Amazon FBA Forwarder What Are the Transportation Methods?

What Are the Headhaul Transportation Methods of Amazon Logistics FBA?

Sharing of Dry Goods Knowledge in Amazon Logistics

Amazon, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world, is highly favored by both sellers and consumers for its FBA Fulfillment by Amazon service. FBA not only helps merchants expand their market influence but also greatly enhances the shopping experience for consumers. As a crucial part of the FBA process, headhaul transportation plays a key role in connecting suppliers with Amazon warehouses. So, what are the headhaul transportation methods of Amazon Logistics FBA? This article will provide a detailed interpretation from the perspective of practical operations and relevant industry dynamics.

Firstly, the most common headhaul transportation method is ocean freight. Ocean freight stands out due to its low cost and high capacity, making it an indispensable part of cross-border trade. For enterprises exporting large quantities of goods to Amazon overseas warehouses, choosing the right shipping company is critical. For instance, China's Belt and Road Initiative has promoted the development of the Asia-Europe route in recent years, allowing more high-quality international shipping resources to be integrated. According to reports from China Shipping Weekly, in the first half of 2025, many routes under COSCO Shipping Holdings achieved high loading rates, providing stable and reliable logistics support for cross-border e-commerce. When choosing ocean freight, companies must also consider the efficiency of customs clearance and the level of service at the destination port to ensure that goods can smoothly enter the Amazon warehousing system.

Secondly, air freight is also an important component of headhaul transportation. Despite its higher cost, air freight features fast speed and strong timeliness, particularly suitable for high-value-added or urgently replenished goods. For example, some electronic products or seasonal items may need to be quickly delivered to overseas warehouses via air freight. According to data released by the International Air Transport Association IATA, global air cargo demand grew by about 5% year-on-year in 2025, with e-commerce logistics accounting for a significant share. This indicates that an increasing number of merchants are realizing the value of air freight in enhancing supply chain flexibility. However, when using air freight, companies must plan flight schedules in advance and ensure proper packaging protection to avoid unnecessary losses caused by damage during transit.

Thirdly, rail transport is gradually becoming a new form of headhaul transportation. With the continuous improvement of the railway network across Eurasia, lines such as those between China and Russia, and China and Kazakhstan have become increasingly mature. Rail transport, with its cost-performance advantage between sea and air freight, has drawn significant attention. Especially for sellers targeting the Russian market, rail transport can effectively avoid the problem of long traditional sea freight cycles. According to Russia's Railway Corporation, since 2025, the number of containers arriving in the Moscow region via the New Silk Road has significantly increased, many of which are e-commerce products from China. This trend reflects that rail transport is becoming an important link connecting Asia and Europe.

Finally, road transport should not be overlooked either. For nearby or regional markets, transporting goods to Amazon-designated distribution centers using trucks or other vehicles is an economical and practical choice. Particularly in North America, where the geographical environment is relatively open, road transport covers a wide range and offers high flexibility. For example, several logistics companies within the U.S. have reached strategic cooperation agreements with Amazon to jointly optimize the end-delivery network, thereby shortening the time interval from dispatching to shelving.

In summary, the headhaul transportation methods of Amazon Logistics FBA include various forms such as ocean freight, air freight, rail transport, and road transport. Each method has its own application scenarios and characteristics. When formulating specific plans, enterprises should comprehensively consider factors such as product attributes, budget constraints, and market demand. In the future, with technological advancements and policy support, these transportation methods will further integrate and innovate, offering more convenient and efficient solutions for cross-border e-commerce. Understanding and mastering the operational highlights of various headhaul transportation methods will help enterprises gain a favorable position in fierce market competition.