Walmart WFS Routing Guide 2021
Walmart WFS Routing Guide 2021
Services (WFS)
Routing Guide for Sortable Items
August 2021
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
To maintain a successful relationship, this routing guide has been created to provide you, our WFS Seller, with the
required details and instructions to successfully prepare and send/route your inventory to a WFS Fulfillment Center
(FC). Your adherence to these instructions will directly contribute to your future success. As the WFS program
evolves, the Routing Guide will be updated, typically monthly.
You will need to download this PDF to access any Web links.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this document are subject to change may contain confidential and/or privileged
information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use,
dissemination, copying, or storage of this document is strictly prohibited.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Contents
WFS Fulfillment Centers for Sortable Items .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Shipment Preparation: Package and Label Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 6
FTL and LTL Shipment Packing Guidelines .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Pallet Label Requirements .................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Special Pallet Label Requirements for Product Types........................................................................................................................... 8
Product Packaging and Labeling Requirements......................................................................................................................................... 9
Shipment Labels ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Product Labels and Barcodes ............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Product Preparation ...............................................................................................................................................................................................10
Large Electronics (Computers, TVs, and Monitors) .............................................................................................................................. 14
Liquids ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Sharp Items ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Glass, Ceramic, Breakable, and Fragile ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Loose Products.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Sold as Set.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Polybag Units ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Restricted Products................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Batteries ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Containers .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Dunnage ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Shipment: Routing Requirements ......................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Routing Instructions ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Scheduling Appointments ................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Direct Imports .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Documentation ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Packing Lists .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Bill of Lading .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Receiving ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Terms of Service...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Overages and Damaged Items ............................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Overages ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
• Products must meet sortable criteria. “Sortable Inventory” is defined as < 30 lb with a maximum dimension ≤ 25
inches, median dimension ≤ 20 inches, and a minimum dimension is ≤ 14 inches.
• Ship the product to the applicable address provided above. Please do not send shipment orders to the Walmart
corporate billing address.
• WFS has the right to refuse or return to the seller any overage at the seller’s/shipper’s expense. The seller may
be assessed handling charges.
• Failure of the seller to properly prep and pack the shipment may result in the products being rejected or
returned at the seller’s expense. Sellers may also be responsible for paying handling charges, which will be
determined on an individual basis.
• Improper inbound preparation and packing of shipments may result in a delay in processing and receiving of
inventory.
• The seller is responsible for all product shipping fees when products are Returned to Vendor (RTV).
• WFS reserves the right to refuse any trailer that is deemed unsafe, infested, damaged, or otherwise deemed
unfit to receive.
• Walmart may inspect products after arrival at the Fulfillment Center.
• LTL/FTL freight should be sent as single shipments. All Shipment IDs will be closed 7 days after first receipt.
• WFS currently offers discounted inbound shipping rates for FedEx small parcels when you use the WFS Inbound
Logistics Services/Preferred Carrier Program. We hope to provide discounted inbound shipping rates for
LTL/FTL in 2021.
• Use 40" x 48", 4-way access, solid wood pallets. If a single, large unit cannot fit on a 40" x 48" pallet without
overhanging the edges, use a pallet size and type that is suitable for the unit.
• Pallet weight should not exceed 1,500 lb.
• Pallet height should not exceed 72 inches.
• 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.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Pallets that do not meet the above pallet requirements are not acceptable and shipments may be rejected at the
seller's expense.
Stacked Pallets
WFS Fulfillment Centers accept double-stacked pallets provided they are safe to load and unload and do not cause
product damage during transit. You may double stack pallets as needed to maximize freight efficiency. Follow these
guidelines for double-stack pallets:
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
• If pallet has multiple Shipment IDs, each individual Shipment ID must be identified on each case. Each pallet
must be visibly marked on the outer portion of the pallet to specify they contain multiple Shipment IDs.
• Place pallet labels squarely (not on an angle) on all four sides of the pallet so that the forklift driver can see
them when approaching with the forklift to lift the pallet. If the pallet is wrapped in plastic, the pallet labels
must be placed on the outside of the plastic wrap.
• Include matching products in pallets when quantities allow. Do not split quantities of the same product if they
can fit on one pallet.
• When shipping multiple SKUs on a pallet, physically separate the SKUs, so they are easy to differentiate when
received at the fulfillment center. See labeling requirements below.
Boxes must not exceed the standard weight limit of 50 lb unless they contain a single Oversize Unit that exceeds 50 lb.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Shipment Labels
For all shipments, print and affix the standard shipment labels generated by WFS Send Inventory portal when you have
created your Shipment. Label information must include:
• Only UPC or EAN should be on each individual product, not both. Vendor SKU number or FNSKU number are
not acceptable barcodes or product identifiers.
• Variant items must each contain a unique UPC. Variant items without unique barcodes may not be received and
will be returned to the seller at the seller’s expense.
• If a product has a case barcode (GTIN-14) that represents a standard number of units, the unit barcode should
not appear on the case.
• All labels must be visible and scannable. The fulfilment center will refuse and return at the Seller’s expense
every unit of any product that does not have a scannable UPC or EAN label with product data. Sellers may incur
a fee if product does not contain scannable UPC.
**NOTE: Any damaged labels or barcodes will cause a delay in receiving time.
Product Preparation
Products must meet sortable criteria. “Sortable Inventory” is defined as < 30 lb with a maximum dimension
≤ 25 inches, median dimension ≤ 20 inches, and a minimum dimension is ≤ 14 inches.
All products must be protected in a sealed or closed container, ready for sale.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
• Items must be packaged in clear or see-through polybags. Fulfillment centers are required to re-bag items
packaged in non-clear or opaque polybags before the items are available to sell, which may cause delays.
• Price tags, product labels and /or any retailer specific labels should not be on the product packaging.
• All required hazard warnings are clearly visible and apparent on all clear polybags used.
• All perishable goods must contain visible expiration date on sellable unit packaging.
o Expiration dates must be displayed in the format MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY. If the expiration date is
printed in a different format, a sticker with the correct format must be applied, covering the original
expiration date.
o Products that expire and are contained in packaging that requires additional prep, such as glass jars or
bottles, must be prepped to ensure that the expiration date is accessible during receiving by FC.
o WFS cannot accept perishable items requiring temperature control (for example, ice cream that needs
to be kept in a freezer or chocolates that require storage in a cool constant temperature to avoid
melting).
• Any item received as ready to ship in shippable container (SIOC) will be packaged at the discretion of the FC.
• All products must be marked with country of origin. A label or marking stating "Made in ..." on items such as
clothing qualify as country of origin.
• For shoes, the country-of-origin label or mark must be on both shoes in the pair. Simply having the country of
origin on the website or on a shoebox is insufficient. It must be physically on both shoes.
• Packaging inserts and other forms of marketing materials are acceptable while they should not be specifically
designed for the other non-Walmart Fulfillment Services platforms. Failure of the Seller to properly prep and
pack the shipment may result in Sellers being responsible for paying handling charges, which will be determined
on an individual basis.
Packaging
Product Type Products Special Handling
Type
Product outer packaging must have
Sunglasses Boxes
UPCs/EANs and individually packaged.
Accessories Boxes or
Product outer packaging must have
Product must be shipped within their Jewelry Clear
UPCs/EANs and individually packaged.
case and assembled prior to shipping. Polybags
Product outer packaging must have
Watches Boxes
UPCs/EANs and individually packaged.
Shirts, Tops, Pants,
Bottoms, Shorts, Jeans, Folded to not exceed 17.5” length x
Clear
Skirts, 11.5” widths and bagged. Do not use
Polybags
Underwear/Intimates, hangers.
Apparel/Clothing Casual Dresses
Product should be folded neatly with Clear Sets must be packaged together. Do
Swimwear, Sleepwear
adequate packaging. Kids apparel Polybags not use hangers.
cannot be packaged on hangers. Formal Wear, Wedding, Boxes or Must be boxed and lie flat or packed in
Ball Gowns, Suits Garment Bags garment bags on hangers.
Oversized apparel to be folded at
Coats, Outerwear, Clear
least once, on hangers, and poly
Blazers, Jackets Polybags
bagged.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Packaging
Product Type Products Special Handling
Type
Handbags, Diaper Bags, Clear
Backpacks, Bags Polybags
Boxes,
Chipboard Socks to be packaged in the unit
Soft Goods & Bags Socks, Hosiery, Gloves,
Boxes, or amount as they are to be sold (e.g., 2
Place additional layer of corrugated Belts, Scarves
Clear pairs = 1 unit, 4 pairs = 1 unit, etc.).
packing under opening of top and
Polybags
bottom seams.
Fragile hats must be packaged
Hats Sleeve individually inboxes to prevent
damage.
Clear
To prevent spoilage or damage,
Polybag,
Makeup individual Product must be sealed
Bubble Wrap,
tight.
or Box
All liquid (e.g., Fragrances, Lotions,
Clear
Creams, Cleaners, etc.) must be
Polybag,
Skin Care double sealed to prevent leakage.
Bubble Wrap,
or Box
See Liquids section.
All liquid (e.g., Fragrances, Lotions,
Beauty & Cosmetics Clear
Creams, Cleaners, etc.) must be
Product outer container must have Polybag,
Hair Care double sealed to prevent leakage.
UPC/EAN and be individually Bubble Wrap,
packaged. or Box
See Liquids section.
All liquid (e.g., Fragrances, Lotions,
Clear
Creams, Cleaners, etc.) must be
Polybag,
Fragrances double sealed to prevent leakage.
Bubble Wrap,
or Box
See Liquids section.
Clear
Brushes, Tools, Styling Polybag,
Sets must be packaged together.
Tools Bubble Wrap,
or Box
Headphones, Portable Must box to prevent damage. Can ship
Boxes
Electronics, GPS, in original manufacturing packaging.
Electronic Static To avoid damage, static-sensitive
Electronics Static-
Devises (ESD) i.e., devices should be packaged and kept
protective
Memory Cards for in their static-protective bags until
Bags
Computers. they are installed.
Footwear Shoes Boxes
Maximized product quantity packed Boots Boxes
per a shipping carton. Sandals, Flip-flops, Boxes or
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Packaging
Product Type Products Special Handling
Type
Slippers Clear
Polybags
Palletize heavy products (e.g., small
Cookware Boxes kitchen appliances, ovens, pots and
pans, etc.).
Knives and utensil sets need to be
packaged together within its sets.
Wrap item(s) in protective bubble
Cutlery Tools Boxes
wrap or over-box to prevent damage.
See Sharp or Damage-Prone Items
section.
Palletize only glassware or breakable
products. Wrap item(s) in protective
bubble wrap or over-box to prevent
Glassware Boxes
damage.
Housewares & Home Goods See Sharp or Damage-Prone Items
Only heavy product should be section.
palletized. Soft goods to follow soft Boxes or
good rules. Bedding, Towels Clear Sets must be packaged together.
Polybags
Boxes,
Chipboard
Considered Soft Goods, Soft Goods
Aprons, Mitt Potholders Boxes, or
rules apply.
Clear
Polybags
Small Décor Boxes Sets must be packaged together.
Housewares & Home Goods cont’d Furniture Boxes Palletize heavy products.
Luggage Boxes Palletize heavy products.
Lamps/Lighting
Packaging must be durable and
Fixtures, Holiday Boxes
secure.
Ornaments
Boxes or
Rugs must be rolled and bound in
Rugs, Framed Art Clear
clear polybags.
Polybags
All golf clubs must be in protective
individual boxes that encompass the
Sports Gear, Sports
Boxes shaft and head of the club.
Accessories
Outdoor/Indoor Sporting Goods & Skateboards must be individually
Gear boxed.
Balls, Basketballs, All balls must be inflated and
Boxes
Soccer Balls, Baseballs individually packaged.
Dog Gear Boxes
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Packaging
Product Type Products Special Handling
Type
Product outer packaging must have
Sports Medicine, UPCs/EANs and be individually
Boxes
Vitamins, Energy Drinks packaged. Expiration date must be
visible on sellable unit packaging.
Shipping carton should not exceed
Camping Furniture Boxes
50 lb.
Boxes or
Water bottles must be in sealed clear
Bottles Clear
polybags or individually boxed.
Polybags
Toys Children’s Toys Boxes Product must conform to the CPSIA.
** NOTE: Any product that does not meet the standards and associated packaging requirements indicated in the above
table, may be rejected by Walmart and returned at the Seller’s expense. Sellers may also be responsible for paying handling
charges, which will be determined on an individual basis. Applicable fees are outlined in your Statement of Work (SOW).
• We strongly recommend to double-box all large Electronics by placing the manufacturer’s box in another,
slightly larger carton.
• Place a paperboard frame inside the outer carton to suspend the manufacturer’s box in the middle of the outer
carton (as shown in below picture)
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
• Inside the manufacturer’s carton we suggest using customized molds to secure the product (as shown in below
pictures). Rather than using Styrofoam for the customized molds we recommend “foamed plastic”.
• The entire item should be wrapped in either thick poly-ethane sheets or bubble wrap.
• Additional protection such as foam sheets is required for Monitors and TV screens.
• Arrows indicating stacking and handling directions shall be printed on the carton.
Liquids
Liquids (i.e., products that are or contain liquids, pastes, gels, and creams) must be packaged so that in the normal
course of order fulfillment (i.e., receipt, stocking, shipment preparation and transit to the customer), the product does
not leak. Any liquids that pose a safety risk may be rejected by Walmart and returned at Seller’s expense. Corrugated
containers on multi-unit bundled products must meet the following criteria:
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
• Carton does not give way when pressure is applied to any of the sides.
• No side of product carton has an opening that makes some of the contents visible from the outside.
• Contents of product inside are securely held in place inside of carton.
• Carton is sealed with tape, glue, or staples.
• Carton has clear markings indicating which box side is the top.
• Carton must not contain hazardous materials as defined by US DOT regulation.
Each sellable unit must be able to pass a drop test. A drop test means that a packaged item should be dropped four
consecutive times from a height of 24 inches onto a concrete surface, once on the top, once on the bottom, once on
the bottom corner, once on the longest bottom edge. Each item must survive a single test (four drops). A test is
considered successful if the container remains leak free.
Sellable
Container Sellable Sellable Unit Sellable Unit Weight / Inner Pack
Seal
Type Unit Dimensions Package Volume Volume
Restriction
Volume of 4
Glass Single Unit Less than 8" x 14" x 18" None N/A Double sealed screw cap
oz or less
Volume of 50
Plastic Single Unit Less than 8" x 14" x 18" None N/A Double sealed screw cap
oz or less
Multi- unit,
Volume of 50 68 ounces
Plastic physically Less than 8" x 14" x 18" Corrugate Box Double sealed screw cap
oz or less or less
bundled
Multi- unit,
Greater than 8" x 14" x No
Plastic physically Corrugate Box N/A Double sealed screw cap
18" restrictions
bundled
**NOTE: Walmart reserves the right to specify products needing additional protective packaging in order to preserve the
integrity of the product throughout the fulfillment process. Any product with the following attributes, delivered to the
Walmart FC in inadequate or noncompliant packaging will be rejected or repackaged by Walmart at the Seller’s expense and
may be subject to non-compliance fees. Applicable fees are outlined in your Statement of Work (SOW).
Sharp Items
Sharp products (i.e., any product that has a sharp or pointed edge such that, when exposed, the edge would present a
safety hazard to associates, carriers, or customers receiving or unpacking the product) must be packaged so that in the
normal course of order fulfillment (i.e., receipt, stocking, shipment preparation and transit to the customer), the sharp
or pointed edge will not become exposed. Any sharp products that pose a safety risk may be rejected by Walmart and
returned at Seller’s expense.
• Sharp items should be blister-packed in a manner that provides the safest packaging. The blister-pack must
cover the sharp edge and be securely fastened to the item so that the item does not slide around within the
blister pack.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
• Place or wrap the unit in protective bubble wrap or a protective over-box, so that the packaging completely
covers any exposed edges. A product that is over-boxed is placed in an additional box at the time of shipping.
Make sure the barcode is scannable without opening or unwrapping the unit.
• Sharp products secured to a footprint and wrapped in plastic may also be allowed provided that the item is
secured to the footprint (i.e., does not slide around), the plastic is rigid enough to withstand handling and exterior
contact does not cause the sharp product to perforate the plastic.
• Sharp products contained in molded footprints with plastic covering are not typically safe and not
recommended.
• Cardboard or plastic sheaths alone on the sharp blade aren’t enough, unless the sheath is of a rigid, durable
plastic and secured to the product so it cannot slide off.
• Sharp items should not be packaged or shipped with non-sharp items.
• Outer boxes with sharp items should be labeled as such.
Packaging Requirements:
• Items must come in a six-sided solid box, so the item is not exposed in any way.
• All items must be individually wrapped to prevent damage from other items within container (e.g., set of four
wine glasses). The packaged items must pass a drop test consisting of the following: Packaged items should be
dropped five consecutive times from a height of 36 inches onto a concrete surface, once on the top, once on
the bottom, once on the longest side, once on the bottom corner, once on the longest bottom edge, and these
tests may not cause breakage or damage.
• Items should not move or shake within container and should pass vigorous shake test without having items
break.
• Outer boxes with glass, ceramic, breakable and/or fragile items should be labeled accordingly.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Loose Products
Each unit must be contained within a single, secure package.
• WFS will not accept units that require assembly of multiple pieces by the FC.
• Units that are not contained in secure packaging, like loose sleeves or pouches, must be bagged or secured with
a non-adhesive band or removable tape.
Sold as Set
Items that are sold as a set must be identified on their packaging. Units should contain a label clearly stating the item
should be received and sold as a single unit (i.e., “Sold as set”).
Polybag Units
Clear polybags with a 5-inch opening or larger must have a suffocation warning, either printed on the bag or attached
as a label.
• The warning should be printed or placed in a visible location and in a legible font size for the size of the bag.
• The thickness of the bag must be at least 1.5 mm.
• The polybag must be transparent (clear polybag).
• Clear polybags must be completely sealed.
• The clear polybag must have a barcode (UPC, EAN, etc.) scannable through the bag or on the outside of the
bag.
Restricted Products
The following products will not be accepted by WFS at this time. This list is not all inclusive and is subject to change. If
you are unsure whether your items will be accepted in the WFS Program, please contact Partner Support.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Batteries
One of the major risks associated with the transport of batteries and battery-powered equipment is short-circuited of
the battery as a result of the battery terminals coming into contact with other batteries, metal objects, or conductive
surfaces. Packaged batteries or cells must be separated in a way to prevent short circuits and damage to terminals.
They must be packed in a strong outer packaging or be contained in equipment to be stored and prepared safely for
shipment. Dunnage to prevent that damage from normal movement of the box in transportation is required.
• Permitted packaging materials (rigid packaging): original manufacturer packaging, boxes, clear polybags, and
clamshell plastics.
• Each sellable unit must be able to pass a drop test. A drop test means that a packaged item should be dropped
four consecutive times from a height of 24 inches onto a concrete surface, once on the top, once on the
bottom, once on the bottom corner, once on the longest bottom edge. Each item must survive a single test
(four drops). A test is considered successful if the container remains leak-free.
• Batteries can be shipped with other non-battery items in the master carton as long as the batteries are
properly packaged to not to come into contact with other products. DOT label will need to be applied outside
the carton with a mixed SKUs marker/ label.
• Multiple class types of batteries can be packaged in the same carton as long as all types of hazmat labels are on
the same surface of the carton. Not one on each side of the box. All batteries must be separated in a way to
prevent short circuits and damage to terminals.
• If multi-pack batteries are sealed in original manufacturer packaging, no additional boxing or sealing of
batteries is required. If the batteries are repackaged, then sealed boxes or sealed hard plastic clamshell
packaging is required.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Battery Labeling:
• Shipping cartons must be marked to meet DOT regulations. Cartons that are shipped to [Link] that do
not comply with DOT regulations must be re-labeled before shipping to the customers at the sellers’ expense.
• Markings cannot be obstructed or covered by any other labeling. Labels cannot be folded over the edge of the
shipping carton.
Lithium-Ion & Metal Battery weight greater than 11 pounds (ground & vessel) requires additional
Packed with Equipment labels; Battery weight cannot exceed 11 pounds per package (air)
Battery weight greater than 11 pounds (ground & vessel) requires additional
Lithium-Ion Contained in
labels; Battery weight cannot exceed 11 pounds per package (air
Equipment
passenger); Battery weight cannot exceed 60 pounds (air cargo)
Button Cell (ground and vessel) less than 11 pounds - no label required.
Lithium Metal Contained in
Over 11 pounds – additional labeling required. Battery weight cannot
Equipment
exceed 11 pounds per package (air)
Containers
Neither shippers, nor point-of-sale containers, nor pallet-sized boxes, also known as "gaylords," may be used. Boxes
should not be bundled together using bagging, taping, elastic, or extra straps. If you are reusing boxes from previous
shipments, be sure to remove any previous shipping labels or markings to avoid confusion by the carrier. Any container
not meeting these requirements may be refused and returned to the Seller plus shipping costs.
Dunnage
Accepted forms of packing materials include:
• Foam
• Air pillows
• Bubble wrap
• Full sheets of paper
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Box weight
• Less than or equal to 50 lb, unless containing a single unit that exceeds 50 lb.
• A box containing a single Oversize Unit greater than 50 lb requires “Team Lift” labels on the top and sides.
• A box containing a single Oversize Unit greater than 100 lb requires “Mech. Lift” labels on the top and sides.
Scheduling Appointments
LTL/FTL Shipments
• A fully completed Walmart Delivery Scheduling Template must be provided to the FC to schedule an
appointment.
o The Seller is required to provide the Walmart Delivery Scheduling Template to the shipping carrier. The
following fields must be completed by the seller:
§ Carrier Name
§ BOL Number
§ Seller Name
§ Walmart PO (Shipment ID)
§ Load Type (Palletized or Floor Loaded)
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Direct Imports
If you are an international seller, WFS accepts direct imports which meet below requirements:
• Seller is responsible for clearing customs.
• Products must be prepared and packed properly under WFS requirements.
• Products delivered via Container must meet the standard regulations:
o Container axle must meet the standard 48” dock height to be accepted
o Product must be palletized, floor loads are not acceptable
o If containers are deemed, unsafe to unload for any reason, WFS reserves the right to reject shipment
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
• Domestic warehouse/ fulfillment center is not required. However, per compliance regulations, a domestic
location in U.S. is required where returns can be sent to if needed.
Documentation
Packing Lists
Packing lists are optional. If a packing list does accompany a shipment, the information must match the contents of the
truck. The packing list should be presented in a clear plastic envelope and attached to the outside of the last pallet or
carton loaded for each shipment, facing the trailer or container door. If the Bill of Lading also serves as the packing list,
please make a copy of the Bill of Lading and present this in a clear plastic envelope attached to the outside of the last
pallet or carton loaded. If you ship multiple POs on the same trailer, there should be a packing list for each PO. Drivers
requesting a packing list may be given a copy. However, the original packing list should remain on the freight.
If a packing list is provided, the information on the list should contain the following information:
• The address of the Fulfillment Center (FC)
• Seller name
• Shipment ID
• Total cartons and weight
• Quantity by Manufacturer/Item/Style/Article number
• Item description
• Master and inner pack quantity
• Ship date
Bill of Lading
Sellers must ship using FC-specific Bills of Lading. There should never be more than one (1) Bill of Lading per location.
• Ship date
• Carrier name
• Carton count
Accurate NMFC # for LTL shipments (including sub item # if applicable), NMFC Class, number of cartons and weight
by item must be included in Bill of Lading. It is the Seller’s responsibility to update any changes to the NMFC #s
applicable to their products. Sellers will be responsible for all additional freight charges resulting from items that are
misclassified.
For “Said to Contain” scenarios only: Walmart’s designated carriers will NOT accept Bills of Lading that are marked
“Said to Contain”. All Bills of Lading must have complete and accurate carton counts. If, however, the carrier cannot
count the cartons due to stretch wrap inhibitors, or if the bill of lading information cannot be accurately verified, the
carrier will sign for stretch-wrapped pallets as the responsible pieces. The carrier will only be responsible for the pieces
(cartons or pallets) signed for. All other shortages will be the responsibility of the Seller. Carriers will be instructed to
count every carton.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Receiving
Terms of Service
Subject to the other terms in the WFS Agreement, Walmart will perform the WFS Services for the seller according to
the following performance SLAs:
Receipts Available to Sell (Delivered to Stock)
• Inbound receiving timeliness of inventory is based on the time the inbound order is switched to delivered status
compared to inventory put away into bin locations and is shown as sellable in the inventory reporting provided
to the seller.
• Measured at the unit level (number of units put away to a stock location by close of the second business day
after receiving, divided by number of units received).
• SLA will meet or exceed 98%, within 2-business days (limited to non-peak only).
**NOTE: WFS will put away the inventory into storage locations by the end of the second business day following
receipt of the inventory, except during peak, which is defined as October 1 through December 31. At the time that
inventory is assigned storage location at the FC, the quantity of inventory and its location will be entered into WFS’s
inventory database and the seller will be notified of the receipt of inventory through the Receipt Report. The product
is available to sell at this point.
• Issues involving no inbound order, SKU set up, or variances in receipt to inbound order created would be
excluded.
Item A:
• Shipment quantity: 100 units
• Delivered quantity: 110 units
• 10% overage = Accepted and received
Item B:
• Shipment quantity: 100 units
• Delivered quantity: 120 units
• 20% overage = 10% or total of 110 units accepted and received. Remaining 10% or, in this case, 10 units rejected
and returned to seller at seller’s expense.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Damaged Items
Any goods received at a WFS Fulfillment Center in a damaged or pilfered condition (concealed or otherwise) will be
refused and/or returned to the Seller at the Seller’s expense. Seller returns preferences will be used to process
damaged items at receive. Please ensure that your preferences are updated in your Seller Center Return Settings at
time of onboarding to prevent longer than expected returns processing.
Refused Shipments
In general, these guidelines will be followed for inbound shipments to Walmart FCs that do not meet the requirements
below.
• Overage, damage, and mis-shipments may be rejected at the dock. Refused shipments may be returned to the
Seller at the Seller’s expense.
• Shipments that are coded as "Damaged" or "Defective" may be refused at the dock and may incur a return
freight charge. Walmart will reach out to the Seller with photos and descriptions of the damage.
• Unable to produce Bill of Lading may be refused at the dock and returned. Refused shipments may be returned
to the Seller at the Seller’s expense.
• Seller may not refuse or return shipments that are returned to them without first contacting Walmart.
Returned shipments that are refused or returned to Walmart without first attempting resolution with Walmart
may be refused and any transportation costs incurred to reship to Seller will be at the Seller’s expense.
• Walmart Fulfillment Centers (FCs) will make best attempt to consolidate cartons into as few shipments as
possible for RTV.
• For items that have been stored in original cartons, FCs will make best attempt to RTV om the same, original
cartons.
**NOTE: Items may be removed from original cartons as part of the normal receiving process into the FC and may
be RTV in unbranded or Walmart branded boxes.
• Items that have been removed from their original cartons upon receiving into the FC will be repacked into as
few unbranded or Walmart branded cartons as possible.
• Merchandise will not be transferred between FCs. For example, the point of origin for all FC returns will be the
FC where the merchandise was consolidated.
• Transportation of RTV shipments will be arranged by Walmart.
• The Seller will be charged a per item fee for items RTV. Fees are outlined in the SOW.
• Seller claims for return shortages and damages must be initiated within 60 days of the financial deduction from
the Seller account. Disputes for deductions older than 60 days will not be investigated and financial
adjustments will not be issued.
• For non-delivery, claims must be initiated within 30 days of financial deduction from the Seller account.
Disputes older than 30 days, will not be investigated and financial adjustments will not be issued.
• WFS will process RTV within 30 days of receiving the request.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
Partner Support will attempt to contact the seller to resolve the problem twice (2x) over a 4-day period, in accordance
with our WFS Contract. If a response to the request for a return as the result of a recall or withdrawal condition is not
received within 5 days, the product may be returned to seller, destroyed, or disposed of by Walmart, and the resulting
the expenses will be the responsibility of Seller. Additional terms may apply to any recalled or withdrawn product.
Problem inventory is defined as any inbound shipment that cannot be received into our fulfillment centers. Examples
include, but are not limited to the following:
• Defective items
• Incomplete item setup
• Unexpected items in shipment
• Quantities shipped in excess of those specified
• Items with dimensions that do not meet acceptable criteria
• Items prohibited under the Walmart Marketplace Prohibited Products Policy
Disputes can be filed for individual shipment discrepancies. Disputes must be filed within 50 days of delivery to the
WFS Fulfillment Center.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
• Waiting Period: Dispute claims can be filed 10 calendar days after inventory has been delivered at a Walmart
fulfillment center, as confirmed through tracking information. Claims filed during or prior to the 10-day waiting
period will not be investigated.
The SLA may begin on day 10 of the waiting period or after, and once the seller has submitted the dispute claim
with the required documentation.
• Required Documentation: Three forms of shipment confirmation are required to initiate an investigation into a
missing inventory claim:
1. Tracking information for the complete shipment
2. Proof of purchase/invoice
3. Packing list of the invoice: In the Disputes [Link] file, follow the instructions in the README
tab, and then input the required information in the “Packing List” tab.
• Dispute Process and SLA: Partner Support will investigate the claim and provide resolution within 7 calendar
days.
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WFS Routing Guide for Sortable Items—August 2021
• Reimbursement: Reimbursement claims will be granted after reasonable reconciliation efforts have occurred.
If the investigation concludes beyond a reasonable doubt that inventory was lost or misplaced while in
possession of WFS, reimbursement of the value of the inventory (minus fulfillment fees), based on item AUR,
will be issued during the next payment cycle.
**NOTE: If the WFS dispute investigation does not find conclusive evidence that WFS is responsible for the loss or
mishandling of product, dispute reimbursements will not be provided.
• Lost Items: Sellers are responsible for any goods lost in transit to Walmart FCs and must manage all carrier
claims.
Article History
Date (MM-YYYY) Change
01-2021 Added Receiving/Terms of Service sections and revised the information about perishable items in the Product
Preparation section.
02-2021 Added Dispute Policy and General Guidelines section and Short-Ship/Missing Inventory subsection. Changed
Seller Compliance – Over, Short, Damaged and Lost Goods title to Overages and Damaged Items. Also
removed Shortages and Lost Items subsections and incorporated them into the Short-Ship/Missing Inventory
subsection. Also removed FC addresses and changed all instances of “polybags” to “clear polybags.”
03-2021 Removed all instances of “(formerly PO).” Added a note regarding damaged labels/barcodes to the Product
Labels and Barcodes subsection. Revised maximum battery weights to 60 lb in the Weight and Pieces
Restriction table. Also updated the shipping/delivery quantities and percentages, shipping overages
information, and the Damaged Items paragraph in the Overages and Damaged Items section.
04-2021 Added New Jersey Fulfillment Center (NJ3) details to Basic Information section. Revised the LTL/FTL
Shipments section to include Walmart Delivery Scheduling information and link to template. Added additional
detail about partner support to the Exit, Recalled, or Liquidation of Product section. Also added a bullet about
prohibited items to the Resolving Problem Inventory section.
05-2021 Revised the Small Parcel Shipments section to include information about the WFS Inbound Logistics
Services/Preferred Carrier Program. Fixed a broken link and revised language about shipment BOL in the
LTL/FTL Shipments section. Also removed a bullet about failing to present Walmart Delivery Scheduling
Template resulting in scheduling refusal from the LTL/FTL Shipments section.
05-2021 v.2 Revised the second paragraph in the Introduction section and added a statement about downloading the guide
to access Web links. Added Orlando, FL Fulfillment Center (MCO1) details to Basic Information section.
Changed all instances of Return to Seller (RTS) to Return to Vendor (RTV). Also revised the information about
items removed from original cartons during receiving in the Return to Vendor (RTV) section.
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Products containing batteries must be shipped in their original packaging to prevent contact between battery terminals and conductive materials. Packaging options include original manufacturer packaging, boxes, clear polybags, or clamshell plastics, and items must have UPCs/EANs labeled. This ensures safety and compliance .
Liquids must be packaged to prevent leaks during the entire fulfillment process, including receipt, stocking, and transit. The packaging should be in a 6-sided box with a box certificate seal and must not give way under pressure. Each sellable unit must pass a drop test, where it should be dropped four times from a height of 24 inches onto a concrete surface without leaking. Additionally, cartons should not contain hazardous materials as defined by US DOT regulation .
Products sold as a set must have a label specifying they should be received and sold as a single unit. This should be clearly printed on the packaging to ensure the correct handling of such items .
Breakable or fragile items must be in a six-sided solid box, individually wrapped to prevent damage within the container, and able to pass a drop test from 36 inches without breakage. It's recommended to use corrugate dividers or partitions to eliminate contact between breakables, and the outer box should be labeled to indicate the contents are fragile .
Large electronics should be double-boxed with the manufacturer's box placed in a slightly larger outer carton, using a paperboard frame to suspend it in the center. Customized molds and foam should be used for protection, and the item should be wrapped in thick poly-ethane sheets or bubble wrap. Arrows indicating handling directions must be printed on the carton .
Disputes for short-ship and missing inventory can be filed after 10 days of delivery and must include tracking information, proof of purchase, and a packing list. The claim will be investigated within 7 days. Reimbursements are processed if inventory was mishandled by WFS. If no conclusive evidence of WFS's responsibility is found, reimbursements will not be provided. Claims must be filed within 50 days of delivery .
Deliveries must be scheduled during the respective operating and delivery hours of the fulfillment centers. For LAX2, appointments need to be scheduled via email, with deliveries accepted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT, and closed on the weekends. For MCO1, operating hours are from Saturday to Monday between 5:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET .
Product recalls or withdrawals can occur if they are agreed upon between Seller and Walmart, or if required by law, or if Walmart deems the products expired, defective, dangerous, incomplete, or non-compliant with laws or regulations. Sellers can opt for Walmart to return the products at their expense or have Walmart dispose of the products for an additional fee .
Walmart Fulfillment Services does not accept products that do not meet their established standards and packaging requirements. This includes certain hazardous materials, products that fail safety tests, and items prohibited by the Walmart Marketplace Prohibited Products Policy. Sellers must consult the WFS documentation and their Statement of Work (SOW) for detailed information .
Polybag units with a 5-inch opening or larger need a suffocation warning printed or labeled visibly. Polybags should be clear, at least 1.5 mm thick, completely sealed, and contain a scannable barcode either on or through the bag .