Marshall Retail Group Packaging Guidelines

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

A packing slip must accompany all shipments: 1 packing list per purchase order if shipping multiple purchase orders. Color and size unit breakdowns must be clearly listed. The packing slip should be enclosed inside or attached to carton #1 and marked "Packing Slip Enclosed". Packing slip quantity must match the quantity shipped.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

A packing slip must accompany all shipments, with 1 packing list per PO if shipping multiple purchase orders. Color and size unit breakdowns must be clearly listed. The packing slip must be enclosed inside of or attached to carton #1 and marked "Packing Slip Enclosed".

Source: Marshall Retail Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Oct 29, 2019

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be stacked. The maximum height of stacked cartons, including the pallet, is 72 inches. All cartons must not exceed the length and width of the pallet (48" x 40"). Cartons should preferably be stacked in an interlocking pattern and must be secured to the pallet.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

Purchase Orders must be kept together and must not be mixed within a single carton. Cartons must be secured to the pallet, and the load properly stabilized to prevent shifting in transit. Stretch-wrapping film is required. Any shipments that arrive with cartons not intact or P.O.'s commingled will incur chargebacks.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Purchase Orders must be kept together and should not be commingled on pallets. Any shipments that arrive with P.O's commingled will incur chargebacks.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Different SKU categories like apparel, accessories, and headwear have specific packing requirements. Any deviations must be specified by the Buyer, and mixing within a carton should adhere to Buyer Purchase Order specifications to avoid chargebacks.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

All merchandise must be on pallets with dimensions of 48" x 40" and a maximum fork clearance of 3 1/2". The maximum height of stacked cartons is 72", including the pallet. Cartons must not exceed the length and width of the pallet.

Source: Marshall Retail Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Oct 29, 2019

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

There are no specific maximum or minimum dimensions mentioned for individual shipping cartons alone, only that they must not exceed the length and width of the pallet when stacked.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The maximum weight for individual cartons is 50 lbs. There is no specified minimum weight.

Source: Marshall Retail Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Oct 29, 2019

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

For palletized shipments via LTL carrier, the Bill of Lading must: 1) Indicate the actual shipping point (name/address), 2) Provide a description of the commodity, 3) Include all relevant purchase order numbers, and 4) Be billed prepaid, not shipped driver collect. Multiple P.O.'s should be combined onto one Bill of Lading. There is no specific placement mentioned for the Bill of Lading.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

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

Cartons must have a master pack label on the smallest end panel in the upper right corner. Master pack labels must include P.O. Number, Buyer Style # & barcode, Vendor style #, and Quantity (by size and color when applicable). Cartons on pallets must not exceed the dimensions of 48" x 40" with a height not exceeding 72", including the pallet. Cartons should be stacked in an interlocking pattern and secured with stretch-wrapping film.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Inner packs must include the buyer style number and barcode, description, color (when applicable), size (when applicable), and quantity. Pre-ticketed items in clear poly bags do not require additional labels. Cases should have master pack labels with P.O. number, buyer style # & bar code, vendor style #, and quantity by size and color, placed on the smallest end panel in the upper right corner. Carton packing should avoid foam packing peanuts, individual cartons must not exceed 50lbs, and follow specified packing requirements to avoid chargebacks.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

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

For master pack carton labels, the following information is required: P.O. Number, Buyer Style # & bar code, Vendor style #, and Quantity (by size and color when applicable). The label should be placed on the smallest end panel in the upper right corner. For inner pack labels, Buyer Style number and barcode, Description, Color (when applicable), Size (when applicable), and Quantity are required. There is no mention of GS1 or UCC18 labels.

Source: Marshall Retail Group and InMotion Entertainment Group Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jul 1, 2020

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum height of stacked cartons is 72", including the pallet.

Source: WHSmith North America Vendor Compliance Guidelines - Jun 1, 2023