Get the Latest Amazon Content Each Week

You must deal with strict Amazon shipping label requirements because shipping is pricey. Every day, Amazon carriers ship numerous packages to customers worldwide. This is why Amazon’s shipping costs total $76.7 billion!

Such logistics include the shipping label for Amazon, the information on it, how you print it, and other specifications.

Proper labeling is key to Amazon FBA. It’s what lets Amazon keep track of your inventory. Thus, any mishap in your shipping label translates to delays in logistics and sales.

While sellers on FBA and other programs get shipping assistance, it’s still a good idea for sellers to know the basics of shipping labels and why they’re important in e-commerce.

Do you want to know more about shipping labels? Let’s check out a few tips to help you comply with Amazon’s shipping label requirements.

 

What Is an Amazon Shipping Label?

 

Amazon FBA shipping labels help distribution centers and carriers. A shipping label includes information that assists every supply chain step: 

  • Storage
  • Carrier collection
  • Shipping
  • Distribution

An Amazon shipping label tells a distribution center and carrier where the parcel is from, where it has traveled, and what’s inside.

The shipping label also makes managing and sorting packages a breeze for shipping, ensuring your products end up in the right hands.

Shipping labels are especially important for Amazon. Since the retail giant has large-scale operations, shipping labels include all essential information to ensure your package makes it from point A to point B.

If you use Amazon’s FBA service, you have three shipping mode options:

  • Less than truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FT): Setting shipping pallets that weigh over 150 lbs.
  • Small parcel delivery (SPD): Bulk products packed in individual boxes.

By not abiding by Amazon FBA label requirements, you can risk delays, fines, and returned products to the original fulfillment center.

As for labeling, it does not matter which shipment option you choose. All your boxes and pallets should include an Amazon FBA Label.

 

What Information Does a Shipping Label Include?

 

Some information is easily identifiable, such as the recipient’s and sender’s addresses. However, you may see numerous bar codes and letters on a shipping label. 

Because a package travels to and from different logistics companies and warehouses, this shipping label data speeds up deliveries.

 

What Do the Barcodes and Letters Mean?

 

You may need to include barcodes and various lettered codes when printing an Amazon shipping label. What do these mean?

Barcodes have two major functions: tracking information and knowing how a package will reach its destination.

When your package arrives at a fulfillment center, workers will immediately scan the barcode to discover where it came from and its next step. All this helps update the tracking, which customers use to know when they should expect their package.

Sometimes, you only need to print one barcode. But you may need to print multiple barcodes, such as Amazon GS1 barcodes for international deliveries. If there are several barcodes, the package must hit different carriers before your customer receives it.

Your shipping label may also have different letters. These are abbreviations for warehouse codes. All warehouses across the country have their unique codes. 

The warehouse codes are important because they tell carriers who packed the parcel. Shipping labels may also include the tracking number.

 

Amazon Shipping Label Requirements

 

Amazon is very strict when checking ID labels for FBA boxes, and there are several requisites to create a proper FBA box ID label. 

Here’s what you need to create a proper Amazon shipping label:

  • Location: The label must be away from the box seams, placed flatly on the parcel. Your shipping label must be uncovered. This is to ensure the warehouse staff can easily scan your package.
  • Size: Standard labels are  3 ⅓ x 4 in. (8.4 x 10.2 cm). If you’re using a thermal printer, your label can be 4 x 6 in. (10.2 cm x 15.2 cm).
  • Pallet labels: ID labels that contain information such as dates, quantities, and locations. You’ll usually receive four pallet labels. Place one at the top middle of your box on each side.
  • Carrier data: The label you get from the carrier (such as Amazon’s carrier or USPS). Include this label in addition to the FBA box ID label.

 

Shipping Label Specifications

 

Sellers can find these specifications on FBA box ID labels. These include your product data and information about the merchant. This ensures that your customers get the right product from the correct company.

Here are the specifications on a shipping label:

  • Ship to: Amazon’s warehouse address.
  • Ship from: Seller’s name and address.
  • Product name and conditions.
  • FNSKU barcode.
  • Internal use only: Data below the FBA barcode that states mixed SKUs statement (if your product has different SKUs), unit quantities, and partial case statements (if multiple boxes are inside one parcel).
  • Seller use only: Seller-specific data under the “internal use only” section.
  • FBA shipment identifier: Barcode distinguishing your parcels. Every SPD box should have a unique code.
  • Prep required: States if the box needs any preparation at the warehouse.
  • Item type: If the box contains “media” or “non-media” type products
  •  

 

Printing

 

Amazon also has strict standards when printing shipping labels:

  • Time limit: Should be readable and scannable for up to two years.
  • Print each label separately: Since FBA labels are unique to each package, print them separately. Do not reuse a single label for several parcels.
  • Label paper: Print all labels on white, non-reflexive paper and in black ink. Also, keep an eye on font legibility. 
  • Printer options: The best Amazon shipping label printer is a thermal printer, but you can also use laser printers. Avoid using inkjet printers for Amazon shipping labels.

If you’re shipping an SPD parcel, always include an FBA box ID label. For FTL or LDL packages, you only need one label.

If you don’t label your parcels correctly, Amazon may dismiss or return your packages, possibly blocking shipments altogether.

 

FNSKU Barcode

 

We mentioned the Amazon FNSKU number here, and it’s important to define.

Products already feature a manufacturer’s barcode. Think of ISBN, UPC or EAN codes, which brands use to track their own stock. Amazon uses said codes to track items, and to deem if a product is fit for shipment. But Amazon also has the FNSKU barcode.

The FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) distinguishes similar items from different sellers. It also shows different data about your products, such as if you have a GTIN exemption

We recommend all sellers use the FNSKU code, if possible. It will help Amazon distinguish similar items from different sellers. Thus, an Amazon FNSKU barcode will help you ensure your products stand out in the warehouse. Plus, it’ll speed up the fulfillment process, and reduce delivery mishaps.

 

How Do I Create Amazon Shipping Labels?

 

Merchants have three options to print out Amazon shipping labels: use an Amazon-partnered carrier, FBA label services, or print out your labels.

 

Amazon Partnered Carrier

 

Amazon Partnered Carrier is a service where you use carriers that partner with Amazon to fulfill your orders. This program comes with many benefits, including:

  • Stock your products at their warehouses
  • Cuts shipping rates
  • Receive priority management from the warehouse
  • Amazon assumes responsibility for lost or damaged items
  • Easily track your parcels on Amazon Seller Central

 

FBA Label Service

 

If you’re wondering how to create shipping labels for Amazon FBA, you don’t want to worry about labels. With FBA, Amazon will print your labels for you. When you send your parcels to the FBA warehouse, the workers will label you. To get started, you must enroll in Amazon’s FBA Label service. You must pay 55 cents per label.

Amazon also offers Prep and Label services, which means the warehouse workers pack your items.

 

DIY

 

Of course, you have the option to handle your labeling. This is especially convenient if you already have the right printer and paper. If following the FBA labeling requirements sound too difficult, remember that Amazon offers all the labeling data you need from your Seller Central account.

To access your labels, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Go to your Seller Central account and open the Inventory tab.
  • Step 2: Click on Manage FBA Inventory and find your shipment queue.
  • Step 3: Choose the products or shipments you need for label printing.
  • Step 4: Click Edit and select Print Item Labels.
  • Step 5: Submit box dimension details (such as the size and quantity).
  • Step 6: Include any other label details.
  • Step 7: Click Confirm and Print Labels. You’ll also receive your copy of the shipping labels.
  •  

Final Thoughts

Amazon FBA sellers follow a set of rules to get their inventory stored in the warehouse. Proper labeling is one of those key tenets.

Understanding Amazon shipping labels can be tiresome, even for major merchants. But improper compliance on labeling could set your revenue back in the long run. Therefore, make sure you keep an eye on this tiny, but crucial part of your logistics. 

As mentioned, the key is to keep correct item entries in your stock lists. Once you take care of that, and get a hold of a quality printer, the whole process becomes a walk in the part.

If you’re a new seller and were intimidated by the Amazon box label requirements, we can take the hard tasks off your hands so you can focus on growing your business. With our New to AMZ service, we can help you launch and grow your Amazon business. Click here to learn more about our services.

 

Authors 

Esteban Muñoz is a content writer at AMZ Advisers, with several years’ experience in digital marketing and e-commerce. Esteban and the AMZ Advisers team have been able to achieve incredible growth on Amazon for their clients by optimizing and managing their accounts, and creating in-depth content marketing strategies.

 

Stephanie Jensensephanie-jensen has been writing e-commerce content for seven years, and her copy has helped numerous stores rank on Amazon. Follow her on LinkedIn for more insight into freelance writing and creating high-quality content.

Author

  • AMZ Advisers

    AMZAdvisers is a full-service eCommerce & digital marketing consultancy with extensive experience in creating high-growth strategies for brands and manufacturers on Amazon. We believe that developing a robust eCommerce presence is integral for a business looking to maximize growth in the 21st century. Our custom strategies aim to make Amazon a powerful sales channel and the centerpiece of every company’s eCommerce presence.

Share the Post:

Looking To Launch, Grow Or Profit On Amazon?

Speak to a member of our team today to see how we can help you!

More posts

Learn What You Need To Become A Top 1% Seller