Indigo Packaging Guidelines

Explore Indigo Packaging Guidelines for compliant shipping, covering pallet stacking, carton dimensions, labeling standards, Bills of Lading, and more.

Can pallets be stacked?

Pallets may be double-stacked only if the bottom pallet is leveled and the product on the bottom pallet will not get damaged. Triple stacking of pallets is not allowed. The shipper will take responsibility for any damage resulting from double-stacking.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

No, each outer case/carton must contain merchandise for only one Purchase Order.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

A pallet must contain product for one DC or store ship-to-location only, with no mixed destinations. There are no specific requirements for mixing SKUs on the same pallet, only that the heavier product must be placed at the bottom, and where possible, cases/cartons containing the same item should be grouped together on the same pallet up to a maximum height of 52 inches.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

According to the requirements for all Distribution Centers (DCs), each outer case/carton must contain merchandise for only one Purchase Order and only one SKU/UPC/EAN. Retail & Western DC also specify that each outer case/master carton must contain only one SKU/UPC/EAN with the exception of Online DC orders. Therefore, for regular DCs, SKUs cannot be mixed within a single carton except for Online DC orders.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Indigo requires the use of standard 4-way wooden pallets. CHEP, CPC, plastic, 9-block, chipboard, and damaged pallets are not acceptable.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

Maximum dimensions for shipping cartons are 23" (L) x 22" (W) x 16" (H). There is no specified minimum dimension for cartons mentioned in the document.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The filled case weight must not exceed 40 lbs. Exceptions must be pre-approved by the respective Indigo Category Manager.

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

All shipments must be accompanied by a Bill of Lading. At a minimum, it should include:
- Full name and address of the shipper and consignee
- Notify party details
- Number of pallets
- Weight
- Purchase Order No.
- Wood Packaging Declaration
- If no solid wood packaging: "Shipment contains no solid wood packaging material."
- If solid wood packaging present: "Shipment contains solid wood packaging materials marked in accordance with ISPM No. 15"

For EDI shipments, the Bill of Lading # must be included in the ASN transmission, and it is mandatory to be provided. An inaccurate or missing Bill of Lading may lead to non-compliance chargebacks.

No specific placement for the Bill of Lading on pallets or cartons is mentioned in the provided documentation.

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

1. Carton and pallet labels must have a GS1-128 Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC-18).
2. The GS1-128 label for cartons must be placed on the shortest side of the outer case on the right hand side and under the shrink wrap but scannable.
3. The barcode on carton labels must be at least 1.25 inches from the bottom and vertical edge of the outer case. If this is not feasible, place the label on top of the outer case.
4. Pallet labels require a pallet HU GS1-128 label, placed on the top carton on the right under shrink wrap but scannable.
5. Upholster individual carton HU GS1-128 labels are not required for pallet-level shipments if a single Pallet Level ASN is provided.
6. Only one unique GS1-128 label should be on the outer case, and all other internal barcodes must be marked out or covered.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner packs may be in the form of cartons or polybags, depending on item specifications. The top and bottom seams of open inner cases must be sealed using strong packing tape. Polybags must be clear, made from film at least 0.75 mil thick, and if it has an opening greater than 14 inches in circumference, it must have a printed anti-suffocation warning in both official languages. Inner packs must have a unique scannable and human-readable UPC/EAN properly affixed, and carton markings should display product description, UPC number, and carton quantity.

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

The GS1-128 label must be placed on the shortest side of the outer case on the right-hand side. Labels must be under shrink wrap, but the barcode on the label must be scannable. Barcodes must be printed in vertical bar configuration. The bottom edge of the barcode containing the SSCC-18 must be at least 1.25 inches from the bottom of the outer case, and the outermost bar of the barcode cannot be closer than 1.25 inches from the vertical edge of the outer case. If unable to position it due to space constraints, place the GS1-128 carton label on "top" of the outer case. Each outer case should only contain one unique GS1-128 label; additional internal barcodes must be marked out or covered. For pack/case/carton level shipments, include a "0" in the 3rd digit of the SSCC code.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height allowed when shipping is 52 inches, which includes the pallet and the product height.