amazon-logistics-calculator

# Amazon FBA Logistics Cost Calculator Calculate the true landed cost for your FBA shipments. Compare sea, air, and express — pick the right method based on your margin, volume, and urgency. ## Commands ``` logistics calc # interactive shipping cost calculator logistics compare [details] # compare sea vs air vs express logistics landed [product] # full landed cost breakdown logistics duty [product] [country] # import duty & VAT calculator logistics route [origin] [dest] # common shipping route details logistics timeline # shipping timeline comparison logistics forwarder # freight forwarder selection guide logistics carton [dimensions] # carton CBM and chargeable weight logistics save [shipment] # save shipment profile ``` ## What Data to Provide - **Product details** — dimensions (cm), weight (kg) per unit and per carton - **Quantity** — total units to ship - **Origin** — factory location (city/country) - **Destination** — Amazon FBA warehouse country/region - **Timeline** — how urgently do you need stock? - **Product value** — for duty calculation ## Shipping Method Comparison ### Sea Freight (FCL / LCL) | Type | When to Use | Transit Time | Cost Estimate | |------|------------|-------------|--------------| | FCL 20ft | >15 CBM, frequent shipper | 25–35 days | $1,500–$3,000/container | | FCL 40ft | >28 CBM | 25–35 days | $2,500–$5,000/container | | LCL | <15 CBM, small shipments | 35–45 days | $80–$150/CBM | **Best for:** Large shipments, low-margin products, planned inventory restocks **Avoid when:** Urgent, small shipment, or product is high value/low volume ### Air Freight | Service | Transit Time | Cost Estimate | |---------|-------------|--------------| | Standard Air | 7–14 days | $4–$8/kg | | Economy Air | 14–21 days | $2.5–$5/kg | **Chargeable weight** = max(actual weight, volumetric weight) Volumetric weight = L × W × H (cm) / 6,000 **Best for:** New product launches, seasonal restocks, high-value low-weight products **Avoid when:** Heavy/bulky products, cost is main concern ### Express Courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | Service | Transit Time | Cost Estimate | |---------|-------------|--------------| | DHL Express | 3–5 days | $8–$15/kg | | FedEx International | 3–5 days | $8–$15/kg | | UPS Worldwide | 3–5 days | $8–$15/kg | **Best for:** Urgent stock-outs, samples, <50kg shipments **Avoid when:** >100kg (air freight becomes cheaper) ## Landed Cost Formula ``` Product Cost (COGS) = Unit cost × Quantity + Inbound Freight = Shipping method cost + Customs Duty = Product value × Duty rate % + VAT / Import Tax = (Product + Freight + Duty) × VAT rate % + Customs Broker Fee = $150–$300 flat + Port/Handling Charges = $50–$200 + Inland Delivery (to FBA) = $0.50–$2.00/carton + Amazon FBA Inbound Placement = $0.27–$1.58/unit (2024 fee) ───────────────────────────────────────────────────── Total Landed Cost = Sum of all above Landed Cost Per Unit = Total ÷ Quantity ``` ## Import Duty Rates (US HTS Common Categories) | Product Category | HS Code Range | US Duty Rate | |-----------------|---------------|-------------| | Electronics | 8471–8529 | 0–3.7% | | Clothing/Apparel | 6101–6217 | 12–32% | | Footwear | 6401–6403 | 20–37.5% | | Kitchen tools | 7323–7326 | 0–3.9% | | Toys/Games | 9501–9508 | 0% | | Sports equipment | 9506 | 4–5.1% | | Furniture | 9401–9403 | 0–7% | | Yoga mats/Fitness | 3926/9506 | 4–5.3% | **Note:** Section 301 China tariffs add 7.5–25% on many Chinese-origin products. Always verify current rates at USITC.gov. ## Shipping Timeline Planner Work backwards from your target in-stock date: ``` Target in-stock date: [Date] - FBA receiving buffer: -7 days - Port to FBA transit: -3 days - Customs clearance: -5 days (sea) / -2 days (air) - Transit time: -30 days (sea) / -10 days (air) - Export customs/loading: -5 days - Production lead time: -[X] days ──────────────────────────────────────── Order placement date: [Calculated] ``` ## Decision Framework: Which Method to Choose? | Scenario | Recommended Method | |----------|-------------------| | First shipment, <200kg | Air freight or Express | | Regular restock, >500kg, >30 days lead time | Sea LCL | | Large seller, >15 CBM per shipment | Sea FCL | | Running out of stock, <2 weeks | Express (DHL/FedEx) | | High-value, low-weight product | Air freight | | Low-margin, heavy product | Sea freight only | | Seasonal launch (e.g., Christmas stock) | Sea: ship by Oct 1 | ## Carton Optimization Tips - Keep carton weight under 23kg (FBA requirement, safety) - Standard carton size for FBA: 60×40×40cm (1 CBM = 25 cartons) - Maximize carton fill to minimize LCL costs - Match master carton quantity to FBA box limits (no more than 150 units/box for standard) ## Freight Forwarder Selection Criteria | Factor | What to Look For | |--------|-----------------| | Amazon FBA experience | Must know FBA label requirements | | US customs broker | In-house or established partner | | Tracking system | Real-time shipment visibility | | Communication | English-speaking, responsive | | Price | Get 3+ quotes, compare apples-to-apples | | Insurance | Cargo insurance included or available | **Recommended: Always get quotes from at least 3 forwarders** ## Output Format 1. **Cost Comparison Table** — sea vs. air vs. express for your shipment 2. **Recommended Method** — best option with reasoning 3. **Full Landed Cost Breakdown** — every line item to final unit cost 4. **Timeline** — ship-by date based on your target in-stock date 5. **Red Flags** — duty risks, seasonal surcharges, FBA restrictions