Williams-Sonoma Packaging & Routing Guidelines

Discover Williams-Sonoma packaging FAQs on stacking pallets, mixing SKUs/POs, and proper label placements for efficient, error-free shipments.

Can I stack pallets?

Yes, you can double stack pallets as long as stacking does not cause compression damage to the cartons on the lower pallets.

Can you mix multiple SKUs per pallet?

Yes, you can mix multiple SKUs on a pallet, but if more than one SKU or PO is loaded, the pallet must be marked as 'Mixed Load'.

Can you mix POs in a single carton?

No, you should not mix POs in a single carton. Each master carton is labeled with a single PO number. If multiple POs end up on the same pallet, that load must be marked as a 'Mixed Load'.

Can you mix POs in a single pallet?

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed on a single pallet provided it is marked as a 'Mixed Load'.

Where do I place the label on a carton?

For standard master cartons, place the label on the end panel in the upper right-hand corner and an identical label on the adjacent side panel (with the carton in normal shipping orientation). Additional master carton label types have these placements: • Take To Receiving (Pink), Cold Storage (Blue), Warning & Safety, and This Carton Is Short labels are applied to opposite vertical panels of each master carton. • International Handling Symbols must be centered on the two smaller vertical panels (with size-specific dimensions and spacing). For non‐standard carton types: • Poly/vinyl bags – label on the back surface in the lower right-hand corner; • Flat cartons – one label on the end panel (upper right-hand corner) and a duplicate on the adjacent top panel sharing that corner; • Long cartons, tubes, or rugs – one label on the end panel and a second identical label on a vertical side panel; • Bulk/wrapped items – label on the upper surface of the outside wrap.

Where do I place the label on a pallet?

• For palletized loads: Use an 8.5" x 11" label placed centered on a vertical side of the pallet, with an identical label on the opposite vertical side. • For master cartons: Place the label on the end panel in the upper right-hand corner, with an identical label on the adjacent side panel. • For inner cartons: Same placement as master cartons. • For poly bags: Place one label on the back surface in the lower right-hand corner. • For flat cartons: Place the first label on the end panel in the upper right-hand corner and a second identical label on the adjacent top panel sharing that corner. • For long cartons, tubes or rugs: Place the first label on the end panel and a second identical label on the vertical side panel. • For bulk or wrapped items: Place the label on the upper surface of the outside wrap.