Sam's Club Packaging Guidelines

Below you will find a common list of FAQs that our users have when it comes to packaging guidelines for Sam's Club.

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be stacked. Sam's Club will ship double stacked pallets in trailers from Distribution Centers (DCs) to clubs. The product must be designed to double stack. Labeling a pallet with "DO NOT DOUBLE STACK" is not allowed. Lightweight pallets must support an additional 1,500 lbs, while heavyweight pallets must support an additional 2,500 lbs without damaging the merchandise or packaging.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

All cases are required to be clearly segregated by the PO number to ensure an efficient flow of merchandise through the consolidation facility. This implies that mixing different POs within a single pallet is not allowed.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. Any item could be subject to mixed pallet loading, and suppliers should plan/design for this possibility. The packaging must be robust enough to handle any item's placement on any given pallet layer.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

The minimum dimensions for shipping cartons are 11" x 10" x 4", and the maximum dimensions are 36" x 21" x 18".

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The maximum weight of contents for shipping cartons varies by box type but generally ranges from 35 to 55 lbs.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

Lightweight pallets weighing under 750 lbs must support an additional 1,500 lbs. Heavyweight pallets weighing 750 lbs and over must support an additional 2,500 lbs. Individual pallet load weight greater than 2,500 lbs, including the pallet, is not allowed.

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

Purchase orders for the same Sam's Club DC address must be shipped on one bill of lading. If there are multiple purchase orders on a truckload shipment, each must be loaded separately. A master bill of lading is required when shipping to a Walmart Consolidation Center (CP). A packing slip must be attached to the outside of the last box loaded on the trailer, with a second copy for the driver. The preferred Bill of Lading is a VICS Standard Bill of Lading, which requires: Shipment ID #, Ship From and Ship To Addresses, Consignee ID Number, Bill of Lading Number, Carrier Information including Trailer#, Seal#, SCAC and Pro#, 10-digit Purchase Order Number, Number and Weight of packages, and Must Deliver/Arrive By Date (MABD).

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

Pallets containing multiple items must list the multiple item numbers on the label. Labels must be placed on two adjacent sides, affixed to the top right-hand corner inside shrink wrap, with a minimum size of 6" x 4". Font size should be bold and large enough to read from 5 feet in dim light. For feature and club-specific apparel pallets, use specific color paper (orange for feature, green for apparel) with details like set date and product description.

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

Carton labels must include the sell unit UPC which must follow ANSI/GS1 print standards to ensure scannability, with a minimum size of 0.75" H x 3" L, placed at least 0.75" from the edge and 1.25" from the bottom. For food products, a 14-digit case GTIN in ITF-14 format is required on two sides, following ANSI/GS1 print standards. Loose freight shipping labels must have a minimum size of 4" x 3.5" and should include "Ship From" and "Ship To" addresses, PO number, and Sam's Club item number. Optional information includes carrier name, Freight Bill Pro number, and Bill of Lading number if available.