Office Depot Packaging Guidelines

Discover Office Depot Packaging Guidelines for shipping cartons and pallets. Master packing lists, label placements, stacking rules, and weight limits for smooth deliveries.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Yes, there are requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons. An accurate, legible packing list must accompany each individual PO. It must contain vendor name and shipping address, Office Depot facility number and address, Office Depot PO number, product description, Office Depot SKU numbers, shipment quantities, quantity ordered, quantity shipped, number of cartons, and total shipment gross weight. For single pallet shipments, the packing list should be placed in a removable envelope or pouch attached to the upper right hand corner of the pallet. For multiple pallet shipments, it must be placed in a removable envelope or pouch attached to the lead pallet closest to the rear of the trailer.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

Yes, an accurate and legible packing list must accompany each individual PO when shipping pallets. It must include vendor name, shipping address, Office Depot facility number, PO number, product description, SKU numbers, quantity ordered, quantity shipped, number of cartons, and total shipment gross weight. When shipping sealed full-case cartons with the content of only one item, the packing list must be placed on the outside of the carton in a designed envelope.

Can pallets be stacked?

Pallets cannot be stacked beyond a total height, including the pallet, of 84 inches. Slip-sheets should be used between double-stacked pallets for protection, particularly for food and beverage products.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

No, purchase orders cannot be mixed within a single carton or master carton/repack. All cartons associated with one PO must be on a single shipment.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Purchase orders can be mixed on a single pallet only when the order is less than pallet quantities. Each purchase order must be clearly identified with the number of cartons for that purchase order visible on the pallet. Additionally, vendors are required to use cardboard separators or slip sheets to separate different POs on the pallet.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet if the order is less than pallet quantities. Each purchase order must be clearly identified showing how many cartons for that purchase order are on the mixed purchase order pallet. Only one location per pallet is allowed, and vendors are required to separate POs on a pallet using cardboard separators or slip sheets.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton. Mixed product cartons must be labeled with a stamp or sticker that reads "Mixed Carton / Open First." Each carton must also be marked with the Office Depot PO number.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

The allowed pallet types for shipping are approved 4-way accessible, 40"x48" grade A or type 1 recycled or new construction hardwood pallets. Block, cardboard, plastic, or annex pallets are not acceptable unless approved by the Supply Chain Support team.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

For single wall corrugated cartons, the maximum suggested loading limit is 120 lbs, while for double wall corrugated cartons, the maximum is 180 lbs. The minimum edge crush test (ECT) for single wall is 23 and for double wall is 42.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The maximum weight for shipping pallets is 2,200 pounds. There is no specific minimum weight requirement mentioned for pallets.

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

UCC-128 label should be placed in the upper right hand corner of the pallet and not cover the carton UPC information. It should be at least 4" x 6". For cartons in small parcel shipments, the UCC-128 label must be a minimum of two inches from the outside corner of the carton and sized appropriately to the carton, with a minimum size of 4" x 6".

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner shipping cartons must have font size not smaller than 12pt in Arial, SKU and Vendor Product Code listed, item description, pack count, country of origin, carton dimension, net weight, and SCC-14 symbology. They should have an ECT >=23 lbs/inch width. Corrugated fiberboard with double wall edge crush test (ECT) >=32 lbs/inch is required for cases along with relevant labeling like PO number, SKU, vendor product code, item description, case quantity, country of origin, carton dimensions, net/gross weight, and cube. Cartons must be sealed with tape, no stitching allowed, and must pass the ISTA/BV transit test.

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

For cartons shipped to Office Depot, labels should be placed as follows:
1. Seasonal Codes must be printed in black Arial font, size 18, and placed on the top right corner of the master carton, according to the "Special Instructions" on the PO (Office Depot Domestic Vendor Procedures, Page 86).
2. If the carton contains inner boxes, mark "MASTER CARTON MUST BE BROKEN DOWN AT POWER MAX" on the bottom of the main marks.
3. For tri-lingual product descriptions, place a 5"x7" white sticker with Tri-lingual word on one of the narrow sides of the carton.

Regarding UCC-128 labels:
- Use a UCC128 format for the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC18), placed in Zone H on the label, which must be scannable and between 18-20 digits.
- The UCC-128 label should have specific sections for FROM, TO, SHIP TO POSTAL CODE, CARRIER INFO, SHIPMENT INFO, PALLET INFO, and a UCC128 bar code.
- Cartons shipped individually with small parcel carriers must have a UCC-128 label for each carton.

There is no specific guideline for GS1 labels provided.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height allowed when shipping is 84 inches.