Question 1

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Accepted Answer

A packing list must be affixed to the outer carton for each purchase order in the shipment. It must include the purchase order number on each case. The packing list or bill of lading must be attached to an outer case, as the Motor Carrier Freight Bill or Delivery Receipts do not meet this requirement.

Question 2

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

Accepted Answer

Every shipment must have a packing list or bill of lading attached to an outer case. The packing list must include the Supplier Name and Address, Purchase Order number or recipient name, Ship to/Delivery address, and Product description and case count by item. The packing list must be affixed to the outer carton for each purchase order in the shipment and must include the purchase order number on each case.

Question 3

Can pallets be stacked?

Accepted Answer

Pallets can be stacked if they are stable and the product on them does not indicate "do not stack". However, visibly unstable or crushed cartons should not be stacked. Additionally, allow for a 6" lift clearance from the top of a double-stacked pallet.

Question 4

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet if authorized by the procurement buyer. Each purchase order should be physically separated with a slip sheet or barrier, and each purchase order must be clearly indicated.

Question 5

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

Accepted Answer

Pallets cannot contain more than one UPC per handling unit according to our unloading guidelines.

Question 6

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton for small parcel delivery. The outside of the carton must indicate it contains mixed SKUs and a list of all POs and PO details must be included in the carton.

Question 7

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Accepted Answer

Pallets must be 48" x 40" 4-way entry hardwood construction. GMA 40" x 48" 4-way wooden pallets, Grade A, Grade B, or CHEP pallets are acceptable.

Question 8

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

Accepted Answer

Individual cartons that have more than one sellable unit should not exceed 50 lbs.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Every purchase order included in a shipment must be listed on the Bill of Lading (BOL). It must be attached to an outer case. Shipping documents must include Supplier Name and Address, Purchase Order number or recipient name, Ship to/Delivery address, and Product description and case count by item. Failure to include a BOL will result in a $175 non-compliance penalty fee per purchase order delivered.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Carton and pallet labels must meet the following requirements:

1. For LTL and FTL shipments, a PO number should be indicated on each pallet.
2. For small parcel deliveries, the PO number must be clearly marked on the outside of each carton.
3. Small Parcel delivery in repack boxes must indicate it contains mixed SKUs with a list of all POs and PO details in the carton.
4. All cases and displays must have a scannable case barcode on the outside of the shipping carton. The acceptable formats for barcodes are ITF-14/SCC-14, UPC-A/UCC-12, or EAN/UCC-13.
5. Non-compliant barcodes will be subject to a chargeback.
6. Inner packs also need to have a scannable barcode.
7. Optional but helpful: Displaying Imperial's 6-digit item number on the outside of the case and including content UPCs and quantity on the outside of displays.
8. Carton labels should face outward to allow for scanning the barcode without breaking down the pallet.

Question 11

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Accepted Answer

Inner packs need to have a scannable barcode when shipped. Cases must indicate the Case Pack and manufacturer's stocking #, have a scannable case barcode on the outside, not change the case pack quantity without notifying Imperial, and present PO details if it's a small parcel delivery containing mixed SKUs.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Cartons should have labels that clearly face outward to allow for barcode scanning without breaking down the pallet. Each case must have a scannable barcode, which can be ITF-14/SCC-14, UPC-A/UCC-12, or EAN/UCC-13 format. Non-compliant barcodes will be subject to a chargeback. The case pack and manufacturer's stocking or style number must be indicated on each case. For small parcel deliveries, the purchase order number must be clearly marked on the outside of each carton. If the carton contains mixed SKUs, this must be indicated on the outside along with a list of all POs and PO details inside the carton.

Question 13

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

Accepted Answer

Pallets should not exceed 60" tall. Any exceptions will need to be approved in writing by vendor-compliance@imperialdistributors.com.

Imperial Distributors Packaging Guidelines

The Imperial Distributors Compliance Prep Checklist

The Imperial Distributors Compliance Prep Checklist

Stop Guessing on Imperial Distributors Requirements

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