In the fresh supply chain system of Sam's Club, the storage, transportation, and display of fruit and vegetable products have always been key links to ensuring product freshness and operational efficiency. Today, based on the official design manual, we provide an in-depth analysis of the standardized unitization and stacking specifications for produce trays, offering professional guidance for frontline operations.

1. Applicable Categories & Core DesignProduce trays are specifically designed for soft fruits and vegetables that cannot support weight. Typical applicable categories include fragile fresh products such as berries (e.g., strawberries), solanaceous fruits (e.g., tomatoes), and leafy greens.

Its core design highlights:

- Precision Interlocking Structure: The unique stack tabs and bottom die-cut slots engage precisely, creating a rigid interlock between trays. This completely eliminates the risk of misalignment and nesting, ensuring the stability of cargo layers.

- Universal Compatibility Design: A consistent footprint enables universal stacking across all product categories. Combined with an adjustable depth design, it can accommodate fruits and vegetables of different sizes.

- Two Style Options: Available in Solid Tray (no window) and ray with front window configurations, meeting the display and protection needs of different products.

2. Core Operational Technical Requirements

1.  Mandatory Use of Specialized Trays

    Product units must use specialized produce trays as the primary container. Direct contact between produce and pallets is prohibited to reduce the risk of mechanical damage and contamination.

2.  Stacking Interlock Operation Standard

    When stacking trays, ensure full engagement of stack tabs with die-cut slots to form a rigid locking structure. A visual inspection of the interlock status is required after completing each layer.

3.  Material & Process Standards

    All corrugated boards must be bonded with Moisture Resistant Adhesive (MRA) to maintain structural strength in the high-humidity environment of fresh produce. Production must use Sam's Club-provided standard dielines to guarantee dimensional accuracy.

4.  Pallet Layout & Stacking Density

    The 5-Down Pallet Pattern (48”×40”) is uniformly adopted to achieve optimal stacking density per unit area, improving storage and transportation efficiency.

5.  Depth Adaptation Principle

    Adjust the tray depth according to product specifications to ensure no sliding or squeezing during storage and transportation, while optimizing visual display effectiveness.

3. Auxiliary Operations & Compliance Verification

- After unitization is completed, perform stretch wrapping in accordance with the Stretch Wrap Packaging Operation Specifications to enhance the overall stability of the unit and prevent collapse.

- Before operation, confirm that Sam's Club-approved CAD files have been obtained to ensure full compliance of tray production with design requirements.

- After unitization, verify edge compliance to ensure zero overhang of products. Re-inspect after natural settling during transportation.

4. Risk Warning

Produce trays are only suitable for fruit and vegetable categories that cannot support weight. They are strictly prohibited for heavy loads or other products requiring weight-bearing capacity. Improper use will lead to tray deformation, cargo layer collapse, product loss, and potential safety hazards.

For further questions regarding Sam's Club packaging solutions, please contact CTK！