SPD vs LTL Shipping Mode for FBA
Hi,
I've been reading Amazon's guidelines for SPD and LTL shipping options. Our inventories in the USA (from our 3PL) would be approx. 76 boxes, 20 lb. per box. When creating a shipping plan workflow, selecting the SPD method using UPS seems more economical based on the rates provided.
According to Amazon:
SPD: Small-parcel delivery (SPD) with a partnered carrier: 200-box limit per shipment. Small parcel packages cannot exceed 150 lb, 165 inches in length and girth combined, or 108 inches in length.
LTL: If your total shipment weighs more than 150 lb, consider using a partnered LTL or FTL carrier.
The way I understand it, SPD has a maximum limit of 200 boxes per shipment, and EACH BOX should not weigh more than 150 lb. Our shipment complies with this if we choose SPD. However, our total shipment would weigh around 1500 lb, which, according to Amazon, suggests considering LTL.
Question:
Are we really required to select LTL, or is it just Amazon's recommendation to use LTL if the total shipment weighs over 150 lb? Does anyone have experience shipping more than 150 lb in total weight and still using SPD via UPS with no problem?
I would appreciate any insights. Thank you!
7 replies
Seller_Qbd0RsfZFEZBY
Your analysis is correct. You are not required to use LTL. SPD will can be cheaper and it is ALWAYS quicker. Additionally it is easier to use Amazon optimized inbound with SPD which will reduce internal transfers, which take 1 to 2 weeks.
We regularly send in shipments of 50+, 30 pound boxes with no problems.
You may find that LTL can save you some expense. Once you get 60 days inventory avaiable you can look at using LTL and bring your inbound cost per unit down. Keep in mind LTL/FTL takes 1 to 2 months to become available, where SPD is less than a week usually.
