Kohl's Packaging Guidelines

Discover Kohl’s packaging guidelines for pallets, cartons & labels. Learn proper stacking, divider use, and compliance for safe, efficient shipments.

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be stacked. When shipping multiple POs on a pallet, use a cardboard divider between layers to separate the POs and note that there are multiple POs on the pallet label. Do not stack the combination of pallets and freight higher than the trailer door.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Purchase orders should not be mixed within a single carton. Each purchase order should be individually packed and labeled according to the requirements set forth by Kohl's packaging and shipping guidelines.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet. Use a cardboard divider between layers to separate the POs, note the multiple POs on the pallet label and list the PO numbers. Do not stack the combination of pallets and freight higher than the trailer door. Use standard 48" x 40" x 4" pallets without loose or broken boards. Place a pallet label on all four sides of the pallet on the outside of the shrink wrap, including the Kohl's DC number and address, PO numbers, number of cartons on the pallet per purchase order, and pallet sequence number.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. The requirements are: Use a cardboard divider between layers to separate the SKUs and multiple POs, note that there are multiple POs on the pallet label, list PO numbers, use standard 48" x 40" x 4" pallets without loose or broken boards, and do not stack pallets higher than the trailer door.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

SKUs can be mixed within a single carton if they are separated, with clear division between them, using polybags or plastic/corrugated dividers. Layers of boxes without a barrier/divider between them are not acceptable.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Allowed pallet types for shipping are standard 48" x 40" x 4" pallets with no loose or broken boards.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

Maximum: 36" Long x 26" Wide x 26" High; Minimum: 10" Long x 9" Wide x 3" High.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

Maximum weight for shipping cartons is 50 lbs, and the minimum weight is 3 lbs.

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

For Bills of Lading related to pallet (freight) or carton (parcel) shipments, the document must include the following:
- The Ship From information, including Vendor Name and Address.
- The Bill of Lading Number, which is a unique number.
- The Ship To information, providing the Carrier Name and Kohl's DC Address.
- Additional fields such as SID#, CID#, SCAC, Pro number, Trailer number, and Seal number(s).
- Freight Charge Terms with options for Prepaid, Collect, or Third Party.
- Customer Order Information listing the Customer Order Number, Kohl's PO Number(s), number of packages, and weight.
- Labeling should include marking if items require special handling per NMFC Item 360.
- It's indicated whether the packages require slip sheets and the total number of cartons and weight must be recorded. All fields required are marked in red text in the document templates provided by Kohl's.

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

Each carton must have one GS1-128 label, which must be upright and readable vertically. The SSCC-18 barcode must be positioned 3 inches from either vertical edge and 1.25 inches from the bottom horizontal edge, without covering flaps, seams, or edges. The human-readable SSCC number must be bold and at least 12 pt. No tape over barcodes is allowed. For cartons, Retail DC labels should be on the longest side; E-Commerce labels on the smallest side. Always avoid placing labels over product information on the merchandise. GS1-128 labels must be intact and scannable upon arrival.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner packs are defined under several packaging categories, such as 'Inner Pre-Pack,' which involves multiple SKUs of the same style or color, all packed in the same size ratio. Other packing types include 'Case Pack,' with one SKU without an inner pack, and 'Multi-SKU Pre-Pack,' with two or more SKUs having usually one inner pack per carton. For E-Commerce, each item should be sufficiently packaged to remain intact once removed from the shipping carton. Also, poly bags are recommended for packing inner quantities on bulk orders and pre-pack orders, along with a child safety warning for bags or liners 9" x 12" or larger.

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

GS1-128 labels must be placed in an upright position for vertical barcode reading. The SSCC-18 barcode should not be placed over flaps, seams, or edges of the carton; it should be 3" from vertical edges and 1.25" from the bottom horizontal edge. The SSCC number above the barcode must be bold and at least 12 pt. Do not cover any barcode with tape. For merchandise sold in the same carton, labels should not cover product ID numbers, UPC barcodes, retail prices, or other consumer information. For Retail DC, place the carton with the largest side down, then place the label on the longest side in the lower right quadrant, ensuring the GS1-128 barcode does not cross box seams. If a carton is less than 7" but more than 3" in height, fold the label over from the side to the top, positioning it 1.25" from the bottom and 3" from vertical edges to ensure the barcode is not covering seams.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

Do not stack the combination of pallets and freight higher than the trailer door.