Note: All re-shippers must be transit tested. Please refer to item #16 on transit tests.

Neiman Marcus Direct requires any item over 27x27x24 to be packed as a re-shipper (this includes the box dimensions).
  1. If NMD buyers have instructed vendor to ship in a re-shipper container, the package must be clearly marked ‘Re-Shipper’.
    1. Please list manufacturing style # on the re-shipper carton.
  2. Re-shipper cartons must be appropriate size and strength to protect the merchandise contained inside.
  3. Packaging must be consistent; this includes box measurements, weight and inner packaging. 
  4. Cartons must be a double-wall container of corrugated fiberboard construction. If the item is produced overseas, then the double wall corrugate box must be at least a 200 Lbs burst strength container.  
  5. Corrugated cartons must at a minimum meet specifications of fiberboard corrugated boxes as shown in Item 222 of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) and display box maker certificate on the carton with ‘Bursting Test Strength’ and/or ‘Edge Crush Test Strength’ identified. Bursting Test Strength and/or Edge Crush Test Strength must meet National Motor Freight Classification Standards.
  6. Non-domestic cartons often have high moisture content, and are consequently very pliable. For this reason, re-shippers from import vendors must strictly adhere to items 3 and 4 above. 
  7. Indirect imports must receive a 100% inspection prior to being forwarded to Neiman Marcus Direct. 
  8. Product contained in a re-shipper carton must be centered and protected by packing materials so there is a minimum of 3 inches between the item and the inner wall of the corrugated box.
  9. Large or oversize packages must have some sort of reinforcement in the center of the carton to prevent collapse under extreme weight conditions (typical stacking in a ship-alone environment).
  10. Merchandise must be packed in a new box, with no markings other than those of the vendor, and/or box maker. If vendor or product logos are printed on the outside of the carton, there must be no indication the package was intended for any product other than the product contained inside. Recycled cartons may not be used to ship merchandise.
  11. Telescoping boxes may not be used.NMD will accept “full telescope” boxes. A “full telescope” box is when the full depth (FTD) top slides completely over the bottom providing extra thickness of material on all side and end panels.  
  12. Special handling instructions (i.e. ‘Fragile’, ‘Glass’ or directional arrows) must be used and are helpful to Neiman Marcus package handlers. However, the use of these warning signs does not supplant the packaging requirements outlined in this document.
  13. Sealing cartons - 2-inch pressure sensitive plastic tape should be used to seal cartons. Although less desirable, paper tape may be used but must be reinforced. All open seams must be taped.
  14. Sealing cartons – Staples must not be used as the only method of sealing a carton, but may be used when covered with the tape described in item #13 above. 
  15. Packing Guidelines for Rugs & Textiles:
        1. Must be in a bag of at least 6mil in thickness.
        2. The ends must be secured shut and taped down to the bag 
          1. All rugs should be rolled tightly so that the ends are aligned.
          2. Rugs should be packed tightly into the polybag. All excess material should be taped down. Please see Rug Packaging Training document for further packaging details (click here for Rug Packaging Training Document).
        3. Hand Knotted rugs should be folded.
  16. All re-shippers must be transit tested. Lab Tests must be received by NMD prior to receiving the merchandise. Please see below information regarding transit testing:

    Lab testing does not exempt the vendor from NMD’s Inner Packing and Vendor Box Packaging requirements.

    International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) Transit Tested Program:

    Certification that provides’ recognition of conformance to a standard or specification and clearly validates to all parties that requirements have been met. For further information, visit www.ista.org.

     

    Lab Testing Facilities: http://www.nmgops.com/division/1/ISTADomesticLabs.pdf

     

    Neiman Marcus preferred ISTA Testing Facility: FedEx Testing Laboratory

    FedEx testing laboratory - To inquire about package testing and evaluation click on the FedEx Packaging Services Application. With this form Neiman Marcus Direct will get a copy of the test results and we will be able to partner with your company on the packaging of your product. Testing procedures & packaging tips can be found on the following link: http://www.fedex.com/us/services/shipinfo/packaging/tips.html 

    FedEx Packaging Services Application http://www.nmgops.com/division/1/PKG_Services_Application.pdf

     *Please note that on the FedEx application the term “overboxed” means that the INSIDE carton is intended for testing (i.e. the outer carton will be removed and not tested – further details on how to fill out your application is provided below.

    How to fill out your “FedEx | Neiman Marcus Test Application”: http://www.nmgops.com/division/1/FedExAppInstructions.pdf


    United Parcel Service (UPS) Testing Laboratory

    UPS testing laboratory - service to shippers with UPS account. Information may be found on their website at www.ups-psi.com/packdesign.asp


     

    NOTE: Vendors are responsible for any cost associated with shipping their merchandise to a lab testing facility.


     

    Rule 181 Testing:

    Rule 181 only applies to furniture that is fully contained within a corrugated fiberboard shipping container.

    For further information regarding rule 181 testing click here http://www.nmgops.com/division/1/Rule181.pdf                                                                                                    

    For a list of companies who perform 181 testing visit here: Rule 181 Lab Testing Facilities .

    Multi Wall Packaging is a recommended Rule 181 testing facility. They will also be able to assist with any of your packaging needs. Contact Connie Jones at 276-806-9346 or Jasper Peters at 434-836-7818 for further information. Or visit their website at http://www.multiwall.com.


    For further information regarding packaging and lab testing contact our packaging department at 972-401-6880 or email us at nmdpackaging@neimanmarcus.com.

    Information regarding using Ranpak to package different types of items:  http://www.ranpak.com/frmindustry.html

     

    NOTE: Vendors are responsible for any cost associated with shipping their merchandise to a lab testing facility.

    ISTA Testing

    Upholstery, Crated, and Palletized Furniture

    Upholstery

    Upholstery that is packaged utilizing stretch shrink plastic film wrap style must be ISTA lab tested and approved. Visit www.ista.org for further information regarding ISTA testing.

    Crated

    Furniture that is secured/protected all around with a wooden structure (i.e. crated).

    Palletized

    Furniture being shipped on a pallet.

    NMD prefers testing under ISTA 2A for items under 150 IBS and 2B for items over 150 IBS.

    *Packaging will be verified to the lab testing document received from the lab. If packaging changes after testing, then retesting MUST be conducted for new packaging.

    NOTE: Vendors are responsible for any cost associated with shipping their merchandise to a lab testing facility.


  17. Requirements for re-shippers listed above apply to all furniture shipments. Additional specific requirements for furniture shipments (including NMFC Item 181) are listed in the ‘Requirements by Merchandise Type’ section of this site.