Amazon Global Logistics vs. Freight Forwarding: 7 Facts Sellers Need to Know

Table of contents

1. initiation
2. What is Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)?
   — Scope of services provided by AGL
3. Classic freight forwarding — structure & features
   — Customs, processing, communication
4. Amazon Global Logistics vs. Freight Forwarding — The Direct Comparison
5. Benefits of Amazon Global Logistics
6. Disadvantages & Limitations of AGL
7. When is which solution worthwhile?
8. Practical tips for sellers (international shipping)
9. Logistics optimization tools & services
10. Legislative framework
11. You can also find answers in our MetaPrice FAQ
12. Conclusion
13. Amazon Global Logistics FAQ

initiation

Amazon Global Logistics is regarded by many sellers as a potential solution for international shipping — but is Amazon-owned service really more efficient than a traditional shipping company? This question concerns both newcomers and established retailers who are thinking about new sales markets or want to optimize their logistics processes.

In this article, we compare Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) and classic freight forwarders in detail. We highlight advantages, limits and provide practical tips for sellers — in particular with regard to costs, customs processing, time and strategic control.

What is Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)?

Amazon Global Logistics is a logistics service provided by Amazon that enables sellers to ship products directly to Amazon warehouses in other countries — without detours via third parties. Amazon takes over large parts of the supply chain, from collection from the seller to storage.

AGL's scope of services

Amazon Global Logistics covers all major stages of transportation — from collection to customs processing. Sellers can upload documents, create shipping labels and track the current status of their containers or packages via the central retailer portal.

Core services:

• Freight transportation (air or sea freight)
• Export and import processing
• customs clearance
• Tracking and delivery information in real time
• Integration with Seller Central and FBA processes

This interface enables close integration with other Amazon services such as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or the Amazon Repricing Software from Metaprice.

Classic freight forwarding — structure & features

A classic freight forwarding company is an external logistics company that organizes the transport, storage and processing of international shipments for retailers. These service providers have been established for decades and often offer more flexibility for individual special cases or special requirements.

Many Amazon retailers continue to rely on freight forwarders, for example for:

• collection container
• Individual routes
• Complex customs requirements
• Non-FBA warehouse locations

Customs, processing, communication

In contrast to Amazon Global Logistics, sellers at traditional shipping companies must independently coordinate customs clearance, the provision of Incoterms and the preparation of shipping documents or commission a third-party provider.

This has advantages and disadvantages:

• More control, but also more effort
• More flexible price negotiations, but more time-consuming processes
• Dedicated contacts, but often missing integration with Amazon Seller Central

In particular when combined with Amazon FBM (shipped by merchant) Depending on the product category, traditional freight forwarding may be the better choice.

Amazon Global Logistics vs. Freight Forwarding — The Direct Comparison

A direct comparison shows that no solution is universally better — but the choice depends on product type, shipping volume and strategic goals.

Sellers with a focus on efficiency and automation are well advised with AGL — those who want maximum control rely on freight forwarders.

Benefits of Amazon Global Logistics

• Easy booking via Seller Central — no external account or contract required
• Seamless customs — automatically organized via Amazon
• Full FBA compatibility — no manual intervention required
• Predictive cost planning — all fees can be viewed in advance
• Tracking in real time — from departure to storage in the Amazon warehouse
• Reduced organizational costs — fewer interfaces, fewer sources of error

For sellers who want to scale internationally, AGL is often the most efficient way to enter initial markets such as the USA, UK or Japan — especially in combination with dynamic repricing for price optimization.

Disadvantages & Limitations of AGL

• Less flexibility in special cases — such as dangerous goods or partial deliveries
• Less control over delays — everything runs on Amazon
• Dependency on platform provider — Risk of suspensions or policy changes
• Not all countries covered — AGL is not available globally
• No individual contact — Support is provided via the seller system

Decision-making aids, practical tips, tools & legal information

When is which solution worthwhile?

Amazon Global Logistics is particularly worthwhile for:

• Amazon newcomers without logistics experience
• Sellers focused on FBA
• Retailers with high shipping volumes to standard destinations

Traditional freight forwarders are particularly worthwhile for:

• Sellers with complex supply chains
• Multi-channel sales outside Amazon
• Special requirements, e.g. dangerous goods, refrigerated transport
• High-priced products with individual delivery conditions

In many cases, a hybrid approach makes sense — for example AGL for standard products and Freight forwarding for special transports. Anyone who sells their products via various channels or has individual packaging, transport or customer communication requirements benefits from the flexibility of traditional freight forwarders.

Practical tips for sellers (international shipping)

1. Have customs forms generated automatically — tools such as AvaTax, Zonos or SimplyDuty help to calculate customs duties correctly.
2. Combine freight forwarding with tracking — e.g. via Multicarrier systems or third party providers such as Shippo, Parcel Perform or Sendcloud.
3. Calculate and compare costs regularly — particularly in the case of sea freight. Use tools such as Amazon price analysisto keep an eye on margins.
4. Upload AGL documents completely and correctly — this avoids delays in storage and reduces inquiries from Amazon.
5. Store customs tariff numbers & product descriptions cleanly — Errors here can block deliveries or result in back payments.

Logistics optimization tools & services

• Amazon Seller Central: Centralized management of Amazon Global Logistics processes, including label printing, tracking, and document management.
• Metaprice Repricing Tool: Ideal for making logistics-based price adjustments — e.g. in the event of delays or fluctuating demand.
• Shipping tools such as ShipStation or Sendcloud: Perfect for shipping outside of AGL or when working with multiple carriers.
• Analysis and reporting dashboards: tools such as Amazon Business Reports or Product data optimization with Metaprice help identify weak points.

Legislative framework

When shipping abroad — whether via AGL or a freight forwarder — there are clear legal requirements. Here are a few key points:

• Declare dutiable goods correctly: Entering incorrect values or code numbers may result in warnings or customs fines.
• Define Incoterms clearly: Who pays the shipping costs? Who is the risk? Common variants are DAP (Delivered at Place) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).
• Observe packaging instructions: In Germany, for example, the Packaging Act (including LUCID registration).
• Protect transport damage: Who is liable in an emergency? Shipping companies are usually covered by transport insurance — at AGL, Amazon is liable in accordance with internal guidelines.
• Data protection (GDPR) when uploading documents: Sensitive data such as customs forms and commercial invoices must be transmitted securely.

MetaPrice FAQ, Conclusion & Common Questions

You can also find answers in our MetaPrice FAQ

When starting out in international shipping logistics, many sellers ask themselves questions such as:

• Which strategy fits my business model?
• How can I use logistics data for pricing decisions?
• What are the risks associated with customs or partial deliveries?

You can also find answers in our MetaPrice FAQs — Among other things, common questions about Amazon Global Logistics, Repricing and shipping strategies are answered concisely and comprehensibly.

Conclusion

Amazon Global Logistics vs. freight forwarding — both models are justified. The decision depends heavily on your individual initial situation, your willingness to take risks and your expansion goal.

While Amazon Global Logistics offers you a fast, scalable solution with a high level of system integration, classic freight forwarders give you more control, flexibility and individuality.

Briefly summarized:

1. AGL = automation, integration & easy scaling
2. Freight forwarding = control, flexibility & individual conditions
3. Hybrid solutions are often the reality of successful sellers
4. Logistics should always be combined with price data & market dynamics
5. Tools like Metaprice help you balance the two

👉 Rethink your logistics strategy now — and use smart tools like Metaprice for greater efficiency: metaprice.io

Amazon Global Logistics FAQ

What is Amazon Global Logistics exactly?
An Amazon-owned shipping service that simplifies international shipments — including customs processing and delivery to Amazon warehouses.

Which countries does Amazon Global Logistics support?
AGL is currently available for the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Japan and parts of the EU, among others. You can find the latest list in Seller Central.

How much does Amazon Global Logistics cost?
The costs depend on the mode of delivery (air or sea), weight, volume and destination region. An exact calculation is made in the AGL booking portal.

Can AGL be combined with freight forwarders?
Yes, many sellers use AGL for standard goods and classic shipping companies for special or large shipments.

Which is safer: AGL or freight forwarding?
Both routes are safe when professionally planned. AGL scores points with system integration, freight forwarders with personal support.