Single pallets

If you’re sending a drop trailer (container left at the fulfillment center and no delivery appointment scheduled), you may load cases directly into the truck without palletizing. But if you’re planning a live unload where WFS staff unload the truck, shipments must arrive on pallets and meet the following requirements. 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 can’t fit on a 40" x 48" pallet without overhanging the edges, you may use a pallet size and type that’s suitable for the unit. Make sure the carrier can accept non-standard pallets. (Walmart preferred carriers will only accept 40” x 48” pallets.) 
• Each pallet’s weight must be under 2,100 lb. 
• Each pallet’s height ust be under 72". 
• Ship units on Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) standard Grade A pallets. GMA pallets have no stringer damage. The deck board configuration is typically 7 top and 5 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. 
• A standard pallet jack must be able to move pallets. 
• 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 item 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 stablize master cases during transit.
• Arrange pallets so a forklift can access them from the same side.
• Stretch wrap pallets to prevent damage during shipping and protect associates during unloading.

Stretch-wrap requirements

• You must secure cases to the pallet with stretch wrap.
• Wrap from the bottom of the pallet upwards in an overlapping pattern.
• Don't use more than 10 layers of stretch wrap.
• Make sure the bottom layer is double wrapped. Double wrap while overlapping every 2 to 4 inches.
• Don't cover entry holes for pallet jacks or forklifts.
• Press the end of the stretch wrap firmly against the 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.
• You may use ventilated stretch wrap as needed.
• If stretch-wrap equipment isn’t available, the stretch wrap must be top quality and a minimum of 80 gauge, 15" wrap.

Pallet receiving labels

• Place a receiving label with the shipment ID onto each pallet: 4 per pallet, with 1 on each side in the top center.
• Place pallet labels squarely (not at an angle) on all 4 sides of the pallet so the forklift driver can see them when approaching. Place pallet labels outside the stretch wrap.
• Include matching items in pallets when quantities allow. Do not split quantities of the same item if they can fit on 1 pallet.
• If you’re shipping multiple items on a pallet, physically separate the items so they’re easy to differentiate when at the fulfillment center.