Packing Instructions

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The goal in our Distribution Center is to take advantage of all available technology to enhance our efficiencies and improve upon our management of the supply chain. Our current methodology handles both cross-dock and bulk orders. At SSI, cross-dock means your shipment is packed by store, 100% accurate, received 100% Floor Ready, is accompanied by a carton level ASN, and moves quickly through our Distribution Center without any merchandise handling.

All merchandise requiring redistribution handling (Bulk Orders) will be subject to a 2% Distribution Allowance. The Distribution Allowance will be automatically deducted from every invoice.

SSI supports three types of Purchase orders:

• Bulk no pre-packs
• Bulk with pre-packs
• Pack by store

Note—if unsure of order type, please contact the appropriate buying office

All shipping cartons must be in accordance with the following carton size and weight requirements:

• Minimum: Weight 5 pounds, Length: 9" - Width 6" - Height: 4"
• Maximum: Weight 50 pounds, Length: 36" - Width: 22" - Height: 24"

Packing instructions for Bulk Pack Orders (no prepack):

• A carton can only contain one UPC. A UPC is defined as one style, one color and one size.  Do not bundle content of carton.
• Fragile shipments must contain “Re-shippable Inner-packs”. These re-shippable inner-packs must use corrugated packing materials of at least 225# and a container that will prevent product movement and breakage once it is removed from the Master Carton. This is necessary in order to reship independently to a specific store without incurring any damage. There will be a charge to the vendor for the full product amount for any damages that occur to the inner pieces.
• Do not combine or mix Purchase Orders or Department Numbers in the same carton (authorized vendors excluded).
• All sets and coordinates with two items hung on interlaced hangers with one UPC must be packaged together, top/bottom on same hanger or bundled in a clear poly bag.
• All related separates ordered as a set, must be sent in the same shipment with the same Bill of Lading and arrive on the same trailer/container.

Packing instructions for Bulk Pack Orders (with prepack):

• A carton can only contain a unique pre-pack size run. Cartons can contain as many of the unique style/color pre-pack size run that will fit into a carton without exceeding carton dimensions.
• Cartons shipped must be marked with the pre-pack detail/breakout printed on the shipping labels.
• All “Pre-Pack” orders must be packed as ordered. Broken packs are not acceptable.
• Do not combine multiple Purchase Orders in the same carton.
• All sets and coordinates with two items hung on interlaced hangers with one UPC must be packaged together, top/bottom on same hanger or bundled in a clear poly bag.
• Bags must be sealed at bottom.
• All related separates ordered as a set, must be sent in the same shipment with the same Bill of Lading and arrive on the same trailer/container.
• Pre-packs must be packaged in poly-bag and bundled as one unit (bundle hangers with string, twine, or rubber bands).
• Alternate top and bottom carton placement approximately every 6 hangers to eliminate excess bulk, maximize cube, and prevent shifting.

Packing instructions for Pack by Store Orders:

• A carton/poly bag can contain more than one UPC
• Do not combine or mix multiple Purchase Orders in the same carton.
• All sets, including related separates ordered as a set, must be packaged together with top/bottom on same hanger or bundled in a clear poly bag.

Master Packs:

In the event that your cartons do not meet our minimum size dimensions and/or weight requirements, you should package multiple styles for one purchase order in one carton. To master pack follow the steps below (This applies to all orders shipped in masterpacks regardless of size):

• Master packing must be done with poly bags.
• Poly bag must be separate for each style, color and size or for a specific store for Pack by Store.
• Each poly bag must include an UCC-128 shipping container label. Do NOT place an UCC-128 on the outside of the master-pack. Create a carton label with the required information (ship to, ship from, carrier info, PO#, and dept #) exclude the UCC-128 barcode and place on the outside of the master-pack.
• Write or attach a label that states, “Master pack” on the outside of the master carton on or adjacent to the ship to and from label.
• Cartons received outside of minimum size requirements and not master packed will be subject to non-compliance charges.
• The total number of master pack cartons must be entered in TMS.
• The total number of handling units (cartons/pallets) must be listed on the BOL.  The suppliement to the bill of lading form (on page 44) can be utilized to list additional detail on the master packs.
  
  Example:
  

Additional Packing instructions:

• Product to be sold in a box must be placed and shipped in that box.
• ASN Vendors: The ASN replaces the packing slips. Packing slips are no longer required.
• Cover each garment with a clear, dry cleaning style plastic (1 mil) bag, to prevent wrinkling or soiling. Bag must be sealed at bottom.
• Merchandise should be packed ‘flat’, lengthwise in cartons. If the merchandise must be folded, use no more than one fold, at the bottom of the garment.
• Merchandise designated to be hung must be shipped on hangers. Do not seed hangers in cartons.
• Delicate items should be placed on top to prevent crushing.
• If improper carton handling during transportation could cause wrinkling, use “THIS END UP” labeling.
• A vendor compliance charge of $1 per garment will be assessed if your merchandise requires pressing, poor quality or variance in length and size.
• Mark all fragile cartons with a fragile label. Use corrugated packing materials of at least 225# and a container that will prevent product movement and breakage. Individual shipping unit must be suitable to be shipped separately.
• Do not use any of the following materials when packing:

  Pins Tape Clips Tie Backs Excessive tissue paper

  Removable Foam Inserts on bottom hangers Excessive paper Excessive cardboard or any other material that will require removal

• SAFETY NOTE: Do not use safety pins, straight pins, or pins of any type on any merchandise in any category for any reason (except men’s packaged dress shirts).
• Seal cartons securely with tape. Do not place bands, straps, or string on cartons as they may damage our sortation equipment.
• All cartons should be sealed with tamper proof, reinforced tape. All openings on all sides of the carton, including edges must be sealed.
• Use a shipping carton that fits the garment. Ideally merchandise should be packed ¹⁄4" below the top of the carton, and ¹⁄8" from the sides of the carton. Do not over-pack cartons.
• Carton strength should be a minimum of 32 ETC (edge test crush) to prevent crushing during transit. Large or heavy cartons may require a higher ETC.

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