Fuel Surcharges Raise the Cost of Amazon FBA Inbound Delivery
U.S. Parcel Costs Hit a Record
U.S. ground parcel costs remained elevated in the second quarter, Supply Chain Dive reported on July 20. The TD Cowen/AFS Ground Parcel Freight Index reached 42.4% above its January 2018 baseline, an increase of 6.9% year over year.
The index is expected to moderate to 38.7% above the baseline in the third quarter. Even at that level, the report said 2026 remains on track to record the highest cost per package in the index’s history.
Fuel Surcharge Pressure
The average net fuel surcharge per package increased 40% year over year in the second quarter. At diesel prices of $4.50 per gallon, FedEx and UPS ground fuel surcharges were running at roughly 24.5% to 25%, compared with 22.5% a year earlier.
Supply Chain Dive also reported that discounts for some FedEx and UPS shippers declined slightly in the quarter. Large and small customers may therefore receive different pricing outcomes.
Connection to the Amazon FBA Inbound Process
For China sellers, inbound shipping cost does not end at the U.S. port. After international freight and customs clearance, cartons still need inland or parcel delivery to the Amazon-assigned fulfillment center. Fuel surcharges and billed weight can change that final leg’s cost.
This matters when comparing a low ocean or air freight quote. The Amazon FBA inbound process should be priced from the China pickup point through delivery and receiving, including destination handling, domestic transport and any carrier surcharge.
Cost Planning for China Sellers
Sellers should request an all-in quote, confirm whether fuel is included and check the billed-weight rules before booking. A shipment split between fulfillment centers may also create additional domestic delivery charges.
The index report noted that Amazon Shipping and other Amazon Supply Chain Services could pressure parcel pricing over time. That potential competition does not remove the need to verify service coverage, delivery time and Amazon receiving requirements for each shipment.
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