Single pallets

Shipments may arrive as floor loads if they’re a drop shipment. For live unloads, shipments must arrive on pallets and meet the requirements below. Failure to comply with these standards may result in shipments being rejected at your expense.

• Use 40" x 48", four-way access, solid wood pallets. If a single, large unit cannot fit on a 40" x 48" pallet without overhanging the edges, use a pallet size and type that is suitable for the unit.
• Pallet weight should not exceed 2,100 lb.
• Pallet height should not exceed 72".
• Ship units on Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Standard Grade A pallets. GMA pallets have no stringer damage. The deck board configuration is typically seven top and five bottom boards with specific lead board sizes.
• Ship only on pallets that are in good condition.
  • Do not ship pallets that are broken or damaged.
  • Do not ship units on pallets made of weak material such as cardboard or particle board.
• Pallets must be accessible and able to be moved using a standard pallet jack.
  • Do not ship units on PECO or CHEP pallets, which can’t be moved using a standard pallet jack.

Stacked pallets

Double-stacked pallets are allowed if they’re safe to load and unload, and do not cause product damage during transit. They must meet these additional requirements:

• Do not exceed 108" in height, including the height of the pallets.
• Use corner boards to help protect and maintain the stability of boxes in transit.
• Arrange pallets so they're accessible by a forklift from the same side.

Stretch-wrap requirements

• Cases must be secured to the pallet with stretch wrap.
• Wrap from the bottom of the pallet upwards in an overlapping pattern.
  • Don't use more than ten layers of stretch wrap.
• Ensure the bottom layer is double wrapped. Double wrap while overlapping every two to four inches.
  • Don't cover pallet fork entry holes.
• The end of the stretch wrap must be pressed firmly against the unit load.
  • Don't create stretch-wrap tails.
• Don't use black, black corrugated, or colored stretch wrap.
• Don't use netting or twine to contain pallets.
• Ventilated stretch wrap is allowed as needed.
• When stretch-wrap equipment is unavailable, the stretch wrap must be top quality and a minimum of 80 gauge, 15" wrap.

Pallet label requirements

• Place a shipment label containing the Shipment ID to each pallet: four per pallet, one on each side in the top center. The format of the Shipment ID is ######GDM.
  • If the entire pallet is the same Shipment ID, place one label on each side.
  • If the pallet has multiple Shipment IDs, each individual Shipment ID must be identified on each case. Each pallet must be visibly marked on the outer portion of the pallet to specify they contain multiple Shipment IDs.
• Place pallet labels squarely (not at an angle) on all four sides of the pallet so the forklift driver can see them when approaching. Place pallet labels on the outside of the stretch wrap.
• Include matching products in pallets when quantities allow. Do not split quantities of the same product if they can fit on one pallet.
• When shipping multiple SKUs on a pallet, physically separate the SKUs so they’re easy to differentiate when received at the fulfillment center. See labeling requirements below.

Special pallet label requirements for product types

When applicable, include the following information on labels. Boxes must not exceed the standard weight limit of 150 lb. unless they contain a single oversize unit that exceeds 50 lb.