Meijer Packaging Guidelines

Discover Meijer Packaging Guidelines: FAQs on pallet stacking, order mixing, labeling, and shipping specs for smooth, safe, and compliant shipments.

Can pallets be stacked?

Pallets can be stacked using Interlocking Stacking for single-item pallets, where each layer is arranged in opposing directions to create greater load stability. Interlocking drastically affects stacking compression but improves load stability. Columnar Stacking, which creates vertical columns, should only be used if master carton or PDQ needs additional crush protection. Columnar/Chimney Stacking with multiple items on a pallet is not allowed in certain DF buildings (DF89, DF871, DF84).

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, multiple purchase orders can be combined on the same pallet provided the pallet is marked as a "Mixed Pallet" and the purchase order numbers are clearly visible. Additionally, multiple Distribution Facilities cannot be mixed on the same pallet. PO's must be sorted and segregated by pallet unless they are shipping to the same Distribution Facility, in which case they should be segregated on the pallet by PO#.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

SKUs (or multiple purchase orders) may be combined on the same pallet provided the pallet is marked as a "Mixed Pallet" and the purchase order numbers are clearly visible. Multiple Distribution Facilities cannot be mixed on the same pallet. PO's must be sorted and segregated by pallet.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Meijer only accepts bar-coded IGPS plastic pallets, excluding use in Frozen buildings, as well as CHEP and PECO pallets with blocks. Other plastic pallets, white wood block pallets, or non-compliant pallets are not permitted.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

Dry Grocery cartons have a minimum size of 9" L x 6" W x 3" H and a maximum size of 26.5" L x 22" W x 28" H. GM cartons have a minimum size of 9" L x 6" W x 6" H and a maximum size of 26" L x 20" W x 28" H.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The minimum weight for shipping cartons is 5 lbs, and the maximum weight is 75 lbs for Dry Grocery or 70 lbs for GM.

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

All shipments to Meijer must be accompanied by a Bill of Lading. It should include the "Ship To" address (including building number) as shown on the Purchase Order, the Meijer Purchase Order number (clearly referenced and no hyphenation for Meijer distribution facilities), and a Bill of Lading Number which is unique to the shipment. If shipping more than one Purchase Order on a single Bill of Lading, each Purchase Order number and the corresponding piece quantity must be referenced. Separate Bills of Lading are required for each Meijer destination. The Bill of Lading must specify that goods are tendered to the carrier sorted and segregated. If the carrier is allowed to sign the Bill of Lading based on pallet count, Meijer will not accept responsibility for case count shortages. Preprinted notations on a Bill of Lading are superseded by carrier's notations. Allowing the carrier to sign for pallet count, or note shipper load and count, places responsibility for shortages with the vendor or carrier, not Meijer.

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

Carton labels should include basic product information. If the carton contains one UPC, the UPC must be reflected on the carton. This is recommended in both human-readable and barcode format. Pallet labels should apply to all products on the pallet when applicable. Carton markings should include the ship-to location, purchase order number, ship from location, quantity, and a UPC or SSCC-18 barcode. All trays should use coated stock and each pallet shall have Meijer routing information and color banding on the exterior of the shipping carton.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner pack labeling should include Product UPC, Inner Pack Quantity, and Banding if applicable. Cases must be appropriately sealed, have specific size dimensions according to distribution facility, and must be shirnk-wrapped if loose.

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

Carton labels must be free of obvious non-conformances, withstand distribution channels, and barcode/UPC must be readable at Grade 'B' or better. Use Standard Carton Label for cartons with one UPC, and GS1-128 Carton Label for cartons with multiple UPCs. GS1-128 labels require: Ship From/To, Store Number, Purchase Order Number, SSCC 128 number with barcode, Product or Shipper UPC in human-readable/scannable format, and optional information like Retail Department, Carrier Information, Postal Code, Vendor Item #, Pack Size, and Expiration Date. No specific placement location is mentioned.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The max pallet height allowed when shipping is 60" including merchandise.