Amazon FBA Shipping Cost Calculator

FBA inbound shipping costs depend on the total weight and volume of your shipment, the shipping method (sea, air, or express), and the origin country. Carriers charge per kilogram or per cubic meter, whichever is greater, and additional fees like customs duties and last-mile delivery may apply.

Sea freight is typically the cheapest option for large, heavy shipments from overseas suppliers. Transit times are longer (3-6 weeks from China), but the per-unit cost can be 50-70% lower than air freight. For US domestic shipments, LTL trucking is usually the most economical choice.

CBM stands for Cubic Meter and is a standard measurement for volumetric freight. Carriers use CBM to determine how much space your cargo takes in a container. If your shipment is light but bulky, you may be charged based on volume (CBM) rather than actual weight, known as dimensional weight pricing.

For your first shipment, many sellers choose air freight despite the higher cost because it arrives in 5-10 days rather than 4-6 weeks. This lets you test the market faster and avoid tying up capital in slow-moving inventory. Once you validate demand, switching to sea freight can significantly reduce your per-unit landed cost.