Costco Packaging & Routing Guidelines

Explore Costco Packaging Guidelines for pallet stacking, carton dim & weight limits, and proper GS1 label placement on domestic & imported shipments.

Can I stack pallets?

Yes. Pallets can be double or triple stacked if they are banded or shrink‐wrapped together as a single handling unit, and the Bill of Lading must reflect the number of handling units.

What are the max dimensions and weights for cartons?

For master display modules/trays (i.e. cartons used for display), the maximum allowed dimensions are 24 inches in front length by 20 inches in width, with a maximum weight of 40 lbs (though safety handling suggests keeping it closer to 25 lbs). For master shipping containers (when display packaging is not required), the maximum weight is 50 lbs for cases sized to be hand lifted.

Where do I place the label on a carton?

For imported shipments, you must use the Global-Customs Shipping Mark labels (either the Master Carton or Pods) on your carton as indicated in the attachments, though the specific placement on the carton isn’t detailed. For domestic shipments there is no requirement to mark the master carton; however, if you choose to use GS1-128 labels, they must be placed on the outside of the unit load/pallet load on two adjacent sides – for example, on one 40″ (1000mm) side and one 48″ (1200mm) side, outside of the pallet wrap.

Where do I place the label on a pallet?

For imported shipments, the label must include the Global‑Customs Shipping Mark (either on the master carton or pods as specified in the attachments). For domestic shipments, no shipping logistics label is required. However, if a supplier opts for GS1‑128 labels on domestic pallet loads, the labels should be placed on the outside of the pallet wrap (or stretch film) on two adjacent sides—one on the 40″ (or 1000 mm) side and one on the 48″ (or 1200 mm) side.