How to track FBA shipments to Amazon warehouses

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When you send inventory to Amazon warehouses as part of the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program, it is essential to track your shipments to ensure they arrive on time and in good condition. Proper tracking minimizes delays, ensures smooth operations, and provides visibility into your inventory flow. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to track FBA shipments to Amazon warehouses effectively.

1. Understanding the FBA Shipment Process

Before diving into tracking, it’s essential to understand the key steps of the FBA shipment process:

  1. Creating a Shipment Plan:
    • Log in to Amazon Seller Central and create a shipment plan detailing the products, quantities, and shipping method.
  2. Labeling Products:
    • Label your products with FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) or barcode labels.
  3. Shipping to Amazon:
    • Choose a carrier, provide shipping details, and send your inventory to the designated Amazon fulfillment center.
  4. Amazon Receiving:
    • Once the shipment arrives, Amazon processes and adds the inventory to your account.

2. Tracking FBA Shipments in Seller Central

Amazon provides built-in tools to help you track your shipments:

a. Access the Shipping Queue

  1. Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account.
  2. Navigate to Inventory > Manage FBA Shipments.
  3. Locate your shipment in the shipping queue.

b. View Shipment Status

  • Each shipment will have a status indicating its current state:
    • Working: Shipment is being prepared.
    • In Transit: Shipment has been picked up by the carrier and is on its way to the warehouse.
    • Delivered: Shipment has arrived at the Amazon warehouse but may not yet be processed.
    • Receiving: Amazon is checking in and processing the inventory.
    • Closed: The shipment is fully processed, and inventory is available for sale.

c. Check Tracking Details

  1. Select the shipment you want to track.
  2. Click on Track Shipment to view:
    • Carrier details (e.g., UPS, FedEx, or freight forwarders).
    • Tracking number(s).
    • Shipment history and current location.

3. Tracking Small Parcel Deliveries (SPD)

If you’re shipping via Small Parcel Delivery, such as UPS or FedEx:

  • Using Amazon-Partnered Carriers:
    • Amazon provides tracking numbers automatically for shipments arranged through partnered carriers.
    • To track:
      1. Go to the shipment in Seller Central.
      2. Click on Track Shipment to view the progress.
  • Using Non-Partnered Carriers:
    • Enter tracking numbers manually during shipment creation.
    • Use the carrier’s website to monitor progress.

4. Tracking Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) Shipments

For larger shipments using LTL or FTL services:

  • Amazon-Partnered Carriers:
    • Amazon provides a Bill of Lading (BOL) and tracks the shipment directly in Seller Central.
    • Check the Track Shipment section for updates.
  • Non-Partnered Carriers:
    • You must work with your freight forwarder or carrier to obtain tracking updates.
    • Ensure your carrier provides proof of delivery (POD) once the shipment arrives at Amazon.

5. Verifying Shipment Check-In at Amazon

Even after a shipment is marked as delivered, Amazon needs time to process it. Here’s how you can monitor the check-in process:

a. Shipment Summary

  • Go to the shipment details page in Seller Central.
  • Review the Units Received column to see how many items Amazon has processed.

b. Reconcile Inventory Discrepancies

  • If there’s a mismatch between the shipped and received quantities:
    1. Use the Reconcile Inventory tool in the shipment details.
    2. Provide supporting documentation (e.g., BOL or invoices) for missing items.

6. Common Tracking Issues and Solutions

a. Shipment Delays

  • Problem: Delays in transit or delivery can disrupt your inventory availability.
  • Solution:
    • Contact the carrier for updates.
    • Use the tracking details in Seller Central to monitor progress.

b. Missing Items

  • Problem: Inventory discrepancies during receiving.
  • Solution:
    • File a case with Amazon Seller Support and provide evidence (e.g., tracking numbers, BOL, or packing lists).

c. Lost Shipments

  • Problem: Entire shipments go missing.
  • Solution:
    • File a claim with the carrier.
    • Work with Amazon Seller Support to resolve the issue and seek reimbursement if applicable.

7. Best Practices for FBA Shipment Tracking

a. Use Amazon-Partnered Carriers

  • Partnered carriers integrate seamlessly with Seller Central, simplifying tracking and providing cost-effective options.

b. Keep Documentation Handy

  • Maintain records of shipping labels, tracking numbers, and BOLs for quick reference.

c. Monitor Shipment Timelines

  • Regularly check shipment progress to anticipate delays and manage inventory levels.

d. Communicate with Carriers

  • For LTL/FTL shipments, establish clear communication with your freight forwarder or carrier for timely updates.

e. Automate Tracking with Software

  • Use third-party inventory management tools like RestockPro, ShipStation, or InventoryLab to track shipments more efficiently.

8. Tools to Aid Shipment Tracking

  • Amazon Shipment Reports:
    • Downloadable reports from Seller Central provide a detailed view of shipment status and receiving details.
  • Carrier Websites:
    • Use carrier-specific tracking portals (e.g., UPS or FedEx) for real-time updates.
  • Inventory Management Software:
    • Advanced tools offer centralized dashboards to monitor shipments, inventory levels, and performance metrics.

9. Resolving Issues During Shipment Tracking

a. Contacting Seller Support

  • Open a case in Seller Central if there are discrepancies or delays you cannot resolve directly with the carrier.

b. Filing Claims

  • For lost or damaged shipments, file claims with the carrier and Amazon, providing necessary documentation.

c. Requesting Reimbursement

  • Amazon may reimburse you for lost or damaged inventory if you’ve followed proper shipment procedures and provided proof.

10. Conclusion

Tracking FBA shipments to Amazon warehouses is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring inventory availability. By leveraging Seller Central tools, staying proactive with carrier communications, and using third-party software, you can effectively monitor your shipments and address potential issues. Regular tracking, combined with strong documentation practices, ensures your FBA business runs smoothly and delivers optimal results.

Categories: Digital Marketing