How Transportation Networks Drive the Performance of European Fulfillment Centers
24 December 2025
How to Audit Amazon Seller Tools for ROI
24 December 2025
OUR GOAL
To provide an A-to-Z e-commerce logistics solution that would complete Amazon fulfillment network in the European Union.
Selling products on Amazon using Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) offers access to millions of customers across Europe. Yet, entry into this powerful marketplace requires expertise in international logistics, particularly when shipping inventory from Europe to Amazon’s distribution network. This article explores the freight forwarding process, associated costs, and proven best practices — and highlights how a strategic logistics partner like FLEX Logistique can support your business.
Understanding FBA and Freight Forwarding
What Is Amazon FBA?
Amazon FBA is a fulfilment solution where Amazon stores, picks, packs, and ships your products directly from its fulfilment centres. Sellers send inventory in advance to designated Amazon warehouses, and once received, Amazon handles storage and delivery to customers.
What Does Freight Forwarding Entail?
Freight forwarding is the organisation of transporting goods from the supplier to a final destination — in this case, Amazon FBA fulfilment centres. A freight forwarder manages international transportation, customs clearance, documentation, and delivery coordination. For companies shipping from Europe, this often includes:
Preparing shipment plans and documentation
Coordinating with carriers (road, rail, air, sea)
Managing customs and compliance
Providing final delivery to Amazon’s inbound stations
A professional freight forwarder helps mitigate risks and delays, allowing sellers to focus on their core business.
Core Steps in the Freight Forwarding Process
Step 1: Product Preparation & Compliance
Before shipping, you must prepare products in line with Amazon’s requirements:
Ensure products are labelled with Amazon FNSKUs
Meet Amazon’s packaging standards to prevent damage
Verify compliance with EU regulations (e.g., CE marking, chemical safety)
Failure to meet these requirements can result in delays, additional fees, or non-acceptance of inventory at FBA centres.
Step 2: Create an Amazon Shipment Plan
Within Seller Central, you must generate a shipping plan that includes:
SKUs and quantities
Target Amazon fulfilment centres
Shipping method and carrier
This plan dictates where your inventory will be delivered and how Amazon will handle it upon arrival.
Step 3: Choose the Right Freight Method
European sellers typically choose among:
Road freight — more cost-effective for intra-EU shipments
Rail freight — efficient for larger inland transport
Air freight — fastest but highest cost for urgent or lightweight goods
The choice depends on urgency, budget, and shipment volume.
Step 4: Customs Clearance and Documentation
Although shipping within the EU generally avoids customs duties due to the single market, goods entering from outside the EU or UK will require:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading or airway bill
Customs declaration and duties payment
An experienced freight forwarder ensures accurate documentation, reducing hold-ups at borders.
Step 5: Delivery to Amazon’s Inbound Stations
Amazon’s inbound delivery process is strict. Freight forwarders coordinate delivery appointments, ensure carrier compliance, and handle unloading at specific Amazon dock doors.
Once Amazon receives and scans the inventory, tracking updates appear in Seller Central.
Cost Components to Plan For
Understanding freight forwarding and FBA costs is crucial for profit planning. Costs arise from both the freight to Amazon and Amazon’s internal FBA charges.
Freight Forwarding Costs
Freight costs vary based on:
Mode of transport (road is cheaper, air is more expensive)
Distance and volume
Seasonal rate fluctuations
Customs and handling fees
For example, shipping via sea or rail in bulk reduces per-unit cost, but transit time increases. Road transport within the EU tends to be balanced in cost and speed.
Amazon FBA Fees
Once goods reach Amazon, sellers incur FBA fees, which include:
Fulfilment fees: per unit, varying by size and weight
Storage fees: based on volume and peak season periods
Referral fees: a percentage of the selling price
Fees differ across European markets. For instance, fulfilment fees for standard products in Germany, France, and Italy vary by product weight and size category.
Amazon also offers Pan-European FBA, enabling sellers to place inventory in multiple EU countries, which can reduce fulfilment costs by up to 53% and improve delivery speed.
Efficient freight planning often yields cost savings beyond Amazon’s base fees.
Best Practices to Optimize Costs and Efficiency
Consolidate Shipments
Group SKUs into consolidated shipments when possible. Larger consolidated loads often benefit from volume discounts on transport and reduced handling fees.
Forecast Accurately
Use sales forecasts and historical data to time shipments and avoid emergency airfreight premiums. Accurate forecasting lowers storage fees and avoids stockouts.
Choose the Right Forwarder Partner
A forwarder with expertise in Amazon FBA processes can:
Prepare compliant shipment documentation
Select cost-effective transport routes
Manage delivery appointments
For example, FLEX Logistique works with sellers to tailor freight solutions from European points of origin directly into Amazon distribution networks. FLEX’s services include customs support, pallet consolidation, and final-mile delivery coordination — all critical to FBA success.
Leverage International Programmes
Programs like Pan-European FBA enable sellers to store products in multiple EU countries, delivering faster to customers and reducing fulfilment costs.
Using such programmes effectively requires coordination between freight delivery and Amazon’s inventory placement strategy — something an experienced partner can facilitate.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Regulatory and VAT Complexity
Selling across European borders may require VAT registration and compliance with local laws. Post-Brexit sellers, in particular, must navigate new customs and VAT procedures when shipping into the EU.
A freight forwarder with compliance expertise can manage documentation and reduce risk of penalties.
Seasonal Demand Spikes
Peak seasons like the holiday period increase both freight rates and Amazon’s storage charges. Plan shipments early to avoid elevated costs and warehouse congestion.
Hidden Fees
Some sellers underestimate additional Amazon fees, such as long-term storage or return processing costs. Account for these in your pricing and logistics strategy.
Why Use a Professional Logistics Partner like FLEX Logistique
Moving goods efficiently from Europe to Amazon’s fulfilment network requires deep logistics expertise. FLEX Logistique supports sellers with:
End-to-End Freight Coordination: From pickup to delivery into Amazon inbound docks.
Documentation and Customs Expertise: Ensuring compliant entry and reduced border delays.
Optimised Transport Modes: Balancing cost and speed depending on inventory needs.
Visibility and Tracking: Real-time updates on shipment status.
Leveraging these services reduces risk, improves shipment predictability, and enables sellers to focus on growth rather than logistics complexities.
Building a Scalable Amazon FBA Logistics Strategy in Europe
Freight forwarding to Amazon FBA from Europe is a strategic advantage for sellers aiming to scale across the continent. By understanding the freight process, cost components, and best practices — and by partnering with logistics specialists like FLEX Logistique — sellers can streamline inventory delivery, optimise costs, and enhance their marketplace presence. Effective planning, expert support, and continuous refinement of logistics strategies are essential for long-term success in Europe’s competitive e-commerce landscape.
