If shipping (or delivering) via less-than-truckload (LTL) capacity, 100% of LTL product must be palletized.
If eligible floor-loaded product is not safe to unload via clamp machine, then product must be palletized.
If intended parcel shipments exceed Best Buy’s Courier Door Restriction criteria, then product must be palletized [Reference Section 10].
4.2 BBY-approved Pallets
48-inch by 40-inch GMA, made of “Grade A” hardwood, allowing four-way forklift entry.
Pallets must be “Regular Duty” and made of hardwood:
Withstanding weights up to 2,800 lbs.
Wood must be sound (no decay) and square edged.
No missing or broken top or bottom boards.
Top and bottom boards must be a minimum 5/8 inches thick.
Spacing between top boards on must never exceed 3 ¼ inches.
Individual units longer than 48 inches are allowed to use custom pallets, but must comply with type of wood and other pallet requirements.
Unless approved by Best Buy, all other pallet types are non-compliant.
Note: All non-approved pallet usage is subject to compliance charges.
4.3 Shipping Configuration
Do not ship “loose” floor-loaded product. Shipping configuration must be either palletized or bundled.
Without exception, on each pallet (or within each bundle), only product for 1 Best Buy Purchase Order is allowed.
Bundles are considered floor-loaded product and can be utilized only for full Truckload shipments.
If banding is used, it must be made of PET plastic. Do not use metal banding. Do not use banding to secure product down through the pallet.
If wrap film is used, it must be completely clear and colorless.
If shipping TVs, beyond the content in the Receive-Ready sections review the TV-specific guidelines (Section 8).
Consolidate like-Model/UPCs onto the fewest number of pallets. Maximizing trailer cube should not take precedence over consolidating like-Model/UPC. Excessive Mixed-Model/UPC Pallet use can lead to receiving errors and driver detention.
Note: There is no pre-defined maximum pallet height. However, pallets must follow the required vertical trailer clearance guidelines as defined in Section 5.2.3.
4.3.1 Step-by-Step Checklist – Palletizing
Do not allow product to extend (overhang) beyond any of the pallet sides. Referred to as a “Zero-Overhang” policy, the goal is to mitigate logistical stream-induced product damage and allow for safe and secure product putaway.
Utilizing non-approved pallets smaller than standard 48” x 40” will likely have product clamped onto standard pallets for safe putaway. Best Buy’s logistical stream is not suited for small pallets.
Select BBY-approved Pallet.
Use a corrugate sheet underneath the bottom-layer for protection and stability.
Stack like-Model/UPC boxes in adjoining arrangement.
Consolidate like-Model/UPC product to as few pallets as possible.
Per pallet, consolidate like-Model/UPC into (vertically adjacent) layers.
If layers are not feasible, consolidate into logical adjoining arrangement.
Orient carton shipping labels with the following on-pallet considerations:
Collectively orient small-cube product to face one side of the pallet.
Orient other product so that all labels face out towards the nearest side.
Use a corrugate sheet on every third layer, when possible, to distribute weight evenly.
When necessary, use corner/edge boards to increase vertical stacking strength, prevent damage to edges, and stabilize for transit and conveyance. Apply to all edges and extend to the full height and length.
Machine application of clear film is preferable. If not, use clear stretch wrap (minimum of 80 gauge, recommend 3 revolutions), starting at the bottom wrap upward and fully encompassing the product. This limits product separation, reduces load shifting, and any tearing of wrap eases identifying potential in-transit load tampering.
Seal a pallet-level packing slip on the short (40”) pallet side [Reference Section 6].
4.3.2 Mixed-Model/UPC Pallets
Mixed-Model/UPC Pallets should be the exception.
On each pallet, consolidate like-Model/UPC product into (adjacent) layers.
Placard Recommendations:
Colored placarding that is no smaller than 3 inches tall by 6 inches wide.
Call out “Mixed UPCs” or “Mixed Models”.
Use a font size greater than 72 point and in BOLD.
Apply placards to each Mixed-Model pallet, on 2 adjacent sides, to the exterior of any stretch wrap film.
If shipping via LTL, apply one of the placards on the same short (40”) side as the pallet-level packing slip.
4.3.2 Step-by-Step Checklist – Bundles
Bundles must contain only 1 like-Model/UPC. To avoid receiving errors, do not build Mixed-Model/UPC Bundles. Regardless of any “Mixed Models” placarding application, bundles are always assumed as like-Model/UPC bundles.
Vendor should assume that all bundled product will be unloaded from the trailer via clamp truck.
If product packaging cannot withstand clamp unloading, product must be palletized on a BBY-approved pallet.
Immediate no-touch/quick-clamp bundle orientation needs to exist all throughout the trailer.
Start with a multi-use plastic slip sheet underneath the bottom-layer for product protection and stability. Note: Best Buy does not have slip sheet unloading equipment.
Always position like-Model/UPC boxes upright and in the same product orientation (facing the same direction).
Build the bottom layer into a recommended (minimum) 3 feet by 3 feet bundle base.
Excluding height dimension, do not exceed 82” on any bundle dimension.
If the manufacturer’s recommendations will allow, continually stack boxes on top of the bottom layer.
Do not stack beyond manufacturer’s recommendations.
When possible, create even product layers.
When necessary, use corner/edge boards to increase vertical stacking strength, prevent damage to edges, and stabilize for transit and conveyance. Apply to all edges and extend to the full height and length.
If banding is used to secure the product bundle, apply over corner/edge boards. Do not apply banding without corner/edge boards as it can cause carton damage.
Machine application of approved film is preferable. If not, use clear stretch wrap (minimum of 80 gauge, with a recommended 3 revolutions), starting at the bottom wrap upward and fully encompassing the product. This limits product separation, reduces load shifting, and any tearing of wrap eases identifying potential in-transit load tampering.
