Williams-Sonoma Packaging Guidelines

Explore Williams-Sonoma Packaging Guidelines: pallet stacking, mixed SKUs, carton labels, BOL requirements, and approved pallet types for shipping.

Can pallets be stacked?

Palletized units can never be placed on their sides. Shaped cartons need to be designed for stable column stacking on pallets, and vendors are responsible for ensuring stability so they can be placed in storage racks at the distribution centers. Non-compliant unstable carton stacking is not allowed.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet. If more than one SKU or PO must be loaded on the same pallet, it must be marked "Mixed Load." There is no requirement to list every SKU or PO on the placard.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. The requirements are: the pallets must be marked "Mixed Load," and there is no requirement to list every SKU or PO on the placard.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton under the "Multiple items per pack" or "Variety items per pack" configurations. For multiple items per pack, the Shipped Qty must equal the Qty per Carton for each item. For variety items per pack, the Shipped Qty can be divisible by the Quantity per Carton as long as the total number of labels generated is the same for all items in the pack/tare.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

There are three basic pallet designs acceptable for shipping: Standard 4-Way, 2-Way Entry, and Non-Solid Wood Block style pallets. There are variations for each, including Standard Pallet 4-Way Entry, Standard Pallet 2-Way Entry, Solid Deck Pallet 4-Way Entry, Solid Deck Pallet 2-Way Entry, Non-Solid Wood Pallet 4-Way Entry, and Non-Solid Wood Pallet 2-Way Entry.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The maximum weight for shipping cartons using RSC (Regular Slotted Container) is 75 lb. (34 kg). For items weighing more than 75 lb., FOL (Full Overlap) or HSC (Half Slotted Container) is to be used.

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

For Bills of Lading (BOL) in pallet or carton shipments, Williams-Sonoma requires the following:
- A single BOL number, assigned by the Manhattan Portal, for each shipment inbound to the distribution center (DC), which may cover multiple POs.
- BOLs must contain:
a. WSI BOL number from the Manhattan Portal.
b. Shipper's info: company name, address, zip.
c. Consignee info: WSI DC/store address.
d. Carrier name and SCAC code.
e. Freight terms marked as "collect".
f. Number of cartons.
g. Total weight including pallet.
h. Handling unit quantity & type.
i. Item description.
j. WSI PO Number(s) and Customer Order # (if applicable).
k. Seal number (not required for LTL shipments).
l. Trailer loaded and counted indicator marked as "shipper load and count".
m. Shipper and Carrier signatures.
n. Delivery Order number.
o. PRO number for LTL shipments.
p. FOB point.
- The BOL must include seal numbers if sealed, noting seals on high-security bolt seals that meet C-TPAT standards.

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

Carton labels must follow these guidelines:
1. Label size: Approximately 4" x 3" (101 mm x 76 mm) to 4" x 6" (101 mm x 152 mm), adjusted if panel is too small.
2. Print information: SKU, Item Description, PO#, Quantity, Made In (Country of Origin) for Brand, and Weight in lbs. & kgs.
3. Label location for cartons: End panel in upper right corner and identical label on adjacent side panel.
4. Inner Carton Labels: If master carton (MC) quantity does not equal distribution lot (DL) quantity, inner carton label is needed, similar in size and placement requirements as master carton labels, but weight information is not needed.
5. Pallet labels: Must be 8.5" x 11" (203 mm x 279 mm), centered on a vertical side of the pallet load and another identical label on the opposite vertical side.
The labels must be printed legibly in English. There are specific guidelines for label printing, placement, and symbol spacing based on panel and carton size, which must be adhered to for compliance.

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

For master carton labels, the requirements are as follows:
- Labels should be size 4" x 6" (101 mm x 152 mm) and can be adjusted smaller if necessary, but must accommodate printing and scanning.
- Labels are to be located on the end panel, upper right-hand corner, with a duplicate on the adjacent side panel. The barcode should be adhered to a flat surface.
- Information required includes SKU, TO, FROM, CHANNEL, DC number, BRAND, VENDOR NUMBER, CASE QTY, MADE IN, WEIGHT, and PO number.
- SSCC NUMBER: A GS1 compliant SSCC-128 barcode number is required for master cartons.

Inner carton labels (when MC quantity does not equal DL quantity):
- Size: 1" x 2.25" (25 mm x 57 mm) to 4" x 2" (102 mm x 50 mm), adjustable based on panel size.
- Location: Same as the master carton labels.
- Information: Same as master carton labels but without weight.

International Handling Symbols:
- Up Arrow is required for all products.
- Fragile symbols for furniture, glass, and mirrors.
- Stacking symbols must specify max stackable cartons to a height of 110 inches. Large, medium, and small symbols have specified dimensions and should be spaced 1 in (2.54 cm) apart for large and 0.5 in (1.27 cm) apart for others, centered on smaller panels.

Special labels:
- Cold Storage and Warning Labels, This Carton Is Short Label, and graphics/logos marking require placement on opposite vertical panels.