JCPenney Packaging Guidelines

Discover JCPenney Packaging Guidelines FAQ: Learn proper pallet stacking, SKU separation, carton specs, BOL details, and label placement for compliant shipping.

Can pallets be stacked?

Pallets are meant to be built with certain conditions, like heavier cartons at the bottom and lighter ones at the top. However, there's no specific mention of stacking pallets on top of each other in the provided documents. The pallets must meet the dimensional requirements and cannot have overlap on the sides.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet only if it cannot be avoided. When mixing POs, each must be distinctly separated on the pallet using materials such as Kraft paper sheets, corrugated sheets, plastic film (such as stretch-wrap or poly sheet), or any other material that can clearly define a break between POs. The PO, DI, or SKU with the largest quantity should be loaded first on the bottom, unless it is the lightest, in which case it should be on top.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet if it cannot be avoided. Each SKU must be distinctly separated on the pallet by using materials such as Kraft paper sheets, corrugated sheets, or plastic film (stretch-wrap or poly sheet), or any other material that can clearly define a break between SKUs.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

SKUs should not be mixed within a single carton. Each carton should contain only one SKU.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

The allowed pallet type for shipping is a standard pallet size of 48x40 inches.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

The minimum dimensions for shipping cartons are 9" x 9" x 2" (22.86 cm x 22.86 cm x 5.08 cm) and the maximum dimensions are 36" x 27" x 30" (91.4 cm x 68.6 cm x 76.2 cm).

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The maximum weight for conveyable master cartons for both eCommerce and stores is 40 lbs (18.14 kg). The minimum weight for conveyable master cartons for stores is 2 lbs (0.972 kg).

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

For LTL and TL shipments, a VICS Bill of Lading (BOL) must be used. Each BOL must have a unique 17-digit number, not repeated within a 12-month period, and this number must be provided in the EDI 856 Advance Ship Notice (ASN). The JCPenney supplier number must be displayed in the Additional Shipper Info field, and the Ship To unit number must be included as part of the consignee address. Suppliers with TMS shipping instructions need to include the TMS Load ID in the CID field, or "TMS Lite" if authorized, instead. The correct freight description must align with National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) criteria. For "LTL" shipments, "COLLECT" carrier billing terms with a 'Bill To' address of JCPenney % A3 Freight Payment, 3150 Lenox Park Blvd, STE 400, Memphis, TN 38115 is required, while "TL" shipments should use JCP Logistics LP, Attn: Logistics Control Office, PO Box 45111, Salt Lake City, UT 84145-0111. Pallet labels should contain the number of cartons, pallet number (e.g., "2 of 5"), and PO numbers if multiple POs can't be avoided. Labels must be on the front and back of the pallet, and the label size should be 4" x 6" or 8" x 11".

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

For carton labels:
- Use a 4 inch by 6 inch GS1-128 label placed in the lower right-hand quadrant of the longest natural side of the carton.
- For tall cartons, place the label 1.25 inches from the natural bottom.
- Outer edge of Quiet Zone should be no closer than 0.75 inch to the edge of the vertical face.
- Labels should not cover any tape or additional barcodes and must be applied without wrinkles.
- Carton content labels, required for eCom Logistics Center and Stores Logistics Center, should be on the same panel as the shipping label, preferably to the left.

For pallet labels:
- Required on pallets, either 4" x 6" or 8" x 11".
- Must contain the number of cartons, pallet number, and PO numbers if multiple POs are on the pallet.
- Place labels on the front and back of the pallet.

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

GS1-128 labels should be placed on the lower right-hand quadrant of the longest natural side of the carton, with the bottom edge of the SSCC-18 barcode located 1.25 inches (32 mm) from the natural bottom of the container. The outer edge of the Quiet Zone should be no closer than 0.75 inch (19 mm) to the edge of the vertical face.

For square cartons, the label should be placed on the side parallel to the flap seam. Labels should not be wrapped on any edge of the carton. Carton content labels are required for all shipments to eCom Logistics Center (DLC - warehouse) and Stores Logistics Center (RLC - warehouse) and should be placed preferably to the left of the GS1 Shipping Label on the same panel.

Small shipping containers under 7.5 inches height should use a 3" x 8" landscape version of the label placed on either the side or top of the package, but no less than 0.75 inch from the edges.

Labels must not cover, or be adjacent to tape, markings, or additional barcode labels that could interfere with barcode scanning and should be applied without wrinkles to maintain scannability.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

36 inches