Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme: Guide & Latest Updates


Post details
- AUTHOR: Elise Jackson
- CATEGORY: Amazon Operations
- DATE: 27/07/2023

Selling on Amazon is a global phenomenon, and as you, as a brand, continue to expand your reach and customer base, efficient management of logistics and shipping becomes a critical factor in ensuring success.
Fortunately, Amazon has introduced a solution, the Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme (APCP). Either you are a big or a small brand, Amazon Partnered Carrier offers numerous benefits to selling on the platform.
In this blog post, we delve into the ins and outs of Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme and explore its latest update, which allows seamless US to UK FBA air shipments.
What is Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme?
The Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme is a strategic initiative by Amazon to help sellers and vendors optimize their shipping processes. By partnering with reputable carriers, Amazon offers cost-effective and reliable shipping solutions to sellers, ensuring faster transit times and enhanced tracking throughout the shipping journey. Eligible sellers and vendors can leverage Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme for both domestic and international shipments, simplifying their logistics while improving customer experience.
One of the key advantages of Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme is the reduced shipping costs. With negotiated rates and economies of scale, you can significantly lower your shipping expenses, ultimately leading to higher profit margins.
Moreover, Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme’s integration with Amazon’s systems allows for real-time tracking, enabling you to monitor their shipments and provide accurate delivery estimates to customers.
What are the Benefits of Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme?
Cost-Saving Advantages
Regardless of your shipment volume, utilizing Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme’s negotiated shipping rates helps you reduce your shipping expenses. This cost-efficiency allows you to allocate your resources wisely, enabling you to invest in other critical areas such as marketing campaigns and product development.
Faster Transit Times and Improved Delivery Speed
Whether shipping large quantities or smaller batches of products, you can enjoy faster transit times and improved delivery speed with Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme. The optimized shipping routes and streamlined processes contribute to quicker deliveries, enhancing customer satisfaction for all types of sellers on Amazon.
Enhanced Tracking and Visibility
Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme provides end-to-end visibility of shipments, enabling you to monitor your packages in real-time. This heightened tracking and transparency empower you to take proactive measures to address any potential issues that might arise during transit, ensuring a smooth delivery process for your customers.
Reduced Risk of Loss or Damage
By partnering with reputable carriers and adhering to Amazon’s shipping guidelines, you can enhance the safety and security of your shipments, safeguarding your products’ integrity.
Improved Seller Metrics
Efficient shipping and on-time deliveries are paramount for maintaining positive seller metrics on Amazon. By leveraging Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme, you are likely to experience improved performance indicators, such as a higher Buy Box share, lower order defect rate, and decreased late shipment rate. These improved metrics contribute to better visibility and credibility in the competitive marketplace.
The Latest Update: Sending US to UK FBA Air Shipments with Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme
In a recent update, Amazon has expanded the capabilities of its Partnered Carrier Programme, allowing you to send US to UK FBA air shipments. This development is a game-changer for US brands looking to tap into the lucrative UK market and leverage Amazon’s extensive FBA network for storage and fulfillment.
To take advantage of the US to UK FBA air shipments, you need to follow a simple step-by-step process:
1. First, you need to create shipping plans using Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme and ensure that all necessary product information is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Next, shipping labels and documentation must be generated according to Amazon’s guidelines.
3. Finally, you need to comply with customs regulations to facilitate smooth cross-border shipments.
Comparison with Alternative Shipping Methods
When it comes to shipping US to UK FBA shipments, brands have several options available. However, the Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme stands out as the most efficient and cost-effective choice, offering numerous advantages over traditional shipping methods.
Complexity of Logistics
Traditional shipping methods for US to UK FBA shipments often involve multiple intermediaries, such as freight forwarders, customs brokers, and various carriers. Coordinating and managing these different entities can lead to complex logistics, communication challenges, and increased chances of errors or delays.
In contrast, Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme simplifies the entire shipping process by offering a streamlined and integrated solution. With Amazon as the central hub for managing shipments, you have a single point of contact, reducing the complexities associated with traditional methods. This simplified approach enables smoother operations and minimises the likelihood of logistical hiccups, ensuring that products reach their UK destination seamlessly.
Transit Times
Time is of the essence in the world of e-commerce, and customers expect their orders to be delivered promptly. Traditional shipping methods may result in longer transit times due to multiple handovers and custom clearance procedures, particularly for cross-border shipments like US to UK FBA deliveries.
Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme, on the other hand, optimizes shipping routes and collaborates with reputable carriers, aiming for quicker transit times. With Amazon’s vast network and strategic partnerships, you can benefit from expedited shipping options that reduce the time it takes for products to reach your UK customers, heightening your customer satisfaction and thus improving your overall performance.
Shipping Costs
Shipping costs can significantly impact your bottom line, especially for businesses shipping high volumes of products internationally. Traditional shipping methods may entail higher expenses due to the involvement of multiple service providers and complex procedures. These costs can eat into your profits and potentially affect your competitiveness in the market.
Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme addresses this concern by negotiating competitive shipping rates with carriers, thanks to Amazon’s large shipping volume. As a result, you can access discounted rates that contribute to substantial cost savings, enabling you to maintain healthy profit margins, reinvest in your business, or even offer more competitive pricing to customers.
Integration with Amazon Platform
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of Partnered Carrier Programme is its seamless integration with the Amazon platform. Amazon’s extensive infrastructure and technology make it possible for you to manage your shipments, track packages, and receive real-time updates—all within the same familiar ecosystem.
This integration enhances visibility and transparency as you can monitor your shipments directly through your Amazon Seller Central account. The ease of tracking and managing orders through the Amazon platform streamlines your operations, reducing the need for additional logistics software or third-party systems.
Tips and Best Practices for Using Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme Effectively
While Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme offers many advantages, you should still consider implementing certain best practices to maximise its benefits:
- Properly Packaging Items for Air Shipments: Secure packaging is crucial for protecting products during air transit. You should use sturdy materials and consider cushioning to prevent damage.
- Understanding and Managing Customs Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the UK customs regulations and documentation to avoid delays or clearance issues.
- Leveraging Amazon’s Resources and Support: Amazon offers support resources and customer service for using Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance if needed.
- Evaluating and Optimizing Shipping Costs: Regularly assess shipping costs and explore opportunities to optimise expenses further.
- Monitoring Performance and Addressing Issues: Keep a close eye on performance metrics and promptly address any issues that may arise during shipping.
Overcoming Challenges with Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme
While Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme streamlines shipping processes, it’s essential to be prepared for potential challenges. Common hurdles include customs delays, unforeseen logistics issues, and varying carrier performances. By maintaining open communication with carriers and staying proactive, you can navigate such challenges effectively.
How to check the Amazon Partnered Carrier list?
In order to check Amazon Partnered Carrier list follow the below steps:
1. Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account.
2. From the Seller Central dashboard, navigate to the “Shipping Settings” or “Shipping Templates” section. The exact location of this option might vary depending on your Seller Central account’s setup.
3. In the “Shipping Settings” or “Shipping Templates” section, look for the option related to “Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme” or “Shipping with APCP.” Click on this option.
4. Once you access the Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme section, you should be able to see the list of carriers partnered with Amazon for shipping services. The list will likely include the carrier names, their shipping options, and any specific details or requirements associated with each carrier.
If you encounter any difficulties finding the Amazon Partnered Carrier list, you can also use the search function within your Seller Central account and look for terms like “partnered carriers” or “APCP” to locate the relevant section.
Our Thoughts
The Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme has emerged as a powerful tool for brands selling on Amazon. With the recent update enabling US to UK FBA air shipments, you now have the opportunity to expand your reach and enhance your presence in the UK market. By leveraging the benefits of Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme, you can streamline their logistics, reduce shipping costs, and improve customer satisfaction—ultimately gaining a competitive edge in the thriving world of Amazon e-commerce. Embrace Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme today and watch your business soar to new heights on the global stage.
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