Belk Packaging Guidelines

Explore Belk Packaging Guidelines: pallet stacking, mixing POs/SKUs, carton limits, GS1-128 labeling & more shipping compliance details.

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be stacked. Stackable pallets should be created 48" high, and non-stackable pallets should be 8' high. The best practice is to create pallets less than 5' in height and to create two 48" pallets and double stack them. Product should be double stacked unless merchandise is breakable. Each pallet must be labeled accordingly and must be stretch wrapped.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, multiple purchase orders (POs) can be combined on a single pallet as long as they are going to the same distribution center (DC). Pallets must be stretch wrapped, with no overhang, and must be labeled with the DC location and the total pallet count (x of x total pallets per DC).

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet as long as they are going to the same DC. Each pallet must have a single DC destination. Pallets must be built with no overhang, must be stretch wrapped, and must use 48"x40" or 48"x42" 4-way access wooden pallets that are grade B or higher. Stackable pallets should be 48" high and non-stackable pallets can be up to 8' high.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton if the purchase order calls for 5 units or less of a SKU. In this case, the merchandise should be consolidated in a carton containing other SKUs with 5 units or less of the same SKU. Do not overbag like SKUs together in a mixed SKU carton. However, small cosmetic and jewelry products may be exempt if mixing causes the carton to not meet the minimum ecommerce carton sizes.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Pallets must be 48"x 40" or 48" x42", be 4-way access wooden pallets, and grade B or higher.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

Max size limit for single wall cartons is 105" (L+W+H).

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

Max weight for single wall boxes is 80 lbs and for double wall boxes is 150 lbs. Min weight specified for single wall boxes is 30 lbs, and for double wall boxes is 60 lbs.

What are the requirements for carton or pallet labels and their placement?

All cartons shipped to Belk require a GS1-128 shipping carton label. The GS1-128 label must be affixed to the longest side of the carton in the lower right corner, two inches from the right side and bottom. If the carton is under 4 inches in height, place the label on top. The label should not interfere with the product information on cartons displayed on the sales floor. Carton labels must be able to withstand normal in-transit wear and tear, and a colored sticker or tape must be applied on top of cartons as per product category color guidelines: White for Accessories/Jewelry/Other Center Core, Red for Womens, Orange for Home, and Yellow for Kids. Only store numbers should appear in the 'MARK FOR' section of the carton label.

What are the requirements for placing labels on cartons being shipped?

All cartons shipped to Belk require a GS1-128 shipping carton label, which should be part of the ASN transmission and include a human-readable 20-digit code. Labels must be at least 6 inches high and 4 inches wide. Place the GS1-128 label on the longest side of the carton, in the lower right corner, two inches from the right side and bottom. For cartons under four inches in height, place the label on top. If the longest side is too short, fold the label over the top of the carton. Do not cover product information if the carton will be displayed on the sales floor. The label must withstand normal in-transit wear and tear. Only store numbers should be in the "MARK FOR" section, not Distribution Center or consolidation numbers. Apply a colored sticker, tape, or marking on top of the cartons by product category: White for Accessories/Jewelry/Other Center Core, Red for Womens, Orange for Home, Yellow for Kids.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

For single stack, pallets can be stacked up to 5' or 8' if secure. If double stacked, up to 8' total (2 x 48" pallets).