |
|---|---|
| Standard FBA warehouses | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Some warehouses | Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday delivery | Limited; only some warehouses |
| Sunday/holiday delivery | Not available |
Note: Delivery hours vary by warehouse. Your carrier will confirm available slots when scheduling.
Common Delivery Appointment Issues
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment denied | No available slots (peak season) | Schedule 3–5 days in advance; try alternative warehouse |
| Truck turned away | Arrived outside appointment window | Use reliable carrier; track truck GPS |
| Delivery refused | Pallets don't meet Amazon requirements | Follow pallet specs exactly; use 40" × 48" GMA pallets |
| Missing FBA shipment ID | BOL doesn't match Amazon's records | Verify FBA shipment ID on BOL before shipping |
| Overweight pallets | Pallets exceed 1,500 lb | Redistribute weight across more pallets |
| Pallet overhang | Products extend beyond pallet edges | Repack to fit within 40" × 48" footprint |
| Missing pallet labels | No labels on pallet sides | Apply FBA shipment labels on all four sides |
| Long check-in wait | Warehouse congestion (peak season) | Schedule early morning appointments; avoid peak weeks |
| Detention charges | Unloading takes >2 hours | Ensure pallets are properly organized for quick unloading |
LTL vs FTL Delivery: What to Know
| Factor | LTL | FTL |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet count | 1–12 pallets | 13+ pallets |
| Cost | Lower (shared truck) | Higher (dedicated truck) |
| Transit time | Longer (multiple stops) | Shorter (direct route) |
| Damage risk | Higher (more handling) | Lower (single load) |
| Scheduling flexibility | More flexible | Less flexible |
| Best for | Small FBA shipments | Large FBA shipments |
When to Choose LTL vs FTL
| Situation | Recommended |
|---|---|
| 1–6 pallets | LTL |
| 7–12 pallets | LTL or FTL (compare costs) |
| 13+ pallets | FTL |
| Fragile products | FTL (less handling) |
| Urgent delivery | FTL (faster transit) |
| Cost-sensitive | LTL (for small loads) |
Pallet Delivery Requirements
Amazon has strict pallet requirements for LTL/FTL deliveries:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Pallet size | 40" × 48" (GMA Grade A or B) |
| Pallet type | Wood or plastic; must be ISPM-15 compliant (wood) |
| Max height | 72" (including pallet) |
| Max weight | 1,500 lb per pallet |
| No overhang | Products must not extend beyond pallet edges |
| Shrink wrap | Entire pallet must be shrink-wrapped (minimum 5 rotations) |
| Corner boards | Recommended for tall or heavy pallets |
| Labels | FBA shipment label on all four sides, at eye level |
| Stacking | No double-stacking unless pre-approved by Amazon |
Pallet Label Placement
[Top]
[Side 1] ← Label here
[Side 2] ← Label here
[Side 3] ← Label here
[Side 4] ← Label here
[Bottom]
Each side should have: - FBA Shipment ID - Carton count (e.g., "1 of 20 cartons") - Pallet number (e.g., "Pallet 1 of 4")
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Request a QuoteFAQ
Q: Do I need a delivery appointment for Small Parcel shipments? A: No. Small Parcel shipments (UPS, FedEx) do not require appointments. The carrier delivers directly to the FBA warehouse.
Q: What happens if my truck arrives late to the appointment? A: If the truck is more than 1 hour late, Amazon may cancel the appointment. You'll need to reschedule, which can take 1–3 days and may incur a rescheduling fee ($50–100).
Q: Can I deliver to Amazon FBA on weekends? A: Most Amazon FBA warehouses do not accept weekend deliveries. Some locations may offer limited Saturday delivery — check with your carrier.
Q: How far in advance should I schedule a delivery appointment? A: Schedule at least 48–72 hours in advance. During peak season (October–December), schedule 5–7 days in advance as slots fill up quickly.
Hassle-Free FBA Delivery
Skyler Logistics handles all delivery appointment scheduling for our DDP customers. We work with Amazon's Carrier Central system, ensure pallet compliance, and coordinate delivery timing.
🚚 Contact us at skylerlog.com — we deliver to any Amazon FBA warehouse in the USA!
