Walmart DC Delivery Requirements — Case-Level (35 Trays)
type: concept category: Business tags:
- walmart
- delivery
- supply-chain
- packaging
- procedure created: 2026-05-06 source: raw/documents/2025-09-15-walmart-secondary-packaging-standards.pdf status: active condition: Case-level delivery (35 trays, not a full pallet) shipping-modes:
- crossdock: PO type 0003 — store allocation via ASN, standard domestic case labels
- dsdc: PO type 0073 — store-specific containers with DSDC labels (see DSDC section below)
Walmart DC Delivery Requirements — Case-Level (35 Trays)
This page covers the specific requirements for delivering cases (not unitized full pallets) into a Walmart Distribution Center (DC). Default scenario: one PO of 35 trays, crossdocked to 5 stores (7 each).
Source document: Walmart Secondary Packaging Full Standards, September 15, 2025 (407 pages). This is the controlling reference. This wiki page distills only what applies to case-level, non-pallet deliveries. For full pallet loads, PDQs, or store-direct deliveries, see the source PDF.
Delivery Mode Quick Reference
| PO Type | Mode | Store Labeling | Case Labels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0003 | Crossdock (regular) | DC routes by ASN — no store-specific labels needed | Standard domestic case shipping label (SSCC-18) |
| 0073 | DSDC (Direct Store Delivery Consolidation) | Each container pre-labeled for a specific store | DSDC-specific label with "Ship For: Store #" |
| 0020, 0033 | DC Replenishment (warehouse) | DC handles internally | Standard domestic case shipping label |
Crossdock (PO 0003) — This Scenario
- DC crossdocks whole cases to stores without opening them
- Pack per store: 5 cases of 7 trays each (not 1 case of 35)
- Each case gets a standard domestic case shipping label (SSCC-18 GS1-128)
- No "Ship For: Store #" on the label (that's DSDC-only)
- ASN (EDI-856) maps each SSCC-18 to its destination store
- Store allocation is data-driven — the DC system reads the ASN, scans the SSCC-18, and routes accordingly
- No packing slip required (crossdock/DSDC exemption)
Pallet Requirements for Small Deliveries (5 Cases)
- Not required for orders smaller than 1 full pallet layer.
- Per the standards: "Small orders less than 1 layer should load as loose cartons in front of or on top of pallets in the trailer."
- For consolidation network: "Unitized orders may be floor loaded to a trailer or placed loose onto a pallet for shipment."
- If unitizing (wrapping cases together): 3–5 layers of stretch wrap, max 50 lbs per unitized order, do NOT stretch-wrap to the pallet.
- Key requirement: load stability — cases must not shift during transit. Block and brace properly.
- SQEP risk: "Load Stability" is a tracked defect — shifted or unstable freight gets flagged.
Step 1 — Case Quality & Construction
Corrugated Board Requirements
Box must be rated for the total weight of case + contents. For a case under 65 lbs, single-wall corrugated is acceptable. Use the table below to verify:
| Max Box+Contents (lbs) | Min Combined Weight Facings (lbs/msf) | Min Edge Crush (lbs/in) |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 84 | 32 |
| 75 | 111 | 40 |
| 84 | 138 | 44 |
| 95 | 180 | 55 |
General Case Quality
- Flaps must be securely sealed with adhesive that withstands humidity, temperature changes, compression, and automated handling.
- No black corrugated material or black plastic film — not allowed.
- No loose plastic, loose ends, or bulging sides.
- No metal bands or straps — not allowed.
- Items must be tightly secured within the case with minimal head space to prevent shifting.
- Cases must have a flat, sturdy top surface for stacking and conveyor handling.
- 2″ sidewalls required (if using a tray-style case).
Package Testing
- ISTA 3B (LTL shipments) or ISTA 6-FEDEX-A (parcel up to 150 lbs) — case must pass before shipping.
- 3-foot drop test required for automation-eligible cases (non-glass items).
Step 2 — Case Dimensions (Automation Eligibility)
Cases flowing through Walmart RDCs must fall within automation-eligible dimensions when possible:
| Min | Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 6.4″ (163mm) | 36″ (915mm) |
| Width | 5.0″ (127mm) | 24″ (610mm) |
| Height | 2.0″ (51mm) | 16″ (407mm) |
| Weight | 1 lb (0.45 kg) | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
- Aspect ratio (height/width) must not exceed 1.6 — taller-than-wide cases are automation ineligible.
- Cases outside these limits are "automation ineligible" but still acceptable up to 72″L × 48″W × 72″H.
Step 3 — Barcodes (Required)
On the Case (minimum 2 sides, at least 1 long side)
- ITF-14 or GS1-128 barcode containing the 14-digit orderable GTIN (vendor pack GTIN).
- For food & beverage items: GS1-128 format is mandatory (food traceability requirement).
- GTIN must exactly match the orderable GTIN published in Walmart's Item 360 (item file).
- Multiple unique GTINs on one case are NOT ALLOWED.
- Barcodes may be printed directly on the carton or applied via label.
SSCC-18 (Serial Shipping Container Code)
- Required in GS1-128 format with appropriate Application Identifier (
00). - This is the "license plate" that uniquely identifies each shipping case.
- Goes on the shipping label (see Step 5).
Step 4 — General Case Markings (Required on 2 Sides, 1 Long)
Print or label the following on at least 2 sides, with at least 1 being the longest:
- Brand / Sub-Brand
- Item Description
- Case Pack Quantity (e.g. "35 Trays")
- Color / Size / Style (when applicable)
- Supplier Stock Number (must match Item 360)
- Walmart Item Number (assortments, shoes, apparel only — otherwise optional)
- Lot Code / Best If Used By Date (when applicable — minimum ½″ / 48pt font; format MM/DD/YYYY; required on 1 side only)
- Country of Origin (required for produce; recommended for all others)
Note: Case markings are separate from the shipping label — both are required.
Step 5 — Case Shipping Label (Domestic)
A domestic shipping label is required on each case for:
- LTL shipments
- Small parcel shipments
- Floor-loaded shipments to eCommerce FCs
- GM Consolidation Center shipments
Placement
- Place left of center on the longest side of the case.
- If the case side is too short: place on top of the case.
Required Content
| Field | Requirement |
|---|---|
| SSCC-18 barcode | REQUIRED — GS1-128 format with AI 00 |
| Ship From | Supplier name, address, city, state, zip |
| Ship To | Walmart DC #, address, city, state, zip, GLN |
| Walmart Item # (WMIT) | Recommended |
| Department # | Recommended |
| PO Type | Recommended (e.g., 0020, 0033) |
| PO Number | Recommended (10 digits) |
| Carrier Name | If available |
| BOL Number | If available |
| PRO Number | If available |
Label size recommendation: 4″ × 6″ when including barcode.
Step 6 — Packing Slip (LTL Shipments)
If shipping LTL (Less Than Truckload):
- A packing slip is required, attached to the outside of one case per purchase order.
- Packing slip must include:
- PO number
- PO type number
- Location number (store or DC number)
- Department number
- Shipper's name and address
- Supplier stock number and/or Walmart item number
- Case count per item
- Total case count shipped
- A second copy of the packing slip must be provided to the carrier with the BOL and freight bill.
Packing slips are not required for full truckload shipments to RDCs/FDCs or small parcel shipments.
Step 7 — ASN (Advanced Ship Notice)
- EDI-856 transaction must be transmitted before the PO arrives at the DC.
- ASN must contain individual case content (item quantities in single selling units and warehouse pack multiples).
- Late ASN = SQEP defect ("ASN Not Downloaded" or "Late ASN").
- If ASN errors occur (EDI-824), respond within 2 hours. Merchandise will not be received at the DC without a successful ASN.
Step 8 — Invoice
- EDI-810 electronic invoice.
- Invoices must be consolidated at the PO/item level (not store level).
- Billed to the DC, not individual stores.
Step 9 — PO Compliance (SQEP — Don't Get Flagged)
The Supplier Quality Excellence Program (SQEP) tracks these defects. Avoid them:
| Defect | What Triggers It |
|---|---|
| Overage | Shipped quantity exceeds PO quantity |
| Canceled PO/Line | Shipping against a PO after cancellation |
| Item Not on PO | Item shipped doesn't match PO |
| Wrong Pack | Vendor pack quantity doesn't match PO |
| No ASN Label | Missing SSCC label on case |
| Late ASN | ASN sent after PO arrives at DC |
| ASN Error | ASN fails Walmart's business validations |
| Packaging Compliance | Weak packaging, poor seals, undersized/oversized case |
| Barcode Compliance | Wrong format, missing barcode, incorrect barcode |
| Label Compliance | Missing/incorrect description, item #, supplier stock # |
Charges may apply for non-compliance.
Step 10 — BOL (Bill of Lading)
- A BOL is required for each delivery address for all freight and LTL shipments.
- All PO numbers must be clearly identified on the BOL.
Quick Checklist for This Shipment (35-Tray Case to Walmart DC)
☐ Corrugated box rated for total weight (single-wall OK if under 65 lbs)
☐ No black corrugated or black plastic film
☐ Case flaps securely glued — no loose ends
☐ ISTA 3B (LTL) or ISTA 6-FEDEX-A (parcel) testing passed
☐ ITF-14 or GS1-128 barcode on 2 sides (≥1 long side)
☐ GS1-128 required if food/beverage item
☐ GTIN matches Item 360 exactly
☐ General case markings on 2 sides: brand, description, pack qty, supplier stock #, lot/date
☐ Case shipping label left-of-center on longest side with SSCC-18
☐ Packing slip attached to outside of one case per PO (if LTL)
☐ Second packing slip to carrier with BOL
☐ ASN (EDI-856) sent before PO arrives
☐ EDI-810 invoice — consolidated at PO/item level, billed to DC
☐ BOL with all PO numbers listed
☐ Case dimensions within automation-eligible range (or documented as ineligible)
Related Pages
- Item-Setup-Sams-Club — Similar requirements for Sam's Club deliveries (full pallet scenario)
- Ice-Cream-Manufacturing-Procurement-Plan — Product procurement workflow (may cross-reference DC delivery)
Source
raw/documents/2025-09-15-walmart-secondary-packaging-standards.pdf— Walmart Secondary Packaging Full Standards, Sept 15, 2025 (407 pages)