When sending stock to Amazon's fulfilment centres, you have two main options: small parcel delivery (individual boxes sent via courier) and pallet delivery (multiple boxes stacked on a pallet and shipped via a pallet network). Each has its place, and choosing correctly saves money and time.
Small Parcel Delivery
Small parcel means sending individual boxes through a courier service. Each box has its own shipping label and is treated as a separate parcel. This is the most common method for sellers starting out or sending smaller quantities.
Maximum box weight for small parcel FBA shipments is 23kg. Box dimensions should be reasonable — excessively large boxes may incur surcharges from the carrier. You can send multiple boxes in one shipment, each with its own tracking number.
Pallet Delivery
Pallet delivery means stacking your boxes on a standard pallet (120 x 100 cm in the UK), wrapping them securely, and shipping the entire pallet as one unit via a pallet carrier. Pallets can hold significantly more stock than individual parcels and are handled with forklifts rather than by hand.
Amazon has specific pallet requirements: standard UK pallet size, maximum height of 180cm (including the pallet), maximum weight of 750kg per pallet, and proper shrink wrapping with clear pallet labels.
When to Use Small Parcel
Small parcel makes sense when you are sending fewer than about 10 boxes, when your total shipment weight is under 100kg, when you do not have access to pallet wrapping equipment, or when speed is a priority (small parcels typically arrive faster than pallets).
For new sellers sending their first few shipments, small parcel is the path of least resistance. It is simpler, requires no special equipment, and can be collected from your home or prep centre by a standard courier.
When to Use Pallets
Pallets become more cost-effective once you are regularly sending 10 or more boxes per shipment. The per-box shipping cost on a pallet is usually significantly lower than sending each box individually. If you are sending 20 boxes, the pallet rate might work out at £2–£3 per box compared to £5–£8 per box for individual parcels.
Pallets are also gentler on your products. Boxes on a pallet are less likely to be thrown around during transit compared to individual parcels moving through a courier sorting system.
The Crossover Point
The exact crossover point depends on your carrier rates and location, but most sellers find that pallet delivery becomes cheaper at around 8–12 boxes. Below that, small parcel is more practical. Above that, pallets save money.
If you are unsure, get quotes for both methods and compare. The Amazon Partnered Carrier programme offers rates for both small parcel and pallet delivery, making comparison straightforward.
Prep Centre Advantage
One significant advantage of using a prep centre is shipping efficiency. A prep centre like Precision consolidates your stock, packs it efficiently, and can ship full pallets to Amazon — achieving the best possible per-unit shipping costs. This is often more cost-effective than shipping small parcels from your home, especially once you factor in the time, packaging materials, and collection logistics.
Whether you are sending five boxes or five pallets, getting stock to Amazon efficiently is part of building a profitable operation. Choose the shipping method that matches your current volume, and switch as your business grows.