A container from Vietnam can go straight into Amazon's fulfilment network, or stop first in a buffer warehouse. That choice drives cost, speed and how much inventory sits in expensive FBA storage.
What a 3PL is
A third-party logistics provider (3PL) is an outside company that stores inventory and handles fulfilment and shipping for a brand. Some focus on transport, some on storage, and full-service 3PLs combine warehousing, fulfilment, returns and reporting. For Amazon sellers, a 3PL often acts as a staging warehouse: it receives the container, holds bulk stock and sends smaller replenishments to FBA — and can also fulfil orders from other sales channels.
The three routes compared
| Direct to FBA | Via a US 3PL | Via AWD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Cartons or pallets delivered from the port to the assigned fulfilment centres | Container unloaded at the 3PL; replenishments sent to FBA as needed | Bulk stock stored in Amazon's distribution network and auto-replenished to FBA |
| Best for | Steady, well-forecast SKUs; one or few destinations | Multi-channel brands; many SKUs; custom prep or kitting in the US | Amazon-focused brands with large volumes and few channels |
| Main cost risks | Split shipments, inbound placement fees, FBA storage of excess stock | 3PL handling and storage, extra domestic freight | AWD storage and transport fees (changed January 2026) |
| Flexibility | Low — stock is committed to Amazon | High — stock can go to any channel | Medium — designed for the Amazon network |
AWD in a few lines
- Amazon Warehousing and Distribution is low-cost bulk storage at Amazon distribution centres, with automatic replenishment to fulfilment centres.
- Replenishments from AWD avoid the inbound placement fee on those transfers — see inbound placement fees.
- AWD fees for storage, transport and handling were revised in January 2026, so compare the current rate card with a 3PL quote before committing.
- Prep and labelling must already be done — AWD shipments are covered by the end of Amazon's US prep services; see FBA prep at the factory.
A simple decision rule
- One or two SKUs, predictable sales, Amazon only → direct to FBA, ideally full containers.
- Several channels (Amazon, own website, retailers) → 3PL as the hub; multi-channel fulfilment is possible from there.
- Large Amazon-only volume where FBA capacity is tight → AWD, with FBA fed automatically.
Whichever route you choose, the ocean leg, US customs and duty under DDP stay the same. Related: US warehousing options · transloading near the port.