TJX Package Testing

TJX consists of seven brand stores including: TJ-Maxx, Marshalls, Homegoods, Sierra, Winners, Homesense, and TK-Maxx. The TJX brand requires all packaged products to be properly sized, weighed, and measured. The packaged products must adhere to the TJX shipment specifications.

As an ISTA and ISO 17025 certified lab, we realize the importance of TJX pallet shipment testing. Meeting the TJX shipment requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Our pricing is competitive and we offer volume discounts. Keystone takes a consultative approach throughout the entire test program. When packages do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions. Keystone Compliance creates an accurate test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing.

Request a quote to receive testing services customized to your specific needs. Contact us to receive more information on testing.

Summary of TJX Pallet Shipping Requirements

Pallet requirements consist of size, weight, and base.

Base – Freight or merchandise must be on a pallet, skid, or other base. The base must be easily moveable with a forklift or other piece of material handling equipment. If the pallet is made from a wooden material, it must also be free of insects, larvae, and mold.

Weight – Each pallet with freight must not weigh more than 2,200 lbs. The weight is distributed evenly on the pallet to avoid excess weight being placed on carton contents.

Size – For U.S and Canadian divisions, the height of the pallet should be no more than 84 inches tall. Larger pallets are permissible if the cube of merchandise exceeds the standard 48in x 40 in. European divisions should be 1.2m x 0.8m.

Cartons must adhere to the TJX carton marking requirements. Cartons must have labels face outwards on all pallets. When cartons contain a fragile or breakable item, it must be marked with fragile markings on two of the cartons’ exterior panels. These must cover 20% of the carton or more.

Pallet labels are to be standardized and a minimum of 8.5in x 11in with the standard letter or A4 size paper. The labels must include information such as vendor name, department number, distribution center, and pallet number.

TJX Pallet Conditioning

Pallets are assembled in the following order:

• One purchase order to a pallet.
• One distribution center to a pallet. Pallets must not be mixed by the distribution center.
• One style to a pallet whenever possible.

Other conditions to a pallet include, but are not limited to, when:

• Transparent shrink wrap is used to secure cartons on pallets.
• Cartons are stacked squarely on the pallet, in an alternating pattern.
• Cartons can not overhang the edge of the pallets.
• A strap guard is used if a pallet is banded or strapped.
• If the pallet is double stacked, edge protectors are used along the full length of all four corners of the pallet.

Scope of TJX Exterior and Interior Carton Requirements

Each carton must contain merchandise related to one purchase order only. The style or multiple styles, style number, and quantity of each style must also be indicated on the purchase order. Metal banding and strapping are prohibited.

Testing requirements consist of carton burst strength tests, edge crush tests, and industry-accepted drop tests for the type of merchandise being shipped. These package integrity testing procedures are important for all TJX companies. TJMaxx, Marshalls, Homegoods, Sierra, Winners, Homesense, and TKMaxx.

Keystone Compliance ISTA 3A Recommendations

Keystone Compliance recommends ISTA 3A testing for the most valid results. ISTA 3A is suggested for three main reasons.

1. ISTA 3A is the industry standard for package testing and parcel shipments.
2. It is used by most eCommerce retailers such as QVC, HSN, Wayfair, and more.
3. Lastly, ISTA 3A is accepted for insurance claims by most delivery service companies like FedEx and UPS.

ISTA 3A package performance testing is a basic simulation test for individually packaged products shipped through a parcel delivery system. The ISTA 3A test procedure is appropriate for four different types of packages commonly distributed as individual packages, either by air or ground.

ISTA 3A test drop heights may vary per package.

The packaging standards are standard, small, flat, and elongated packages. ISTA 3A includes an optional test combining random vibration under low pressure. This tests the container’s ability to hold a seal of closure and the retention of contents such as liquid, powder, or gas, without leaking.

ISTA 3A requires one test sample to be tested unless the product is considered to be fragile or liquid. A fragile product is defined as an item that could easily break when dropped without having protective packaging. Examples of fragile products include ceramics, clay, electronics glass, and porcelains. Liquids include liquids as well as semi-liquids and solids that can become liquids if they are exposed to temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Click on the link for more information on ISTA package testing standards.

Expert TJX Package and Pallet Testing

We can accommodate flexible and rigid packages of all sizes, including large pallets. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing.

Contact us to learn firsthand why so many companies partner with Keystone to achieve their TJX package testing requirements.