Shipping: B-stock lot size

When handling large quantities, it is important to understand different lot sizes so you can bid and purchase accordingly. (And avoid big surprises!)

Lots may be packaged and shipped differently depending on category, size, and weight. Special equipment may be required to receive your shipment. In this post, we’ll break down the different lot sizes you’ll find in B-Stock stores and any unique terminology you’ll need to know.

Common Lot Size Terms

There are several key listing terms and abbreviations that you will see repeatedly on the platform. Let’s identify:

• trailer: Another way to refer to a truck, often used interchangeably.
• freight: Goods transported in bulk
• Accessories: Services performed beyond what is considered standard (e.g. lift gate, interior delivery, etc.) Lift Gate: A device used to raise or lower goods from the ground to the level of a tractor trailer.
• straw mat: Flat transport structure. This enables handling and storage efficiency as a structural basis for unit loads. Pallets come in a variety of sizes including single, oversized, double and triple.
• Pallet space: How much space does a pallet take up in the bed of your truck? Pallet space is displayed on the listing details page. (Example: “This lot has 8 pallets spread across 16 pallet spaces.)
• LTL: Less than a truckload (up to 12 pallets)
• FTL: Full truckload (24 pallets)
• Floor load: Inventory is not shipped on pallets but is instead loaded directly onto trucks. Lift gates cannot be used for unloading. (Generally applies to home appliance delivery.)

Below we break down each lot size.

Individual box

Individual boxes (or parcels) are used for small shipments and physically small items such as jewelry, small electronics, and cell phones. Depending on the listing and/or seller, it may be shipped standard parcel shipping via UPS or FedEx.

case pack

This is standard shipping practice for mobile phones. A case pack is a box with individual slots for your packed phone. These boxes typically range in size from 30 to 50 case packs.

straw mat

There are two common methods for packaging and loading goods onto pallets. Buyers tend to check both of the following when it comes to shipping:

• Gaylord: Textile products and products can be shipped in large single containers with one huge box that fits the size of a pallet.
• ‘Stack and pack’: Durable and large items such as furniture, small appliances, sporting goods or large box items are assembled on pallets and then packed.

Example of ‘stack packaging’: Items are stacked and mounted in a Tetris-like fashion and secured with giant plastic wrap before being loaded onto trucks.

Gaylord Example: Soft goods (non-breakable items) are typically packaged this way. This includes goods such as clothing, bedding, and smaller, lighter items.

Less-than-truckload (LTL)

LTL shipments consist of 1 to 10 or 12 pallets. It’s important to remember that LTL only accounts for a portion of the overall trailer. Multiple carriers share space on the same truck and pay only for their portion.

LTL shipments require the use of liftgates and pallet jacks. During registration, you will be asked whether your address is zoned commercial or residential and whether you can unload your truck at this location. Select if you need a liftgate. Failure to do so may result in accessory charges from the carrier and delays in receiving your subsequent order.

For more information, check out How Shipping Works: LTL Infographic.

FTL (full truck)

For a full truck, the trailer is only used for one delivery. Standard quantity is usually 24 pallets. FTL shipments require access to a receiving dock. Home deliveries are generally prohibited.

Want to know more? Shipping method: Go by FTL.

Explore lot sizes on B-Stock

Navigate using filters on all listing pages mode of transport (parcel, LTL and trucking) and Shipping type (Standard/Binding, Buyer Designated, Flat Rate and Free). Learn more about B-Stock shipping methods here.

Manifest and listing details also include shipping information such as packaging type, number of pallet spaces, dimensions, and weight.

Listing Details: Yes Shipping Information

Expert Tips: Using your manifest to calculate your shipping costs will help you figure out how much to bid or offer and still make a profit.

Start browsing the list

Ready to start searching inventory in your desired lot size? We have hundreds of listings available daily across dozens of categories and lot sizes. As always, if you have any shipping questions please feel free to contact us directly!