Amazon Freight for Sellers: A 2025 Guide to Smarter Shipping

For sellers managing physical products, logistics can make or break a business. While Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) and third-party couriers get plenty of attention, there’s another logistics solution quietly transforming how inventory moves: Amazon Freight. In 2025, it’s becoming an essential part of the backend for high-volume sellers and manufacturers based in the U.S. But what is Amazon Freight, and when should you use it?

This guide breaks down how Amazon Freight works, how it compares to other shipping options, when it's the right fit, and how to forecast your freight needs using data-backed tools.

Amazon Freight is Amazon’s in-house trucking and freight brokerage service designed for B2B deliveries—specifically full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments within the United States. It doesn’t replace FBA or Prime last-mile delivery; instead, it handles the transportation of large shipments from one logistics point to another. Typically, it’s used to move pallets of inventory from a seller’s warehouse or manufacturer to an Amazon Fulfillment Center (FC), or between Amazon’s own logistics nodes.

Booking a shipment through Amazon Freight is relatively straightforward. Sellers can use the Amazon Freight portal, integrate through API, or connect via their transportation management system (TMS). Pricing is transparent, quotes are instant, and freight tracking is integrated with the seller’s Amazon account. With Amazon Freight LTL tracking, sellers can monitor shipments in real time. This helps reduce uncertainty around delivery windows and maintain compliance with Amazon’s strict FC appointment schedules.

In recent years, Amazon has expanded this service to include Amazon Freight forwarding for international sellers bringing goods into the U.S., though the primary focus remains domestic. Whether you’re working with a freight forwarder for Amazon FBA or exploring Amazon Freight shipping directly, the goal is the same: reliable, efficient movement of goods at scale.

To understand where Amazon Freight fits in, it’s helpful to compare it with other Amazon shipping methods. The table below outlines the key differences:

For example, a seller working with a factory in Texas might use Amazon Freight to deliver inventory to a fulfillment center in Illinois. Compared to UPS Partnered Carrier, Amazon Freight offers better scalability for large shipments and integrates directly with Amazon's systems—reducing risk of delays, delivery miscommunication, and compliance issues.

While third-party logistics (3PLs) can be flexible and useful for international freight forwarding, Amazon Freight is designed to simplify domestic movement by embedding logistics directly into Amazon’s platform. That convenience makes it especially attractive for U.S.-based sellers who need consistent, scalable freight support.

Amazon Freight isn't for everyone, but when it fits, it’s powerful. Sellers moving large quantities of inventory—especially palletized goods—on a regular basis will benefit most. These typically include:

However, for smaller sellers working out of a garage or shipping a few cartons per month, Amazon Freight likely won’t be cost-effective. You’ll get more value from UPS or USPS under Amazon’s Partnered Carrier discounts. Similarly, if you’re not shipping from a U.S.-based location, you’ll likely need a traditional freight forwarder or Amazon Global Logistics for the international portion.

The need for precise delivery windows is another factor. Amazon Freight supports time-definite delivery slots at FCs, making it easier to plan around seasonal restocks or product launches.

Before you schedule your next shipment, it pays to plan logistics based on real data. Fortunately, several Amazon-specific tools help sellers avoid under- or over-shipping, reduce storage fees, and align freight volume with real demand.

To estimate product sales and plan freight accordingly, use the Jungle Scout Sales Estimator. Here's how:

The tool provides a monthly sales estimate, helping you calculate how many units to send in your next shipment. For example, if a product moves 600 units monthly and you plan to restock for two months, you’ll need around 1,200 units. From there, you can estimate how many cases or pallets that equates to—and determine whether to book LTL or FTL via Amazon Freight.

To support broader logistics planning, platforms like Helium 10, AMZScout, and Jungle Scout offer overlapping functionality: trend tracking, inventory forecasting, competitor analysis, and keyword data. These help sellers decide which SKUs to prioritize and how to match inventory levels with forecasted demand.

Once you know how much to send, the Amazon Freight rate calculator—accessible through your Freight portal—lets you get quotes based on shipment size, origin, and destination. Sellers managing large volumes can also use the load board to book capacity and compare rates in real time.

Bringing these tools together helps you turn guesswork into a predictable, scalable shipping system that fits Amazon’s freight infrastructure and your business goals.

In 2025, Amazon Freight has matured into a reliable, seller-friendly logistics service that plays a key role in the broader Amazon supply chain. It’s not a replacement for FBA or FBM—it’s a complement that helps move inventory efficiently within the U.S.

For high-volume sellers, freight-forwarding for Amazon FBA becomes easier with native tools, transparent rates, and integrated tracking. Whether you're using Amazon ocean freight for international legs or Amazon Freight LTL for domestic restocking, understanding when and how to use this service can save you both time and money.