Amazon Global Logistics: A Complete Guide for Seamless International Shipping
Expanding your Amazon business to international marketplaces like the USA, UK, or Europe is one of the most powerful ways to scale your revenue. But for many sellers, the biggest barrier isn’t sales, it’s the daunting complexity of international shipping, customs clearance, and getting inventory safely into Amazon’s fulfillment centers overseas.
This is where Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) comes in. Designed as a one-stop-shop, AGL simplifies the entire process, allowing you to focus on selling while Amazon handles the heavy lifting of global freight.
This complete guide will explain what AGL is, how it works, and how you can use it to unlock seamless international growth.
Table of contents
- Amazon Global Logistics: A Complete Guide for Seamless International Shipping
- What is Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)?
- Why Use AGL? The Key Benefits for Sellers
- How Amazon Global Logistics Works: A Step-by-Step Process
- AGL vs. Traditional Freight Forwarders: Which is Better?
- How to Book a Shipment with Amazon Global Logistics
- Costs Involved with Using AGL
- Is Amazon Global Logistics Right for You?
- Conclusion: Unlock Global Growth with Confidence
- Related Posts
What is Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)?
Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) is Amazon’s own integrated international shipping and customs clearance service. It is specifically designed for sellers who manufacture or source products overseas (e.g., in China, India, or Vietnam) and need to ship them to Amazon Fulfillment Centers in North America and Europe.
Think of it as a streamlined, “white-glove” service that manages the entire journey of your inventory from your supplier’s door to the Amazon FC shelf.
Why Use AGL? The Key Benefits for Sellers
Using AGL over arranging your own freight offers several compelling advantages:
- End-to-End Management: AGL handles everything: ocean or air freight, customs clearance in both the origin and destination countries, and final trucking to the FBA warehouse. This eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple vendors.
- Simplified Process: You manage the entire shipment within your Seller Central account. There’s no need for separate logins or complex communications with freight forwarders.
- Reduced Risk of Compliance Errors: Amazon ensures your shipments meet all FBA requirements (labeling, palletization) and import regulations, drastically reducing the risk of delays or rejections at the fulfillment center.
- Transparent Pricing: You get an all-inclusive price upfront, covering ocean/air freight, customs duties, taxes, and trucking. No hidden fees or surprise charges.
- Reliable Tracking: Track your shipment’s status directly in Seller Central, from pickup to delivery at the FC.
- Streamlined Payments: Pay for your shipping costs conveniently through your Seller Central account, with the amount deducted from your future sales proceeds.
How Amazon Global Logistics Works: A Step-by-Step Process
The process is designed to be incredibly straightforward:
- Get a Quote & Book: In your Seller Central account, navigate to the AGL section. Provide details about your shipment (origin, destination, weight, dimensions, etc.) to receive an instant price quote and book your shipment.
- Prepare Your Shipment: AGL will provide you with all the necessary shipping labels and documentation requirements. You or your supplier will pack and label the cartons according to FBA guidelines.
- Pickup & Transportation: An AGL partner will pick up your shipment from your supplier’s door and transport it to the port of departure.
- Ocean or Air Freight: Your goods are shipped via sea (for cost-effectiveness) or air (for speed) to the destination country.
- Customs Clearance (Handled by AGL): This is the major benefit. AGL’s team manages the entire customs clearance process on both ends, including filing paperwork and paying duties and taxes on your behalf.
- Final Delivery to FBA: Once cleared through customs, your inventory is transported via truck to the designated Amazon Fulfillment Center.
- Check-In and Selling: Amazon receives your shipment, checks it in, and makes your products available for sale. You pay the shipping costs through your seller account.
AGL vs. Traditional Freight Forwarders: Which is Better?
| Feature | Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) | Traditional Freight Forwarder |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Integrated within Seller Central | Separate platform/emails/phone calls |
| Customs Clearance | Fully handled by Amazon | Handled by forwarder, but requires more input from you |
| FBA Compliance | High assurance of compliance | Your responsibility to ensure compliance |
| Payment | Deducted from seller account | Usually requires upfront payment or wire transfer |
| Control | Less flexibility in carrier choice | More flexibility to choose routes and carriers |
| Cost | Transparent, all-inclusive pricing | Can sometimes find cheaper rates, but with more variables |
Verdict: AGL is the best option for simplicity, reliability, and peace of mind. A traditional freight forwarder might be better for sellers with highly complex logistics needs or those who prioritize absolute lowest cost above all else.
How to Book a Shipment with Amazon Global Logistics
- Eligibility Check: Ensure AGL is available in your region and for your target marketplace.
- Access in Seller Central: Go to Inventory > Amazon Global Logistics.
- Create a Shipping Plan: As you would for any FBA shipment, specify the products and quantities.
- Get a Quote: Enter your shipment details (origin address, cargo ready date, dimensions, weight).
- Review & Book: Review the all-inclusive quote, select your shipping speed (Ocean or Air), and confirm the booking.
- Print Labels: Print and provide the required labels to your supplier for affixing to the cartons.
- Schedule Pickup: Provide your supplier’s details to schedule the pickup.
Costs Involved with Using AGL
AGL costs include:
- Ocean/Air Freight Charge: The base cost of transportation.
- Origin Charges: Includes pickup, port handling, and documentation fees.
- Destination Charges: Includes customs clearance, import duties & taxes, port handling, and final trucking to the FC.
- Customs Duties & Taxes: These are estimated and paid by AGL on your behalf. The exact amount depends on your product’s HTS code and value.
Is Amazon Global Logistics Right for You?
AGL is an excellent choice for:
- New Exporters: Who are unfamiliar with international shipping and customs.
- Sellers Prioritizing Simplicity: Who want to manage everything in one place.
- Brands Focused on Reliability: Who need to ensure their inventory arrives on time and without compliance issues.
You might consider a traditional forwarder if:
- You have extremely high shipping volumes and want to negotiate custom rates.
- You need to ship to non-Amazon locations (e.g., to your own warehouse).
Conclusion: Unlock Global Growth with Confidence
Amazon Global Logistics removes the largest operational hurdle for sellers looking to expand internationally. By offering a seamless, integrated, and reliable solution, it empowers you to tap into new markets and millions of new customers without becoming a logistics expert.
If your goal is to scale your business globally with minimal friction, AGL is the most efficient and secure path to get your products onto Amazon’s international shelves.
Ready to expand to the US or Europe but overwhelmed by logistics? Infobeam Solution is an expert in managing international FBA shipments. We can help you navigate AGL, compare options, and ensure a smooth landing for your inventory. Call us: +91 96545 53640 or email sales@infobeamsolution.com for a free shipping consultation today