"Pallet Build: Pallet Overhang" Defect

What is "Pallet Build" at Walmart? 

Pallet compliance is one part of SQEP's Phase 3 program, the others being Load and Packaging compliance.

In the updated Secondary Packaging Supply Chain Standards (SPSCS '23), Walmart defines "Pallet Build" as "Pallet overhang, excessive height, or other pallet build defects." For more specific direction on how to stay compliant with pallet standards, see pages 230-234 of the SPSCS '23.

Note: these page numbers are the ones at the top of each page in the SPSCS '23, not necessarily the PDFs page numbers. 

What is the "Pallet Build: Pallet Overhang" Defect? 

"Pallet Build" is broken up into three sub-defects: "Pallet Overhang," "Exceeds Max Height for Trailer Type," and "Inaccurate Ti."

 "Pallet Build: Pallet Overhang" is defined as "Freight exceeds the footprint of the pallet" (p. 190), meaning the bottom of the palletized freight is bigger than the pallet it is being shipped on.

Other parts of the SPSCS '23 with relevance to correct pallet compliance are:

• Pallet Labeling - Perishable Labeling Requirements: 303

• Pallet Labeling - General Merchandise: 206-210

• Pallet Labeling - Direct Import: 276-283

• Pallet Securement - Stretch Wrap: 229

• Pallet Securement - Unitized Shipments: 239

• Pallet Build - Unitized Shipments: 225

• Pallet Build - Double Stacking - Inbound to Walmart: 222

• Pallet Build - Direct Import: 276-283

• Pallet Quality - Pallet Standards: 216-219

How to Prevent Valid "Pallet Build: Pallet Overhang" Defects

On page 230 of the SPSCS '23, Walmart enumerates their "Minimum Grade A Stringer Pallet Standards" in detail:

• Full pallet 48" +/- .25 x 40" +/- .25"; partial four-way entry.

• Half pallet 48" +/- .25 x 20" +/- .25", for approved programs only.

• Quarter pallet 24" +/- .25 x 20" +/- .25", for approved programs only.

The most important aspect for avoiding pallet overhang is, of course, making sure that your freight and your pallets are the same size. 

Can the "Pallet Build: Pallet Overhang" Defect be Disputed? 

Yes, in HighRadius, just like all other compliance fine disputes at Walmart. 

How to Dispute "Pallet Build: Pallet Overhang" Defects 

If the fine is invalid, assign the FIXit ticket back to Walmart with the dispute reason. Sometimes FIXit tickets will disappear after this, if the dispute reason is valid and Walmart accepts it. Even still, it's a good idea to follow up in HighRadius with the ticket number to make sure that the charge disappears as well.

As always, attach any proof documentation to further validate the dispute reason. When filing a dispute, fill in the information for "Dispute Reason," "Amount to be Disputed," "Comments" (if applicable), and "Attachment" (for relevant documents). In the case of pallet compliance, the photos attached to tickets in FIXit will likely be essential to (1) knowing if the fine is valid in the first place and (2) for making a convincing case when the fine actually is invalid.

For the "Pallet Securement: Poor Securement" defect, the pictures attached to tickets in the FIXit app will be important for successfully overturning invalid disputes. These are rarely invalid, however, and are more useful for learning how to take corrective action to become compliant.

Disputes can also be monitored and updated in HighRadius under the "Disputes" tab. 

More SQEP: Continued Learning and Our Solution

For an exhaustive resource on all things related to SQEP compliance, download our SQEP Handbook.

If you would like more insight into your SQEP performance and a way to quickly and painlessly dispute invalid SQEP fines, schedule a meeting with a member of the SupplyPike team today!