By SnappyCrate | Updated August 2025

Amazon has been tightening its grip on inbound shipment compliance—and in 2025, fees for non-compliant shipments are higher than ever. If your products don’t meet FBA prep, labeling, or pallet requirements, Amazon will charge penalties, delay check-ins, or even reject inventory entirely.

At SnappyCrate, we ensure our clients stay fully compliant and avoid these costly mistakes. Here’s what you need to know about the latest non-compliance fees and how a specialized 3PL can protect your bottom line.

📈 What Are Amazon’s Non-Compliance Fees?

Amazon charges fees when inbound shipments don’t meet FBA requirements. Common charges include:

• Labeling fees (if Amazon must re-label units)
• Prep service fees (if Amazon bags, bubbles, or repacks products)
• Overweight/oversized box fees
• Pallet rework fees for non-standard pallets or stacking
• Manual processing fees for missing box content information

In 2025, these fees have increased by 10–20% across multiple categories.

🚨 Recent Policy Updates in 2025

• Stricter box weight enforcement: Amazon now flags boxes over 50 lbs faster.
• Expanded capacity limit penalties: Over-shipping beyond restock limits may incur additional fees.
• Higher rework charges for rejected pallets and mislabeled SKUs.
• New mandatory 2D barcodes for box content on larger shipments.

⚠️ Why Non-Compliance Hurts More Than Just Your Wallet

Beyond fees, non-compliant shipments lead to:

• Delayed check-ins (weeks of lost sales)
• Stranded inventory or returns
• Lower account health scores, risking FBA privileges
• Increased negative feedback from stockouts

✅ How SnappyCrate Helps You Avoid Fees

As an Amazon-focused 3PL, we handle compliance from start to finish:

• FNSKU labeling (covering manufacturer barcodes)
• Poly bagging, bubble wrapping, and bundling to FBA standards
• Box weight checks and compliant repackaging
• Amazon-ready pallet building with shrink wrap and labels
• 2D barcode box content uploads to prevent manual processing fees

💡 Real-World Example

One of our clients sent bulk shipments directly to FBA and incurred $3,200 in labeling and pallet rework fees in a single quarter. After switching to SnappyCrate, their compliance issues dropped to zero, and check-ins sped up by 40%.

🔑 Stay Ahead with a Pro 3PL

The cost of compliance errors is only rising. Partnering with a dedicated FBA 3PL like SnappyCrate pays for itself by:

• Reducing delays and avoiding penalties
• Streamlining prep, labeling, and freight
• Monitoring Amazon policy updates in real-time

🚀 Final Thoughts

Amazon won’t slow down on compliance enforcement—so why risk it? Let SnappyCrate handle your prep, labeling, palletizing, and shipping so you stay ahead of costly mistakes.

📞 Ready to eliminate FBA non-compliance fees? Send us a message

By SnappyCrate | Updated August 2025

When sending inventory to Amazon FBA, you must choose between Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) or Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight. The right choice impacts your costs, speed, and compliance. At SnappyCrate, we help sellers make the best shipping decision every time. Here’s how to decide between SPD and LTL for your FBA shipments.

📦 What is SPD (Small Parcel Delivery)?

SPD means shipping individual boxes via parcel carriers (like UPS, FedEx, or Amazon-partnered carriers).

✅ Pros:

• Great for small shipments (less than 150 lbs total)
• Simple to set up in Seller Central
• No palletizing required
• Faster check-in for smaller loads

❌ Cons:

• Higher per-box shipping costs
• Less control over multiple-box tracking
• Prone to delays if many boxes are shipped separately

🪵 What is LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)?

LTL combines multiple pallets on a single freight truck, ideal for bulk shipments.

✅ Pros:

• Lower cost per unit for large shipments
• Safer handling (palletized freight is less likely to be damaged)
• Fewer labels and less box handling
• Streamlined check-in at Amazon

❌ Cons:

• Requires palletizing per Amazon standards
• Appointment scheduling via Carrier Central can delay delivery
• Not ideal for urgent or small shipments

🔑 When to Use SPD vs. LTL

• Use SPD if: Your shipment is under 150 lbs, has fewer than 15 boxes, or needs fast delivery.
• Use LTL if: You’re shipping bulk quantities, palletized inventory, or heavy/oversized goods.

💡 Pro Tip: Hybrid approaches can work—send some units via SPD for immediate stock and the rest via LTL to save costs.

📋 Amazon Requirements for Each

• SPD: Boxes under 50 lbs each (30 lbs for select products), properly labeled.
• LTL: Standard 40×48 pallets, max 72” height, pallet labels on all four sides.

SnappyCrate ensures compliance for both methods.

🚀 How SnappyCrate Helps

Whether you choose SPD or LTL, SnappyCrate manages it all:

• Amazon-compliant labeling and prep
• Carrier booking and BOL documentation
• Pallet building and secure wrapping for LTL
• Fast turnaround for SPD shipments

✅ Final Thoughts

Choosing between SPD and LTL comes down to volume, timing, and cost efficiency. The wrong choice can waste money—or worse, delay your inventory. Let SnappyCrate’s FBA logistics experts help you pick the best option and execute flawlessly.

📞 Ready to streamline your Amazon FBA shipments? Send us a message

🪵 Palletizing Rules for FBA: How to Prep Freight for Amazon Fulfillment Centers

By SnappyCrate | Updated July 2025

When shipping inventory to Amazon FBA via LTL or FTL freight, proper palletizing is crucial. Amazon has strict requirements for pallet dimensions, stacking, and labeling. Failure to comply can result in shipment rejections, delays, and costly rework fees.

At SnappyCrate, we specialize in building Amazon-compliant pallets every day. Here’s your definitive guide to palletizing for FBA shipments in 2025.

📏 1. Pallet Size and Type

Amazon only accepts standard GMA 4-way pallets:

• Dimensions: 40” x 48”
• Material: Wood, in good condition (no broken boards, nails, or damage)
• 4-way entry for forklifts

✅ Avoid non-standard pallets, CHEP pallets, or plastic pallets unless otherwise approved.

📦 2. Pallet Height and Weight

Amazon enforces strict limits:

• Max pallet height: 72” (including the pallet)
• Max pallet weight: 1,500 lbs
• Stack boxes evenly without overhang

✅ Do not double-stack unless explicitly approved by Amazon.

🏷️ 3. Labeling Requirements

Each pallet must have 4 identical labels:

• One on each side of the pallet
• Labels must be scannable and placed on the outside shrink wrap
• Include Shipment ID and carrier details

✅ At SnappyCrate, we print and attach all pallet labels securely after wrapping.

🔒 4. Secure Wrapping

Amazon requires pallets to be securely wrapped to prevent shifting:

• Use clear shrink wrap (avoid opaque wrap)
• Wrap tightly around all layers
• Consider using corner boards for added stability
• Ensure labels remain visible

✅ We use heavy-duty stretch wrap and corner protection for freight security.

🚚 5. Carrier and Appointment Scheduling

For LTL and FTL shipments:

• Carriers must book dock appointments via Amazon Carrier Central
• Appointments must be made in advance to avoid delays
• Amazon-partnered carriers are preferred for faster scheduling

✅ SnappyCrate handles all BOL paperwork and delivery appointments for you.

⚠️ 6. Common Palletizing Mistakes to Avoid

• Overhanging boxes that extend past pallet edges
• Mixing SKUs on the same pallet without clear separation
• Damaged pallets that fail inspection
• Insufficient wrapping that risks collapse during transit

✅ Our trained team inspects every pallet before it leaves our warehouse.

💡 Why Work With a 3PL for Palletizing?

Palletizing for Amazon FBA can be time-consuming and high-stakes. With SnappyCrate:

• Amazon-compliant pallet building
• Freight coordination (LTL/FTL)
• Secure shrink wrapping and corner protection
• Real-time tracking and fast turnaround

✅ Final Thoughts

Amazon takes pallet compliance seriously. Don’t risk rejected shipments, extra fees, or delayed check-ins. Let SnappyCrate handle your pallet prep and freight logistics, so your inventory arrives on time and in perfect condition.

📞 Ready to simplify your FBA freight shipments? Send us a message

By SnappyCrate | Updated July 2025

Amazon FBA is a powerful way to scale your e-commerce business—but only if you get your inbound shipments right. Even small mistakes can lead to costly delays, rejected shipments, and penalties. At SnappyCrate, we specialize in prepping and shipping inventory to FBA the correct way, every time. Here are the 10 most common mistakes sellers make—and how to avoid them.

1. Incorrect or Missing Product Labels

Amazon requires every unit to be labeled with a scannable FNSKU barcode. Common errors include using UPCs instead, poor placement, or blurry printing.

✅ How to Avoid: Always use Amazon-generated FNSKU labels and cover any manufacturer barcodes. SnappyCrate prints and applies compliant labels for you.

2. Failing to Provide Box Content Information

Not submitting box content information in Seller Central can lead to manual receiving fees or delayed check-ins.

✅ How to Avoid: Upload box content info or use 2D barcode labels on cartons. We handle this automatically for all shipments we prep.

3. Overweight or Oversized Boxes

Boxes over Amazon’s 50 lb limit (or 30 lbs for certain products) can be rejected or split apart.

✅ How to Avoid: Distribute inventory properly and use compliant cartons. SnappyCrate weighs and inspects every box before labeling.

4. Non-Compliant Palletizing

Improperly stacked or oversized pallets are a major cause of Amazon rejections.

✅ How to Avoid: Stick to 40×48 standard pallets, max 72” height, with secure shrink wrap. We build Amazon-compliant pallets in-house.

5. Using Unsupported Carriers

Amazon requires approved carriers for LTL and SPD shipments. Unapproved carriers can’t book delivery appointments.

✅ How to Avoid: Use Amazon-partnered carriers or let SnappyCrate handle freight booking and appointments.

6. Poor Packaging and Prep

Unprotected products can arrive damaged and get flagged.

✅ How to Avoid: Use bubble wrap, poly bags with suffocation warnings, and sturdy cartons. SnappyCrate offers full prep services to ensure compliance.

7. Ignoring Hazmat (Dangerous Goods) Requirements

Products flagged as Hazmat require special labeling, paperwork, and approval.

✅ How to Avoid: Verify Hazmat status in Seller Central early. We guide clients through Hazmat prep and approvals.

8. Missing or Damaged Box Labels

Each box needs a correct Amazon shipment ID label. Missing or unreadable labels delay check-in.

✅ How to Avoid: Print fresh labels and attach them to flat, visible surfaces. We apply labels securely after final QC.

9. Late Appointment Scheduling (LTL)

Amazon FCs have limited dock availability. Missed appointments = refusals.

✅ How to Avoid: Book early or let SnappyCrate handle Carrier Central scheduling.

10. Overlooking Amazon’s Latest Policy Updates

Amazon frequently updates inbound requirements, such as new capacity limits and non-compliance fees.

✅ How to Avoid: Partner with a 3PL like SnappyCrate that monitors Amazon policy changes daily.

👉 Final Thoughts

Inbound shipment mistakes cost time, money, and ranking. The easiest way to avoid them? Work with an Amazon-specialized 3PL. At SnappyCrate, we handle inspection, labeling, prep, palletizing, and shipping—so your inventory gets into FBA faster and without errors.

Ready to ship smarter? Send us a message