Error-Free Delivery to Bol.Com (FBB): Essential Rules & Tips

Delivery Processes at Bol.Com: FBB versus Own Delivery

Delivering to Bol.com means delivering your goods to one of their distribution centers, mainly located in Waalwijk, North Brabant. Since Bol.com opened its own fulfillment center in Waalwijk in 2017, the platform has grown tremendously – daily, thousands of trucks arrive at the docks to unload goods. Deliveries usually take place on weekdays between approximately 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. For every delivery – whether you are a sales partner delivering via Logistics via Bol.com (FBB) supplying inventory, or a supplier delivering directly to Bol.com – you must strictly adhere to their logistical procedure.

An important part of the delivery process is booking a time slot. Through the Bol.com supplier or partner platform, you usually need to schedule a delivery appointment so the warehouse can account for your shipment. Without a booked time slot, your transport may be refused upon arrival, or the driver may have to wait a long time until a dock is available. Upon arrival, the driver reports and delivers the pallets at the assigned dock. Keep in mind that Bol.com operates very efficiently with tight time windows; a missed appointment may mean you need to schedule a new slot.

In addition to timely delivery, correct documentation is essential. Ensure the driver has all necessary papers, such as the consignment note (CMR) and the Bol.com shipment references or packing lists. Upon arrival, Bol.com will usually sign for receipt under reservation – often only for the number of pallets or packages – with content inspection taking place later. Any discrepancies or damage are processed afterward. It is wise to also make notes and take photos of the pallet shipment before dispatch, in case there is a dispute about the condition or content.

Common Mistakes in Bol.Com Warehouse Deliveries

Even experienced suppliers sometimes make mistakes when delivering to Bol.com. Below we discuss the biggest pitfalls – and how to avoid them:

Using Incorrect Pallet Types

Bol.com only accepts Euro pallets (EPAL) of 80×120 cm for pallet deliveries. This is the same standard pallet that is common throughout Europe. Other pallet types – such as block pallets (100×120 cm) or cheap one-time pallets – are refused at the door. Yet, this often goes wrong: suppliers delivering on the wrong size pallet face refusal or must restack on the spot. Tip: Always use quality EPAL pallets with a visible EPAL mark and ensure they are undamaged. Bol.com usually exchanges your delivered EPAL pallets for empty ones during unloading, provided they are in good condition. . If you do not deliver on EPAL, you risk not only delays but also additional costs to transfer the goods.

No Time Slot Booked (or Arriving Late)

Booking a time slot at Bol.com is mandatory for controlled unloading. Yet, some forget this or underestimate its importance. Without a pre-booked slot, your driver may have to wait for hours upon arrival until there is space – or worse, the shipment is refused and must return. Especially during peak periods (think holidays or Bol promotions), the docks are overcrowded, and tight planning is crucial. Always schedule your delivery on time via the Bol system (Supply Chain Portal or Partner Platform) and be punctual on the agreed day. Consider possible traffic jams on the way and leave earlier if necessary. During peak times, waiting times can still exceed an hour, but with a reserved slot, you at least have priority. Also, communicate with your carrier: a specialized transporter (like Cargors) monitors delays and keeps both you and Bol.com informed of unexpected delays.

Incomplete or Incorrect Pallet Labels (SSCC)

Bol.com uses scanning and automated storage, so correct labeling of each pallet is essential. Every pallet you deliver must have a unique shipping label with a barcode – often an SSCC label (Serial Shipping Container Code) that you create via the Bol.com platform. A common mistake is that suppliers use only one label per pallet, or that the label is unreadable due to incorrect placement. Official requirement: attach two identical labels on each pallet – one on the long side and one on the short side, at eye level – so the barcode is always visible, regardless of how the pallet is positioned. Preferably use white labels and attach them outside the stretch wrap (not under the plastic wrap), otherwise, the reflection or foil structure can hinder scanning. Remove old barcodes or labels from reused pallets to avoid confusion. An incomplete or missing SSCC label can lead to a “yellow or red card” from Bol.com (an official warning in the supplier portal) and causes delays in inbound: the pallet must then be taken aside and manually sorted. Prevent this by calmly checking the labeling after palletizing: do the codes match, and are there two labels firmly attached to each pallet?

Official Bol.Com Shipping Requirements at a Glance

Bol.com applies strict shipping requirements for FBB deliveries. Below we list the most important rules and guidelines:

• Pallet Specifications: Use EPAL Euro pallets (80×120 cm) that are in good condition. Pallets must not be loaded higher than ~1.80 meters (including pallet). Ensure nothing protrudes beyond the pallet perimeter – no boxes or products over the edges. Too high or protruding pallets do not fit in the racks and are rejected or must be restacked on the spot.
  
  
• Packaging and Stability: Stack boxes stably and distribute the weight evenly over the pallet. Then wrap each pallet completely with transparent stretch film, up to the top of the stack. Bol.com requires that the contents remain visible (transparent film is mandatory, black or opaque film is not allowed). A well-sealed pallet prevents shifting and damage and allows for quick visual inspection. Keep the top of the pallet as flat as possible; if necessary, place a cardboard sheet on top for extra stability if the boxes do not align evenly.
  
  
• Labeling and Documents: As mentioned earlier, each pallet must have two shipping labels with a unique barcode, sourced from the Bol supplier portal (under My LVB Shipments for FBB partners). These labels are linked to your shipment in the system. Print them clearly and attach them to two sides of the pallet, on the outside of the film. Additionally, you must always register online in the Bol.com system before you transport. You essentially create a delivery order, indicating how many pallets, what is inside, and to which Bol.com fulfillment center it goes. After registration, Bol.com generates the necessary documents, such as packing lists and SSCC labels, which you must add. Without prior registration and documentation, Bol.com cannot process your delivery, resulting in refusal or significant delay.
  
  

Announcement and Time Slot: Book a delivery appointment in the portal for your transport (time slot selection). This gives Bol.com insight into when your shipment is coming and ensures there is loading dock space. Include all relevant info in the booking (correct address of the DC, reference numbers, number of pallets). When your carrier arrives, they must be able to identify themselves and have the shipment information ready. No time slot = high risk of refusal or long wait time. Bol.com generally adheres strictly to planned slots, so this is also beneficial for you: your inventory is booked faster if you deliver as agreed.

Logistical Challenges for Shippers

Delivering to Bol.com yourself brings a few specific logistical challenges:

• Tight time windows & short slots: Delivery slots at Bol.com are often tightly scheduled. You are given, for example, half an hour or an hour to unload. This requires the driver to be on time and able to unload quickly. Delays due to traffic or accidents can cause you to miss your slot. Bol.com generally operates weekdays 7:00 AM-5:00 PM as receiving times , outside of those hours you cannot deliver. Flexibility is limited: if you miss your slot, a new appointment must be made, often at a later time or day.
  
  
• High traffic during peaks: Around major e-commerce peaks (Black Friday, holidays, Bol.com Deal Days, etc.), the volume of deliveries increases explosively. Warehouses become fully booked and time slots fill up quickly. During these periods, you must register and plan your delivery extra early. Nevertheless, you may encounter queues at the dock: on busy days, the wait time at the gate can significantly increase (sometimes >1 hour) before your driver can even unload. . Take this peak load into account in your planning and communicate internally that the inventory may need to be shipped slightly earlier to be in stock at Bol on time.
  
  
• Strict Controls & ‘Cards’ System: Bol.com closely checks deliveries for compliance with the requirements. Errors are recorded in the supplier portal. For minor deviations, you receive a yellow card (warning), for serious or repeated errors a red card – which can lead to (temporary) exclusion from deliveries or additional costs. Examples include pallets without an SSCC label, incorrect quantities, or damaged pallets. This high standard forces shippers to work very accurately, which can be a challenge for inexperienced parties.
  
  
• Complexity with Multiple DCs: Bol.com is continuously expanding; currently, there are at least two large fulfillment centers in Waalwijk and possibly external hubs. Sometimes your shipment must be split to different addresses (e.g., different DC for certain product categories). This requires extra transport planning and correct labeling per partial shipment. Sending a pallet to the wrong location can cause significant delays, as Bol does not forward it for you – it is returned or must be re-offered at the correct location.
  
  

These challenges do not mean that delivering to Bol.com is inherently difficult, but they do require proactive planning and the right partners.

Tips for Error-Free and Smooth Bol.Com Deliveries

How do you ensure that your Bol.com delivery goes right the first time? Some smart transport tips at a glance:

• Know the rules (and check updates): Make sure you are always aware of the latest Bol.com shipping requirements. Bol.com communicates changes in delivery specifications via the partner platform. Read those updates and adjust your processes. An internal checklist for Bol deliveries – with points like EPAL pallet check, max. height, labels printed, time slot booked – can help ensure nothing is forgotten.
  
  
• Plan well in advance, especially during peaks: Do not wait until the last moment to register your FBB shipment. Book your time slot early, especially during busy periods. Send your pallets one or two days earlier than strictly necessary to accommodate any delays. It is better for your inventory to be in the Bol warehouse a day early than a day late and miss sales opportunities.
  
  
• Pack and label professionally: Invest in quality packaging materials and clear labels. Use transparent film and pull it tight. Ensure that SSCC labels are not self-printed on a simple inkjet (which can fade or give poor barcode quality) – preferably use a laser printer or label printer for sharp barcodes. Attach two labels per pallet and do not leave old stickers. Double-check that each pallet label matches the information in the Bol system (correct PO or shipment ID).
  
  
• Communicate with the Bol team if necessary: If you encounter problems (e.g., you cannot make the time slot, or you notice an error in the registration), proactively contact Bol.com logistics/supply chain support. They appreciate it if you report an issue in advance; sometimes they can give you a later slot on the same day or make notes on your delivery. Not communicating and just hoping for the best is risky – in case of deviations, Bol is more likely to be strict if there was no heads-up.
  
  
• Choose an experienced carrier: Bringing pallets yourself in your own van is not always efficient or feasible – and mistakes are easily made if you are not familiar with the route and procedures. Use a specialized transport partner who has experience with Bol.com deliveries. Such a carrier knows, for example, that exchange pallets must be arranged, is familiar with the dock procedures and is aware of the mandatory registration steps. This prevents stress and significantly reduces the chance of errors. In addition, you can often use track & trace and real-time updates via such a partner, so you always know whether the pallets have been delivered.
  
  
• Learn from previous deliveries: Evaluate each Bol.com delivery afterwards. Did something go wrong or did you receive a warning? Adjust your process immediately to prevent recurrence. For example, a yellow card due to a missing label can easily be resolved by tightening your warehouse instructions. By continuously improving, you will become increasingly familiar with Bol logistics.
  
  

(Internal link tip: Also read our extensive guide on pallet transport to Bol.com for all the ins and outs of FBB transport.)

Conclusion: Deliver Flawlessly with the Right Partner

Delivering to Bol.com without errors is absolutely achievable – provided you prepare well and follow the guidelines. In this article, we have discussed the most important rules, pitfalls and tips, so that you can confidently carry out your next Bol warehouse delivery . Do you still have doubts or are you facing logistical limitations? Then consider working with a specialist like Cargors. Cargors is a logistics partner that knows the Bol.com procedures inside and out and provides daily FBB shipments for entrepreneurs. This way you don’t have to worry about time slots, pallet inspection or label issues – Cargors takes care of that for you, at competitive all-in rates and with correct handling.

Would you like to know more about how Cargors can make your Bol.com deliveries run more smoothly? Feel free to contact us for free advice or a quote. Together we ensure that your stock ends up on Bol.com’s shelves without errors!