SPD vs LTL: Choosing the Right Amazon FBA Shipment Method by Volume

An Amazon seller shipping 15 cartons weighing 180 kg must choose between Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight. Amazon’s FBA guidance states that boxes containing multiple standard-size items or oversized items must not exceed 63.5 cm on any side.

The standard box weight limit is 23 kg. These carton limits do not automatically require LTL as shipment weight increases. This guide explains when SPD fits and when LTL becomes a practical option. 

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SPD vs LTL for Amazon FBA: The Quick Answer

SPD and LTL differ in how cartons are packaged and delivered to an Amazon fulfilment centre.

• Ship SPD cartons individually. Keep each box within Amazon’s 23 kg weight and 63.5 cm maximum side-length limits.
• Use SPD for smaller consignments. Amazon’s partnered-carrier guidance allows up to 200 boxes per shipment.
• Book LTL freight on pallets when volume or weight makes pallet transport more practical. Couriers & Freight’s current FBA preparation guide cites a 680 kg maximum weight per pallet.
• Compare transport costs. Rates depend on shipment weight and dimensions as well as the destination and carrier.
• Expect SPD cartons to be collected without pallet-handling equipment. Palletised LTL freight may require loading access at pickup. 

Couriers & Freight quotes LTL freight across multiple carriers for Amazon FBA pallet shipments.

SPD vs LTL Cost and Volume Thresholds for Amazon FBA Shipments

Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) sends individually labelled cartons through a parcel carrier network. Less Than Truckload (LTL) ships freight as a palletised shipment that shares truck capacity with other consignments.

The packaging difference matters for Amazon FBA sellers. SPD keeps cartons loose for parcel collection, while LTL secures cartons to a pallet for freight handling.

‍Couriers & Freight provides domestic parcel services across Australia, including overnight and same-day options.

For the Sydney seller with 15 cartons weighing 180 kg, the choice should not be based on total weight alone.

The seller should check each carton against Amazon’s requirements, then compare box count and total weight. Pickup handling requirements and quoted freight rates come next. 

Amazon's carton limits do not automatically require LTL. Sellers should compare box count and quoted freight costs before choosing a shipping method, then confirm handling requirements at pickup.

For SPD, UPS provides a relevant parcel-carrier example through Couriers & Freight. 

For palletised freight, Team Global Express provides pallet and bulk freight services also through Couriers & Freight. 

Choosing SPD or LTL by Box Count and Weight

SPD is appropriate for the shipment when:

• Tight restocking deadlines: Parcel services can provide overnight or same-day delivery when inventory needs to be shipped quickly.
• Low box count: A smaller carton shipment can avoid the pallet preparation and handling involved in freight transport.
• No loading dock or forklift access: Individual cartons can be collected without preparing a pallet for forklift or pallet-jack handling.

LTL is appropriate for the shipment when:

• Higher-volume shipments: Palletised freight can lower the transport cost per unit when the shipment volume justifies the freight arrangement. 
• Boxes or total weight exceeding applicable parcel requirements: Carton size or another Amazon inbound requirement may make the parcel configuration impractical.
• The pickup facility already palletises freight: A warehouse that can wrap and stack pallets is better equipped

A seller may start with shipments that fit SPD limits, then compare LTL as carton count and volume increase.

Get an LTL Freight Quote for Amazon FBA Shipments

A Brisbane Amazon seller has increased an inbound shipment beyond the applicable parcel configuration and now needs to arrange palletised freight. 

Couriers & Freight provides Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight for shipments that do not require a full truck. Its carrier network allows sellers to compare freight costs across multiple carriers for the same pallet shipment. Booking involves entering shipment details and selecting a carrier quote.

The LTL quote needs the pallet count and weight. It also needs the pallet dimensions. The pickup and delivery locations complete the details before booking.

Compare LTL freight quotes and book your pallet shipment through Couriers & Freight.

SPD vs LTL Frequently Asked Questions for Amazon FBA Sellers

How much does SPD shipping cost compared to LTL freight for Amazon FBA?

SPD is charged per parcel, so costs can increase as carton count and shipment weight grow. LTL can reduce transport cost per unit at higher shipment volumes, although the final rate depends on the pallet dimensions and weight as well as the destination and carrier.

Am I required to use LTL freight once my shipment exceeds the weight limit for SPD?

No. Exceeding a shipment weight guideline does not automatically require LTL, so sellers should compare carton limits and total volume against the available carrier rates and handling requirements.

Can I track an LTL freight shipment the same way as an SPD parcel?

Not exactly. SPD normally provides parcel-level tracking, while LTL tracking follows the freight consignment.

What size and weight limits apply to SPD boxes for Amazon FBA shipments?

For boxes containing standard-size items, Amazon's current guidance sets a maximum of 63.5 cm on any side and 23 kg per box. Different requirements can apply to qualifying single oversized items, so sellers should check Amazon's current FBA packing requirements.

Book LTL Freight for Amazon FBA Pallets

Get LTL pallet freight quotes to an Amazon fulfilment centre from Couriers & Freight's carrier network.

Get a Quote Now