Rural King Packaging Guidelines

Master Rural King Packaging Guidelines: shipping cartons, pallets, labels, packing lists, and more to ensure compliance and smooth deliveries.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Items shipped through parcel must provide a packing list on (or in) every case shipped. The packing list must define what is in the case and the total number of cases on the shipment (e.g., "Case 18/20").

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

Vendors are required to provide a digital packing list and attach a packing list or a 4x6 (minimum) label on every pallet shipped. The packing list or label must define what is on the pallet and total pallets on the shipment (e.g., Pallet 18/20). The packing list must be attached on the first pallet to be unloaded from the trailer and be clearly marked with "Packing List."

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

No, Rural King requires one Purchase Order per pallet, unless prior written approval is received. Mixed cases must be labeled 'MIXED CASE' on all sides.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Purchase orders can only be mixed within a single pallet if it is a Pass-Thru Purchase Order with less than 10 cases, and each case must contain the Purchase Order number and the cases are not wrapped. Otherwise, typically, only one Purchase Order per pallet is allowed unless prior written approval is received from Rural King.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. Requirements include that the pallet must be sorted by purchase order, clearly labeled with the purchase order number on each package. For Pass-Thru Purchase Orders less than 10 cases, they may be mixed on a pallet if each case contains the Purchase Order number and the cases are not wrapped. Additionally, each pallet must be labeled on all 4 sides using the approved label format. Non-compliance will incur a labor fee as per the RK Rates and Fees addendum.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton. The carton must be labeled as MIXED CASE and this marking should be present on all sides of the case.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Vendors are required to use 48x40 "Premium Grade A" Pallets, also referred to as 48x40 AAA Pallets. Grade B pallets are not acceptable.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

The maximum dimensions for singlewall, doublewall, and triplewall corrugated fiberboard boxes in terms of their length, width, and depth added together are 105 inches, 120 inches, and 125 inches, respectively. There are no minimum dimensions specified.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The minimum weight for singlewall corrugated fiberboard boxes is 20 pounds, and the maximum weight is 120 pounds. For doublewall corrugated fiberboard boxes, the minimum weight is 80 pounds, and the maximum weight is 180 pounds. For triplewall corrugated fiberboard boxes, the minimum weight is 240 pounds, and the maximum weight is 300 pounds.

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

Vendors are required to provide a Bill of Lading using the GS1 Standard format. This must include a valid RK issued Purchase Order Number, without which a fee is incurred or shipment may be refused. It must have all necessary fields completed. For pallet shipments, pallets must be sorted by purchase order, labeled with the Purchase Order number on each package. Carton shipments guidelines require each carton to have the required label but specifics on placement in relation to Bills of Lading are not detailed for cartons. Non-compliance will lead to fees. Details for label placement such as "approved label format" are referenced but specifics are not provided in the provided documents.

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

Carton labels must contain the following information: Human readable characters beneath the barcode, a UPC barcode with nominal size, vendor ID, product ID, and a calculated check digit. Barcodes should be printed on the lower right side of the carton. For pallets, items must be shrink-wrapped with 80-gauge shrink wrap to secure the product and should have a protective sheet on top and bottom. Labels should include Rural King SKU and purchase orders among other details specified for both cartons and pallets.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner cases in a master case must adhere to the specified packaging guidelines. Barcoding is also required for these inner cases. Mixed cases must be labeled "MIXED CASE" on all sides. Failure to comply can result in fees as stated in the RK Rates and Fees addendum.

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

Labels on cartons should follow these general guidelines based on the document provided: Human readable characters must be printed beneath the barcode on cartons. Barcodes must meet UPC standards as described, measuring a nominal size of 1.020" high x 1.469" wide. For shipping units containing multiple retail units, the ITF-14 (I 2of5) barcode format is required. Each ITF-14 barcode must be unique and should not be covered by banding or packaging. Opaque wrapping over barcodes should be avoided. This barcode should be placed on the lower right side of the carton with the largest surface. GS1 or specific UCC18 label requirements are not mentioned.