What did I do?
I shipped LTL (Less Than Truckload) in Q4. Idiot. Everyone knows this equation:- LTL = Cheap & Slow
- SPD (Small Parcel Delivery) = Expensive & Fast
In Q4, when everyone is sending in inventory...
Don't make the same mistake I did. Or at least, send in some SPD to go along with your LTL so you don't get screwed.LTL vs SPD: How to Choose the Right Shipping Method in Q4
Q4 is when Amazon fulfillment centers are slammed. Every seller is sending in inventory for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday rush. The receiving docks are backed up, and LTL shipments that normally take 5-7 days to check in can take 3-4 weeks.
Here is the math that matters: if your product sells 50 units per day in Q4 and your LTL shipment takes 21 extra days to check in versus SPD, that is 1,050 units of lost sales. At a $25 average selling price, you just lost $26,250 in revenue because you saved $300 on shipping.
The smart play is a hybrid approach:
- Send 30-40% of your Q4 inventory via SPD starting in early October. This gets checked in fast and gives you a safety buffer.
- Send the remaining 60-70% via LTL as your cost-effective replenishment. If it arrives late, your SPD shipment covers you.
- Watch your IPI score because Amazon may limit your storage in Q4. Plan around your capacity limits, not just your sales forecast.
One more tip: label everything perfectly. A single mislabeled box in Q4 can delay your entire LTL shipment while Amazon sorts it out. Use FNSKUs, not UPCs, and double-check every case label.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I stop shipping LTL to Amazon for Q4?
Stop sending LTL by mid-October at the latest. After that, receiving times become unpredictable. Switch to SPD for any last-minute replenishment to ensure your inventory is available for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
How much more does SPD cost compared to LTL for Amazon FBA?
SPD typically costs 2-3x more per unit than LTL. However, the faster check-in time means your inventory is sellable sooner. During Q4, the revenue you gain from being in stock often far outweighs the extra shipping cost.
Can I split a single product across LTL and SPD shipments?
Yes. Amazon allows you to create multiple shipments for the same ASIN. Send a fast SPD shipment to cover immediate demand while your larger LTL shipment is in transit. This is a standard Q4 strategy for experienced sellers.