Vitacost Packaging Guidelines

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Each carton must contain a packing slip with the Vitacost PO number and UPC #'s. It is required that each carton shall contain products only for one PO number. Placement details are not specified in the provided pages.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

All individual carton shipments require a packing slip which includes the Vitacost PO number and UPC #'s. Each carton shall contain product only applied to one PO number, and cases received without a packing slip and the required PO number & UPC contents will be subject to non-compliance fees per 'Exhibit D'. There is no specification on where the packing list should be placed.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

Can pallets be stacked?

Yes, pallets can be double-stacked. The total height must not exceed 52 inches, and the heaviest items should be placed at the bottom to ensure stability.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

No, purchase orders cannot be mixed within a single carton. Each carton must contain products for only one PO and must include a packing slip with the PO number and UPC numbers.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

Yes, multiple purchase orders can be mixed within a single pallet, but they must be clearly separated and each box on the pallet must be labeled with the PO number on two external sides. If the pallet is just one PO, the PO# must be clearly stated on the pallet.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

SKUs cannot be mixed within a single carton. Each carton must only contain one like item. Mixing different items in the same case is subject to non-compliance fees.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

All pallets should be the standard block wooden pallet of 40x48. Broken pallets are not acceptable.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

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 for cartons.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

What are the min max weight requirements for shipping pallets?

There is no specific minimum weight requirement for shipping pallets mentioned. However, a single shipment should be categorized as Less-Than-Full Truckload (LTL) if it is greater than 150 lbs but less than 10,000 lbs.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

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

For pallet (freight) shipments, vendors need to complete the Bill of Lading (BOL) with accurate commodity descriptions, weights, and pallet counts. Each pallet should be clearly and legibly labeled with supporting documentation listing the Vitacost PO Number(s), item quantity per PO Number, total units per pallet, and total weight per pallet. For carton (parcel) shipments, the Vitacost PO Number must be provided on the 'Reference' field on the shipping label and also be clearly identified on two of the four sides of each parcel being shipped via small parcel delivery.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

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

All individual boxes must be clearly labeled on two external sides with the Vitacost PO number when shipped small parcel. Multiple purchase orders on a pallet must have each box labeled with the PO number on two external sides. If only one PO is on the pallet, the PO number should be clearly stated on the pallet. Each pallet should also be clearly labeled with the Vitacost PO Number, item quantity per PO Number, total units per pallet, and total weight per pallet. Cases received with mixed items or without proper PO number labeling will be subject to non-compliance fees.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

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

All individual boxes must be clearly labeled on two external sides with the Vitacost PO number when shipped small parcel via FedEx or other small parcel carriers. No specific mention of GS1 or UCC18 labels is provided.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height allowed is 6 feet, unless double-stacked at 5 feet.

Source: Vitacost Vendor Inbound Routing Guide & Non-Compliance Fee Schedule - Sep 14, 2023