Receiving a compliant product allows us for fast turn time, increased availability and a maximized selling window. Prior to shipping, you must receive shipping approval from our Accounts Payable and Purchasing Departments. Vendors MUST submit 100% accurate invoices and packing lists that match what has been packed and shipped. Failure will result in a fine outlined in our Violation Chargeback (Section 11)

Packing requirements are dependent upon the order type. Please check your PO# to see if it is a Store, Ecom or Backstock order, and follow appropriate guidelines in Section 8.3.

The AKIRA Buyers / production team will send an individual style tech pack to obtain specific folding and packing instructions if they are working on a special label / order.

Prior to shipping, you must receive shipping approval from our Accounts Payable and Purchasing Departments.

• Email subject line should include:
  • • Vendor name, AKIRA purchase order number
  • Email body should include:
  • • Number of cartons, Ship date, Invoice, Corresponding packing list, Tracking information if applicable
  • This step will enable our distribution center to plan accordingly in anticipation of shipments.
  • Failure to provide advance notification will result in a chargeback to the corresponding order (please see Section 11 for full Violation Chargeback Policy).
• All orders are expected to be delivered in full during the shipping window stated on the purchase order.
  • Vendors must obtain approval regarding partial shipments at least 10 days prior to releasing merchandise.
  • Any merchandise shipped outside the shipping window specified on the purchase order without prior approval will result in cancellation or a 5% chargeback if ultimately accepted by AKIRA
• All purchase orders shipped to AKIRA’s Distribution Center on the same day should be included in one Bill of Lading.
• All shipments to the AKIRA Distribution Center must be made through AKIRA approved carriers.
  • Select a suitable carrier based on the shipment method requested, your shipping location, and the weight of your shipment.
  • For additional information on selecting a carrier, please contact our Accounts Payable Department.
  • If our designated carrier does not provide service to your location, please contact our Accounts Payable Department.
  • All freight deliveries must be made by surface unless otherwise specified.
• DO NOT declare value or add insurance. The vendor will be solely responsible for any insurance or added fees for declared value.
• A separate box is required for the samples that go to our ECOM / Website. Any PO ending in “W” is for our Website / ECOM. You are responsible for packing one piece of each sku + a PL with the style number and order number

9.1 WHERE TO SEND SHIPMENTS:

150 E Crossroads Parkway
Bolingbrook, IL 60440

9.2 CARTON STANDARDS

• All Web units poly bagged and stickered on outside of bag
• No Vendor info on the outside of the box
• Print AKIRA info on cardboard box
• PLU label on outside of each box

We also require best practice when it comes to packing cartons and carton marks. Below is an outline of what is expected:

• Quality
  • Boxes must be new. Not reused or recycled.
  • Vendors cannot have their names on the cartons (Company names must not be on the box or on tape / seals).
  • All dents, water damages, holes, or damages of boxes will be fined (see Section 11).
  • It is the Vendors responsibility to inspect all cargo floors
• Composition
  • All cartons shipped to AKIRA must be new and must be made of corrugated cardboard.
  • Boxes must be in good condition and sturdy enough to withstand transportation.
  • If merchandise is shipped via boat and truck, heavy weight boxes must be used.
• Strength
  • Cartons must have a minimum bursting strength of 200 pounds per square inch.
  • Cartons for clothing should remain no larger than 30”x16”x18”.
• Sealing Cartons
  • The top and bottom of every carton must be sealed with 2” or 3” tape.
    • The tape must not interfere with any of the carton markings.
    • Do not use stapled, bands or cellophane
    • Acceptable tapes include:
      • Polypropylene tape
      • Water activated paper tape with fiber reinforcement
    • The tape pattern must be in a way that will make it easier to determine that the carton seal has been broken.
  • Use enough tape where the box closes to ensure contents are firmly secure.

CARTON LABEL SAMPLES APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES:

FOOTWEAR

LABEL PLACEMENT

9.4 CARGO DELIVERY & SEAL REQUIREMENTS

Suppliers must follow the delivery mode from the set of rules as follows for loading requirements.

Container Utilization - Priority Minimum Loading - Maximum Weight Shipment

• The vendor must achieve the above stated minimum load ability unless given prior written approval from AKIRA.
• If the container is light-load approved by AKIRA, please evenly load the cartons as a ladder pictured below:
  
• Load container by AKIRA PO number. Do not mix PO’s.
• The AKIRA PO Style that consumes the largest cubic volume must load into the nose (head load) of the container, followed by the balance of the smaller volume.
• Heavy cargo must evenly load into the container but not exceed the limitation of container weight.
• A load sheet (container manifest specification sheet) with detailed cargo sequence must be sealed in an envelope marked “Container Manifest” and placed on the inside of the door of the container before the container is sealed.

Container Manifest (load plan) will include the following information:

• The PO/AKIRA Style quantity, which is loaded into the container, must match EXACTLY to the container manifests (load plans) and in total, the BOL, FCR, ASN, and Packing List.
• Accuracy in loading is required by US Customs (CBP) and any other government agencies, as applicable.

9.6 CONTAINER QUALITY INSPECTION FOR FACTORY LOADS

The factory must conduct a 7 point inspection prior to loading any cargo.

• 7 point inspection includes the inside, right-side, left-side, roof, bottom, back and doors of the container. Note: For Reefer containers the fan housing unit must also be checked.
  
• In the event that a container is not suitable to load, the vendor must contact the forwarder for a new container. Do not load bad containers..
• If a vendor knowingly loads a bad container, the vendor will be responsible for damaged goods.
• Overall physical integrity of the container prior to stuffing.
  • Look for holes and patches. If any holes are found, the container must not be used until repaired.
  • Ensure that the container is weather tight.
  • No false walls or external compartments where un-manifested material may be present.
  • If the container is not clean, it must be cleaned prior to loading.
• Verify the locking mechanisms are in good working order.
• The container is to be sealed using a high security seal provided by the ocean carrier.
  • No container will leave a vendor’s site without being sealed.
  • Seal number must be noted on all paperwork.
  • If an FCL leaves a vendor site without being sealed, Burlington is not responsible for short counts.
• Pallets are to be heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and stamped or branded, with a mark of compliance. This mark of compliance is colloquially known as the "wheat stamp".
  • Follow all Homeland Security procedures for all cargo shipped.