Grainger Packaging Guidelines

See Grainger Packaging Guidelines for carton & pallet rules, including packing lists, labeling, mixed stock, and weight restrictions.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Yes, there are requirements. The packing list must be attached to the outside of one of the cartons. It is necessary to list the purchase order numbers on every shipping carton, and cartons must be numbered (e.g., 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3). If the carton contains different products, it must be identified as "mixed stock."

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

Truck shipments require two copies of the packing list. One copy must be on the shipment and the other copy is for the driver.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Purchase orders can be placed in separate cartons, but each carton must include purchase order numbers on the outside, and if they contain different products, they must be labeled as "mixed stock." Cartons must also be numbered and have a packing list attached to the outside of one of the cartons.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Different products can be shipped on the same pallet.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, different products may be shipped on the same pallet. The approved method of securing product to the pallet is stretch wrap or plastic banding. Steel banding is allowed only on a pre-approved basis.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton. The requirement is to identify cartons with different products inside as "mixed stock" by labeling them as such or writing it by hand on the carton.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

The allowed pallet type for shipping is the 40" x 48", 4-way box pallet constructed with wood. Paper-based materials are not acceptable. The weight limit per pallet is 2000 lbs, and there are no height restrictions.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

Cartons over 70 lbs. require a "heavy lifting warning" illustration. For packages over 250 lbs., an attached understructure is required.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The weight limit per pallet is a maximum of 2000 lbs. There is no minimum weight requirement mentioned.

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

For freight shipments routed through Connect by XPO Logistics, the Supplier must place the appropriate Bills of Lading and packing list copies in an envelope and attach it to the back of the Master Manifest. The Bills of Lading must contain the Purchase Order Number(s), Freight Terms, and Bill To instructions. For parcels, the document does not specify Bill of Lading requirements directly; it focuses on packing lists and labeling requirements for cartons instead.

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

Placards for pallets or loose pieces routed through a Grainger cross dock must be printed from the Connect by XPO Logistics website. They should contain the shipper name, final DC#, final DC address, pallet number, PO#(s) on pallet, Load ID, and Pro#. Placards must be attached to the upper right-hand side of the pallet, and the pallet should be loaded with the placard facing the rear of the trailer.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Grainger order quantities should be in multiples of the supplier's package quantities. If they do not match, the supplier should contact the Grainger Supplier Performance Analyst.

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

The labels on cartons must include the Grainger stock number and, if applicable, purchase order numbers. Packing lists must be attached to the outside of one of the cartons for shipments by parcel. Cartons should be numbered (e.g., 1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc.). Cartons containing different products must be identified as "mixed stock." The use of GS1 or UCC18 labels is not mentioned in the provided pages. The recommended placement for labels such as "mixed stock" is on the outside of the carton, handwritten or labeled.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

There are no height restrictions for pallets when shipping.