Why Many Amazon Sellers Rely on Freight Forwarders in China

Introduction

Amazon has transformed how people buy and sell products worldwide. In 2023, the platform had over 6 million third-party sellers. Many of these sellers source their goods from China, the world’s largest manufacturing hub. But sourcing is only the first step. The real challenge is getting products from Chinese factories to Amazon warehouses without delays or costly mistakes.

This is where an Amazon FBA freight forwarder becomes essential. For most sellers, freight forwarders in China manage the complex process of shipping, customs clearance, and delivery. Without them, many businesses would struggle to keep supply chains running smoothly.

What is an Amazon FBA Freight Forwarder?

An Amazon FBA freight forwarder is a logistics partner that helps sellers move goods from suppliers to Amazon fulfillment centers. They handle:

Booking sea or air freight.
Customs clearance in China and the destination country.
Inland trucking to Amazon warehouses.
Paperwork for duties, taxes, and compliance.

Instead of sellers managing dozens of moving parts, forwarders act as the middle link between manufacturers, shipping lines, and Amazon.

Why China is the Center of It All

China is the largest exporter in the world. According to the World Bank, China shipped goods worth over $3.6 trillion in 2022. For Amazon sellers, it is the top sourcing destination. A 2023 Jungle Scout survey showed that three out of four sellers source from China.

With so much activity, freight forwarders in China have built specialized services tailored for Amazon FBA. They know the labeling, packaging, and delivery requirements Amazon enforces. This makes them more reliable than general shipping agents who don’t focus on e-commerce.

The Complexity of Shipping Without Forwarders

Shipping products to Amazon FBA centers is not simple. Sellers need to manage:

HS codes for customs.
Import duties and VAT rules.
Strict delivery appointments at Amazon’s warehouses.
Packaging and labeling compliance.

A single mistake can cause long delays. Reports from 2022 showed that nearly 25% of new Amazon sellers faced shipping problems due to paperwork errors or failed customs checks.

This is why many sellers say using a freight forwarder is not optional. It is the only way to manage global logistics without constant problems.

Benefits of Using an Amazon FBA Freight Forwarder in China

1. Cost Savings

Shipping directly without a forwarder may look cheaper at first. But hidden costs soon appear. For example, if customs rejects a shipment, sellers pay both fines and re-shipping fees. Freight forwarders reduce these risks.

2. Faster Delivery

Forwarders book the best shipping routes, combining sea and air freight when needed. In 2022, sellers using experienced forwarders reported 20–30% faster average delivery times compared to self-managed shipments.

3. Simplified Customs Process

Every country has different import rules. Forwarders in China already know the requirements for major markets like the US, UK, and EU. They prepare documents in advance to avoid clearance delays.

4. Amazon-Specific Expertise

Amazon has strict inbound rules. Delivery appointments must be booked through its Carrier Central system. Forwarders who specialize in FBA know how to handle these systems correctly, reducing missed appointments.

Case Study: US Seller of Home Goods

In 2021, a mid-sized US seller imported kitchen products from Guangzhou. The first shipment was arranged directly by the factory. At US customs, the shipment was held for 18 days due to missing paperwork. This led to stockouts during a key sales period.

The seller then hired an Amazon FBA freight forwarder in China. For the next shipment, all paperwork, duties, and delivery slots were managed by the forwarder. The goods arrived at Amazon’s US warehouse without delays. By avoiding penalties and lost sales, the seller saved nearly $25,000 in one quarter.

This example highlights why so many sellers view freight forwarders as essential business partners.

Shipping Methods Forwarders Use

Sea Freight

Best for large shipments.
Lowest cost, but takes 30 to 40 days.
Used by over 60% of Amazon sellers, according to 2022 trade data.

Air Freight

Much faster, usually 5 to 10 days.
Higher cost, suited for urgent or high-value goods.

Express Courier

Services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
Ideal for small shipments under 100 kg.
Expensive but quick, often within 3 to 5 days.

Most forwarders in China help sellers choose the right method depending on cost, urgency, and product type.

Data and Global Trends

According to Statista, global freight forwarding revenue reached $192 billion in 2022.
China handled over 50% of e-commerce cross-border shipments worldwide.
Amazon sold 4.1 billion items via third-party sellers in 2023’s Q4 alone, showing the scale of logistics needed.

As global trade grows, forwarders in China are adapting by offering digital tracking, warehouse integration, and even FBA prep services in one package.

Challenges Sellers Should Watch For

Not all forwarders deliver the same quality. Some issues sellers face include:

Lack of real-time tracking.
Hidden charges not mentioned upfront.
Inexperience with Amazon’s strict warehouse rules.

Sellers should always check reviews, ask for clear pricing, and confirm experience with Amazon shipments before choosing a forwarder.

For sellers sourcing from Asia, according to a recent report, you can check out Amazon FBA freight forwarder services in China to avoid delays and reduce shipping risks.

How to Choose the Right Forwarder

When selecting a partner, sellers should ask:

Do you have experience shipping to Amazon FBA?
Can you provide customs clearance in both countries?
What are your average delivery times for sea and air freight?
Do you offer insurance for shipments?
Can you integrate prep services with forwarding?

The best forwarders answer these clearly and provide past performance data.

Future of Freight Forwarding in E-Commerce

E-commerce shipping is moving toward automation and visibility. Many forwarders in China now provide online dashboards where sellers can track every shipment step. Artificial intelligence is being used to predict customs clearance times and suggest cheaper routes.

Sustainability is another trend. With stricter environmental rules in Europe, forwarders are offering greener shipping methods such as carbon-neutral sea freight.

By 2030, experts predict that most Amazon FBA shipments will be handled by forwarders who combine digital platforms with traditional shipping expertise.

Final Thoughts

For Amazon sellers, getting products from Chinese factories to customers worldwide is never simple. A reliable Amazon FBA freight forwarder makes the process manageable by cutting risks, saving money, and ensuring goods arrive on time. With global e-commerce expanding every year, forwarders in China will remain at the heart of Amazon’s supply chain success.