Scoring Sam’s Club as a retail partner can be a game-changer for CPG brands.
With its massive member base and national reach, landing shelf space inside this retailer can fuel explosive growth. But with that opportunity also comes operational complexity, making the margin for error very slim.
But not to worry: if you’re reading this, you’re getting the lowdown from retail transportation experts at Zipline Logistics. We’ve helped countless brands navigate the nuances of shipping into major retailers just like Sam’s Club.
Let’s unpack what makes Sam’s unique and how CPG shippers can avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes.
About Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is a chain of membership-only warehouse club retail stores in the United States. Owned by Walmart, it was founded in 1983 and named after founder Sam Walton.
As of 2025, Sam’s Club operates 600 club locations and ranks second in sales volume among warehouse clubs with $90.2 billion in sales, right behind Costco Wholesale.
Understand the Sam’s Club Delivery Structure
Sam’s Club operates a bit differently than other big-box retailers when it comes to its delivery processes. One key distinction is your orders will likely deliver to Sam’s Club distribution centers (DCs), not directly to its stores.
This means being organized with delivery appointment scheduling is critical. Missing a delivery window can result in chargebacks and damage your relationship with retail buyers. Just like Walmart, all appointment scheduling is done via the Retail Link platform.
When it comes to lead time, there’s less wiggle room than you might be used to with other retail partners. To ensure you get an appointment on the must-arrive-by-date (MABD), a 10-14 day lead time is recommended.
While Costco and Sam’s Club all fall under the same big-box club umbrella, their logistics expectations are different. For example, Costco has a stricter pallet policy, while Sam’s Club allows a bit more flexibility.
“Many CPG brands think what works for one club store works for them all. That’s where issues start,” explained TRUCK YEAH! podcast host, Teddy lee Knox, in a recent episode.
Get Your Sam’s Club Paperwork in Order
Sam’s Club is known to flag even minor paperwork errors. That means the accuracy and labeling of your Bill of Lading (BOL) should not be rushed through. If your freight isn’t labeled exactly how Sam’s Club requires, it may be rejected.
This attention to detail can feel tedious, but it’s crucial. One misstep can lead to delays, fines, or worst of all: lost shelf space.
Choose the Right Transportation Partner
The opportunity to work with Sam’s Club is too valuable to risk ruining with preventable logistics issues. Working with seasoned retail logistics experts ensures your brand will show up the right way, every delivery.
Zipline Logistics is the only third-party logistics solutions provider in North America exclusively servicing the consumer-packaged goods sector. Our uniquely qualified carrier network, world-class team of retail transportation experts, and state-of-the-art shipper intelligence tools maximize client revenue and gross margin by eliminating out-of-stocks through optimized, on-time in-full performance.
Zipline offers brands:
- Real-time tracking on all shipments
- Retail-specific appointment scheduling
- Pallet configuration support
- Proactive issue resolution
Our stats:
- 15+ years exclusively serving CPG brands
- 95% on-time in-full (OTIF) average for appointment
- 97% of our shipments are destined to land on a retail shelf
- Customer satisfaction score ranking 5x the industry average
- Top shipping locations: Walmart, Costco, Bath & Body Works, Whole Foods, and Best Buy
Shipping into Sam’s Club doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right knowledge and the right partner, you can stay compliant, keep shelves stocked, and maximize your sales potential.
Ready to streamline your Sam’s Club deliveries?
