BDALast Updated: May 20, 2025
Common FAQs about packaging guidelines for BDA. These answers are AI-generated from official retailer documents.
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.
Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?
Yes, all shipments to BDA DC's must be accompanied by a packing slip on the outside of carton #1. The packing slip must include: Supplier Name, Contact, Phone, Address, BDA PO Number, SKU Number with size if applicable, Number of Units by SKU, and Number of Cartons by SKU.
Source: BDA U.S. & Canada Domestic Routing Guide - Sep 1, 2020
Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?
All shipments to BDA DC's must be accompanied with a packing slip on the outside of carton # 1. The packing slip must include: Supplier Name, Contact, Phone, Address; BDA PO Number; SKU Number with size if applicable; Number of Units by SKU; and Number of Cartons by SKU. Mixing SKU's including sizes in cartons is prohibited and will incur administrative fees.
Source: BDA U.S. & Canada Domestic Routing Guide - Sep 1, 2020
Can pallets be stacked?
Pallets can be stacked, but the maximum pallet height is 72 inches. Cartons on the pallet must be plainly visible for accurate carton count, and heavy cartons should be placed on the bottom. Pallets must be shrink-wrapped well to ensure safe transit.
Source: BDA U.S. & Canada Domestic Routing Guide - Sep 1, 2020
What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?
All individual cartons must be less than 150 lbs, less than 108 inches in length, and less than 130 inches in length plus girth combined.
Source: BDA U.S. & Canada Domestic Routing Guide - Sep 1, 2020
What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?
The maximum weight for individual cartons is 150 lbs. There is no specified minimum weight for cartons.
Source: BDA U.S. & Canada Domestic Routing Guide - Sep 1, 2020
What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?
Shipments greater than 400 lbs should be shipped as Less Than Truckload (LTL). There is no maximum weight specified for pallets, but individual cartons on pallets must be less than 150 lbs.
Source: BDA U.S. & Canada Domestic Routing Guide - Sep 1, 2020
What are the requirements for Bills of Lading when it comes to pallet (freight) or carton (parcel) shipments?
For pallet and freight shipments as defined under LTL, the Bill of Lading must include: 1) a total carton count, 2) the number of pallets being shipped, and 3) each BDA purchase order number. The absence of these details results in a $75 chargeback fee or full freight charges. For small package shipments, the BDA PO number must be placed in "reference field 1" (also called YOUR REFERENCE) on the Bill of Lading. The PO should only have numerals. Absence of this on smaller packages will lead to similar penalties.
Source: BDA U.S. & Canada Domestic Routing Guide - Sep 1, 2020
What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?
The maximum pallet height allowed is 72 inches.
Source: BDA U.S. & Canada Domestic Routing Guide - Sep 1, 2020
Free checklist
26 checks to run before your next BDA shipment: every requirement category in BDA's program, the vendor portals to register on, the chargeback categories to watch for, and where to obtain BDA's current official guide, plus how to confirm you have the latest revision.
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