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Floor loaded containers provide a cost-effective method for shipping large quantities of inventory internationally. Understanding container requirements and regional dock specifications ensures efficient unloading and receiving.

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Container Shipping Overview

Floor loaded containers (FLC) arrive packed with boxes or products stacked directly inside the container (rather than on pallets). This shipping method maximizes container space and reduces freight costs for international shipments.

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When to Use Floor Loaded Containers

Floor loaded containers work best for:
  • Large international shipments with hundreds or thousands of units
  • Cost optimization when pallet space would reduce total units shipped
  • Product types that stack well and don’t require palletization
  • Shipments to facilities with container unloading capabilities
Invoices for floor loaded containers or extensive sorting work are typically billed 2-4 weeks after receiving is complete. These charges will appear on your regular invoices with detailed breakdowns.
Example invoice line item for floor loaded container showing WRO ID and hours of work

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Critical Container Requirements

Floor loaded containers have strict requirements to ensure efficient receiving. Non-compliance can result in rejection, Unidentified Receiving Orders (UROs), or additional fees.

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One WRO Per Container Rule

Each container must have ONE unique WRO attached:
Sending multiple WROs in one container, or using the same WRO for multiple containers, will result in your shipment being processed as a URO (with daily fees) or outright rejection with additional charges.

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SKU Limitations

Maximum 100 SKUs per WRO: Each floor loaded container WRO is limited to 100 different SKUs. Exceeding this limit will result in rejection or URO processing. If you need to send more than 100 SKUs:
  • Split inventory across multiple containers, each with its own WRO
  • Consider alternative shipping methods like palletized freight
  • Contact Jetpack Care for guidance on large, complex shipments

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Regional Container Requirements

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Australia Fulfillment Centers (Melbourne/Sydney)

Australia locations are Non-Hub fulfillment centers with specific requirements for container deliveries:
Container deliveries to Australia fulfillment centers require dock appointments booked at least 48 hours before arrival. Last-minute deliveries may be refused if receiving capacity isn’t available.
For step-by-step instructions on scheduling your container delivery, see Booking Dock Appointments.

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Container Labeling Requirements

Proper labeling is critical for floor loaded containers. Incorrect or missing labels are a primary cause of UROs and rejections.

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WRO Label Placement

CRITICAL: WRO labels must be attached to boxes closest to the container door for maximum visibility when the container opens.
WRO labels placed on the outside of containers are often missed by receiving teams, resulting in URO processing with daily fees. Always label boxes inside the container, positioned near the door.

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Appointment Requirements

ALL floor loaded containers require appointments before arrival. Scheduling ensures receiving capacity and proper equipment availability.

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Appointment Scheduling Rules

If your container arrives outside the scheduled appointment window, you may face rejection or additional hourly receiving charges. Always confirm appointment times with your carrier.
For step-by-step instructions on scheduling appointments, see Booking Dock Appointments.

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Hub vs. Non-Hub Fulfillment Centers

Jetpack fulfillment centers have different processes for floor loaded containers depending on whether they’re designated as Hub or Non-Hub facilities.

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US Hub Fulfillment Centers

US Hub locations offer two unloading options for floor loaded containers:
If your carrier requires a live unload without scheduling an appointment, the container may be rejected or you’ll be charged additional hourly fees. Always schedule live unload appointments in advance.

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Non-Hub Fulfillment Centers

Non-Hub fulfillment centers (including US non-hub locations, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia) use a drop-off only process:
Non-Hub fulfillment centers do not offer live unload services. If your carrier requires live unload at a Non-Hub FC, the container will be rejected or you’ll incur additional hourly charges.

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Comparison Table: Hub vs. Non-Hub Container Processes

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Timing and Coordination

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Shipment Arrival Windows

28-Day Completion Window: If any box in your WRO arrives more than 28 days after the first box, the original WRO will be marked as complete. Subsequent arrivals will be moved to a new Unidentified Receiving Order (URO) for processing.
International container shipments can take several weeks. Plan your WRO creation timing to ensure all units arrive and are processed within the 28-day window from first receipt.

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Tracking Your Container

Enter tracking information for your container shipment as soon as it’s available. For container shipments, provide:
  • Container number (if tracking system accepts it)
  • Bill of Lading number as primary tracking reference
  • Individual box tracking if using consolidated freight services
To add tracking to your WRO, see Managing Warehouse Receiving Orders.

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Preventing UROs and Rejections

Floor loaded containers have specific failure points that can result in Unidentified Receiving Orders (UROs) or outright rejection. Understanding these helps you avoid costly delays and fees.

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Common Causes of UROs and Rejections

If your container is processed as a URO, daily fees apply until the issue is resolved. Watch your email and dashboard for URO notifications after arrival, and create corrected WROs quickly to minimize fees.

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Resolving UROs Quickly

If your container becomes a URO:
  1. Check email and dashboard for URO notifications immediately after expected arrival
  2. Create a new WRO with corrections (updated quantities, SKUs, or details)
  3. Link the new WRO to the URO through the dashboard
  4. Minimize daily fees by responding within 24-48 hours
For detailed URO resolution steps, see Unidentified Receiving Orders.

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Creating Your WRO for Floor Loaded Containers

Before shipping any floor loaded container, you must create a Warehouse Receiving Order with specific attention to container requirements.

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WRO Process for Containers

The WRO creation process consists of 6 steps, and you must complete each step to move forward. For floor loaded containers, pay special attention to:
  • SKU count: Ensure you’re not exceeding the 100 SKU limit
  • Box counts: Accurately count all boxes in the container
  • One WRO only: Create a unique WRO for each container (no sharing)
Incomplete WROs are automatically saved as drafts on your WRO management page, allowing you to return and complete them before the container ships.

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Special Considerations for Lot Products

Not recommended: Sending floor loaded containers with one SKU that has multiple lot numbers or expiration dates creates complexity during receiving. If you must: Configure each box separately in your WRO to specify which lot numbers and expiration dates are in each box. This prevents receiving delays and errors.

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International Container Shipments

When shipping containers internationally, additional requirements apply:

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Customs and Import Requirements

International floor loaded container shipments require specific customs and shipping documentation:
If Jetpack receives a carrier invoice for duties, taxes, or shipping fees because of incorrect documentation, the full amount plus a 15% administrative fee will be billed back to your account.
For complete international shipping requirements, see Sending Inventory Across Borders.

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Jetpack Pallet Policy for International Shipments

Jetpack does not provide or exchange pallets: While Jetpack uses pallets internally to store inventory and for B2C transport, we do not:
  • Provide empty pallets to carriers during container pickup
  • Offer pallet exchange services
  • Return pallets after container unloading
Plan your shipping logistics accordingly, using expendable pallets or arranging carrier pallet management.

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General Best Practices for Floor Loaded Containers

Follow these best practices to ensure smooth container receiving and avoid UROs:
If you’re sending a new SKU that’s a variant of an existing product (same item, different size/color/configuration), contact Jetpack Care in advance. Providing the Inventory IDs of the existing products may help reduce inbound receiving fees.

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Let’s Dive Deeper

Sending Inventory Overview

Back to the main guide on our receiving process

Booking Dock Appointments

Schedule your container delivery 48 hours in advance

Sending Pallets

Palletized freight requirements and best practices

Sending Inventory Across Borders

International shipping guidance and customs requirements

Creating a WRO

Create a Warehouse Receiving Order for your container

Unidentified Shipments (UROs)

Avoid UROs by following container labeling requirements
If you have any questions or run into issues, you can always contact Jetpack Care for help. Our team is always here to assist via Slack, phone, or email!