Preparing pallets for retailer or fulfilment delivery
Get the recipient’s current receiving instructions before the factory packs. Agree the pallet type, loaded height and weight, labels, shipment notice and booking process, then check the finished load against them. Coordinate factory preparation through Cambridge China Bridge.
Get the receiving specification before packing
Ask the actual receiving site for its current supplier instructions and label templates. Confirm pallet dimensions, material, accepted pallet pool, condition, fork access, loaded height and gross weight. Ask whether mixed products, overhang, stacked pallets or non-stackable loads are accepted. Put the agreed requirements into the factory packing brief and get written approval for exceptions.
Decide where the delivery pallets will be built: at the factory, a consolidation warehouse or a UK warehouse after unloading. Name who will supply pallets, repack cartons and replace labels. For warehouse selection, see choosing a UK warehouse. For the wider online-selling context, see sourcing for e-commerce.
Check the complete load, including the pallet
Ask whether the recipient’s height limit includes the pallet, top protection and wrapping. Record the finished overall dimensions and gross weight rather than calculating from carton dimensions alone. Agree a carton arrangement, restraint and edge protection that keep the load stable without crushing cartons or obstructing fork entry.
HSE guidance recommends an established loading pattern that achieves stability and safety within the pallet’s rated load. Treat the recipient’s height allowance as an acceptance limit; also assess the proposed load’s stability and carton strength. Obtain photographs, measured height and weighing records before release. For timber packaging checks, see wood packaging for China imports.
Approve labels against the receiving system
Ask which identifiers belong on products, cartons and pallets, and who generates them. Confirm the required barcode format, human-readable text, label positions and whether labels sit beneath or outside the wrapping. Send a sample for the recipient to approve before printing the shipment’s labels.
Keep a packing map connecting each pallet identifier to its cartons, products, quantities and relevant batches. Ask how mixed pallets should be identified and separated. Check that labels remain visible and readable on the finished load, and remove obsolete transport labels that could cause confusion. See barcode validation before production for the earlier artwork checks.
Send the advance shipment notice from final packing data
Ask whether an advance shipment notice is needed, how to submit it and what acknowledgement confirms acceptance. Agree who submits it and the recipient’s submission deadline. Build it from the final packing record: purchase order references, destination, product identifiers, quantities, carton and pallet counts, pallet identifiers and planned delivery details.
Reconcile the notice with the labels and packing list before submission. If repacking, shortages or a destination change alter the shipment, update the affected records through the recipient’s process and check the acknowledgement again. Keep the accepted notice reference available to the person arranging transport.
Book delivery and hand over the accepted details
Confirm who requests the delivery slot and what information the booking needs. Ask about vehicle type, unloading equipment, driver check-in, site access, booking references and the process for delays. Coordinate the slot with cargo release and the haulier’s availability, then obtain confirmation. A submitted booking request should not be treated as a confirmed appointment.
Give the haulier the confirmed address, slot, booking reference, notice reference, pallet details and receiving contact. Agree who handles refusal, missed appointments or repalletising, and how any charges will be approved. After delivery, collect the signed receipt and reconcile shortages or damage. See container delivery and handoffs for the port-to-warehouse stages.
Frequently asked questions
What pallet size does a UK retailer accept?
Ask the receiving site for its current specification. Confirm dimensions, material, pallet pool and fork access before the factory buys pallets or packs cartons.
Does maximum pallet height include the pallet?
Ask the recipient explicitly. Measure the finished load including the pallet, wrapping and top protection, and compare it with the agreed definition.
What goes in an advance shipment notice?
Use the recipient’s template and final packing data. Match order references, products, quantities, cartons and pallet identifiers to the labels and packing list, then check acceptance.
Can the haulier deliver without a booking?
Confirm the site’s booking process before dispatch. Where an appointment is requested, obtain confirmation and give the driver the reference, arrival instructions and receiving contact.