Processing FBA Forwarding Work Orders

Understanding FBA Work Orders

FBA Forwarding Work Orders come in two shipment types:

• Small Parcel (SPD): Individual boxes shipped via UPS/FedEx
• LTL Freight: Boxes palletized and shipped via freight carrier

Before You Begin

1Acknowledge the Work Order by clicking Acknowledge Work Order on the work order page.

2Confirm the Shipment Method by scrolling down to the Shipment Method section.

3Check for FBA Box Labels in the Shipping Documents section - look for the blue circle number logos. Click the icon to download the files.

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Essential FBA Requirements

• Box Weight Limit: 50 lbs maximum (unless single oversize item)
• Box Size Limit: 25 inches maximum on any side (unless single oversize item)
• Label Placement: FBA Box Labels must be clearly visible and scannable
• Packing Accuracy: Items must match exactly what's shown on FBA Box Labels

Small Parcel shipments involve individual boxes that are labeled and shipped separately through carriers like UPS or FedEx.

Step-by-Step SPD Process

1Download and Print FBA Box Labels

• Click the blue circle number logo in the Shipping Documents section
• Print all FBA Box ID Labels

2Pack According to FBA Box Labels

• Each FBA Box Label shows the SKU Name and Required Quantity
• Pack items exactly as specified on each label
• Use appropriate box sizes that meet Amazon's requirements

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3Apply Labels Correctly

• Affix the FBA Box ID Label to each carton
• Apply carrier shipping labels (UPS, FedEx, etc.)
• Critical: Place both labels on flat surfaces, not on seams or openings

Label Placement Requirements

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Label Placement Rules:

• Don't place labels on seams or box openings
• Place labels on flat surfaces so barcodes don't fold over edges
• Keep both FBA and carrier labels uncovered and scannable
• Ensure labels are at least 1.25" from box edges

4Ship with Daily Carrier Pickup

• Ship with your regular carrier pickup
• Ensure all boxes are properly labeled before pickup

LTL shipments involve boxes that are palletized and shipped via freight carriers to Amazon fulfillment centers.

Step-by-Step LTL Process

1Download and Print FBA Box Labels

• Print all FBA Box ID Labels from the Shipping Documents section
• Pack items according to specifications on each label (SKU Name and Quantity)

2Palletize the Boxes

• Apply FBA Box ID Labels to each carton first
• Stack boxes on pallets following Amazon's pallet requirements
• Ensure boxes don't overhang pallet edges

3Enter Pallet Information

• Record pallet dimensions and weights in the Packing Information section
• This information allows the seller to generate FBA Pallet Labels

4Apply FBA Pallet Labels

• Download FBA Pallet Labels once uploaded by the seller
• Shrink wrap the pallets securely
• Affix FBA Pallet Labels to all 4 sides of each pallet

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5Prepare for Pickup

• Mark work order as Pending Pickup
• Send conversation message to notify Cahoot
• Take photos of prepped pallets and upload to work order

6Final Pickup Coordination

• Bill of Lading (BOL) will be uploaded to Shipping Documents
• Print the BOL and have pallets ready on estimated pickup date
• Important: Amazon freight can be unreliable - notify Cahoot if driver doesn't show

Amazon Pallet Requirements

When FBA Work Orders are approved without FBA Box Labels, follow these steps to pack inventory so the seller can generate appropriate labels.

For Items with Original Master Case Packs

1Pack in Original Case Packs

• Use the original Master Case Pack configuration
• Verify packed quantities align with master case pack quantities in the system
• All boxes for the same SKU must contain identical quantities

2Document Packing Information

• Enter case dimensions and weights in the Packing Information section
• Add SKU and quantity details in the Cargo Information field
• Format: "SKU-Name has XX Qty per Box" (Example: "Red-Shirt-Large has 30 Qty per Case")

Pro Tip: Click the SKU Name link to quickly view the Master Case Pack data configured for the item.

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For Items without Original Master Case Packs

1Determine Consistent Pack Quantities

• Calculate how many units per box for each SKU
• All boxes for the same SKU must have identical quantities
• Consider box size limits and weight restrictions when determining quantities

2Pack Using Cahoot Boxes

• Use available Cahoot boxes for packing (or Cahoot will reimburse for your own boxes)
• Pack items separately (do NOT mix different SKUs in same box unless told otherwise)
• Ensure every box for the same SKU contains the exact same quantity

3Document Your Packing

• Enter box dimensions and weights in Packing Information section
• Critical: Record SKU and quantity in the Cargo Information field for each packing line
• Format: "SKU-Name has XX Qty per Box" (Example: "Green-Shirt-Large has 24 Qty per Box")
• Send conversation message with packing summary and box types used

Click to expand - Example of Cargo Information documentation

Packing Documentation Example

Correct Documentation in Cargo Information:

• "Red-Shirt-Large has 30 Qty per Case"
• "Green-Shirt-Large has 24 Qty per Box"
• "Red-Shirt-Small has 24 Qty per Box"

This format allows the seller to generate proper FBA Box Labels that match your exact packing configuration.

Communication Required

After custom packing, send a detailed conversation message including:

• Confirmation that all boxes for each SKU contain identical quantities
• Box-by-box breakdown summary
• Cahoot box types used for packing
• Any special considerations or notes

Quality Control Checklist

Before completing any FBA work order:

• ✅ All boxes have FBA Box ID Labels applied correctly
• ✅ Items packed match exactly what's shown on FBA labels
• ✅ All boxes for the same SKU contain identical quantities (no mixed quantities per SKU)
• ✅ Cargo Information field properly documents SKU quantities per box
• ✅ Box weights are under 50 lbs (unless single oversize item)
• ✅ Box dimensions don't exceed 25 inches on any side (unless single oversize item)
• ✅ Labels are placed on flat surfaces, not seams or openings
• ✅ For LTL: Pallets meet Amazon requirements and have 4-sided labeling
• ✅ Photos uploaded for LTL shipments

Common Issues to Avoid

• Incorrect Packing: Not following FBA Box Label specifications exactly
• Inconsistent Packing: Packing different quantities of the same SKU in different boxes
• Poor Documentation: Not recording SKU quantities in Cargo Information field
• Poor Label Placement: Labels on seams, corners, or covered areas
• Missing Documentation: Forgetting to upload photos or enter pallet information
• Communication Gaps: Not sending conversation messages when required

When to Contact Support

Contact Cahoot immediately if:

• FBA Box Labels are missing or unreadable
• Items don't match what's shown on FBA labels
• Amazon freight driver doesn't show for scheduled pickup
• Any questions about packing requirements or process