Re-Shipper Cartons

Note: All re-shippers must be transit tested. Please refer to item #14 on transit tests.

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. Cartons must be a double-wall container of corrugated fiberboard construction. 
4. 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.
5. 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. 
6. Indirect imports must receive a 100% inspection prior to being forwarded to Neiman Marcus Direct. 
7. 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.
8. 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).
9. 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.
10. Telescoping boxes may not be used. Merchandise must be packed in a single container designed to accommodate the merchandise inside. 
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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 #12 above. 
14. All re-shippers must be transit tested. Please fax all transit test results to 972-401-6764 attn: Patrick Hohlt prior to shipping. Some recommended methods of testing are listed below:
    1. International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) Transit Tested Program. For more information, visit www.ista.org. ISTA registered testing laboratories are authorized to certify furniture shipments for compliance to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) Item 181. For more information on the NMFC visit www.nmfta.org
       
       Neimans preferred testing: 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   
       
       Rule 181 Testing
       For an application to have packaging tested for rule 181, please fill out the form linked here and return to Erin at address listed to receive a registration number. To print out the 181 Registration Form please click here. For a list of companies who perform 181 testing visit here: Rule 181 Lab Testing Facilities
       
       Please contact Matthew Ranker @ 972-401-6880 (matthew_ranker@neimanmarcus.com) for further information.  UPS testing laboratory - service to shippers with UPS account. Information may be found on their website at www.ups-psi.com/packdesign.asp
       
       Information regarding using Ranpak to package different types of items: http://www.ranpak.com/frmindustry.html
15. 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 ‘Focus Merchandise Categories’ section of this site.