Amazon Air Cargo
Shipper’s Guide

Follow these simple steps to ensure your cargo is ready to fly. We’re ready to handle, transport, and deliver your goods safely, securely, and efficiently – on time, every day.

Booking

Book all shipments through either the ASCS Console (https://supplychain.amazon.com) or via email with the Amazon Air Cargo Operations Management (COM) team at booking-cargo@amazon.com.

Customer Support

The Amazon Air Cargo team is here to support you. We contract with third-party service providers at certain origin or destination airports, but if you have any questions about your shipment after booking you should contact us directly via email at cargo-control-center@amazon.com.

Your Responsibilities

Amazon can transport a wide variety of cargo types, but certain categories have additional handling requirements, described below. You are responsible for complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, ordinances, and rules with respect to preparation of your cargo for transport (“Laws”), such as packing, marking and labeling, and documentation. You will also maintain any required licenses, permits, and other authorizations required to ship your cargo.

Dangerous Goods

You may not tender any Dangerous Goods except as expressly stated in this Shipper’s Guide. “Dangerous Goods,” or “DG,” means any product that is defined, designated, or classified as a hazardous material, hazardous substance, or dangerous good under any applicable Laws, including Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGRs). When shipping lithium battery products, this includes applicable IATA DGRs that limit the state of charge of such batteries. All nine hazard classes (Classes 1-9) of DG are prohibited for transport with Amazon, except for the specific UN numbers listed in the permitted exceptions below.

Permitted Exceptions: No Authorization Required

You may tender the following specific categories of DG without special authorization from Amazon:

• Alkaline batteries meeting the requirements of IATA Special Provision (SP) A123
• NiMH batteries meeting the requirements of IATA SP A199
• Non-spillable batteries in compliance with 49 CFR 173.159a
• UN3481: Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment under PI 966 Section II when packages are not required to display the lithium battery mark
• UN3091: Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment under PI 969 Section II when packages are not required to display the lithium battery mark

Permitted Exceptions: Booking Confirmation Required

You may tender the following specific categories of DG, only when specified in your Booking Confirmation, and once you have properly performed all required pre-transportation functions, to include packing, marking and labeling, and documentation:

• UN3481: Lithium ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment in compliance with PI 966 or PI967, Section II, respectively
• UN3091: Lithium metal batteries contained in or packed with equipment in compliance with PI 969 or PI970, Section II, respectively
• UN1845: Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) in compliance with PI 954
• UN3373: Biological substance, Category B, in compliance with IATA DGR Packing Instruction 650
• UN3245: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMOs) in compliance with IATA DGR PI 959
• UN2807: Magnetized material in compliance with IATA DGR PI 953

DG Emergencies

You must notify Amazon’s DG Compliance Team at Avsec-ascc@amazon.com and air_dg_escalation@amazon.com immediately and in any event within 12 hours, after you become aware of, with respect to any cargo tendered to Amazon: (a) injury to persons, property damage, environmental damage, fire, breakage, spillage, leakage, or any other accident or incident involving any DG, (b) an event or circumstance involving DG that violates or is reasonably likely to violate any applicable Law (including failure to properly mark, label, or declare shipped DG), or (c) an investigation of any shipment that may contain DG by any government authority.

Prohibited Materials

You may not tender any Prohibited Materials except as expressly authorized in writing by Amazon. “Prohibited Materials” means:

• Shipments that do not meet Amazon’s air carrier’s operational restrictions, including:
  
  • Packages with a dimension exceeding a length maximum of 300 cm, a width maximum of 120 cm, or a height maximum of 160 cm
  • Packages wrapped in kraft paper
  • Packages with loose hanging straps or strings
  • Packages with a weight in excess of 1,000 kg (dead weight or volumetric)
  • Packages/shipments that are wet, leaking, or emit a strong odor of any kind
  • Consignments requiring special care or attention in transit
  • Courier on-board consignments
• Restricted Commodities, such as:
  
  • Battery-powered GPS tracking and data recording devices
  • Any aircraft part originating from an MRO (Maintenance-Repair-Overhaul) facility (including both domestic and foreign MRO facilities), sub-assemblies of aircraft parts, and actuators)
  • Bullion, currency, loose gem stones
  • Firearms, explosives, and ammunition
  • Live animals or animal carcasses
  • Human remains or human body parts
• Shipments or commodities that are restricted or prohibited by applicable Laws, including shipments for which the shipper, recipient, or any of the parties involved are listed on any of the export controls or sanctions lists published and maintained by: the U.S. Department of Treasury, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of State, and any other relevant authority, unless licensed or authorized by the relevant government agency or otherwise permitted under applicable Law
• DG or Perishables except as specified in this Shipper’s Guide

Perishables

You may tender Perishables only when specified in your Booking Confirmation. “Perishables” means cargo whose contents are susceptible to deterioration or spoilage when exposed to harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures or humidity, thus requiring special handling to maintain their quality and safety. This includes (a) flowers, fruits, vegetables, meats and foodstuff or other edible material intended for consumption by humans or animals, and (b) pharmaceuticals and drugs, prescription or non-prescription.

Amazon does not provide refrigerated storage or other temperature-controlled facilities to protect the transportation of Perishables. Perishables are accepted for transportation solely at your risk for loss or damage occasioned by heat or cold. We reserve the right to refuse, at any time and for any reason, acceptance of Perishables.

Tender Condition & Packaging

It is your responsibility as the shipper or consignee to ensure that all cargo tendered to Amazon is properly documented, labeled, and otherwise packaged and tendered in appropriate condition and according to all applicable Laws (“Tender Condition”). The information on packaging in this Shipper’s Guide are suggested guidelines only.

Despite being smoother than road or sea transport, air shipments encounter forces like cabin pressure variations, temperature changes, and in-flight turbulence. Proper packaging of your Handling Unit not only ensures compliance with Laws but also safeguards goods from these environmental stresses. A “Handling Unit” means how the cargo will be prepared when you tender it to Amazon: as loose cargo, bulk pieces, skids, or Shipper Built Units, further described below).

For permitted DG and other shipments requiring specialized handling, please ensure that all packaging, marks, and labeling comply with current IATA guidelines for the specified commodity type.

Loose Cargo

If your Booking Confirmation specifies that you will tender loose cargo (which may be built on skids/pallets or in shuttles), you must ensure that no single piece/package weighs more than 150 lbs. Amazon will not accept loose cargo with piece weights over 150 lbs, except if screened by a CCSF as described below.

Use an appropriately durable packing material, such as double-walled corrugated boxes rated for at least 60 lbs/sq.inch crush test. Securely close and seal boxes with reinforced shipping tape. Properly label each Handling Unit.

Shipper Built Units

If your Booking Confirmation specifies that you will tender your cargo in “Shipper Built Units” or “SBUs,” you will tender your cargo built into or on an airworthy ULD, with a serviceability check of the container having been conducted prior to tender, in compliance with the allowed weight, dimensions, and contour specifications of the aircraft on which your cargo will be transported, and in one or more of the following SBU container types, as specified in the Booking Confirmation:

• “Banded Skid/Pallet”: cargo loaded onto a skid or pallet that has been banded on all sides with heavy-duty metal or break-resistant plastic (not cargo nets or covers);
• “CCSF ULD”: cargo contained in/on a ULD that has been properly screened by a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) and is accompanied by all required attestations and/or other related supporting documentation reasonably requested by Amazon for acceptance of the cargo under the Carriers’ Full-All Cargo Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program (FACAOSSP);
• “Locked ULD”: cargo contained in either (i) a ULD that is hard-sided and locked from the outside, or (ii) another type of container that is secured with exterior locks or clamping devices and may only be opened from the outside, as determined by Amazon; or
• “Lower-Deck ULD”: a ULD that is of the weight, dimensions, and contour specifications such that it can be transported in the lower deck cargo hold of the specific Aircraft type(s) to be used for the Services (for purposes of this example only: on a Boeing 767 aircraft, a DQF or PAJ ULD not exceeding 60 inches in height).

Confirm with Amazon that your selected ULD type is compatible with the type of aircraft on which your cargo will be transported prior to build. Do not use any tracking devices within the ULD without prior written authorization from Amazon. Place heavy items evenly on the floor of the ULD to prevent shifting. Heavy items should not be placed in the wing, wedge, or dog leg area of ULDs with angled walls (AKE, DQF, RKN types). For ULDs with empty space, secure cargo with internal straps or nets to prevent shifting and tipping.

Marking, Labeling & Documentation

Your cargo must be accompanied by all required customs and security documentation and properly marked and labeled as required by applicable Law. You can use the Amazon-provided labeling system, or your own labeling methods, but either way you are responsible for proper labeling. If you prepare your own labels, please include the following key information to align with the IATA 606 standard for air cargo shipments and ensure compatibility across the global air freight network.

1. ACSIN and airway bill (AWB) number
2. ACSIN barcode (Most major formats accepted. Preferred are Code 128, Code 39 full ASCII, QR, Data Matrix, or Aztec)
3. Destination IATA airport code
4. Total number of pieces (Handling Units)
5. Your company name
6. Piece number
7. Piece barcode

We understand that creating barcodes can sometimes be challenging. To assist you, we’ve developed a user-friendly barcode creation tool that can generate labels for both standard 8.5x11 inch paper and 4x6 inch thermal printers. This tool is available to all our customers at no additional cost; the COM team can provide you with instructions.

Required Documentation for all Shippers

Ensure that you provide and correctly and completely fill out all required documentation. Fill out all forms with your company’s name, matching what you have registered with Amazon and include the Air Cargo Shipment Identification Number (ACSIN) in your Booking Confirmation. Email the COM team at booking-cargo@amazon.com and provide the following documentation for each shipment no later than 12 hours before tendering cargo for transportation, and provide hard copies at the time of tender:

• A copy of the completed Shipment Details Form (SDF):
  
  • The number of Handling Units (i.e. skids, parcels, ULDs) being tendered
  • The origin and final destination for the shipment
  • Gross weight of the shipment (lbs. or kg.)
  • Nature and quantity of the goods (shipment contents and shipment dimensions)
  • The date of tender
  • Signature of the shipper or shipper’s authorized agent
  • If applicable:
    
    • Consignee’s name and address (if shipment is being picked up by another entity)
    • Handling information for specialty cargo including DG (e.g. UN Number and proper shipper name for DG.) The required elements will be shared during the onboarding process.
    • A copy of the completed Amazon Air Cargo Shipper Cargo Notification Form (SCNF)

Required Documentation for Certain Shippers

Additional documentation requirements may apply for Direct Shippers, Freight Forwarders, Indirect Air Carriers, Certified Cargo Screening Facilities, and Air Carriers described below:

Tendering Cargo to Amazon at Drop-Off Point

Tender your cargo to Amazon at the departure airport Drop Off Point and at the time listed in your Booking Confirmation. If you are late dropping off your cargo, we are not required to accept it; if we do, we may be unable to transport it on the flight you booked and will instead make reasonable efforts to transport it on the next available flight.

Ground Transportation and Security

All vehicles transporting cargo must have an enclosed cargo compartment. Amazon does not accept cargo in sprinter-type vans, flatbed trucks, or other vehicles, unless agreed at the time of booking.

For SBUs, the cargo compartment of the truck must be sealed or locked. If sealed, the shipper must transmit the seal numbers electronically to Amazon. The lock or seal will be inspected for signs of tampering by Amazon prior to being broken/opened.

Your delivery driver will check in with the Amazon Air Cargo reception station, typically located in the airport gateway truck yard guardhouse. Please ensure drivers have valid, unexpired state-issued identification for entry to the yard. Amazon will verify and retain a copy of the delivery driver’s drivers’ license, TWIC Card, or other identification supplied at time of tender. Once checked in, the guard will direct the driver to the appropriate location for acceptance of the shipment.

Inspection and Rejection of Cargo

Amazon will go through the following process before accepting your shipment. Your driver cannot leave the airport gateway until Amazon has accepted your shipment.

1. Documentation Review: Verify manifest information (customer, flight, origin/destination, aircraft, special codes), check ACSINs and AWBs, ULD numbers, and IAC certifications. Please include four hard copies of the SDF or AWB at time of tender and one hard copy of the SCNF.
2. Physical Cargo Inspection: Count verification against manifest with label verification (destination, handling, special cargo).
3. Weight and Balance Check: Verify individual and total weights and check weight distribution and load plan compliance.
4. Special Cargo Verification: Verify only permitted DG, no Prohibited Materials.
5. Scanning Process: Scan and verify each Handling Unit against manifest.
6. Final Verification: Recount, confirm any special handling requirements, check documentation.
7. Documentation and Sign-off: Complete checklist, sign forms, file documents.

Amazon may inspect and reject cargo if the cargo does not meet the required Tender Condition, contains unpermitted DG or Prohibited Materials, otherwise does not comply with this Shipper’s Guide, or if we reasonably suspect it presents a safety or security risk. If Amazon rejects your shipment, your driver must remove the cargo from the Amazon gateway. If you do not do so promptly, we may dispose of the cargo at your expense.

Picking Up Cargo at Collection Point

Pick up your cargo at the destination airport Collection Point and at the time listed in your Booking Confirmation. A Storage Fee of $0.20/lb. per day (or such other amount as specified in your Booking Confirmation) will apply if you do not collect your cargo within 24 hours.

The driver picking up the cargo will need to check in with the Amazon Air Cargo reception station, typically located in the airport gateway truck yard guardhouse. Please ensure drivers have valid, unexpired state issued identification for entry to the yard. Once checked in, the driver will be directed to the appropriate location to accept delivery of the shipment from Amazon.

Amazon will go through the following process to release the shipment:

1. Ensure the driver’s organization matches the documentation provided at tender.
2. Perform a final scan of all Handling Units and count as the cargo is loaded into the vehicle.
3. Amazon and driver will each sign the documentation tendered with the shipment which will be retained for future reference.

Customer Records

You must retain records related to the origin, destination, and contents of all cargo that Amazon transports for you for a period of two years after a flight (or such longer period as may be required by applicable Law) and will provide same to Amazon promptly upon request.

Customer Claims

Except with respect to concealed loss or damage not reasonably discoverable at time of collection, collection of your cargo without written notice of the damage or loss at the time of collection is prima facie evidence that the cargo was delivered in good condition. If you believe Amazon is responsible for concealed loss or damage to your cargo that is not discovered at the time of delivery, you must file a claim as soon as reasonably possible but not later than 14 days after you tendered the cargo, to allow us time to investigate the issue. Amazon will acknowledge your claim within 30 days of receipt, will process your claim promptly, and, if we determine that Amazon is responsible, we will pay your claim by crediting your account, within 90 days of receipt.

If you have any questions about anything in this Shipper’s Guide, please contact the Amazon Air Cargo Control Center via email at cargo-control-center@amazon.com.

Amazon reserves the right to make changes to the Shipper’s Guide at any time.

Revised 20OCT25