Amazon FBA warehouse codes (also called FC codes or fulfillment center codes) are 3-4 letter + number combinations that identify specific Amazon fulfillment centers. Understanding how these codes work is essential for FBA sellers shipping from China.
How Amazon FBA Warehouse Codes Work
Amazon assigns each fulfillment center a unique code based on the nearest airport IATA code:
| Code Pattern | Example | Region |
|---|---|---|
| LAX# | LAX9 | Los Angeles area |
| ONT# | ONT8 | Ontario, California |
| SEA# | SEA4, SEA6 | Seattle area |
| UWA# | UWA1, UWA2 | Tacoma/Sumner, Washington |
| YYZ# | YYZ4, YYZ6 | Toronto area |
| YUL# | YUL9 | Montreal area |
| YVR# | YVR1, YVR2 | Vancouver area |
| BHX# | BHX4 | Birmingham, UK |
| FRA# | FRA1, FRA3 | Frankfurt, Germany |
The number after the letters distinguishes individual warehouses in the same metro area.
How to Find Your FBA Warehouse Code
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central
- Go to Inventory → Manage FBA Inventory
- Select products and click Send to Amazon
- Amazon's system automatically assigns warehouse codes based on: - Product category - Inventory levels across FCs - Shipping origin (China) - Customer demand patterns
Important: You cannot choose which warehouse to send to. Amazon's algorithm assigns warehouses to optimize their fulfillment network. A single shipment plan may split across 2-4 different FCs.
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA Warehouses
US West Coast Warehouses
| Warehouse | City | Nearest Port | Transit from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAX9 | Hawthorne, CA | LA/LB | 14-18 days |
| ONT8 | Ontario, CA | LA/LB | 14-18 days |
| SBD1 | San Bernardino | LA/LB | 14-18 days |
| OAK3 | Oakland, CA | Oakland | 16-20 days |
| UWA1 | Sumner, WA | Tacoma | 16-20 days |
| SEA4 | Kent, WA | Tacoma/Seattle | 16-20 days |
Canadian Warehouses
| Warehouse | City | Nearest Port | Transit from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| YVR1 | Delta, BC | Vancouver | 18-22 days |
| YYZ4 | Mississauga, ON | Vancouver (rail) | 25-30 days |
| YUL9 | Montreal, QC | Vancouver (rail) | 27-32 days |
For the complete list of 200+ warehouse addresses, see our Amazon FBA Warehouse Address Directory.
Shipping Tips for FBA Sellers
1. Plan for Split Shipments
Amazon often splits shipments across multiple FCs. Budget for 2-3 delivery destinations per shipping plan.
2. Choose the Right Port
Match your port to the destination warehouse: - ONT8, LAX9, SBD1 → Ship via LA/Long Beach - UWA1, UWA2, SEA4 → Ship via Tacoma - YVR1, YVR2 → Ship via Vancouver - YYZ4, YUL9 → Ship via Vancouver + rail
3. FBA Labeling Requirements
Each unit must have an FNSKU barcode label. Cartons need FBA shipment labels. Pallets need specific labeling. See our FBA Label Requirements Guide for details.
4. Understand Chargeable Weight
Freight costs depend on chargeable weight (greater of actual or volumetric weight). Use our Chargeable Weight Calculator to estimate costs.
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Request a QuoteFAQ
Can I choose which Amazon FBA warehouse to ship to? No. Amazon's system automatically assigns warehouses based on inventory distribution algorithms. You can sometimes influence assignments by using the "Inventory Placement Service" (fee-based).
What does the number in the warehouse code mean? The number distinguishes individual fulfillment centers in the same metropolitan area. For example, YYZ4 and YYZ6 are both near Toronto but at different physical locations.
How do I know if my shipment was split? In Seller Central, review your shipping plan. If you see multiple destination addresses with different warehouse codes, your shipment was split.
