Which replenishment needs suit each option?
For an approaching inventory shortage, assess whether an air plan can meet the need. With more preparation time and larger shipments, compare ocean options. Both require a review of cargo characteristics, service availability and receiving requirements.
| Consideration | Air freight | Ocean freight |
|---|---|---|
| Planning priority | Evaluate for more urgent replenishment | Evaluate for routine restocking and volume |
| Cargo information | Individual packed dimensions, weights and acceptance conditions | Total volume, packing and consolidation or full-container needs |
| Cost comparison | Chargeable weight and end-to-end inclusions | Origin, arrival and delivery inclusions |
| Receiving | Prepare destination and shipment information | Plan arrival handoffs and warehouse receiving |
Why is transit time different from inventory availability?
Replenishment includes production readiness, preparation, international transit, arrival handling, delivery and receiving. Ask where a quoted time starts and ends instead of treating one transport stage as the whole journey.
- Record the required replenishment date and realistic cargo-ready date.
- Include labeling, carton sorting and repacking in preparation time.
- Clarify whether timing is an estimate or a specific service commitment, and how changes are communicated.
Can you split replenishment between air and ocean?
You can assess urgent units separately from routine stock, without assuming a fixed split. Each batch needs its own shipment, labeling and receiving plan. Compare the added handling and delivery costs as well.
- Identify near-term gaps by SKU rather than splitting every product equally.
- Provide carton counts, packed dimensions, weights and shipment details for each batch.
- Check the combined cost and whether both receiving plans can be accommodated.
What should be checked before dispatch to FBA?
Prepare product information, carton contents, the receiving destination and shipment labels, then reconcile them with the physical shipment. Amazon requires preparation under its packing and shipping guidelines; use the current requirements in the seller account.
- Keep pre-dispatch labeling in China separate from U.S. returns relabeling.
- Check completed work before changing destination, shipment or label information.
- Declare batteries, liquids and other special characteristics before confirming transport acceptance.
Prepare these details for your enquiry
- SKUs, commodity, cargo characteristics and packing list
- Matching origins, destinations and handling scope for both options
- Carton counts and individual packed weights and dimensions
- Cargo-ready and desired replenishment dates
- Shipment labels, sorting and packing requirements
This is a planning guide. Acceptance, scope, timing and charges are confirmed for the actual shipment.
Reference material
- Amazon: Fulfillment by Amazon
Background on FBA preparation; use the seller account for shipment-specific requirements.