Sam's Club Packaging Guidelines

Yes, pallets can be stacked. Sam's Club will ship double stacked pallets in trailers from Distribution Centers (DCs) to clubs. The product must be designed to double stack. Labeling a pallet with "DO NOT DOUBLE STACK" is not allowed. Lightweight pallets must support an additional 1,500 lbs, while heavyweight pallets must support an additional 2,500 lbs without damaging the merchandise or packaging.

Source: Sam's Club Structural Packaging Standards Version 5 - Mar 18, 2025

All cases are required to be clearly segregated by the PO number to ensure an efficient flow of merchandise through the consolidation facility. This implies that mixing different POs within a single pallet is not allowed.

Source: Sam's Club Structural Packaging Standards Version 3 - Jun 30, 2023

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. Any item could be subject to mixed pallet loading, and suppliers should plan/design for this possibility. The packaging must be robust enough to handle any item's placement on any given pallet layer.

Source: Sam's Club Structural Packaging Standards Version 4 - Jan 18, 2024

The minimum dimensions for shipping cartons are 11" x 10" x 4", and the maximum dimensions are 36" x 21" x 18".

Source: Sam's Club Structural Packaging Standards Version 3 - Jun 30, 2023

The maximum weight of contents for shipping cartons varies by box type but generally ranges from 35 to 55 lbs.

Source: Sam's Club Structural Packaging Standards Version 4 - Jan 18, 2024

Lightweight pallets weighing under 750 lbs must support an additional 1,500 lbs. Heavyweight pallets weighing 750 lbs and over must support an additional 2,500 lbs. Individual pallet load weight greater than 2,500 lbs, including the pallet, is not allowed.

Source: Sam's Club Structural Packaging Standards Version 3 - Jun 30, 2023

Purchase orders for the same Sam's Club DC address must be shipped on one bill of lading. If there are multiple purchase orders on a truckload shipment, each must be loaded separately. A master bill of lading is required when shipping to a Walmart Consolidation Center (CP). A packing slip must be attached to the outside of the last box loaded on the trailer, with a second copy for the driver. The preferred Bill of Lading is a VICS Standard Bill of Lading, which requires: Shipment ID #, Ship From and Ship To Addresses, Consignee ID Number, Bill of Lading Number, Carrier Information including Trailer#, Seal#, SCAC and Pro#, 10-digit Purchase Order Number, Number and Weight of packages, and Must Deliver/Arrive By Date (MABD).

Source: Sam's Club Structural Packaging Standards Version 4 - Jan 18, 2024

Pallets containing multiple items must list the multiple item numbers on the label. Labels must be placed on two adjacent sides, affixed to the top right-hand corner inside shrink wrap, with a minimum size of 6" x 4". Font size should be bold and large enough to read from 5 feet in dim light. For feature and club-specific apparel pallets, use specific color paper (orange for feature, green for apparel) with details like set date and product description.

Source: Sam's Club Structural Packaging Standards Version 4 - Jan 18, 2024

Carton labels must include the sell unit UPC which must follow ANSI/GS1 print standards to ensure scannability, with a minimum size of 0.75" H x 3" L, placed at least 0.75" from the edge and 1.25" from the bottom. For food products, a 14-digit case GTIN in ITF-14 format is required on two sides, following ANSI/GS1 print standards. Loose freight shipping labels must have a minimum size of 4" x 3.5" and should include "Ship From" and "Ship To" addresses, PO number, and Sam's Club item number. Optional information includes carrier name, Freight Bill Pro number, and Bill of Lading number if available.

Source: Sam's Club Structural Packaging Standards Version 3 - Jun 30, 2023