What is LTL (Less Than Truckload)?

Less Than Truckload (LTL) is a freight shipping method where your cargo occupies only a portion of a truck's total capacity, with the remaining space filled by shipments from other businesses. Rather than paying for an entire truck (Full Truckload, or FTL), you only pay for the space your pallets actually use—making LTL significantly more cost-efficient than parcel shipping (SPD) once your shipment volume is large enough. For Amazon FBA sellers, LTL is the go-to method for sending larger inbound shipments to fulfillment centers.

When Does LTL Make More Sense Than SPD?

• When your shipment exceeds 150 lbs or contains more than 6–8 boxes—LTL per-unit freight cost drops sharply
• For factory-direct imports where you're shipping a full production run to FBA in one go
• When you want to reduce the number of individual carrier transactions and tracking numbers to manage
• For sellers restocking large quantities of fast-moving SKUs on a regular replenishment cycle
• When coordinating with a freight forwarder who delivers direct to FBA from port after customs clearance

Amazon's LTL Inbound Requirements

Amazon has strict requirements for LTL shipments arriving at fulfillment centers. Pallets must be standard 40" x 48" GMA-spec hardwood or pinewood, in good condition with no protruding nails or broken boards. Stacked height must not exceed 72" (including pallet) for stackable goods, or 60" for non-stackable. Pallet labels must be applied to all four sides and the top. Shipment must be pre-booked through Amazon's Carrier Central system, and the freight carrier must be Amazon-partnered or pre-approved.

Using Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program for LTL

• Amazon offers deeply discounted LTL rates through its Partnered Carrier Program in Seller Central
• Partnered carriers are pre-approved for FBA receiving, reducing the risk of dock refusal
• You book the freight directly in the Seller Central shipment workflow—no separate freight broker needed
• Rates are typically 20–50% below market for equivalent LTL lanes, especially for high-volume lanes
• Partnered carrier shipments include automatic tracking integration with Seller Central

Common LTL Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Non-compliant LTL deliveries are one of the most common causes of FBA receiving delays and unexpected charges. The most frequent issues: using non-standard pallet sizes, stacking boxes beyond height limits, applying shipment labels in the wrong position, or arriving at the FC without a confirmed delivery appointment. Always book your delivery appointment through Carrier Central well in advance—most FBA FCs have limited dock windows and non-appointment deliveries are routinely refused.