🇺🇸 USFBA OperationsMedium ImpactSeptember 29, 2026
Amazon Global Logistics Adds Air SMP (No FBA Inbound Placement Fee, 7–10 Days) and Lower-Cost Economy Air for China-to-US Shipments
US FBA sellers who source from China (Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Shenzhen) and replenish by air, or who need faster restocking than ocean freight for peak season, stockouts, or launches.
Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) has added two new options to its China-to-US air freight service. Air SMP lets sellers split inventory at origin and fly it directly to a locked fulfillment center in each of Amazon's five US regions in an estimated 7–10 calendar days, with no FBA inbound placement service fee and no extra surcharges on apparel, electronics, or lithium battery products. Economy Air is a cheaper air option priced below standard AGL Air, with an estimated 11–15 day transit from Shanghai or Shenzhen to Los Angeles. Amazon has not published rates in the announcement; sellers check pricing and book through the AGL program portal.
Key Points
- Air SMP splits inventory at origin and ships it by air directly to a locked fulfillment center in each of the five US regions
- Air SMP estimated arrival is 7–10 calendar days from origin pickup, with daily flights from Shanghai and Hong Kong
- Air SMP shipments carry no FBA inbound placement service fees and no additional surcharges on apparel, electronics, or lithium battery products
- Economy Air is a lower-cost option priced below standard AGL Air, with an estimated 11–15 day transit from Shanghai or Shenzhen to Los Angeles
- Amazon positions both services for peak season preparation, stockout recovery, and time-sensitive launches when ocean freight is too slow
- Rates are not listed in the announcement — sellers review rates, service details, and booking options in the AGL program portal, which also guides new users through onboarding
What You Should Do Now
- 1Open the AGL program portal in Seller Central to get Air SMP and Economy Air rates for your typical shipment sizes
- 2Compare Air SMP's total landed cost — freight to five regional fulfillment centers with no inbound placement service fee — against your current air forwarder plus the placement fee you pay today
- 3Consider Economy Air for replenishment that needs to beat ocean transit but can tolerate 11–15 days into Los Angeles
- 4Use the faster air options for stockout recovery or launches where ocean lead times would cost you sales
Official Source
Amazon Seller Central →This summary is written in our own words based on the official source linked above. Policies may be updated after publication. Always check the official Amazon source for the latest details.