KeHE Packaging Guidelines

Unlock KeHE Packaging Guidelines FAQ: explore packing list, pallet stacking, labeling & shipping requirements for safe, compliant deliveries.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Yes, a packing list is required. It must be secured to a pallet and clearly labeled for easy identification. It should represent a single Purchase Order and contains supplier name, address, phone number, KeHE PO number(s), date shipped, total pallet count, item number, detailed item description, unit of measure, quantity on pallet, total quantity ordered and shipped, and expiration date if applicable.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

Yes, there are requirements for packing lists. Each packing list should represent a single Purchase Order, be secured to a pallet, and clearly labeled for easy identification. The packing list must contain information such as the supplier name, address, phone number, KeHE PO number(s), date shipped, total pallet count, item number, detailed item description, unit of measure, quantity on pallet, total quantity ordered by KeHE, total quantity shipped, and a readable expiration date that aligns with any close-coded shelf life dates on the product.

Can pallets be stacked?

Pallets can be stacked. However, double-stacking pallets increases the risk of product damages, and if the supplier chooses to double-stack, they assume all risk and liability. Products should not be stacked higher than 72 inches.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

The information provided does not specify whether purchase orders can be mixed within a single carton. However, packing lists must represent a single Purchase Order (Page 6), which suggests that mixing POs within a single carton may not be allowed or require special permission.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. The requirements are:
1. Like products for the same PO should be grouped together as much as possible and externally labeled for identification.
2. When the majority of a pallet is a single SKU, place that SKU on the bottom to minimize re-handling at the time of receipt.
3. Secure the product to pallets with stretch wrap, applied from the top of the product down to and including the pallet. Do not use tape, twine, bands, or nylon rope.
4. Double-stacking pallets increases the risk of product damages, and all risk and liability are assumed by the Supplier if they choose to double-stack.
5. Products should be stacked no higher than 72 inches.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Products in the same purchase order should be grouped together as much as possible on a pallet and labeled for identification, but it is not specified whether SKUs can be mixed within a single carton. Detailed product descriptions must appear on the outside of all cases, listing only the description of the product inside the case. No explicit mention is made about mixing SKUs in a single carton; thus, follow general labeling guidelines if doing so.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

KeHE's warehouses only accommodate Consumer Brands Association (CBA) formerly known as Grocery Manufacturers' Association (GMA) pallets. These pallets should have a 48x40-inch footprint, four-way forklift entry, 3 stringers, a load-bearing capacity of at least 2,500 pounds, and be made of hardwood with top and bottom deck boards that are 5/8-inch thick. Fees apply for non-CBA/GMA and poor quality pallets.

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

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a contract between the shipper and the transport provider and must contain shipment and pallet level information. KeHE requires two legible copies of the BOL with every shipment. The BOL must include: 1. SHIP FROM: Complete name and address of shipper. 2. SHIP TO: Complete name, address including zip code, and telephone number of DC or Store (fees apply for incorrect destination info). 3. Date Shipped. 4. PURCHASE ORDER (PO) INFORMATION: PO number(s), number of cases, weight, handling unit (e.g., Pallet, Slip-sheet), and any additional Shipper information (show accurate density if required). 5. SHIP TO ARRIVE DATE: ETA from KeHE Purchase Order. 6. CARRIER NAME. 7. FREIGHT PAYMENT TERMS: "Freight Prepaid" or "Freight Collect" must be specified on all BOLs (fees apply for incorrect freight terms). 8. CARRIER INFORMATION: Details of Handling Units, Packages, and Grand Total of handling units, cases, and weight of shipment must be provided, including National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), Commodity Description Reference, and Commodity Class. Additionally, the seal number must also be shown on the BOL for load validation by KeHE.

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

Pallet labels, also known as pallet placards, must include:
1. Date
2. Ship From
3. Ship To - must include KeHE DC, e.g. KeHE Chino
4. Pallet Number - in the format Pallet 1 of X, 2 of X, etc.
5. PO Number(s)

Pallet placards must be placed on the upper right corner of the front and back of the pallet. Carton labels must include a scannable ITF-14 case GTIN or GS1-128 barcode and a detailed product description. These must be clear and distinguishable from other products. The barcode must be on at least two sides of Supplier pack cases containing multiple selling units, with one on the longest side.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

When delivering master pack cases, a separate 14-digit GTIN is required on both the inner pack and the master case. Standard shipping cases containing more than one single selling unit, as well as master pack cases, display shippers, and display ready pallets, must have a separate 14-digit GTIN. For loose format products distributed by the case, suppliers are required to change to a delivery pack to a cardboard case with the required GS1-14-digit GTIN in adherence to standards.

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

1. All cases must have a detailed product description (including flavors, colors, etc.) on the outside to help receiving teams identify case contents. Do not list multiple products on a case or use handwritten markings.
2. Each case containing multiple selling units must have scannable ITF-14 case GTIN or GS1-128 barcodes on a minimum of two sides, with one on the longest side. The GTIN-14 barcode must meet the GS1 Standard and have specific placement, being at least 3/4" from the edge and 1.25" from the bottom of the case, with required quiet zones of at least 0.25".
3. The GS1-128 barcode must include the GTIN (01) followed by any other information such as packing date, batch/lot, or random catch weight.
4. Avoid using red, blue, brown, and shades of purple in barcodes, as scanning devices might not read these colors well.
5. If using removable labels, ensure they can withstand warehouse conditions without coming off.
6. Multiple GTIN-14 or GS1-128 barcodes are not allowed on the same case, nor should there be multiple flavor descriptions.
7. The minimum size for GTIN is 3" in length and 3/4" in height, and the same applies to GS1-128 format.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

Products should be stacked no higher than 72 inches.