Zappos Packaging Guidelines

Explore Zappos Packaging Guidelines FAQ: stackable pallets, carton sizes, label placement & PO rules for seamless shipping.

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be stacked. Stackable pallets should be built 49" tall (44" of inventory + 5" of pallet height) with solid, flat tops for best truck utilization. Double stacked pallets should be accessible by a forklift from the same side, and load bars, tension straps, air pillows, and/or diamond corrugated shims must be used to secure them during transit.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

No, purchase orders cannot be mixed within a single carton. Each carton should contain items from the same purchase order only.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

The document states that the description can be marked as "Mixed" in Zone G of the GS1-128 carton label, which implies that SKUs can be mixed within a single carton.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Acceptable pallet types include GMA grade B or higher, 40" x 48"/1m x 1.25m 4-way access wood pallets, and CHEP or PECO pallets meeting GMA grade B industry standards. Returns or exchanges for CHEP or PECO pallets are not acceptable.

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

The minimum carton dimensions are 8" L x 6" W x 6" H. The maximum dimensions for footwear cartons are 32" L x 24" W x 27" H. For non-footwear products, cartons must not exceed 25" on any side (unless the individual product is over 25").

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The maximum shipping carton weight is 50 pounds.

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

Regardless of pallet height, pallets must not exceed 1600.0 lbs/726 kg in gross weight.

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

The shipping carton label should be placed on the exterior of each carton in an unobscured and easily visible location, preferably on the side of the carton. Do not place carton labels over a seam of the carton. Labels should be placed at least 1" away from corners, edges, or tape that may cover or distort the label. Labels are only placed on the top of a carton when the sides are too short (less than 7" H) to fit the label. Diagrams for recommended and not recommended label placement are provided, but specific pallet label placement guidelines are not mentioned.

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

The shipping carton label must be placed on the exterior of each carton in an unobscured and easily visible location, preferably on the side of the carton, and not over a seam. Labels should be at least 1" away from corners, edges, or tape. Avoid placing labels near corners to prevent damage in transit. If the carton sides are too short (less than 7" H), place labels on the top. Each carton should only have one GS1-128 label using an SSCC-18 barcode that must match the 856 (MAN02). The label must include the human-readable and barcoded PO number format, specify the product type in the PO on the REF02 segment, and include all mandatory fields. Proper labeling prevents delays in receipt or payment.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height allowed when shipping is 72" if the inventory cannot be handled with a forklift. For stackable pallets, the preferred height is 49".