Big 5 Sporting Goods Packaging Guidelines

Below you will find a common list of FAQs that our users have when it comes to packaging guidelines for Big 5 Sporting Goods.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

A detailed packing list must accompany each shipment, reflecting the delivered product. It must include the supplier name, Big 5's purchase order number, item description and/or SKU or UPC number, and case quantity per item. The packing list should not be placed inside a master carton.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

Yes, a detailed packing list must accompany each shipment. It must reflect the product delivered and contain supplier name, Big 5's purchase order number, item description or SKU/UPC number, and case quantity per item. It should not be placed inside a master carton and should be sent to DCpackinglist@big5corp.com if there's an issue with providing it to the carrier.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

No, purchase orders should not be mixed within a single carton. Trailers must be loaded by PO, style, and color, and multiple PO's should be staged horizontally within the trailer, with clearly visible separators if necessary. Mixing PO's within a carton is not allowed, as proper loading requires separation by purchase order to avoid chargebacks.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

The guidelines mention that trailers must be loaded by PO, style, and color, and that PO changes within the trailer must have a clearly visible separator. It does not specify detailed requirements for mixing SKUs on a single pallet and primarily focuses on loading by PO in the trailer.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Cartons with mixed SKU numbers are not allowed. Big 5 requires products to be packed in full master cartons by SKU number.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

All shipments should be floor-loaded unless Big 5 authorizes palletization due to the nature of the product. If authorized, pallets should not cause product overhang and should not be included as part of the product weight in the bill of lading.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The maximum weight for shipping cartons should not exceed 75 lbs. Carton weight exceeding 100 lbs. requires special instructions and prior approval from a buyer.

What are the requirements for Bills of Lading when it comes to pallet (freight) or carton (parcel) shipments?

A Bill of Lading (BOL) must accompany every carrier delivery. It must include freight terms as per the Merchandise Agreement, a unique BOL number, pallet and carton count, shipment weight, shipment date, carrier name, "Ship From" and "Ship To" addresses, and the Purchase Order number. On "Collect" less-than-truckload shipments, the applicable NMFC rating must be included on the BOL to avoid potential higher freight costs. The BOL should not list the contract freight-all-kinds rate or any special commodity rates.

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

For cartons, UCC-128 labels are required. The label must be a minimum size of 4" x 6", with black type on a white background using ARIAL or similar font. It must include a UPC-A barcode symbology and a 20-digit UCC-128/Carton ID number that is unique and EAN 128 or UCC-128 compliant. The label must be affixed securely to all cartons delivered to Big 5's Distribution Center. The UCC-128 Carton ID barcode must be placed perpendicular to the bottom of the carton, on the longest side, two inches above the carton’s natural bottom and no more than three inches above. It should be located no closer than two inches to the right edge of the vertical face. Incorrect or damaged labels that do not scan are subject to expense offsets.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner cartons must be marked with a valid UPC barcode, quantity inside, and model/style number. All master cartons must be packed by SKU and only contain items with the same SKU. A UCC-128 carton label must be affixed to each master carton.

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

All master cartons delivered to Big 5's Distribution Center must have a UCC-128 carton label affixed. UCC-128 labels must be approved by Big 5 prior to implementation. The label must be securely affixed, minimum size 4" x 6", printed in ARIAL font or similar, with black type on a white background. The UPC Barcode must be UPC-A symbology, with a human-readable Big 5 SKU number included. The UCC-128/Carton ID barcode must be EAN 128 or UCC-128 compliant. All UCC-128/Carton ID numbers must be unique, and labels that do not scan are subject to expense offsets. The shipping container barcode shall be placed to the right of center (on the longest side) with its bottom no less than two (2) inches and no more than three (3) inches above the container's natural bottom. The outer edge of the right quiet zone shall not be closer than two (2) inches to the right edge of the vertical face. The UCC-128 Carton ID barcode must be perpendicular to the bottom of the carton, and for cartons less than six (6) inches in height, the label should be on the longest side of the carton with the barcode visible and not folded.