1. General Palletization & Unitized Load Requirements

1.1 Pallet Load Specifications

- Maximum Height:

  - For produce goods in fully enclosed corrugated containers: Pallet load height (including the pallet) must not exceed 94" (239 cm) when distributed in uniform layer quantities.

- Pallet Orientation:

  - Cartons must be oriented on the pallet to withstand mechanical clamping against the 48" (121.9 cm) sides of the pallet for automated layer distribution.

- Stretch Film:

  - Stretch film is not required unless explicitly specified by the Costco buyer.

- Load Security for Display-Ready Packaging:

  - If corner posts are used, each pallet load requires a minimum of three straps to secure products to the pallet. Straps must run over the top of corner posts to prevent damage to display-ready packaging.

  - The exposed front of display-ready packaging may be turned toward the center of the pallet to reduce damage risk during transit.

2. Display-Ready Guidelines for Bagged-Style Primary Packaging (Addendum C 5.6)

2.1 Structural Requirements for Display-Ready Trays

- Load-Bearing Capacity:

  - Trays must support 100% of the load-bearing weight of multiple stacked trays up to a height of 52" (132 cm). No telescoping lids, layer sheets, or caps are permitted to meet this requirement.

- Stacking Stability:

  - Trays must feature wide stacking shoulders (wide stacking surfaces) to eliminate nesting issues. Narrow side-panel construction with a center divider is explicitly not sufficient for stacking stability.

3. Display-Ready Guidelines for Carton-Style Primary Packaging (Addendum C 6.2)

3.1 Container & Material Specifications

- Packaging Format:

  - Products must be packed in an open-top Half Slotted Container (HSC) for horizontal presentation during shipping.

- Board Strength:

  - The HSC must use board with a minimum rating of 40 ECT / 250 lb. Mullen test.

- Corrugate Orientation:

  - Corrugate direction must be vertically oriented for shipping to maintain structural integrity.

3.2 Pallet Load & Display Requirements

- Layer Protection:

  - Add 4" (10 cm) deep pallet caps between product layers and on top of each full pallet load.

- Display Orientation:

  - Carton-style products will be displayed vertically in-store, with the front display panel facing outwards.

- Accessibility & Cutout Rules:

  - Leave 0.25" (0.64 cm) of finger space at the top of the HSC presentation for easy product access.

  - U-shaped cutouts in the container are strictly prohibited.

4. Produce Packaging & Bulk Bin Requirements (Addendum D)

4.1 Display Tray Specifications (5.4)

- Stacking Tab Rules:

  - Stacking tabs must not exceed 0.75" (1.9 cm) in height.

  - Corrugate direction must be vertically oriented on a minimum of two sides.

  - A minimum of two-ply tabs is required unless written approval is obtained from the Costco buyer.

  - All display trays must comply fully with industry-accepted Common Footprint Guidelines.

4.2 Bulk Bin (Minimum) Requirements (7.2)

- Construction Material:

  - Bulk bins require a triple-wall corrugated fiberboard construction as a minimum standard.

- Lid Specifications:

  - A 4" (10 cm) deep octagonal lid is required on top of each pallet load. The lid must use board with a minimum rating of 32 ECT / 200 lb. Mullen test with C-flute corrugate.