Fastenal Company Packaging Guidelines

Review Fastenal’s packaging guidelines for shipping cartons and pallets. Get tips on packing slips, labels, weight limits, and PO mix rules for accurate shipping.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Every shipment must have one packing slip per order attached to the product. The packing slip must contain at a minimum: Purchase order number, Ship to address, Shipping date, Order date, Supplier part number, Fastenal part number, Quantity ordered, Quantity shipped. Additionally, a copy of the packing slip must be emailed to packingslips@fastenal.com, formatted as .pdf, .jpg or .tif, with the file name being exactly the Fastenal Purchase Order number.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

Each pallet must have a packing slip attached to the order.

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be stacked. Each pallet must be built in such a way to protect the product and provide strength to ensure successful shipment regardless of conditions. Cases must be stacked to avoid misalignment for maximum stacking strength.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Under no circumstance should you mix purchase orders in the same carton.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet. The requirements for pallets are as follows:
1. Palletize the mixed purchase orders together.
2. Keep like purchase orders together.
3. Have an approved product barcode on all levels of shippable and sellable units.
4. Attach one packing slip per order.
5. Each individual carton must be labeled with the Fastenal purchase order number.
6. On the outer wrap of each pallet, place a Generic Shipping Label with a placard stating "MIXED POs" that lists the purchase order numbers and box count per purchase order on the pallet (Appendix 5).

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet for the same final Fastenal destination. The requirements are to use a placard stating "MIXED POs" that lists purchase order numbers and box count per purchase order on the pallet. Palletized products should be shrink-wrapped, and for shipments that cross international borders, comply with ISPM-15 regulations.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Multiple parts can be mixed into one master carton, and a "Mixed Parts" label should be applied on the carton. However, purchase orders should not be mixed within the same carton.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Pallets must be made of wood or plastic. No metal pallets will be accepted. Wood pallets must be grade A or B; grade C pallets are unacceptable.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

Cardboard cartons shipped to Fastenal shall not exceed 50 lbs per carton. There is no specified minimum weight for shipping cartons.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

Each pallet must not exceed the maximum weight of 2,050 pounds, including pallet and product.

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

For pallet (freight) or carton (parcel) shipments, a Bill of Lading (BOL) must be generated for each shipping transaction, including Fastenal's Blue Global will call transport service. The BOL should include:
- Fastenal purchase orders #
- Number of packages
- Purchase order # weight
- Pallet count
- HAZMAT Reporting, as applicable

You must provide the driver with a filled copy of the Fastenal Bill of Lading found at http://vics.keyship.net/Client/DirectBillOfLading.aspx. If you provide Pallet (Tare) Level ASNs, provide a copy(s) of each Pallet level ASN for the driver. If you ONLY provide Carton (Pack) Level ASNs, provide a copy(s) of each Carton ASN for the driver.

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

Each pallet must have a single, unique GS1-128 shipping label attached to the outer wrap on the side facing the forklift operator. The label is approximately 4"x6" in size, in portrait orientation. When shipping loose cartons, each master carton must have a single, unique GS1-128 label attached to the largest flat side. The SSCC-18 number for each pallet should be sent at the TARE level of the ASN, while for cartons, it should be sent at the PACK level of the ASN.

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

Each master carton must have a single, unique GS1-128 shipping label attached to the largest flat side of the carton. The SSCC-18 number for each carton should be sent at the PACK level of the ASN. Labels for promotional products should be placed on the side facing the forklift operator and one of the adjacent sides. The GS1-128 label is approximately 4"x6" in size, with portrait orientation and specific fields required.