Creating an FBA Shipment Plan in Amazon Seller Central
Before creating your FBA Forwarding Work Order in Cahoot, you must first create a shipment plan in Amazon Seller Central. This guide provides the essential information you need to know before starting your Amazon shipment plan.
Important: Amazon frequently updates their Seller Central interface. For the most current step-by-step instructions on creating shipment plans, please visit Amazon's official FBA shipment creation guide.
🔍 Before You Start - Critical Information
Required Information for Your Shipment Plan
Have this information ready before starting your Amazon shipment plan:
- Case Pack Quantities: Number of units per case for each SKU
- Box Dimensions and Weights: For each case you're shipping
- Cahoot Warehouse Address: Use the Job Location address from your Cahoot account
- Total Units: Exact quantity you want to send to FBA
Critical Shipment Plan Guidelines
Follow These Rules to Avoid Issues:
- Use ONE shipment plan for all SKUs to limit fulfillment centers
- Enter Cahoot warehouse address as your "Ship From" location
- Don't create separate plans for different SKUs
- Select correct shipping method (Small Parcel or LTL) based on your shipment size
Label Format Requirements
Essential: When downloading FBA labels from Amazon, always select "Thermal Printing - 4 x 6 inches" format. This is required for Cahoot's label application process.
Shipping Method Selection
Choose the appropriate method:
- Small Parcel Delivery (SPD): Individual boxes under 50 lbs and 25 inches on any side
- Less than Truckload (LTL): Palletized shipments for larger quantities
Carrier Selection: If Cahoot is handling shipping, select "Non-Amazon Partnered Carrier" and choose UPS when prompted. Cahoot will provide tracking information after your Work Order is processed.
📝 General Process Overview
While Amazon's interface changes frequently, the general process typically follows these steps:
Step 1: Select Inventory
- Access your Manage Inventory page in Seller Central
- Select products you want to send to FBA
- Choose "Send/Replenish Inventory" option
Step 2: Configure Packing Details
- Enter units per case
- Specify box dimensions and weights
- Set total quantities to send
Step 3: Set Ship From Address
- Enter your Cahoot warehouse address as the origin
- Verify pickup location details
Step 4: Confirm Shipping Method
- Select Small Parcel or LTL based on your shipment
- Choose carrier preferences
- Review and accept charges
Step 5: Download Required Labels
- Download FBA Box Labels in 4x6 thermal format
- Download Shipping Labels (for SPD) or create BOL (for LTL)
- Download Pallet Labels if using LTL shipping
Next Step: Once your Amazon shipment plan is complete, create your FBA Forwarding Work Order in Cahoot and upload the labels you downloaded from Amazon.
💸 Cost considerations when shipping to Amazon FBA
Shipping to Amazon FBA isn’t just about getting your products from point A to point B—it’s also about making smart decisions to stay profitable. Costs can sneak up on you, from carrier fees to Amazon’s own charges for storage and fulfillment. Understanding where your money goes (and how to save) can make a big difference.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key cost areas to keep on your radar, along with some helpful tips:
| Cost category | What to know | Tips to save |
| Freight & Shipping | Rates depend on carrier, box size, weight, and destination. Charges often include a base rate, fuel surcharge, and extra service fees. | Use tools like Cahoot to compare rates and find the best shipping options for your budget. |
| Amazon Storage Fees | Amazon Storage Fees Monthly fees are based on how much space your inventory takes up. Expect higher fees during Q4. Long-term storage kicks in after 271 days. Keep stock moving and avoid overstocking. Monitor inventory regularly to avoid long-term fees. | Keep stock moving and avoid overstocking. Monitor inventory regularly to avoid long-term fees. |
| FBA Fulfillment Fees | These are per-unit fees Amazon charges to pick, pack, and ship your orders. Costs go up with item size and weight. | Factor these into your pricing and stay aware of any changes Amazon makes to fee structures. |
🔗 Official Resources & Support
Amazon Official Documentation
- Send to Amazon: Create a shipment - Official step-by-step guide
- FBA inventory requirements - Prep and packaging requirements
- Prepare products for FBA - Prep guidelines
- Manage Inventory - Access point to start shipment creation
Related Cahoot Articles
- Creating FBA Forwarding Work Orders
- Work Orders Overview
- Using the Conversations Panel for Work Orders
Need Help? If you encounter issues creating your Amazon shipment plan or have questions about case pack quantities, contact Cahoot Support through the Conversations panel on your Work Order.