Staples Packaging Guidelines

Learn Staples Packaging Guidelines: shipping carton & pallet requirements, packing slips, labeling, dimensions, weights, and more!

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

A complete, accurate, and legible packing slip is required for each purchase order/delivery. It must include the Staples Purchase Order#, Staples SKU #'s, vendor model or SKU#'s, total number of units, total number of cases shipped, quantity backordered, quantity of sellable units in each case, and tracking number/POD information. The packing slip must be placed in a pouch and attached to the outside of the last pallet/carton loaded on the trailer, clearly marked on the pallet, and should be on a carton not on the stretch wrap.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

A complete, accurate, and legible packing slip is required for each purchase order. It must include Staples Purchase Order#, Staples SKU #'s, vendor model or SKU#'s, total number of units, total number of cases shipped, quantity backordered, quantity of sellable units in each case, and tracking number/POD information. The packing slip must be placed in a pouch and attached to the outside of the last pallet/carton loaded on the trailer and should be marked clearly on the pallet. It must be on a carton and not on the stretch wrap.

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be stacked. The maximum height for same SKU pallets is 52 inches for double-stacking and slotting, while the maximum height for mixed SKU pallets is 104 inches. Pallets must also be securely wrapped in clear shrink wrap, with no colored or tinted stretch wrap allowed, and the stretch wrap should overlap both the product and the pallet for stability.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet, but must be on the same EDI 856 ASN shipment ID, and clearly separated. The correct Staples PO(s) and SKU(s) must be labeled on each carton. The pallet must adhere to mixed SKU and/or mixed PO pallet requirements including maximum height and clear markings for backorders and partial cases.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet but only if they are on the same systemic EDI 856 ASN shipment ID. Multiple POs must be clearly separated. Same SKUs and POs must be grouped together on the pallet, with the same SKUs at the top. Backorders must be separated and clearly marked with the PO and SKU.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. Requirements include: Maximum height of 104 inches; each carton on the pallet must be labeled with the correct Staples PO(s) and SKU(s); multiple POs must be clearly separated; same SKUs and POs must be grouped together with same SKUs at the top; backorders must be separated with the PO and SKU clearly marked; the maximum weight including pallet is 2,500 lbs; "chimney stacked" pallets are unacceptable; secure wrapping in clear shrink wrap is necessary; Ti-Hi must be consistent between pallets.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton. The requirements are that mixed cartons of SKUs/products should be identified with a sticker/label stating "Mixed Product". Each carton must be labeled with the correct Staples PO(s) and SKU(s). Additionally, the outer case needs to reference all Staples SKU numbers contained in that case.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Allowed pallet types are GMA type pallets made of hardwood (#1) and Grade A.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

Minimum case dimensions: 9" long x 5" wide x 2" tall; Maximum case dimensions: 37.5" long x 24" wide x 30" tall. Minimum case weight: 1 lb; Maximum case weight: 75 lbs.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

Minimum case weight: 1 lb. Maximum case weight: 75 lbs.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The maximum weight including the pallet for all business units is 2,500 lbs. There is no specified minimum weight requirement in the provided documents.

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

For pallet (freight) or carton (parcel) shipments, the Bill of Lading (BOL) must meet certain requirements. All BOLs must be marked STC (Said To Contain) with the carton count. Additionally, for LTL shipments, the BOL must include the pallet count for the carrier to sign off on. It is the vendor's responsibility to ensure the total cartons noted on the BOL are on the pallets the carrier is signing for. On the BOL, the freight charge terms should be indicated as pre-paid unless marked otherwise, and additional carton and pallet count details should be provided for accurate carrier receipt. It is also crucial to ensure that all signatures and dates align on the BOL, and the BOL should be properly filled out before releasing the freight. According to the documents, handling units, package types, and total weight should also be clearly stated on the BOL.

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

UCC128/SSCC-18 labels are required on all pallets and small parcel shipments. For pallets with the same SKU, two UCC128/SSCC-18 labels must be placed on the bottom right-hand corner on two adjacent sides. Mixed SKU pallets also require two labels placed similarly. Standard carton labels include the Staples PO#, SKU#, Mfg. Model/SKU#, and Inner Case Pack Quantity. Partial cases need an additional "Partial Case" label. "Mixed Product" labels are used for mixed cartons.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

The inner pack is a component of a case, the next level of packaging above the selling unit, which can be equal to or less than a full case count. The master case pack dimensions and weight have specific thresholds: Tolerance is 1 inch on any side and 5 lbs for case weight. This information must be timely and accurately communicated to Staples. Minimum case dimensions should be 9" long x 5" wide x 2" tall, and maximum dimensions are 37.5" long x 24" wide x 30" tall. Minimum case weight is 1 lb, and maximum case weight is 75 lbs. All selling units must include a unique scanner-readable barcode. Cases should not use "Peanuts/Popcorn" type packing material and need proper suffocation warnings if plastic bags are used.

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

Cartons being shipped must have UCC128/SSCC-18 Carton Labels, which are required on all small parcel shipments. Labels should include information such as Staples P.O.#, Staples SKU#, Mfg. Model/SKU#, and Inner Case Pack Qty. If it's a mixed carton, it should be identified with a "Mixed Product" sticker/label and must be labeled with the correct Staples PO(s) and SKU(s). Partial cases require an additional "Partial Case" label noting the quantity inside. The recommended placement of UCC128 labels on cartons is not explicitly detailed for cartons, but it mentions proper placement on pallets.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

For same SKU pallets, the maximum height is 52 inches. For mixed SKU pallets, the maximum height is 104 inches.