US Foods Packaging Guidelines
Explore US Foods packaging guidelines on pallet stacking, SKU limits, labels, inner packs, and shipping protocols. Learn key requirements now.
These answers are generated by our compliance AI and have not been vetted by a human. Take caution if using this information in your packing flows.
Can pallets be stacked?
Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?
What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?
What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?
What are the requirements for carton or pallet labels and their placement?
What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?
US Foods requires GS1-128 barcodes on all cartons, with the barcode label placed on two sides (preferred short and long sides) of the case. The barcode must include the following attributes: GTIN (AI 01), Net Weight (AI 320n* or AI 310n*), Date (AI varies depending on product type), Batch/Lot Code (AI 10 or AI 21). Barcode readability must be Grade B or higher with a maximum length of 6.5 inches and minimum height of 1/2 inch. Additional human-readable text in 16pt Arial Bold is recommended, and the total barcode character limit is 48 alphanumeric characters. Although not required, a Data Matrix 2D barcode is acceptable and considered best practice for encoding more data.
Below you will find a common list of FAQs that our users have when it comes to packaging guidelines for US Foods.
Can pallets be stacked?
Pallets can be stacked if the products have more than one layer. However, each product with more than one layer must be on its own pallet.
Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?
Product from no more than two LOTs/expiration dates should be included on any pallet. All pallets with more than one layer need to be secured with stretch wrap or other reinforcement.
What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?
US Foods accepts the shipment of products on CHEP, Grade A white wood, PECO, and iGPS (non-freezer products).
What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?
The weight capacity for pallets is specified as 3,000 lb.
What are the requirements for carton or pallet labels and their placement?
Carton or pallet labels are required to have several information points, including the US Foods placard, name of destination, vendor name, US Foods purchase order number, number of pallets per PO, and ship date. Each pallet must have its own placard. If information is missing, it must be handwritten if necessary. A $35 fee will be charged for each pallet without a placard, and a $15 fee if information is missing from the placard.
What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?
Innerpacks should be shot with the primary display panel (PDP) showing on a 3/4th angle view and clipped out to a solid white background with minimal surface shadow. Cases should be shot both open and closed with a 3/4th angle. The closed case should have the PDP showing on the left or right side, and the outer case should be in outstanding condition with no signs of damage or excessive packaging tape.
What are the requirements for placing labels on cartons being shipped?
US Foods requires GS1-128 barcodes on all cartons, with the barcode label placed on two sides (preferred short and long sides) of the case. The barcode must include the following attributes: GTIN (AI 01), Net Weight (AI 320n* or AI 310n*), Date (AI varies depending on product type), Batch/Lot Code (AI 10 or AI 21). Barcode readability must be Grade B or higher with a maximum length of 6.5 inches and minimum height of 1/2 inch. Additional human-readable text in 16pt Arial Bold is recommended, and the total barcode character limit is 48 alphanumeric characters. Although not required, a Data Matrix 2D barcode is acceptable and considered best practice for encoding more data.
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