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No Responses September 11, 2024

A Guide to U.S. FBA Sea Shipping: Channels, Timelines, and Key Differences

When shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses in the U.S., sea freight offers a cost-effective solution for sellers looking to ship bulk goods. But did you know there are two main types of sea freight channels for shipping to Amazon FBA in the U.S.? Let’s break them down to help you choose the right option for your business.

1. Two Main Channels for U.S. FBA Sea Shipping

Option 1: Matson Shipping (CLX/CCX/CLX+)

Matson is one of the most popular carriers for FBA shipments to the U.S. It has three service levels:

  • CLX (Matson Express): Also known as Matson “Fast Delivery,” this is the fastest option. After departure, the shipment typically reaches UPS for final delivery within 12-18 days, with most deliveries falling within the 13-15 day range.
  • CCX (Regular Matson): This is Matson’s standard service, taking 16-22 days to hand over to UPS, with typical deliveries happening between 18-20 days.
  • CLX+ (Matson Extra Ship): This is Matson’s additional ship service, taking a bit longer with delivery to UPS in 25-30 days, typically occurring between 26-28 days.

Delivery times within the U.S. also vary:

  • West Coast warehouses: 1-3 days
  • Central U.S. warehouses: 3-6 days
  • East Coast warehouses: 6-9 days

However, be cautious of market inconsistencies where some forwarders might promise one Matson service but deliver another. You may run into delays or incorrect timelines.

Option 2: General Shipping (Scheduled Pickup/Non-Scheduled Pickup)

  • Scheduled Pickup: In this service, containers are placed on top of the cargo stack for faster unloading. This is the fastest option for general shipping, delivering to UPS within 30-35 days, though there is always a risk of port congestion.
  • Non-Scheduled Pickup: Here, containers are loaded without prioritization. Delivery to UPS takes 40-45 days, but this channel is highly unpredictable, with potential delays like missed departures, container rolls, or port congestion. In some cases, shipments may take up to two or three months to arrive.

2. Fast vs. Slow Sea Freight Lines

Sea freight can also be categorized into fast and slow lines:

  • Fast Line (Shanghai Fast Line): This is the quicker sea freight option, typically reaching the U.S. in 11-15 days.
  • Slow Line (Yantian Slow Line): Originating from Shenzhen, this slower line takes 13-18 days to reach the U.S. Though slower, the volume it handles helps make up for the extra time.

Pros of U.S. FBA Sea Shipping:

  • Low Cost: Sea freight can be up to 1/3 the cost of air freight for fast shipping and 1/5 the cost for slower options.
  • Relatively Fast: Matson’s fast ships can deliver in 11-15 days, while the Yantian line takes 13-18 days. Though slower than air freight, the cost savings are significant.
  • Easy Customs Clearance: Unlike air freight, sea freight often encounters fewer customs issues. With the help of a reliable freight forwarder, you can expect smoother clearance.
  • Insurance and Compensation: If your goods are damaged during shipping, the freight forwarder can help file claims with the shipping company.

Cons of U.S. FBA Sea Shipping:

  • Longer Shipping Time: Even the fastest sea freight takes significantly longer than air freight, which could affect time-sensitive shipments.
  • High Volume Requirement: Sea freight is most cost-effective for large shipments, making it less viable for sellers with lower inventory volumes.
  • Potential Labeling Issues: Incorrect labeling or barcode issues can prevent products from being checked into Amazon’s FBA warehouses, causing delays or rejections.
  • Packaging Standards: Amazon FBA has strict packaging requirements. If your products don’t meet these standards, there’s a higher risk of damage during last-mile delivery, leading to returns and higher costs.

Conclusion

U.S. FBA sea shipping offers a variety of options, with Matson providing faster, more reliable services compared to general shipping channels. The choice between fast and slow lines depends on your budget, time sensitivity, and shipment volume. While sea freight is more cost-effective than air freight, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons, especially in terms of potential delays, volume needs, and packaging challenges.

By understanding the differences between these shipping options, you can make informed decisions and optimize your logistics strategy for Amazon FBA.