Pallets of empty cans are stacked in multiple layers on a pallet, with each layer separated by rigid plastic tier sheets or separator sheets to keep cans stable and protected during transit. A plastic bottom pallet and plastic top frame or cap are typically used, along with other reusable dunnage components designed to prevent shifting, crushing, and scuffing while the load is handled and transported. Once stacked, the pallet is banded and then wrapped securely in cardboard and/or plastic stretch wrap to keep the load tight and help protect it from normal handling and environmental exposure.

Some of the packaging is reusable “dunnage” (such as plastic pallets, top frames, and tier sheets). These items are not disposable and can be returned for a refund of your dunnage deposit according to our Dunnage Policy & Return Guidelines. Standard wood pallets and corrugated/cardboard wrap are considered one‑way packaging and are not eligible for dunnage deposit refund.

Because different can sizes, artwork, quantities, and whether you order a half or full pallet can change how products are best secured, actual pallet packaging may vary from order to order. All pallets are prepared to meet our internal safety and protection standards, but exact combinations of dunnage, wraps, and banding may differ.

Example photos of typical can pallets and dunnage are provided for reference only and may not match your specific shipment exactly. They are intended to help you understand what to expect when receiving and unloading your cans.

All cans must be properly sanitized or rinsed according to your production SOPs before filling, as transport and storage conditions are not a substitute for your internal food‑safety and packaging protocols.

As part of our commitment to reducing waste and supporting reuse, we ship brite cans on pallets using returnable plastic dunnage components and recyclable corrugated materials. These reusable items—including bottom pallets, tier sheets, and top frames—are critical to our supply chain and costly to replace. To keep these materials circulating, we apply a refundable deposit on each reusable component, which will appear as a separate line item on your invoice.

How It Works:

• You’ll be charged an upfront deposit for each reusable item.
• These deposits are fully refundable when you return the dunnage clean, dry, and undamaged.
• Deposits are credited back within 4 weeks of receiving and inspecting the returned materials.
• Damaged, dirty, or wet returns will not be eligible for credit.

Return Requirements:

Before sending anything back, you must complete the Oktober Dunnage Return Form. This helps us track incoming materials and ensure accurate refund processing.

 If returns arrive without a completed form and there is a mismatch between your reported quantity and what we receive, our count will be considered final for credit purposes.

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Returns:

We understand that normal wear occurs, but items must be structurally intact:

• Acceptable: Minor scuffs or wear, no significant bending, cracking, or residue
• Unacceptable: Bent or broken edges, sticky substances, excessive debris, water damage

Please store your dunnage indoors prior to return to prevent contamination or damage.

Shipping Guidelines:

When returning dunnage, please do not exceed the following stack limits:

• Top Frames: Up to 40 per stack
• Tier Sheets: Stack no taller than 15 inches
• Bottom Pallets: Up to 15 per return

Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility. If you need assistance setting up freight, please email us. 

Please ship to:

Oktober Can Seamers

5 Colfax St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Timing Matters:

Dunnage must be returned within 18 months of the original purchase date unless additional arrangements are made. Items not returned in that time frame will be considered forfeited, and deposits will be applied toward replacement costs.

Please read our terms and conditions for shipping and freight carefully. By placing an order, the customer agrees to be bound by this agreement and accepts all terms and conditions.

It is the responsibility of the receiver to open and inspect all packaged products at the time of delivery. All LTL freight will be shipped prepaid and added via the best available method unless otherwise specified. Shipments will not be processed until a complete and verified shipping address is received. Oktober Can Seamers will only ship to addresses within the United States that meet verification standards. We cannot ship to PO, APO, or FPO Boxes.

Freight quotes are approximate and subject to change based on delivery address details or special requirements such as liftgate service or residential delivery. Any additional balance will be invoiced prior to shipment.

Additional freight/accessorial charges incurred by Oktober Can Seamers will be billed to the customer. These may include:

• Lift Gate Requirements: If the recipient address does not have a loading dock, and a lift gate is required, a lift gate charge may apply. If it is unclear whether a lift gate is required, one will be assumed. Additional fees will also apply if a lift gate is needed but wasn’t specified during the original shipment request. Residential delivery addresses will automatically require lift gates.
• Inside Delivery: If the shipment must be delivered into a building or onto a site by the freight carrier, inside delivery charges may apply, even if pallets are only placed inside a doorway.
• Delivery Contact: For all LTL shipments, a contact person and phone number are required. Shipments will not be processed without this information.
• Delivery Appointments: Additional fees may apply for scheduling specific delivery dates and/or times.
• Residential/Commercial: The shipment must be identified as residential or commercial. If unspecified, it will be assumed commercial. Additional fees may apply for residential deliveries.
• Reconsignment/Redelivery/Refused Shipments: Customers are responsible for any reconsignment, redelivery, or refused shipment fees (except when refusal is due to damage).

Shortages

All claims for shortages must be submitted within three (3) business days of receipt of the shipment.

Damages

Due to the fragility of some products, up to 2% damage should be anticipated. If merchandise arrives with visible significant damage, the customer must refuse the package back to the carrier. If the package is accepted, the damage must be noted on the carrier’s delivery record for Oktober Can Seamers to file a claim. Keep the product and original packaging, and notify Oktober Can Seamers immediately.

If you do not notify Oktober Can Seamers of damaged goods within 24 hours of delivery, our standard return policy will override any claims. The common carriers delivering our products are responsible for loss and damages. Acceptance of the shipment by the customer acknowledges that all items were delivered in good condition unless otherwise noted at delivery. Failure to report concealed damages promptly will result in a loss to the receiver.

A pallet should never be partially unloaded by hand. Removing only part of the product compromises the pallet's structural integrity and greatly increases the risk of it shifting or collapsing during transport. If a pallet is going to be unloaded by hand, it should be completely unloaded before the truck departs, and may be subject to additional fees for time spent unloading. Partially unloading a pallet can also affect the ability to file a freight damage claim, since the shipment has been altered while still in the carrier's custody.

Damage Claims

Oktober Can Seamers will handle claims and replacement processes for shipments on our account. If shipped on a customer’s or third-party account, the customer is responsible for processing the claim. Damage claims must be filed within 24 hours of receipt. Photographs of damages may be required and all damaged products must be retained until the claim is settled. 

Returns

Returns for aluminum beverage cans are not accepted unless specifically authorized by Oktober Can Seamers due to a fulfillment or shipping error. Approved returns will be issued a Return Authorization number. Customers must follow the provided return instructions, and shipments that do not comply with the return policies will be refused. Once a Return Authorization number is issued, the customer has 10 days to ensure the return shipment is in transit.

Delivery Times and Delays

All shipping and transit times provided by Oktober Can Seamers or the carrier are estimates only and are not guaranteed unless expressly stated in writing. Oktober Can Seamers is not responsible for delays caused by freight carriers, weather, traffic, labor shortages, mechanical failures, customs processing, acts of God, force majeure events, or any circumstances beyond our reasonable control. The customer acknowledges that delivery dates are estimates and that delays may occur. Oktober Can Seamers shall not be liable for any damages, losses, production interruptions, lost profits, missed deadlines, or other consequential damages arising from delayed delivery of any shipment. If expedited or time-sensitive delivery is required, customers must notify Oktober Can Seamers before placing an order. Any carrier guarantees are subject solely to the carrier's terms and conditions and do not create any liability on the part of Oktober Can Seamers.

Do I need a liftgate for delivery? How do I know?
Can Pallets and the Oktober Canning Line ship on pallets and are delivered by a freight truck. If a semi truck shows up, how does a 300–500 lb pallet get off the truck? If the answer isn’t “forklift” or “dock,” you’ll need a liftgate.