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Carrier Central is Amazon's portal for road carriers to book delivery slots at fulfilment centres across the United Kingdom. Accounts are created by the carrier, not the seller. Booking requires key details from the seller's shipment: shipment identifiers (shipment ID/ARN), destination warehouse code, and exact pallet or carton counts. Requests must be submitted in advance, and allocated slots depend on warehouse decision.
What is Carrier Central and who creates the account?
Carrier Central acts as the primary digital portal for scheduling goods inbound to Amazon fulfilment centres in the United Kingdom. The system is designed to manage ramp allocation and prevent traffic congestion around logistics hubs. Unscheduled deliveries are strictly prohibited, as fulfilment centre staff will not offload vehicles that lack an approved booking in the system.
It is important to note that the Carrier Central account is registered and managed by the road transport company delivering the freight, rather than the merchant selling on the platform. The seller must provide the haulage partner with precise shipment metadata so that the booking process can be completed correctly.
What information is required to book a delivery slot?
To successfully request a delivery window in Carrier Central, the carrier must input specific reference numbers generated by the seller's Amazon account. Essential inputs include the Amazon Shipment ID and the Amazon Reference Number (ARN). Without these valid identifiers, the system cannot match the request to an inbound order and will reject the booking entry.
Furthermore, the carrier must specify the target fulfilment centre location code (such as LCY2, LTN4, or BHX4) and the exact quantity of pallets or cartons contained in the load. Any discrepancy between the figures entered in the portal and the physical cargo presented at the gate can result in unloading delays or rejection.
How does the slot booking process work step by step?
- Obtain shipment details from the seller. The carrier collects the Amazon Shipment ID, ARN, destination warehouse code, and total pallet or carton count from the merchant.
- Submit the booking request online. The carrier logs into Carrier Central and submits a booking application indicating the desired delivery date and time.
- Await warehouse slot allocation. The fulfilment centre reviews the request and assigns an official delivery slot, which may differ from the requested time.
- Align customs and transit schedule. The carrier links the confirmed delivery slot with post-Brexit customs procedures, including generating a GMR before cross-Channel passage.
- Arrive at the fulfilment centre gate. The vehicle arrives within the allocated window with all necessary documentation ready for gate clearance.
Definitions
- Carrier Central: Amazon's online portal for transport carriers to schedule and manage delivery appointments at fulfilment centres.
- ARN (Amazon Reference Number): A unique reference number assigned by Amazon to identify a specific shipment bound for a fulfilment centre.
- FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon): A service model where Amazon stores, packs, and ships a seller's products directly to end customers.
- GMR (Goods Movement Reference): A UK customs reference number generated via the GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) portal required to move goods across the UK border post-Brexit.
Checklist for Carrier Central booking preparation
- Obtain valid Amazon Shipment IDs and ARN numbers from the seller.
- Confirm the exact pallet and carton count with the dispatching warehouse.
- Verify the correct Amazon UK fulfilment centre destination code.
- Submit the Carrier Central request well in advance of the planned arrival date.
- Ensure the assigned slot matches the driver's transit time and border GMR clearance.
- Provide the driver with the booking confirmation details and transport paperwork.
When does the Carrier Central booking rule not apply?
The described booking procedure does not apply to shipments handled by Amazon partnered small parcel carriers that operate through integrated automated booking systems. The requirement also does not apply to road freight delivered to non-Amazon logistics warehouses. In addition, successful unloading depends on strict compliance with Amazon vehicle and packaging guidelines specified in carrier terms.
The OTSL role
OTSL submits delivery slot bookings directly in Carrier Central as an authorized carrier. We coordinate delivery windows with post-Brexit customs clearance, including obtaining a valid GMR prior to ferry or shuttle crossings. Our UK warehouse in Milton Keynes and facility in Kielce act as timing buffers, allowing vehicles to arrive precisely within the assigned window rather than approximately. We provide reliable Amazon UK delivery services with complete scheduling control. For further technical insights, read our articles on Amazon FBA UK deliveries and booking-in for UK deliveries. We also support clients with full customs clearance services for UK trade. See also: Multi-drop delivery to Amazon in the UK: how logistics works and Amazon Partnered Carrier vs Own Freight Forwarder.
