Essendant Packaging Guidelines

Master Essendant Packaging Guidelines: adhere to pallet stacking, carton labeling, mixing orders & shipping requirements for safe, efficient shipments.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Mention of packing lists is found, but specific placement requirements are not detailed in the provided pages.

Can pallets be stacked?

Pallets can be stacked; however, certain conditions must be met. Pallets should be built with cartons using the interlocked pattern and block stack methods, avoiding the pyramid configuration. For shrink wrapping, both the 'bowtie' and 'roping' methods are suggested to maintain the integrity of the pallet. Furthermore, when double stacking, each pallet should be individually shrink wrapped before wrapping them together. All pallets must be loaded in a manner allowing easy removal using a forklift or hand jack.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Carton(s) containing mixed product must have the green MIXED PACK - OPEN FIRST label. The Mixed label must be affixed to every mixed carton or less than standard case pack quantity. Deviations from the standard case pack must have this label affixed.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet only if bulk and shelf products have a low volume of shelf product. The shelf product must be placed on top of bulk product and must be clearly separated with the use of a slip sheet, cardboard, or color shrink wrap. This should occur only on a single pallet in the shipment and not across multiple pallets.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

SKUs should not be mixed within a single carton. Bulk and Shelf SKUs must be kept separate and not intermingled in the same carton.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

All products must be shipped on a 48" x 40" Hardwood GMA #1 or Grade A Pallet. CHEP Pallets are also allowed but they are not returned to the supplier.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The maximum weight per standard pallet must not exceed 2,200 pounds. There is no specified minimum weight for pallets.

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

The Bill of Lading (BOL) must include:
- Freight Terms as per agreement (Prepaid, Collect, or 3rd party NL orders).
- Bill of Lading Number.
- The number of cartons and pallets contained in the shipment.
- Shipment weight in pounds (LBS).
- Ship date, reflecting the actual shipping date.
- Carrier name.
- Ship From Address including Supplier's Name and full address.
- Ship To Address indicating the final destination (Essendant Distribution Center).
- All purchase orders being shipped, with Essendant stock POs being seven characters long.
- Special Instructions include:
- Delivery appointment scheduling through Opendock.com.
- Delivery shipment intact.
- Wheel must be chocked or dock lock engaged before unloading.
- Special handling requirements if applicable.
- Description of Articles with any Hazardous Materials information.

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

Carton Level UCC-128 labels must be placed on the right-hand side such that the bottom of the label is 1.25 inches from the bottom of the carton, and the barcode is at least 0.75 inches from any vertical edge. Pallet Level UCC-128 labels must be placed between 16 and 32 inches from the top of the pallet on two adjacent sides, outside the shrink wrap. Labels should not be placed on carton edges or covered by small parcel tracking labels and should be placed on a flat surface for scanning. For outer cartons containing multiple inner cartons, a UCC-128 label and a "MIXED PACK - OPEN FIRST" label must be placed on the outer carton. UCC-128 labels should be non-reflective white stock, 4" x 6" in size.

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

- Carton Level UCC-128: Place one label on the right-hand side with the bottom 1.25" from the bottom and the barcode at least 0.75" from vertical edges. Do not wrap labels over carton edges or cover with parcel tracking labels.
- Over-pack Cartons: Have no outside markings; only UCC-128 and over-pack labels.
- For mixed or non-standard shipments, affix a green "MIXED PACK - OPEN FIRST" label for cartons that contain mixed product or less than standard case pack quantities.

UCC-128 Barcode:
- The UCC-128 label must be placed such that they are not damaged or obscured. It must remain scannable and readable.

All labels must be removable without damaging the carton.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height allowed for shipping is 84 inches. Exceptions require prior Essendant approval.