Defining the "General Merchandise" Mix

In a standard Amazon GM load, you can expect a mix of everything from small appliances and electronics to toys and kitchen gadgets. The "audit" starts by checking our truckload specials to see if the load is "Big Box" or "Small Box" dominant. High-cube loads with large items offer lower unit counts but higher individual price points, whereas "Small Box" loads are the bread and butter of high-volume bin stores.

Manifest vs. Unmanifested Reality

While some loads come with a digital footprint, many of the best deals are raw and unmanifested. As we explain in our truckloads explained guide, an unmanifested load is often where the highest ROI sits because you aren't paying a premium for the labor of counting the items. You are buying the "potential" of the load at a lower cost-per-pound or cost-per-pallet.

The Triage: Sorting for Maximum Recovery

A successful Amazon audit involves immediate sorting. Set up three zones in your warehouse: "New/Shelf Pull" for premium resale, "Open Box" for testing, and "Bulk/Salvage" for quick liquidation. GM loads are famous for having "High-Velocity" items that can be flipped within 48 hours to pay off the freight costs of the entire truck.

Seasonal Shifts in Amazon Loads

In 2026, savvy buyers track the calendar. Post-holiday GM loads will be heavy on tech and gift returns, while Q2 loads often feature housewares and outdoor gear. Aligning your truckload purchase with local demand ensures that your general merchandise doesn't sit on the shelf, keeping your cash flow fluid.

Final Verdict

The Amazon General Merchandise load is the ultimate "everything" play. It provides the variety needed to keep a retail store fresh and the volume required to scale. If you're ready to move beyond single pallets and want the raw, high-margin potential of a full trailer, it’s time to audit your sourcing strategy and go bulk.