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The choice between the Amazon Partnered Carrier programme and an independent freight forwarder depends on the transport route and regulatory requirements. The partnered carrier programme is efficient for domestic shipments without border controls. For cross-border supply chains from Poland to the UK involving post-Brexit customs clearance, GMR generation, and buffer storage, using an independent forwarder with Carrier Central access is required.
What is the Amazon Partnered Carrier programme?
The Amazon Partnered Carrier programme, available within Seller Central, allows sellers to purchase transport services directly while creating a shipment plan. Labels and delivery booking are integrated automatically into the seller's account. This system eliminates the need for independent booking of unloading slots at the destination fulfilment centre.
This arrangement works effectively for domestic movements within a single territory. However, it assumes that the cargo does not cross customs borders or require additional handling, such as border compliance checks, intermediate storage, or pallet adjusting before final delivery.
Why does the route from Poland to the UK require an independent forwarder?
Transporting goods from Poland to Amazon fulfilment centres in the UK involves requirements that fall outside the standard partnered carrier framework. Since the UK left the European Union, every shipment requires export customs clearance in the EU, import clearance in the UK, and the creation of a GMR for ferry or train transit.
An independent freight forwarder holding an active Carrier Central account provides control over the complete international logistics chain. This allows flexibility when scheduling pickups in Poland, managing border procedures, utilising a UK buffer warehouse for pallet repacking to meet Amazon specifications, and securing exact delivery windows.
Selecting the transport model step by step
- Analyse the route and customs requirements. Determine whether the transit involves crossing customs borders and identify responsible parties for import and export declarations.
- Evaluate pallet parameters and preparation. Check dimensions, weight limits, and stacking condition to verify compliance with destination fulfilment centre guidelines.
- Verify carrier booking system access. Confirm whether the shipment uses integrated Seller Central transport for domestic routes or requires Carrier Central slot reservation.
- Arrange buffer storage if needed. Identify if intermediate handling or repacking at a local warehouse is necessary before final transport.
- Book the delivery slot via Carrier Central. Schedule the exact arrival window at the designated fulfilment centre to ensure smooth intake.
Definitions
- FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon): A service model where Amazon stores, packs, and dispatches goods on behalf of the seller.
- GMR (Goods Movement Reference): A reference number generated by the UK customs system required for goods crossing the border.
- Carrier Central: An Amazon portal used by freight carriers to schedule specific unloading slots at fulfilment centres.
- EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification): A unique identification number used by businesses when filing customs declarations in the EU and UK.
Checklist for delivery selection
- Is the shipment restricted to a single country without customs procedures?
- Does the shipment require intermediate holding or repacking at a UK warehouse?
- Does the appointed carrier hold an active account in Carrier Central?
- Are the pallets prepared according to UK Amazon fulfilment requirements?
- Have all necessary customs declarations and cross-border paperwork been completed?
When does this division not apply?
This rule does not apply when shipments are moved entirely within a single customs territory without crossing international borders. The choice unless specific domestic arrangements exist depends on whether goods require physical preparation, intermediate storage, or customs documentation prior to final delivery.
The OTSL role
OTSL operates as an independent carrier, utilising its operational base in Kielce, Poland, and warehouse facility in Milton Keynes, UK. The company maintains an active Carrier Central account, manages customs clearances, and carries out shipments from Poland to the Amazon fulfilment centre network across the UK. Explore our Amazon UK delivery service and read our practical guide on Amazon FBA UK deliveries.
