Shipping costs are a major factor that can impact profit margins for eCommerce sellers on Amazon. As competition grows, saving money on logistics allows brands to invest more in growth or advertising opportunities. In 2025, Amazon is not increasing US referral and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees. In fact, some fees are even being reduced. For instance, inbound placement fees for large, bulky products will decrease by an average of $0.58 per unit, and sellers with new products can benefit from waived inbound placement fees for up to 100 units under the FBA New Selection Program, according to 2025 Amazon Fulfillment Fees Updates.
When every cent matters for growth, our team helps brands simplify shipping cost management to maximize Amazon success.
Key Amazon Shipping Fees Explained (FBA, FBM, Referral)
Amazon sellers typically deal with three main types of shipping-related fees:
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees: Cover picking, packing, and shipping handled by Amazon.
- Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) fees: Sellers manage their own logistics, which can be cheaper for some products.
- Referral fees: Amazon deducts a 15% commission on average for each sale, with rates from 6% to 45%, depending on category.
Understanding how these Amazon seller shipping fees work is important for effective Amazon shipping optimization and boosting profitability.
How Amazon Calculates Your Shipping Costs and Fees
Amazon determines shipping fees by looking at product size, weight, and category. For FBA, fees are based on either the unit weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is higher. This means packaging optimization is crucial. In 2025, Amazon is using more specific size categories and some discounts for certain products. Sellers can use Amazonโs official fee calculators to preview costs and plan ahead, which ensures you know what to expect and helps with accurate forecasting. For full details, visit 2025 FBA fulfilment fee changes.
2025 Amazon Shipping & Fee Updates: What Sellers Need to Know
Fee stability is good news for sellers in 2025. Amazon is keeping US referral and FBA fees steady, and no new fee types are being added. Also, inbound placement fees for large, bulky products are going down by an average of $0.58 per unit. Products eligible for the FBA New Selection Program have inbound placement fees waived for up to 100 units. These changes help brands simplify operations and grow more efficiently. Read more at 2025 Updates to US Referral and Fulfillment by Amazon Fees.
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11 Proven Strategies to Reduce Shipping Costs on Amazon
Optimize Packaging Size and Materials to Lower Dimensional Fees
Smart packaging can quickly reduce Amazon seller shipping fees. Use smaller box sizes and lightweight but sturdy materials to avoid high dimensional weight costs. Even a small decrease in packaging dimensions can result in big FBA shipping savings over many shipments. This approach also supports Amazonโs eco-friendly goals and appeals to environmentally conscious customers. For hands-on help, see our Amazon Listing Optimization services.
Bundle Products and Consolidate Shipments for Savings
Bundling products and combining orders allows you to save on packaging, handling, and shipping fees for each unit. When customers buy more items together, your average order value rises and seller metrics often improve. Order consolidation is a proven Amazon shipping optimization tactic, especially when combined with promotions or free shipping thresholds.
Leverage Bulk Shipments and Inventory Placement Services
Shipping inventory in bulk to Amazonโs warehouses can get you discounted courier rates and reduce per item costs. Using Amazonโs Inventory Placement Service lets you send all your inventory to one location, which cuts down on cross-country shipping expenses. This is especially valuable for sellers with high-volume products or those expanding to new regions. Discover more ways to optimize inventory with our Amazon Full Account Management services.
Negotiate Discounted Courier and Supplier Shipping Rates
Negotiating shipping rates with couriers and suppliers is one of the best ways to reduce Amazon shipping costs. Large sellers often qualify for better rates, but even smaller brands should compare offers or use third-party logistics (3PL) providers for savings. Ask suppliers for bulk discounts or to share freight costs. These savings can quickly add up, letting you re-invest in marketing or product development. Get more advice at our Amazon Advertising Agency page.
Use Amazonโs Frustration-Free Packaging Program
The Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging program can help lower dimensional weight fees and reduce waste. Sellers enrolled benefit from simpler packaging, a reduction in product damages, and higher customer satisfaction. This program also helps your product stand out, while achieving more FBA shipping savings.
Partner with 3PL Providers for Better Rates & Fulfillment Efficiencies
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers can give Amazon sellers access to discounted courier rates and specialized packaging solutions. Outsourcing fulfillment allows you to scale up, lower operational costs, and focus on business growth. Many 3PLs also provide shipping analytics tools, making it easier to track costs and optimize supply chains.
Consider Order Consolidation and Promotion Tactics
Encourage customers to place larger orders by offering promotions or free shipping for reaching certain thresholds. Consolidating orders reduces the number of packages shipped, lowers overall fees, and improves the customer experience with fewer deliveries and less packaging, all boosting your bottom line.
Automate Shipping: Use Rate Comparison & Shipping Software
Using shipping software automation lets you compare courier rates instantly, print labels in batches, and track shipments efficiently. These tools help you choose the best shipping options and save time and money. Automation is essential for Amazon shipping optimization, especially as your business grows.
Track Shipping KPIs and Continuously Audit Costs
Keep tabs on shipping KPIs such as cost per shipment, delivery times, and return rates to spot problems and fix them quickly. Auditing shipping expenses helps you avoid hidden fees and outdated processes. The right shipping analytics tools highlight cost-saving trends and areas for improvement.
Overcoming Hidden Fees, Tariffs, and International Costs
International fulfillment brings extra challenges like hidden fees, tariffs, and surprise shipping surcharges. Prevent costly surprises by working with experienced 3PL providers for Amazon and using shipping analytics tools. Consider bulk importing, storing inventory in key countries, and regularly auditing expenses to keep international shipping costs down.
Stock Smarter: Inventory Planning to Prevent Rush Shipping
Good inventory planning keeps you from needing expensive rush shipping or experiencing stockouts. Track sales trends and forecast demand so you have the right products in the right locations, reducing expensive expedited shipments. This saves on Amazon seller shipping fees and keeps customers happy with faster deliveries. For advanced tools, check out our SalesDuo platform.
Special Programs and Tools for Amazon Shipping Savings
Amazon New Selection Program & Fee Waivers
In 2025, Amazonโs FBA New Selection Program offers better discounts and incentives, making it easier for sellers to test new products without big upfront costs. For shipments from December 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, inbound placement fees are waived for up to 100 units of new parent ASINs. Get all the details at 2025 Amazon Fulfillment Fees Updates.
Using Third-Party Software and Shipping Integrations
Third-party shipping software helps with automated rate comparisons, label printing, and order tracking. These tools help Amazon sellers find the most cost-effective shipping choices and streamline fulfillment. Automation reduces manual mistakes and gives you more time to focus on business growth. To see how tech can help, explore our Amazon SEO Services.
Conclusion: Take Action Now for Shipping Cost Efficiencies
Reducing Amazon shipping costs in 2025 isnโt just about spending less; itโs about building a stronger, more profitable business. Focus on:
- Optimizing packaging and order consolidation
- Leveraging bulk shipments and negotiating rates
- Using automation and shipping analytics tools
- Taking advantage of programs like FBA New Selection
To learn more, read our Amazon Content Optimization Guide and check out the latest Advertising Benchmark.
As Amazon continues to change, brands need more than just visibility. At SalesDuo, we use data, strategy, creativity, and advanced AI tools to drive real growth. With 85% of our full-stack team made up of experienced ex-Amazon professionals and a proprietary AI dashboard supporting your business, weโve helped over 250 eCommerce brands make Amazon their top sales channel. Want to do the same? Book your 1:1 growth call today!
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About the Author
Meet Nandita Nair, an Associate Content Writer at SalesDuo, passionate about creating impactful content that helps Amazon businesses grow and thrive. When sheโs not writing, she finds joy in listening to music, exploring art, and getting lost in the world of novels.
