Target Packaging Guidelines

Learn Target's packaging guidelines for packing lists, carton/pallet specs, SKU mixing, label placements & shipping requirements to ensure compliance.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

A packing list must be provided for each purchase order on the shipment. It should include the UPC and TC Item # for each item, quantity of consumer selling units, a description of each item, and the grand total of all consumer selling units shipped. The packing list must be placed on the outside of a carton, near the carton label. Acceptable types include an adhesive-backed packing list attached directly or a non-adhesive packing list placed inside a plastic sleeve attached to the carton.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

A packing list must be provided for each purchase order on the shipment. It should include the UPC and TC Item # for each item, the quantity of consumer selling units, a description of each item, and the grand total of all consumer selling units shipped. The packing list must be placed on the outside of a carton, near the carton label, and can be either adhesive-backed or placed inside a plastic sleeve.

Can pallets be stacked?

Pallets cannot be stacked in columns on top of each other. Items must be placed on the pallet in layer sequence.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

The guidelines do not specify whether purchase orders can be mixed within a single carton. However, each carton must contain only one Target stock number (DPCI, DPC-Item, or TC ITEM #) for import shipments to ensure proper distribution by Target's distribution centers.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. However, if multiple products are on the same pallet, they must be separated by slip sheets. This practice is only considered for products that were purchased per layer quantity. If the purchase quantity is less than a layer for one or more products, multi-product pallets will be allowed.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton. The carton must be labeled as "mixed" for both SKU and UPC information, and this is considered a preferred but optional configuration.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Products need to be received on either Premium Grade A or block pallets which are required to be in excellent condition.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

For Target Stores: Length 6"-42", Width 6"-24", Height 2"-30". For Target.com: Length 6"-32", Width 6"-20", Height 2"-29".

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

For Regional Distribution Centers: Minimum weight is 2#. Maximum weight is 60#. For Target.com Fulfillment Centers: Maximum weight is 40#. Also, cartons over 45 lbs must have a Team Lift label.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The maximum weight for shipping pallets, including the wooden pallet itself, must not exceed 2000 lbs. There is no minimum weight specified for pallets.

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

The Bill of Lading should include information on customer order number, number of packages, weight, and whether there is additional shipper information. For pallet or carton shipments specified in a Bill of Lading, each carton must be labeled with an individual GS1-128 label with SSCC barcode. If a pallet contains multiple locations or POs, a placard stating "Multiple PO or DCs - Must break down pallet" must be placed on all four sides of the pallet, outside of the stretch wrap. Additionally, shippers are responsible for ensuring that commodities requiring special care are marked and packaged to ensure safe transportation as per Section 2(e) of NMFC Item 360.

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

Carton labels should be placed based on carton size, which affects label placement to ensure printed information remains legible. Labels can be reduced in size to fit on ends of cartons if necessary. Placement options include job label option 1 and 2, depending on if edges of carton are folded or all label information is not legible. For cartons over 45 lbs or greater than 50", team lift label placement options should be used.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner packs must fit within a box with dimensions of Length - 20", Width - 13", Height - 13", and a maximum weight of 60#. The VCP/SSP Ratio should be between 3:1 and 10:1. Packaging methods for inner packs can include cardboard cartons, polyethylene bags, and bands, excluding apparel products. Inner packs do not require carton markings and are specified on the Purchase Order if needed by the buyer. Each carton should contain only one Target stock number, and the quantity in both inner packs and shipping cartons must match the case quantity presented to the buyer and indicated on the Purchase Order. The PO4 segment of the EDI 850 purchase order is used to identify how to pack the selling units within the shipping carton.

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

For Master Cartons, place the label in the upper right corner of the largest surface facing out. For SSCC-18/UCC-128 Carton Labels, mandatory elements include ship from/to addresses, ship to postal code and barcode, and the UCC-128 Serial Shipping Container Code. Label actual size should be 4"x6", and contents information is typically in font size 10 to 16 pt.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The max pallet height allowed is 78" for product plus 6" for the pallet, totaling approximately 84" for specific locations (T-3897, T-3880, and T-3899), and 72" for product plus 6" for the pallet, totaling approximately 78" for other locations (T-3881, T-3892, and T-3895).