MEC Mountain Equipment Company Ltd Packaging Guidelines

Below you will find a common list of FAQs that our users have when it comes to packaging guidelines for MEC Mountain Equipment Company Ltd.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

A packing list must be included with the pallet and placed in a visible location, such as the lead pallet or carton #1. If shipping multiple POs or pallets, all paperwork should be placed in one master envelope that is readily visible and accessible at delivery (e.g., a tail of trailer).

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

A packing list must be included with the pallet in a visible location such as the lead pallet or carton #1. If shipping multiple POs or multiple pallets, all paperwork should be placed into one master envelope that is visible and accessible at the time of delivery, e.g., a tail of the trailer. This is in addition to the ASN sent prior to shipping.

Can pallets be stacked?

Stacking of pallets is prohibited.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Only one PO per carton is allowed. Mixing POs in a single carton is not acceptable.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet if they belong to multiple POs containing products of substantially different weights and/or sizes. However, POs must typically be continuous, and residual cartons for the same PO and less than a full pallet may be combined onto a single pallet if grouped and layered together. Non-compliance fees may apply if guidelines are not followed.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

SKUs must be grouped and layered together on the same pallet according to the same PO. If SKUs are from different POs, the rule for grouping them by SKU still applies, but within the constraints of preventing damage during transit and facilitating receiving. Non-Compliance Fees will apply if these rules are not followed.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton. However, the SKUs must be clearly separated inside the carton using a divider, and the carton must be clearly labelled to indicate they contain mixed SKUs. The label must clearly identify the carton as a "Mixed Carton" and must list each Vendor Part Number (VPN) that is contained within the carton.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Pallets must be CHEP or PECO block pallets or their equivalent, with 4-way entry and the standard North American size of 48"x40".

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

Maximum dimensions are 24" (Length) x 16" (Width) x 15" (Height). Minimum dimensions are 12" (Length) x 10" (Width) x 6" (Height).

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The maximum allowable weight per carton is 50lbs (23kgs). Minimum weight is not specified.

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

A Bill of Lading (BOL) must include detailed shipment information such as MEC Purchase Order number(s), any special instructions like "Fragile" or "Handle with Extra Care", and Dangerous Goods classification and Product Identification Number (if applicable). For international shipments, additional requirements include a Wood Packaging Materials declaration, Free Trade Agreement details, Commercial Custom's Invoice, and Exporter Statement of Origin. The BOL indicates the carrier, destination, and shipment specifications.

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

Carton labels require two labels placed on the long and short sides of the carton. Labels must be affixed using adhesive tape and can't be covered by any form of opaque tape. Each label must include: Vendor's Name, MEC designated facility Name and address, Product Name, MEC PO Number, UPC/EAN Number, Vendor Style Number or Part Number, indication if it's a "Mixed Carton" if necessary, Case Pack Quantity, Inner Pack Quantity if applicable, Carton Number, and Carton Weight. Hand-written labels are acceptable if legible. There is no specific mention of pallet label requirements other than the need for a packing list to be included with the pallet in a visible location.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner Packs should consist of items that are bundled or grouped together, only one SKU per Inner Pack is allowed, and should include a scannable UPC/EAN. Inner Pack quantities should not be changed without MEC's approval. Case Pack quantities and carton sizes must be consistent for the same SKU in subsequent POs, and require MEC's approval for changes. Case Pack quantity in a carton must correspond to MEC's Purchase Order specifications.

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

Two labels are required on cartons. They should be placed on the long and short sides. Labels must not be covered by box tape and must be affixed using adhesive tape. Each label must include Vendor's Name, MEC designated facility Name and address, Product Name, MEC PO Number, UPC/EAN Number, Vendor Style Number/VPN, and Case Pack Quantity. If a carton contains mixed units, it must be identified as a "Mixed Carton" with each VPN listed. Inner Pack Quantity must also be listed, and carton number is required (e.g., Carton 1 of 2). The label should include the carton weight. Hand-written labels are allowed if legible. No specific mention of GS1 or UCC18 was found.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height should not exceed 7 feet (2.13m).