McLane Packaging Guidelines

Discover McLane Packaging Guidelines FAQs on pallet stacking, mixed orders, carton specs, labeling, and BOL requirements for safer shipping.

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be double stacked in the trailer if the weight and/or height permit it. Stacking must maximize cube space, and merchandise must be segregated and stacked on the pallet by item. A pinwheel pattern should be used to deter freight-shift.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet, but each purchase order must be listed on the bill of lading. The pallet itself should be shrink-wrapped or banded to ensure it arrives intact. Additionally, each bill of lading must list all purchase orders for the same McLane distribution center address. Purchase order numbers may be shown on the pallet rather than on each carton.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Merchandise must be segregated and stacked on the pallet by item. Thus, SKUs should not be mixed on a single pallet. They should be stacked individually on pallets according to each item.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Pallets must be GMA 4'0" (48") x 3'4" (40") modified four-way and flush nonreversible. They must be Grade A and made of 100% hardwood. Softwoods are not accepted.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

Minimum: Length 9", Width 4", Height 1". Maximum: Length 48", Width 24", Height 30".

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The minimum weight for shipping cartons is 4 lbs and the maximum weight is 55 lbs.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

McLane does not specify a minimum or maximum weight requirement for shipping pallets themselves, only for common carriers and trailer weight limits, which are licensed for 45,000 lbs.

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

For Bills of Lading (BOL), each BOL must accompany every shipment to McLane and include the McLane Purchase Order Number(s) and arrival due date. It must show the proper classification description as per National Motor Freight Classification Tariff. The BOL must list all purchase orders for the same McLane distribution center address. The following USDOT data is required: Supplier Name, Shipping Address, Consignee Name and Address, Special Instructions, Number of Packages, Description of Articles, Packages, Markings, and/or Exceptions, Weight, Shipper Signature, Time and Date Tendered, Carrier Name, and Driver Name and Signature. Additional McLane requirements include Qty Shipped per Item and Total, Pallet Count, Load Temp (Maintain at), Load Number, Carrier Obligation Responsibility-Freight Terms, and Pallet Quantity.

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

Carton/pallet labels must have a standard shipping label which may or may not include the UPC barcode. McLane prefers the inclusion of the UPC barcode on the label. These labels must have the Ship From address, Ship To address, McLane PO number, and PO line number, and optionally the carrier name, freight bill pro number, and bill of lading number if available. The label must include a white zone greater than or equal to 0.25 inches on each side of the barcode. Plastic labels should be used when adhering to stretch film, and paper labels for placing under it. Placement differs based on shipping unit: full pallets require one label representing the entire pallet placed on the upper right-hand corner of the product itself; layer quantities require one label per item layer; individual cartons require one label per carton. Labels should not be placed on the stretch film.

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

For individual cartons being shipped (floor-loaded and not associated with a pallet or layer quantity), a designated shipping label must be placed on each carton of merchandise. The shipping labels can incorporate the UPC bar code or be separate, but McLane prefers that the UPC bar code be included. Labels must include the ship from address, ship to address, McLane purchase order number, purchase order line number, and, if available, the name of the carrier, freight bill pro number, and bill of lading number. The ship label should be on the product itself, not on the stretch film. There is no specific information about GS1 or UCC18 labels, only UPC is mentioned.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height allowed when shipping is 6'3" (75") including pallet height of 5". However, the 75" high pallet stack is accepted only at the discretion of the buyer and is limited to certain commodities such as high cube paper products.