Exception Request

The Home Depot is dedicated to providing a safe environment for our customers and our employees at all our stores as well as distribution facilities. As part of our effort to continuously improve safety conditions, we have redesigned our pallet specifications. We are asking our suppliers to review their current shipping platforms and convert to the standard pallet requirements for your products. If, however, you are unable to use our standard platform, please review our exception process and submit the necessary documents.

The Home Depot must approve all exceptions to the requirements outlined in the Shipping Platform Standards. To be considered for use of an alternative platform, the supplier is required to perform the following:

1. Complete the Shipping Platform Exception Form
   
   Once the form is completed, it is automatically uploaded into The Home Depot system. Suppliers will receive an email from The Home Depot confirming receipt of their request within 24 hours of submission.
    
2. All exception requests must include documentation that the requested platform meets the minimum 2800 lb. load capacity (3500 lb. for Heavy Products as defined in the Reference Manual). This measurement is based on each pallet’s safe maximum load weight when stacked 3 unit loads high and is measured on PDS analysis. Although you may not actually stack your pallets 3 unit loads high, we still need to see what the safe physical weight capability is. One of the following test methods must be used:

   A. Pallet analysis using latest version of The Pallet Design System (PDS) (Click here to see sample)
   
       For information on the PDS, visit the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association site,
       http://nwpca.com/PDS/PalletDesignSystem.htm

   B. ASTM D-1185* “Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Material Handling and
       Shipping”.

   * ASTM test must be performed by a certified lab.

   Required tests include:

   1. Pallet Compression Test of Deck Spacers (Sect. 8.3)
   2. Bending Test of Pallet Decks (Sect. 8.5)
   3. Free Fall Drop Test (Sect. 9.3)
   4. Incline Impact on Pallet Deck Edges (Sect. 9.4)
   5. Vibration Test on Loaded Pallets (Sect. 9.5)

For additional information, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org.

Please submit the appropriate test method documentation via fax or email to the attention of:

Safety Support
Fax: (770)384-2404
Email: safety_support@homedepot.com

Note: Submission of a request for exception does not imply that an exception is granted. Suppliers are still responsible for compliance to the defined standards while a decision is pending. Once a decision is made, you will receive written confirmation as to whether or not your request was approved. Please maintain a copy of this response so that it can be made available upon request.

If you have any questions, please contact us at safety_support@homedepot.com.

Please click here to complete the Exception form >>