Tractor Supply Company Packaging Guidelines

Check Tractor Supply Company packaging guidelines for secure pallets, cartons & labels. Master PO, SKU, and shipping requirements for safe logistics.

Can pallets be stacked?

All product must be within the size confines of the pallet, and pallets must be wrapped sufficiently to prevent product shifting and damage. For bagged commodities, a 1" maximum allowable overhang is permitted along the shortest side of the pallet. Pallets should be securely loaded in trailers/containers to prevent shifting during transit.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed on a single pallet, but each Purchase Order must be separated by a slip sheet or cardboard divider.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

SKUs must be sorted by Purchase Order (if the same destination) and then by SKU number on a pallet. Multiple destinations cannot be mixed on a single pallet. All of one SKU on a specific Purchase Order should ideally be on the same pallet. If there's less than a full pallet of a SKU, they should be grouped on the same pallet. If multiple Purchase Orders are on a pallet, they should be separated by a slip sheet or cardboard divider.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Items with different SKU numbers may NOT be mixed in a Master Case Pack.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Acceptable pallet dimensions are 48" x 40" with 4-way entry. Materials should be Group III and/or IV hardwood, clean sawn.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The documents mention a gross weight limit for shopping cartons of 80 lbs for both master cartons and retail packaging.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The minimum and maximum weight requirements for shipping pallets are not explicitly provided in the documents.

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

The Bill of Lading must include:
1. Pickup date of the shipment;
2. Distribution Center number or store number;
3. Purchase Order Number;
4. Complete shipping address;
5. Complete delivery address;
6. NMFC freight class, description, and total weight for each commodity being shipped;
7. Count of pallets to be shipped on the trailer and number of cases/description for each line item;
8. An authorized shipper representative's signature with the trailer number;
9. Driver's signature with the number of pallets or non-palletized cartons;
10. Seal number for truckload shipments after loading;
11. If hazardous materials are included, mark an "X" in the HM section of the Bill of Lading;
12. For issues of consistent shipment combining, a Master Bill of Lading should be used. You should also show each Purchase Order Number and pallet/box count per order.

For FOB Origin freight, note that freight bills must be sent to Tractor Supply Company Store Support Center ATTN: Freight Payables - 5401 VIRGINIA WAY BRENTWOOD, TN 37027 USA.

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

For seasonal and special event carton labels, place two identical labels on the upper-right hand corner of two adjacent sides of the carton. The label size must be 5" x 7". Import Master Case Pack cartons require labeling on the end with vendor name, PO number, destination, SKU number, case pack, carton number, gross weight, cubic feet, and country of origin. One side of the carton should have PO number, carton number, and country of origin. Fragile items must be marked "FRAGILE" prominently on cartons, with arrows indicating the top, on two non-adjacent sides.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner Case Packs must be sealed securely with polypropylene film or packaging specifically designed for the product, in packaging that assures merchandise will not be damaged; glass-on-glass contact must be avoided. Carton items must have separators within the carton to prevent units from impacting and breaking one another. All packaging changes require pre-approval. For labeling, mark at least one side of the carton with Vendor Item Number, Tractor Supply Company SKU #, Case Pack, Purchase Order Number, and Item Description.

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

Based on the provided documents, there are no specific requirements mentioned for GS1 or UCC18 labels on cartons. However, general labeling requirements for cartons include: Import Master Case Pack Cartons must be labeled with Vendor Name, Purchase Order Number, Destination, SKU Number, Case Pack, Carton Number, Gross Weight, Cubic Feet, and Country of Origin, with specific placement instructions being at least one end and one side of the carton marked. For Import Inner Case Pack, required markings include Vendor Item Number, SKU #, Case Pack, Purchase Order Number, and Item Description on at least one side. There are special instructions for Store Display Cartons used as shipping cartons, requiring a 3"x 4" label in 14 pt. font, placed unobtrusively, containing Purchase Order Number, Destination, SKU Number, and Carton Number. Fragile markings are required for breakable contents, prominently on two non-adjacent sides with additional arrows indicating the top of the carton.

There is no mention of GS1 or UCC18 labels or recommended placement for such labels.