Rite Aid Packaging Guidelines

Explore Rite Aid packaging guidelines for carton & pallet shipping, including packing lists, PO mixing, weight limits, labeling, and BOL requirements.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

A packing list must accompany each shipment of the same Purchase Order and include the supplier name and origin, Rite Aid Purchase Order Number, item description or selling unit UPC number, and total case quantity per item. The packing list should be placed in a well-marked envelope attached to a carton and secured under the shrink wrap, or included in an extra box listed on the Bill of Lading count. It should not be sent inside a case of product or attached to the BOL.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

A packing list must accompany each shipment and include Supplier Name, Rite Aid Purchase Order Number, Item Description or Selling Unit UPC Number, and Total Case Quantity per Item. It must not be sent inside a case of product, and should not be attached to the BOL. Recommended placement is inside a well-marked envelope attached to a carton and secured under the shrink wrap, or inside an extra box listed on the BOL and marked, located on the outside of the pallet.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Purchase orders should not be mixed within a single carton according to the provided guidelines. Each Purchase Order must have its own packing list, and it's recommended that at least one PO packing list be attached per pallet.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet if the carton count is insufficient to build a complete pallet. In such cases, you may combine multiple items on one pallet by placing cardboard/heavy paper dividers between Purchase Orders and clearly marking the pallet to indicate this so that the cartons are clearly segregated.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet, provided that the carton count is insufficient to build a complete pallet. In such cases, cardboard/heavy paper dividers must be placed between different Purchase Orders, and the pallet must be clearly marked to indicate that the cartons are segregated by Purchase Order.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

SKUs should not be mixed within a single carton. All cartons must be shipped in the same case pack as ordered, unless for small parcel deliveries (e.g., FedEx, UPS) where master cartons containing product cartons are allowed.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

CHEP and PECO pallets are accepted at all Rite Aid Distribution Centers. Shipments on pallets from other providers are at the supplier's sole discretion and expense, with Rite Aid assuming no financial responsibility.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

Maximum carton weight is 40 pounds. Weight exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis, with advance approval required for any exceptions.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The maximum pallet weight accepted is 2,500 pounds. Weight exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for pallets weighing between 2,500-3,000 pounds, with advance approval required. Non-CHEP/non-PECO Pallets shall not exceed 60 lbs in weight.

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

All bills of lading must include the following information: Rite Aid Purchase Order number, pieces (indicating cartons and pallets), weight, complete commodity description with accurate NMFC, and address of actual origin/shipping location including zip code. For Rite Aid controlled freight shipments, the CS Number must be included, and freight terms such as prepaid or collect must be specified. Released values, marking 'Third Party' or attaching to the BOL is not permitted. The placement of the BOL and specific label format is not provided, but it must not be attached directly to the packing list as the BOL does not accompany the freight to its final destination.

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

Carton markings must include carton case pack quantity, a unique identifier, proper hazardous material label if required, and date codes (either open or closed as per the product requirement). Placement of carton markings should be in a sample format including details like unique identifier, case pack quantity, and date code. Additionally, for seasonal products, a stripe of 15% of the carton's height should be printed around front, sides, and back of the carton in specified colors for different seasons (e.g., Easter PMS Purple CV, Garden PMS 340). Cartons without this stripe will not be accepted at the distribution centers.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

All cartons must be shipped in the same units as ordered. Master packs/master cartons are not accepted unless for small parcel deliveries. Inner packs must include item number and description. Non-shippable inner packs are not acceptable. Carton markings must indicate details such as case pack quantity, unique identifier, and date code.

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

- All carton markings must include:
1. Carton Case Pack Quantity (# of sale units)
2. Unique Identifier (merchandise description or Rite Aid item number)
3. Proper Hazardous Material Label, if required
4. Dating information for expiration or best by dates, either in Open or Closed Date formats.

- Carton Barcode:
- Recommended to include a 14-digit GTIN-14 case barcode. Use symbology that scans exactly 14 digits with no leading application identifiers.

- UCC-128/GS1-128 Carton Shipping Label:
- Not required with the ASN but recommended.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height allowed when shipping is 50 inches, including the height of the pallet, for conventional products. Height exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for paper, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other lightweight products, and advance approval is required for any exceptions.