Cheapest Way to Ship to Amazon FBA in 2025

You are already aware of the importance of shipping if you are an Amazon seller. Delivering your product to Amazon’s warehouse requires big expenses. This is what Amazon calls FBA, or Fulfillment by Amazon.

So what’s the cheapest way to ship to Amazon FBA in 2025? Let’s break it down.

What Is FBA?

FBA means you send your goods to Amazon. They store them, pack them, and ship them to customers. You don’t have to deal with packing or shipping orders yourself. That’s the good part.

But before your items sell, you need to pay to ship them to Amazon’s centers. That’s where costs can add up fast.

Why Shipping Costs Matter

Shipping eats into your profit. For small sellers or those just starting out, it can make or break the business. Even large sellers need to watch costs closely. Lower shipping costs mean more money in your pocket.

Cheapest Way to Ship to Amazon FBA in 2025

Here are the best and Cheapest way to ship to Amazon FBA in 2025

1. Use Amazon’s Partnered Carrier Program

Amazon works with big carriers like UPS and FedEx. If you’re shipping from the U.S., this is often the cheapest way.

You print labels from inside your Seller Central account. Amazon gets you a discount on rates. Most sellers use this if they’re shipping from home or a small warehouse.

Pros:

• Lower cost than public rates
  
• Easy to set up
  
• Direct integration with Amazon
  

Cons:

• Only works in some countries
  
• Weight and box size rules apply
  

2. Freight Forwarders (for International Sellers)

If you’re outside the U.S. and shipping to Amazon’s U.S. warehouses, freight forwarders help. These are companies that group shipments from many sellers and send them to the U.S.

They offer air and sea options. Sea is slower but cheaper. Many use third-party prep centers in the U.S. to get items ready for Amazon. You can use this method for the cheapest way to ship to Amazon FBA.

Pros:

• Saves money on large shipments
  
• Handles customs and paperwork
  
• Works well for growing sellers
  

Cons:

• Takes longer (especially by sea)
  
• You need to trust the forwarder
  

3. LTL (Less Than Truckload) Shipping

If your shipment is too big for a regular parcel but too small for a full truck, LTL (Less Than Truckload) is the way.

You pack your items on a pallet. Then, a freight carrier picks it up. This method works well if you’re sending a lot of units.

Amazon allows LTL shipments, but you need to follow their rules. You’ll need a forklift or loading dock, too.

Pros:

• Lower cost per unit
  
• Good for large restocks
  

Cons:

• Setup is more complex
  
• Can take longer to arrive
  

4. Use a Prep Center Near Amazon

A prep center receives your items, checks them, labels them, and sends them to Amazon. Many sellers from other countries use this. They send bulk items from overseas to a U.S. prep center.

The prep center then uses the Amazon Partnered Carrier Program to send the goods to FBA. It saves on overseas air freight and uses cheaper local shipping. It is one of the cheapest way to ship to Amazon FBA.

Pros:

• Cheaper than direct air shipping
  
• Easier to follow Amazon’s rules
  

Cons:

• You pay extra for prep services
  
• Some research needed to find a trusted prep center
  

5. Use Discounted Shipping Platforms

Websites like Pirate Ship, Shippo, and EasyPost let you compare rates across carriers. You might find cheaper prices than Amazon’s Partnered Carrier for some parcels.

These platforms are more useful for smaller packages or lighter items. Some even offer FBA integration.

Pros:

• Compare rates across carriers
  
• Can find great deals on small boxes
  

Cons:

• Not always cheaper than Amazon rates
  
• Manual setup required
  

Tips to Lower FBA Shipping Costs

Here are some extra tips to keep shipping costs low:

• Use smaller boxes. Dimensional weight adds cost. Keep your boxes tight.
  
• Bundle items. Send more in one shipment to reduce per-unit cost.
  
• Label right. Mistakes in labeling lead to fees.
  
• Plan ahead. Avoid express shipping. It’s always more expensive.
  
• Negotiate with carriers. If you ship often, ask for better rates.
  

What Not To Do

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t ship direct from overseas suppliers to FBA without inspection. You risk delays, damage, or rejection.
  
• Don’t ignore FBA rules. Wrong labels or packaging means fees.
  
• Don’t always go with the fastest option. It usually costs more.
  

Which Method Is Best for You?

• New or small seller in the U.S.? Use Amazon Partnered Carrier.
  
• Seller from outside the U.S.? Try freight forwarders + prep center combo.
  
• Large inventory? Consider LTL shipping to save more.
  

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the cheapest way to ship to Amazon FBA depends on where you are and how much you’re sending. But the rule is simple: plan ahead, compare options, and ship smart.

Shipping is one of the few areas where saving $1 per unit can add up fast. Make the right choice, and you’ll see the impact on your profits.

Save more on every shipment with the best shipping agent in China for Amazon FBA service today!

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