# Palletized Unit Load Shipping Readiness Checklist > Source: https://netray.co/tools/palletized-unit-load-shipping-readiness-checklist > Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems. > Section: Free Tools ## Short answer Check that each pallet of cartons or printed goods is stable, labelled and documented before it leaves the dock. ## Category supply-chain ## Industry Packaging and Printing ## Audience - Shipping supervisor - Warehouse supervisor - Packaging engineer ## Tool **Kind:** checklist **Groups:** #### Pallet condition **Items:** **Text:** Pallet type and size match the customer or carrier requirement **Critical:** true **Text:** Pallet free of broken boards, protruding nails or splits **Critical:** true **Text:** Heat treatment or ISPM 15 mark present for export wood pallets **Critical:** true Pallet clean, dry and free from odour or contamination Slip sheets or top frames used where specified #### Load build **Items:** **Text:** Cartons stacked in the approved pallet pattern **Critical:** true No carton overhang beyond the pallet edge **Text:** Load height within the carrier and customer limit **Critical:** true **Text:** Gross weight within pallet and carrier limit **Critical:** true Cartons undamaged, no crushed corners or bulging sides Corner boards used where required Mixed SKU pallets have heavier cartons at the bottom #### Securing **Items:** **Text:** Stretch wrap anchored to the pallet and applied with the specified layers **Critical:** true Strapping tight and not cutting into cartons where used Top cover or cap applied where required Load does not move when pushed gently Wrap tail secured, no loose film catching on forklifts #### Labels and marking **Items:** **Text:** Pallet label affixed on two adjacent sides **Critical:** true **Text:** SSCC barcode scans and matches the ASN **Critical:** true Handling marks such as fragile or this way up shown where required Lot and date information visible for traceability Old labels from previous use removed or covered #### Documents and systems **Items:** **Text:** Packing list matches pallet content and quantity **Critical:** true **Text:** Shipment and pallet records confirmed in the ERP or WMS **Critical:** true ASN sent only after the pallet is closed and scanned Photo taken of the load for claims evidence where required Carrier signs for the correct pallet count **Scoring Note:** A pallet with any unchecked critical item should be held at the dock until it is corrected. ## Content **Intro:** Damage claims often start at the dock: a loose wrap, an overhanging carton or a label that does not scan. This checklist helps supervisors check each pallet before the carrier takes it. **Sections:** #### How to use it **Body:** Use it as a sampling check at the dock, or as a full check for new customers, export loads or after a damage claim. Tick the critical items first, then the rest. Export it to PDF or Excel to adapt the list to your customer routing guide and to store the result with the shipment record. **Bullets:** - Check critical items on every pallet type at least once - Use customer routing guides as the final authority - Photograph a defect before correcting it - Record corrections in the shipment file #### Why each section matters **Body:** Pallet condition affects forklift handling and import inspections, with ISPM 15 marking required for many export wood pallets. Load build and securing control transit damage, since cartons that overhang lose a large share of their compression strength. Labels and documents decide whether the receiving warehouse can scan and book the pallet without manual intervention. #### Connecting to systems **Body:** Pallet closure should create a handling unit or SSCC in the ERP or WMS, and the ASN should be generated from that record. When the label, packing list and system record disagree, receiving DCs may charge back. Capture the check result and the fix in the shipment record to support later disputes. #### Common mistakes **Body:** Checking only the first pallet of a shipment. Relying on stretch wrap alone for tall or heavy loads. Printing labels before the pallet is finalised and then adding cartons. Ignoring customer-specific pattern and height rules. Review chargeback data to find which checks to tighten. **Cta:** Netray can help link pallet closure, SSCC labels and ASN generation in your ERP so documents match the physical load. **Faq:** #### What is ISPM 15? **Answer:** ISPM 15 is an international standard for treating wood packaging material used in international trade. Compliant pallets carry a mark showing heat treatment or fumigation and the country and producer code. #### How many layers of stretch wrap should I use? **Answer:** There is no single answer. It depends on load weight, height, film type and carrier requirements. Test with your own loads and document the wrap pattern in the packaging specification. #### Why do pallet labels go on two sides? **Answer:** Two adjacent sides let the receiving team scan the pallet from either side without turning it. Many retailer routing guides specify the label position, so follow the customer document. #### Does this replace a pallet test standard? **Answer:** No. It is an operational dock checklist, not a laboratory test. Transit testing under ISTA or ASTM methods is a separate activity done by packaging engineering. ## Search terms pallet shipping checklist, unit load inspection checklist, palletizing checklist, pallet wrap inspection, outbound pallet quality check, load stability checklist, pallet label checklist, shipping dock checklist --- Talk to an engineer: https://netray.co/contact?intent=erp_ai | Machine catalog: https://netray.co/agent/catalog.json