Key takeaways
- Parcel offers flexibility; freight can reduce cost per unit.
- Compare total landed cost.
- Pallet rules are strict; follow them.
- Plan for transit time and appointments.
The two basic modes
Small parcel sends individual cartons through parcel carriers, each with its own tracking. Freight moves palletized or large shipments, often as less-than-truckload or full truckload, with different documentation and booking. Terminology and options vary by country, so check what is available for your lane.
When small parcel fits
Small parcel suits low volumes, urgent replenishment and shipments split across several destinations. It is flexible and easy to start, but costs per unit can rise with weight and the number of cartons.
When freight fits
Freight tends to suit larger quantities that fill pallets, where per-unit shipping costs can fall. It requires palletizing, correct labeling, appointment scheduling and often a freight forwarder. Errors can be more expensive, so processes must be tight.
Compare total landed cost
Include carrier charges, packing materials, labor, palletizing, appointment or accessorial fees, insurance, time in transit and the cost of delays or damage. Compare per-unit totals for realistic shipment sizes rather than headline rates.
- Carrier and accessorial charges
- Packing and palletizing costs
- Insurance and claims
- Transit time and inventory carrying cost
Packing and labeling differences
Parcel cartons carry individual labels and tracking. Pallets require pallet labels, correct stacking and wrapping and compliance with height and weight limits. Read current requirements closely, because non-compliant pallets can be refused or incur charges.
Coordinate with receiving
Freight often requires delivery appointments and reference numbers. Make sure the carrier has the right information and that you can change plans if the appointment slot is unavailable. Track the shipment until receiving is complete.
Use a forwarder when appropriate
For international inbound shipments, a customs-experienced freight forwarder can manage documentation and compliance. Ask about experience with Amazon deliveries and agree responsibilities in writing.
A worked example
A seller regularly ships a modest number of cartons by parcel. When volumes triple before peak season, they compare quotes for palletized freight against the parcel cost per unit. The pallet option is cheaper per unit but needs earlier dispatch because of longer transit, so they plan production earlier.
Common mistakes
Typical errors include comparing only the carrier quote, underestimating accessorial charges, ignoring dimensional weight and failing to plan for appointment delays. Build a comparison template and reuse it.
A decision checklist
When choosing a mode for a particular shipment, run through a short list of questions. How many units and cartons are involved? How urgent is the replenishment? Do you have the equipment and know-how to palletize? What is the cost of a delay, in lost sales and in storage fees later? How reliable is the forwarder or carrier on this lane?
Writing the answers down for each shipment builds a record you can use to refine your rules of thumb over time.
Your next three steps
Decide the shipping mode with a repeatable method.
- Build a comparison sheet of total landed cost per unit.
- Add transit time and appointment delays to the comparison.
- Review the rule of thumb after every large shipment.
Frequently asked questions
At what volume does freight make sense?
It depends on weights, lanes and quotes. Compare actual per-unit totals.
Do I need a forwarder?
Often for international shipments, because of customs and documentation.
This guide is general information. Amazon's fees, policies and program rules change and vary by marketplace, so confirm current details in Seller Central and, for tax or legal questions, with a qualified adviser.