Ross Stores, Inc. Packaging Guidelines

Master Ross Stores' packaging with guidelines on carton/pallet sizes, stacking, SKU mixing, packing lists, and label placements for seamless shipping.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Packing slip requirements are mentioned in the general guidelines, but specific details about placement are not provided in the provided pages.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

For shipments on pallets, the last pallet loaded onto the trailer must have a packing list containing carton quantities and styles by pallet, and a full copy of the Bill of Lading (BOL) attached securely to the pallet. Pallets should also be clearly marked in sequence (e.g., 1 of..., 2 of...).

Can pallets be stacked?

Pallets can be stacked with specific requirements. Double stacking of pallets is only allowed when the bottom pallet is framed in wood or has a solid top to support the weight of the top pallet. The pallet fork entry should face the opening of the trailer door to ensure forklift access. The recommended maximum pallet height for double stacking is 6 feet, including the pallet. Certain products, such as fragile items, should not be double stacked.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Pallets must be loaded by Purchase Order and style, and mixing styles on a pallet is only permissible when it is unavoidable due to lower unit counts.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

SKUs should not be mixed on a single pallet unless it is unavoidable due to lower unit counts. Pallets must be loaded by Purchase Order and style (and color and/or size when applicable).

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton when using a nested pack. The requirements include: using inner cartons or polybags (not cellophane), packing only one nested packed quantity per inner carton/polybag, and ensuring all items are pre-ticketed unless otherwise approved. Carton markings must include all SKUs, vendor style, item description, and quantity of each VPN per pack.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Pallets should be standard size 48" x 40". Half pallets must measure 48" x 20", and quarter pallets must measure 24" x 20". Merchandise must be secured to all pallet types.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

For conveyable cartons (master carton only, excluding Fine Jewelry/High Security commodities): Minimum size is 15" long x 15" wide x 6" high, maximum size is 29.5" long x 24" wide x 24" high. For Fine Jewelry/High Security conveyable cartons: Minimum size is 12" long x 6" wide x 3" high, maximum size is 32" long x 18" wide x 16" high.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The minimum conveyable carton weight is 10 lbs. The maximum conveyable carton weight is 50 lbs. For fragile cartons, the maximum weight should not exceed 35 lbs.

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

For shipments containing pallets, the last pallet loaded onto the trailer must have a full copy of the Bill of Lading (BOL) attached securely to the pallet. There are no specific details provided about the requirements for cartons in the supplied information.

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

All palletized shipments must include a pallet identifier with PO #, Vendor Style #, # Cartons, # Units per carton, and Total units on the pallet. If shipping fragile merchandise, an appropriate fragile marking should be placed on all 4 sides of the pallet. Pallet markings must be at least 8.5" x 11" on two sides of the pallet in at least 35 pt font and securely fastened to the shrinkwrap.

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

Cartons must be labeled with the following: PO#, quantity, vendor style #, color, size, item description, Ross/dd's SKU number, pack counts for pre-packs, and supplier/shipper information for International/Import Orders. No specific mention of GS1 or UCC18 labeling requirements or recommended placement for these labels was found.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The recommended maximum pallet height for shipping is 6 feet, including the pallet. For heavier products, the height should not exceed 5 feet.