REIREI

REI Packaging Guidelines

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Common FAQs about packaging guidelines for REI. These answers are AI-generated from official retailer documents.

There's a faster way to answer REI questions

See how teams turn REI's guidelines into instant answers ops can act on.

2-min look · no call, no signup

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?

Packing lists for domestic shipments must include vendor name, ship from location, REI purchase order number, total number of cartons, unit quantity shipped for each SKU, REI SKU number, item description, and vendor part number. The packing list must be attached to the lead carton (1 of x).

Source: REI Vendor Guide (July 2023) - Jul 1, 2023

Can pallets be stacked?

There is an indication for stackable pallets but no specific requirements for stacking are provided.

Source: REI Navisphere 2.0 Vendor Guide - May 3, 2023

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

No, purchase orders cannot be mixed within a single carton. Each carton must only contain product from one REI purchase order for DC and/or Retail locations.

Source: REI Vendor Guide (Updated August 2021) - Aug 1, 2021

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

SKUs can be mixed within a single carton if the entire order can be shipped in ten cartons or less. Exceptions include books, maps, shoes, and snowboards, which can be shipped in mixed SKU cartons regardless of the total carton count. When mixing SKUs, products must be separated within the shipping carton, and the carton must be marked as "MIXED CARTON."

Source: REI Vendor Guide (July 2023) - Jul 1, 2023

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

REI requires that vendors palletize all LTL and TL shipments using standard pallets which are sized at 40x48 inches. Pallets cannot exceed 84 inches in height, though it's recommended to be between 72-84 inches high. One pallet per shipment is exempted from the height requirement.

Source: REI Vendor Guide (July 2023) - Jul 1, 2023

What are the max and min dimensions for shipping cartons?

Minimum dimensions: Length 12 in., Width 10 in., Height 3.75 in. Maximum dimensions: Length 37 in., Width 23 in., Height 24 in.

Source: REI Vendor Guide (December 2022) - Dec 1, 2022

Free checklist

The REI Compliance Prep Checklist

26 pre-shipment checks: requirement categories, vendor portals, the chargeback categories to watch for, and how to confirm you have REI's current guide.

Authored by RetailerHub; not affiliated with or endorsed by REI. We don't distribute REI's official documents. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

What are the max and min weights for shipping cartons?

The minimum weight for shipping cartons is 5 lbs, and the maximum weight is 50 lbs.

Source: REI Vendor Guide v25.1 (January 2025) - Jan 1, 2025

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

Carton labels must be GS1-128 (UCC-128) and placed on the outside of each carton at the lower right-hand corner of the side defined as "W," within one inch of the bottom and right edge. Cartons should also be palletized so that all GS1-128 labels face out for receiving.

Source: REI Vendor Guide v25.1 (January 2025) - Jan 1, 2025

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

Vendors are required to place a GS1-128 (UCC-128) label on the outside of each carton. The label must be placed on the lower right-hand corner of the side defined as 'W'. The bottom and right edge of the label should be within one inch of the bottom and right edge of the carton. Each GS1-128 label should include detailed specs available on the REI Partners site (EDI Guidelines).

Source: REI Vendor Guide v25.1 (January 2025) - Jan 1, 2025

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

Pallets cannot exceed 84 inches in height.

Source: REI Vendor Guide v25.1 (January 2025) - Jan 1, 2025

Free checklist

The REI Compliance Prep Checklist

26 checks to run before your next REI shipment: every requirement category in REI's program, the vendor portals to register on, the chargeback categories to watch for — and where to obtain REI's current official guide, plus how to confirm you have the latest revision.

REI's official compliance documents are distributed only by REI — this checklist maps the program so you know what to verify. Authored by RetailerHub; not affiliated with or endorsed by REI. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Get Started

Stop Guessing on REI Requirements

Your floor gets instant answers for every retailer you ship to — and you hear about guideline changes before they cost you a chargeback.

Ready to talk?

Grab a 15-minute slot below. We'll review your retailer list and set up a guided trial environment on the call.

There's a faster way to do this

2-min look · no call, no signup