Deliver to retail distribution centers without the chargebacks.

Every major retailer publishes a vendor routing guide, sometimes called a supplier compliance manual. It explains how freight must be packed, labeled, documented, and delivered to its distribution centers and stores. Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Kroger, Best Buy, Dollar General, and many others each have their own version.

Routing guides typically cover approved carriers or routing requests, appointment scheduling, pallet size and condition, maximum pallet height, GS1-128 carton and pallet labels, advance ship notices (ASN / EDI 856), bill of lading formatting, and delivery windows.

Many retailers measure vendors on OTIF, meaning the order arrives within its scheduled delivery window with the full quantity ordered. Walmart, for example, has long tracked OTIF on collect and prepaid orders and can assess fines on the cost of goods for shipments that arrive early, late, or incomplete.

Meeting OTIF depends on booking the right transit time, securing a delivery appointment, and making sure the carrier understands the window. Guaranteed LTL is a common tool for vendors protecting OTIF scores.

Retail DCs usually require GS1-128 (UCC-128) shipping labels with an SSCC barcode on each carton and pallet. The bill of lading must list the retailer's purchase order numbers, department numbers, carton counts, and weights. Many retailers also require an electronic advance ship notice sent before the freight arrives.

Mismatches between the ASN, BOL, and physical freight are one of the most frequent causes of chargebacks. Double-check counts and PO numbers before pickup.

Retail distribution centers schedule inbound deliveries through appointment portals. Carriers delivering LTL freight to a DC typically book the appointment, and freight arriving outside the window may be refused. Plan pickups so there is enough buffer to meet the appointment even if a terminal transfer takes longer than expected.

Direct-to-store deliveries often have different requirements than DC shipments: shorter trucks, liftgate delivery, limited receiving hours, and inside delivery. Identify these services at quoting so the carrier sends the right equipment.