United Natural Foods Inc. Packaging Guidelines

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Each bill of lading must be accompanied by a detailed packing slip for each release/Purchase Order (PO) being delivered or picked up. Two copies of bill of lading/packing slip containing an itemized list of all merchandise shipped must be included with each shipment. The packing slip must include UNFI's Purchase Order Number, UPC Code or Vendor Item Code, Quantity Shipped by Item, Net Weight, Sell by Dates, and Country of Origin information. Temp controlled loads must be listed on the bill of lading.

Source: UNFI Shipping & Handling Guidelines - Oct 22, 2021

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

All shipments must be clearly labeled with the DC Name at the top and the UNFI PO number beneath. This label must be placed on the bottom left corner, under stretch wrap on 2 opposite sides of the pallet. The pallet label must be no smaller than 5x8, preferably 8 1/2 x 11.

Source: UNFI Shipping and Handling Guidelines - Jan 1, 2023

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Allowed pallet types for shipping include new GMA pallets, #1 GMA pallets (reconditioned with minor repair), and #2 GMA pallets (reconditioned with moderate repair).

Source: UNFI Shipping & Handling Guidelines - Oct 22, 2021

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

The minimum pallet capacity specified for shipping to UNFI is 2500 pounds. There is no maximum weight requirement mentioned.

Source: United Natural Foods Inc. Shipping & Handling Guidelines - Apr 28, 2019

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

The bill of lading must include two copies containing an itemized list of all merchandise shipped with the following information: UNFI's Purchase Order Number, UPC Code or Vendor Item Code, Quantity Shipped by Item, Net Weight, Sell by Dates, temperature-controlled load information, and Country of Origin information by line item. Additionally, it must state the Purchase Order Number and the number of cartons shipped. This is detailed in the document, but placement details of the bill of lading itself are not specified.

Source: UNFI Shipping & Handling Guidelines - Oct 22, 2021

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

Shipping cartons must be identified with information like item description, "Sell by Date," case pack, UPC code, and precautionary markings. For pallets, all shipments must be clearly labeled with the DC Name at the top and the UNFI PO number beneath, placed on the bottom left corner, under stretch wrap on 2 opposite sides of the pallet. The pallet label must be no smaller than 5x8, preferably 8 1/2 x 11.

Source: UNFI Shipping and Handling Guidelines - Jan 1, 2023

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

If products have temperature requirements, these must be clearly indicated on the outside of the carton and the inner packs. Inner packs and cases must also be marked with product identification such as item description, pack size, readable sell by/use by/pack date, UPC or Vendor Item Code, and precautionary markings. Cases must also have scan-able barcodes and display net weight in pounds.

Source: UNFI Shipping & Handling Guidelines - Oct 22, 2021

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

Barcodes must be scan-able and placed on the longest side of the carton, ideally on 2 adjacent sides. For cartons shorter than 6 inches, place the barcode on the top. The barcode should be at least 1.25 inches from any carton edge, avoiding any seams or taped openings. The preferred barcode is GTIN (GS1-128 or ITF-14), but a Unit UPC code may be used if GTIN is unavailable. Barcodes can be printed, ink jetted, or part of an attached label.

Source: UNFI Shipping & Handling Guidelines - Oct 22, 2021