FAO Schwarz Packaging Guidelines

Below you will find a common list of FAQs that our users have when it comes to packaging guidelines for FAO Schwarz.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Yes, packing slips are required for all shipments. Packing slips must include the FAO Schwarz Purchase Order number, client name and address, number of units and cartons per SKU, and a pre-pack breakdown by color, size, and style. Packing slips should be attached to the carrier's BOL, in an envelope attached to the outside of the lead carton, and clearly marked "Packing Slip Enclosed." The lead carton should be labeled on all sides and be the last carton loaded for easy access.

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be double stacked if approved by FAO Schwarz. If double stacked, freight must be on separate skids and should not exceed 60" in height including the pallet. Product should not hang over the pallet and pallets must be secured by placing shrink-wrap around each pallet.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Cartons must contain merchandise for only one PO/ASN. Mixed cartons with multiple SKUs require additional handling and must be marked with an identifier such as a "Mixed" label or handwritten flag. Inside mixed cartons, SKUs must be segregated using clear polybags, labeled with item numbers, and total quantities.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed on a single pallet. The requirements state that mixed POs/SKUs need to be separated via a slip sheet. Any mixed POs/SKUs on the pallet without any sorting system will require additional handling and carton receiving, and extra fees may apply.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet, but they need to be separated via a slip sheet. If not sorted adequately, this will require additional handling and carton receiving, possibly incurring extra fees.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton, referred to as a "mixed carton." The requirements are: the carton must be marked with an identifier (label or large handwritten flag) to denote "Mixed" contents, inner packs within the mixed carton must be segregated by unique SKU using clear polybags, and the polybag must have a label denoting the item number and total quantity of the polybag. Improperly marked mixed cartons may incur a fee.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

The allowed pallet types are Grade A or Grade B approved 48 x 40" Standard Stringer Four Way pallets. Grade A pallets are new and free of defects, while Grade B pallets are used with a minimum amount of reinforced or corrected spots.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

The maximum weight of a carton is 50 lbs. Packages exceeding 20 x 20 x 20 in dimensional weight (equivalent to 49 lbs.) may incur a fee. Minimum corrugate carton strength is 175 lbs. or a 32 ETC (Edge Test Crush).

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The maximum weight for shipping cartons is 50 lbs. Cartons exceeding this weight may result in a fee. There is no specific minimum weight mentioned for cartons.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The minimum weight requirement for palletized merchandise is over 300 lbs, and the maximum weight for a pallet should not exceed 2,000 lbs, including the skid.

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

The Bill of Lading (BOL) requires the following mandatory information: Ship From and Ship To name, address, and zip code; Bill of Lading Number; Carrier Name; Carrier Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC); Terms; Purchase Order number or Advanced Shipment Notification (PO/ASN); Number of Packages; Weight; Pallets/Slips (Y/N); Handling Unit Quantity & Type; Commodity Description; Trailer Loaded and Counted Indicator; Shipper and Carrier Signatures. Conditional information includes Bill To name, address, and zip code (if different from Ship To), Pro Number (if an LTL shipment), Trailer Number (if a truckload shipment), Seal Number (if a sealed shipment from one origin to one destination), Master BOL indicator (if underlying BOLs are attached), Special Instructions (if a Master BOL is used), Package Quantity and Type (if shipment is unitized), Hazardous Material Indicator (if commodity is hazardous), NMFC number and class (if an LTL shipment), Receiving Stamp (if a truckload shipment). The BOL is recommended to be the VICS BOL format. The Bill of Lading must be prepared with the carrier receiving a signature on the document.

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

All labels on palletized shipments must be placed facing outward for easy scanning. Each pallet must be identified with the PO/ASN number and a pallet number (e.g., 1 of 6). Carton labels need to be placed facing outward and should include the client name, PO/ASN number, SKU/Item number, UPC number in both human-readable and barcode forms, total number of units, and any applicable expiration or hazardous label. Mixed carton contents must also be marked or labeled as "Mixed." Cartons should be labeled with statements like "HANDLE WITH CARE" or "FRAGILE" if necessary. Labels should be in a minimum 12-point font size.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner packs must be segregated by unique SKU, using clear polybags labeled with the item number and total quantity. Mixed cartons require markings to denote mixed contents. Improperly marked mixed cartons or inner packs may incur a fee.

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

All individual items inside the cartons, along with outer cartons, must have a unique UPC barcode. A PO/ASN number must be labeled, along with the total number of units by style, color, size, and the total units in the carton. Cartons should also be marked with "HANDLE WITH CARE" and "FRAGILE" if containing breakable items. There is no mention of GS1 or UCC18 label requirements in the provided documents. Labels on cartons should face outward so they can be easily scanned.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The pallet should not exceed 60" in height including the pallet.