SportChek Packaging Guidelines

Discover SportChek Packaging Guidelines for pallets, POs, SKUs, and carton specs. Follow best practices for labeling, dimensions, and fragile notices.

Can pallets be stacked?

Pallets containing fragile merchandise should not be stacked and must be clearly marked "Fragile, DO NOT STACK." Similar notations must appear on the Bill of Lading. No further stacking requirements are explicitly stated.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

No, purchase orders cannot be mixed within a single carton.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet. The requirements are to separate multiple purchase orders or Cross Dock and Bulk shipping cartons on a single pallet with a layer of cardboard (slip sheet) between them, so it's easily noticeable upon arrival at the distribution center.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

SKUs must not be mixed; same SKU product for the same PO must be grouped and layered together on the same pallets. A penalty will be issued if this requirement is not met.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton in limited cases where units being shipped are not enough to meet the minimum carton size requirements. Each SKU must be separated within the master carton, and each package must be marked with the appropriate label. These shipments are considered "non-conveyable" and require additional labeling to avoid a non-compliance penalty.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Only wood pallets with four-way entry and 40" by 48" in size are allowed.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

The minimum dimensions for shipping cartons are: Length 12 inches (30 cm), Width 12 inches (30 cm), Height 10 inches (25 cm), and Weight 5 lbs (2 kg). The maximum dimensions are: Length 32 inches (81.28 cm), Width 22 inches (55 cm), Height 24 inches (60 cm), and Weight 40 lbs (18 kg).

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The minimum weight for shipping cartons is 5 lbs (2 kg), and the maximum weight is 40 lbs (18 kg).

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

For pallet or carton shipments, the shipper's Bill of Lading (BOL) must include the carton count, the pallet count, the Vendor's BOL number as provided on the ASN, and list all PO numbers and VMS booking numbers for POs being shipped. If pallets contain fragile merchandise that should not be stacked, the pallet must be clearly marked with a label indicating "Fragile, DO NOT STACK,” and similar notations must appear on the Bill of Lading.

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

For non conveyable cartons, labels must be applied to the short side, should be flat, barcode lines vertical, and human-readable SKU is required. Only one label per carton. If the box height is too short, labels can be folded over the top. For conveyable cartons, the label must be on the bottom left corner when in conveyable position, 1" from the bottom and left edge; SSCC-18 barcode must be vertical. Pallet labels or outermost carton labels should face outward as much as possible without sacrifice.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner packs must be labeled with all pertinent information and the outer carton labeled as "Master Pack". For Non-EDI orders, inner packs require a label indicating Style Number, Description, Colour, Size, and Unit Count. For EDI orders, a UCC-128/MH10 label is needed, and each is counted separately on ASN documents. Cartons smaller than minimum size can be packed in larger shippable master cartons.

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

Carton labels must be placed on the bottom left-hand corner when the carton is in its conveyable position, with the SSCC-18 barcode placed vertically. The SSCC-18 barcode must be no closer than 1" and no farther than 1.5" from the bottom and left edge on the longest face of the carton. The label should be 4" x 6" in size, must be flat, self-adhesive, and not obscured. For non-conveyable cartons, the label must be applied on the short side of the carton, the barcode lines must be vertical, and if the box height is too short, the label can be folded over the top. Use only 1 label per carton, with the SSCC-18 barcode clearly printed with appropriate quiet zones, and ensure the SKU and purchase order number are human-readable.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height allowed, including the pallet, is 80 inches.