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DLA Packaging:

  dla_pkg_sr@dla.mil

DLA Packaging

It is DLA Policy that materiel will be procured, received, stored, and shipped with adequate, continuous protection at the lowest overall cost.

Packaging requirements are developed and applied to support the needs of the ultimate consignee. Materiel will be procured, fully packaged in a ready-for-issue state. State-of-the-art materials, processes, and equipment will be used to the maximum extent possible. Vendors are encouraged to use state-of-the-art materials, processes, and equipment in accordance with contract requirements. 

Vendor Inquiries on Contractual Requirements (DIBBS)  
The primary contact for all contractors/vendors is the contracting officer.  Vendors should submit a Post Award Request (PAR) for any question (packaging related or other) using the Post Award Request (PAR) link on DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) 

DLA Packaging and Marking Guide 2021 (PDF)  
The DLA packaging and marking guide was created to provide vendors with the basics of understanding DLA packaging requirements.  This guide will be updated periodically based on input from the packaging field and feedback from vendors.

Palletization
Provides information concerning DLA palletization requirements.

MIL-STD-129 Examples
Provides examples unit package, intermediate container, and exterior container identification and bar code markings.

Military Standards and Specifications (Quick Search)  
Quick Search is a public website that lets users search for defense and federal specifications and standards, military handbooks, commercial item descriptions, data item descriptions, MS detail drawings, Qualified Product Lists (QPLs), and related technical documents prepared in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Defense Standardization Program (DSP).

Medical Items - DLA Troop Support Managed Materiel
DLA Troop Support Managed Materiel-Provides marking standards, packaging specifications and other information specific to medical materiel and cold chain management.

Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESDS)
General information for ESDS to include why ESDS items are sensitive, the required method of preservation, approved packaging materials, and workstation requirements.

Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Labels (ESDSL)
All unit packs and intermediate and exterior contains of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) sensitive devices (or other electronic items that are alone or are part of assemblies) that are susceptible to damage from ESD shall be marked in accordance with MIL-STD-129, paragraphs 5.2.20.1, 5.2.20.2, and Figure 37

Hazardous Material Management System-Performance Oriented Packaging (HMMS-POP) Access Request Instructions
Provides instructions for requesting access to HMMS-POP.

DLA Approved Commercial Packaging
Approved commercial packaging permits use of non-specification materials. ASTM D3951, Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging, provides standard commercial guidelines and will be utilized when specified by the contract/purchase order.

Packaging Videos
These videos cover: Vendor Shipping Requirements, Supply Discrepancy Reports, Distribution, Consolidation and Containerization for Vendors, DLA Distribution How to Process Customer Returns, Army Sustainment Command Module 1: Care of Long Life Reusable Containers LLRCS, Army Sustainment Command Module 2: Determining Preservation Requirements, Army Sustainment Command Module 3: Packaging Requirements Walkthrough, Army Sustainment Command Module 4: Packaging Remediation, Army Sustainment Command Module 5: Unit Pack Marking Requirements

Packaging Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following topics of FAQs are provided as a hot line for packaging related questions.

Resources and Links

Packaging Documents

Document Name Description Document Type
DLA Packaging and Marking Guide 2021 The DLA packaging and marking guide was created to provide vendors with the basics of understanding DLA packaging requirements.  This guide will be updated periodically based on input from the packaging field and feedback from vendors. PowerPoint
Palletization No. MD00100452 Revision C Dated 09/2016 This document covers the requirements for palletization of EBS items of supply for handling, shipment, and storage. Dated 09/2016 PDF
DLA DWG 03204, Classification of Defects of Pallets In lieu of classification of defects identified in ASME MH1b-2000, Part 3, MANDATORY APPENDIX A3--B, Description of Growth•·Related Defects Which Affect Um Quality of Pallet Components, the following defect classifications will be used for the inspection of wood components, nails, and assembled pallets specified in ASME MH1b--2000, Part 9, Wood Pallets for Military Use PDF
MMS No. 1D This document provides the minimum marking requirements for contractor-originated shipments of medical materiel, and is applicable to both military and commercial packaging. PDF

AA0059195G

Container, Thermal, Shipping, for Medical Material Requiring Controlled Temperature Ranges PDF
Temperature Monitoring Device Spec Sheet 1 DLA Troop Support Requirements for Temperature Monitoring Devices PDF

Packaging Applications

Please use the below DLA & Non-DLA systems for any packaging related access or inquires.

Image Title Description
This is a clickable image for the DLA Internet Bid Board System or DIBBS Vendor Inquiries on Contractual Requirements (DIBBS) The primary contact for all contractors/vendors is the contracting officer.  Vendors should submit a Post Award Request (PAR) for any question (packaging related or other) using the Post Award Request (PAR) link on DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).  
This is a clickable image for the Quick Search Assist System Military Standards and Specifications (Quick Search) Quick Search is a public website that lets users search for defense and federal specifications and standards, military handbooks, commercial item descriptions, data item descriptions, MS detail drawings, Qualified Product Lists (QPLs), and related technical documents prepared in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Defense Standardization Program (DSP).
This is a clickable image for the Enterprise Business System Portal Enterprise Business System Portal (DLA Users) The DLA EBS portal provides industry and military service personnel with centralized access to DLA business services. 
This is a clickable image for the Enterprise External Business Portal Enterprise External Business Portal (Non-DLA Users)

The DLA EEBP portal provides industry and military service personnel with centralized access to DLA business services.

This is a clickable image for the American Society for Testing Materials or ASTM ASTM International

Access to commercial standards requires purchase of the standards from the American Society for Testing Materials. ASTM D3951 is the “Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging."  It covers the requirements for the commercial preservation, packaging, packing (exterior container), and marking for supplies and equipment. It provides for multiple handling and shipments by any mode of transport, and storage periods of a minimum of one year in enclosed facilities without damage to the product.

This is a clickable image for the Account Management and Provisioning System or AMPS Account Management and Provisioning System (AMPS) The Account Management and Provisioning System (AMPS) can set up your access to computer application resources or provide information to a provisioner for manual setup. Access is based on the approval of your request for one or more application roles. Application users, both internal (civilians, military, and contractors) and external (vendors, public), can have AMPS accounts that enable them to submit requests for these roles. When a role is approved, the user has access to the application resource.
This is a clickable image for the Thomasnet Thomasnet   Non-DLA Website
This is a clickable image for the Packaging Code Lookup Packaging Code Lookup   Non-DLA Navy Managed Website
This is a clickable image for the Navy P700 Common Naval Packaging Search or CNP Search Navy P700 Common Naval Packaging (CNP) Search   Non-DLA Navy Managed Website, CAC and/or User I.D./Password Required
This is a clickable image for the Air Force Special Packaging Instructions Retrieval and Exchange System or SPIRES Air Force (AF) Special Packaging Instructions Retrieval & Exchange System (SPIRES)   Non-DLA AF Managed Website, CAC and/or User I.D./Password Required
This is a clickable image for the American National Standards Institute or ANSI American National Standards Institute (ANSI)   Non-DLA Website
This is a clickable image for the Institute of Packaging Professionals or IoPP Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)    Non-DLA Website
This is a clickable image for the International Safe Transport Association or ISTA International Safe Transport Association (ISTA)   Non-DLA Website
This is a clickable image for the National Institute of Packaging, Handline and Logistics Engineers or NIPHLE National Institute of Packaging, Handline, and Logistics Engineers (NIPHLE)   Non-DLA Website
This is a clickable image for the DoD Hazardous Materials Packaging and Transportation DoD Hazardous Materials Packaging & Transportation   Non-DLA Website
This is a clickable image for the Army Sustainment Command Packaging, Storage, and Containerization Center or PSCC Army Sustainment Command Packaging, Storage, and Containerization Center (PSCC)   Non-DLA Website

Marking Examples

A diagram shows packaging requirements and the three layers of container markings

The following examples illustrate unit pack, intermediate container, and exterior container identification markings, including bar code markings.

View a full-size version of the packaging example graphic.

IUID (Item Unique Identification) is required when stated in the item description and DFARS 252.211-7003 is incorporated.

 

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Palletization

The following is information concerning DLA Palletization requirements. RP001, found on the Technical and Quality Master List of Requirements, provide the palletization requirements for current contracts.  Older contracts may reference MD00100452 Revision C.

Palletization No. MD00100452 Revision C Dated 09/2016 (PDF)

ANSI/MHIA MH1 may be obtained on MHI Publications Page.  

Shipments packaged in accordance with ASTM D3951 and/or MIL-STD-2073-1 shall be palletized in accordance with MIL-STD-147

Level A packing, pallets shall utilize ANSI/MHIA-MH1, Part No. MH1/9-05SW4048 pallet. The total weight of the unitized load shall not exceed 3000 lbs. evenly distributed.  

Level B packing, pallets shall utilize ANSI/MHIA-MH1, Part No. MH1/9-02SW4048 pallet for unit loads less than 1500 lbs. evenly distributed. For unit loads greater than 1500 lbs. but less than 3000 lbs. evenly distributed, ANSI/MHIA-MH1, Part No. MH1/9-05SW4048 pallet shall be utilized.

DLA DWG 03204, Classification of Defects of Pallets (PDF)

Documents should be accessible.  If you are in need of a document on this page that doesn’t meet accessibility standards, e-mail us at  dla_pkg_sr@dla.mil to obtain an updated version. 

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Medical Items

(DLA Troop Support Managed Materiel)

MMS No.1D  (PDF)
Medical Marking Standard No. 1C
This document provides the minimum marking requirements for contractor-originated shipments of medical materiel, and is applicable to both military and commercial packaging.

AA0059195G (PDF)
Container, Thermal, Shipping, for Medical Material Requiring Controlled Temperature Ranges

DLAR 4145.21  (PDF)   (CAC or User I.D./Password Required)
Preparation of Medical Temperature-Sensitive Products Requiring Freeze or Refrigerated (Chill) Environments for Shipment.

Temperature Monitoring Device Spec Sheet 1 (PDF)
DLA Troop Support Requirements for Temperature Monitoring Devices

Documents should be accessible.  If you are in need of a document on this page that doesn’t meet accessibility standards, e-mail:  fssb@dla.mil to obtain an updated version.

Hazardous Material Management System-Performance Oriented Packaging (HMMS-POP)

Requesting Access for HMMS-POP

HMMS-POP is housed in the Enterprise Business System (EBS) Portal. In order to access HMMS-POP, you will need to request the HMMS-POP and EBS roles via Account Management and Provisioning System (AMPS). AMPS will allow you to request both roles on the same request. 

Request both the HMMS-POP and EBS Portal roles with the following steps:

  1. Log into AMPS    (CAC or User I.D./Password required.
    For CAC users, select your Email certificate).
  2. To the left, click, “Click Here to Access AMPS".
  3. Click “OK”.
  4. On left side of screen Under “Request”.
    1. Select “Request Roles”. 
  5. “Accept” privacy statement.
  6. On your profile screen:
    1. Input your Date of Birth.
  7. Select “Next” on top right-hand side of screen.
  8. Under “Browse Roles by Application”:
    1. Select “DLA Enterprise Applications”.
  9. Under “Search Roles” search by “Role Name”:
    1. For HMMS-POP role input Web User POP-001
      1. Click “Search” button.
      2. Select the role and hit the arrow to place role in “Selected Roles” box.
    2. For EBS Portal role:
      1. DLA personnel, input 835. (If you receive an error message that there is a conflict with another primary role, select 835B instead). 
      2. Non-DLA personnel, input 845. (If you receive an error message that there is a conflict with another primary role, select 845B instead).  
      3. Click “Search” button.
      4. Select the role and hit the arrow to place role in “Selected Roles” box.

Note: Do Not select any roles other that the “PROD” (Production) roles that are provided in this instruction. Any other role will be rejected/denied.

  1. Hit “Next” button at top of screen.
  2. Input justification. 
    1. A good justification to keep request from being rejected/denied could be, “Need access to HMMS-POP in order to process hazardous material shipments. Need access to the EBS Portal in order to access HMMS-POP, which is housed in the EBS Portal".
  3. Select “Submit” button.

Once your request has been approved for the HMMS-POP role (approval process may take a day or so), you will receive an email containing the temporary password assigned to your User ID. You will not be able to login to HMMS-POP to assign your permanent password until you have your EBS role.

Accessing HMMS-POP through the EBS Portal

To Access HMMS-POP through the EBS Portal take the following steps:

  1. Open your browser and navigate to the correct URL:
    1. Production environment 
      1. non-DLA Users   (CAC or User I.D./Password required): Prod 845/845B
      2. DLA Users   (CAC or User I.D./Password required): Prod 835/835B
  2. On the certificate pop-up use the “Email” credential.
  3. On the consent banner click ‘I Accept’.
  4. When you are logged in, you will see the welcome page. Click the HMMS-POP tab. The application should open in a new tab and log you in. 
  5. If this is your first time in HMMS-POP you will need to input the temporary password and your User ID. HMMS-POP will then direct you to assign a permanent password.   Once you have completed this process will not have to input your User ID and password from that point on. The EBS Portal will take you directly to the Homepage of HMMS-POP when you click the HMMS-POP tab.

HMMS-POP tab within Enterprise Business System (EBS)

***If at any time you experience difficulties accessing the POP application, please contact:

DISA Global Service Desk​ (system access or technical issues)​
Toll Free: 844-DISA-HLP  (844-347-2457)
DSN: 850-0032​
Press 5, then speak or enter D-L-A
Email:  disa.global.servicedesk.mbx.dla-ticket-request@mail.mil (Non-urgent general IT issues)

Any questions/concerns, please feel free to contact us at  DistPOPSupport@dla.mil.

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Commercial Packaging

DLA Packaging Approved Commercial Packaging
Approved commercial packaging permits use of non-specification materials. ASTM D3951, Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging, provides standard commercial guidelines and will be utilized when specified by the contract/purchase order.

Military vs Commercial Packaging
Details on Military and Commercials packaging.

ASTM D3951 Overview
Describes requirements for reservation, packaging, packing, and marking furnished by the suppliers. 

How to Identify Adequate Commercial Packaging
Describes how to identify adequate commercial packaging.  

How to Identify Inadequate Commercial Packaging
Describes how to identify inadequate commercial packaging by showing examples.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Packaging
Approved Commercial Packaging

Approved commercial packaging permits use of non-specification materials. ASTM D3951, Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging, provides standard commercial guidelines and will be utilized when specified by the contract/purchase order.

ASTM D3951 is the “Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging."  It covers the requirements for the commercial preservation, packaging, packing (exterior container), and marking for supplies and equipment. It provides for multiple handling and shipments by any mode of transport, and storage periods of a minimum of one year in enclosed facilities without damage to the product.

Access to commercial standards requires purchase of the standards from the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)  (Non-DLA Web Site).

Military versus Commercial Packaging:

Military packaging requires the use of specification materials, interpretation of preservation/packing instructions, MIL–STD–129, Military Marking, and the preservation methods of MIL–STD–2073–1, Standard Practice for Military Packaging. Military packaging should be used for items expected to enter the military distribution system. The military distribution system is the process by which material, not intended for immediate use, is stored and/or moved within or between Defense Department facilities. It may also cover items intended for delivery-at-sea, items delivered during wartime, or items requiring reusable containers.

Commercial packaging permits use of non-specification materials. ASTM D3951, Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging, provides standard commercial guidelines. Application of preservation/packing techniques is at the discretion of the contractor or the activity. Items not going into stock, items intended for immediate use (e.g., Aircraft on the Ground (AOG)), items for Not Mission-Capable Supply (NMCS), items intended for depot operational consumption, small parcel shipments (Continental United States (CONUS), not-for-stock), and customer direct deliveries (CONUS) shall be packaged in accordance with standard commercial practice as defined in ASTM D3951.

ASTM D3951 Overview:

Preservation, packaging, packing, and marking furnished by the suppliers shall meet or exceed the following minimum requirements:

  • Cleanliness—Items shall be free of dirt and other contaminants which would contribute to deterioration of the item or which would require cleaning by the customer prior to use. Coatings and preservatives applied to the item for protection are not considered contaminants.
  • Preservation—Items susceptible to corrosion or deterioration shall be provided protection such as preservative coatings, barrier protection, volatile corrosion inhibitors, or desiccated unit packs.
  • Cushioning—Items requiring protection from physical and mechanical damage or which are fragile shall be protected by wrapping, cushioning, pack compartmentization, cartonizing, or other means to mitigate shock and vibration to prevent damage during handling and shipment.
  • Loose-fill Cushioning/Dunnage—Loose-fill material shall be prohibited for all DoD and/or General Services Administration (GSA) shipments and shipments to aerospace facilities.

A unit package must contain the contents with no damage to them, and with minimal damage to the unit pack during shipment and storage in the shipping container, and will allow subsequent handling.

Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the unit package quantity (QUP) shall be one each part, set, or assembly.

Unit packages and intermediate containers not meeting the requirements for a shipping container will be packed in shipping containers. The shipping container (including any necessary blocking, bracing, cushioning, or water resistance) will provide safe delivery to the destination. The shipping container will be capable of multiple handling and storage periods at a minimum of one year in enclosed facilities without damage to the product.

How to identify adequate commercial packaging:

  • Material must be free of dirt and other contaminants.
  • Material must be protected from corrosion.
  • Material must be protected from physical damage and mechanical malfunction.
  • The unit package must withstand normal shipment and storage without damage to the material and without major damage to the package for ONE year.
  • Loose fill is not acceptable cushioning.
  • MIL-STD-129 identification markings must be present and correct.

Binoculars in a bagExamples of inadequate commercial packaging:

This item shown is in inadequate commercial packaging. It is not protected from physical damage or mechanical malfunction and contains no markings.

Had the binoculars been cushioned and placed in a box then marked in accordance with MIL–STD–129, it would have been adequately packaged and marked in accordance with ASTM D3951.

Binoculars plus plastic wrap plus box plus label equals ASTM D3951

 

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Packaging Videos

Vendor Shipping Requirements
Describes requirements for Vendor Shipping

Supply Discrepancy Reports
Describes Supply Discrepancy Reports

Distribution, Consolidation and Containerization for Vendors
Describes distribution consolidation and containerizations for Vendors

DLA Distribution How to Process Customer Returns
Describes how to process customer returns. 

Army Sustainment Command Module 1: Care of Long Life Reusable Containers LLRCS
Describes care of long life reusable containers

Army Sustainment Command Module 2: Determining Preservation Requirements
Describes how to determine preservation requirements

Army Sustainment Command Module 3: Packaging Requirements Walkthrough
Describes and walks through packaging requirements

Army Sustainment Command Module 4: Packaging Remediation
Describes and walks through packaging remediation

Army Sustainment Command Module 5: Unit Pack Marking Requirements
Describes unit pack marking requirements 

Army Sustainment Command Module 6: Care and Remediation of ESDS Items
This video teaches personnel how to properly inspect, handle and remediate packaging for items sensitive to electrostatic discharge.

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Packaging FAQs

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 Where can I find a list of Packaging and Marking Discrepancy Codes and their definitions?

A complete list of discrepancy codes can be found in DLM 4000.25, Volume 2, Chapter 17, Appendix 7.28, Supply Discrepancy Report Relevant Data Elements.  Packaging and marking discrepancy codes will begin with a “P”.

 I received a vendor notification letter for non-compliant marking and/or packaging.  How do I know what was wrong with my shipment?

If you have questions, contact your contract administrator via the Post Award Request (PAR) on DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) and they will direct to the packaging specialist of record for a response.

 What is the difference in the Unit of Issue (UI) and Quantity per Unit Pack (QUP)?

A Unit of Issue (UI) is the unit by which a material is issued. The number of UIs bound or packaged in a unit pack is the Quantity per Unit Pack (QUP). A unit pack is the first tie, wrap, or container of an item.

 Where can I find the written requirements for RP001 and IP025?

The technical and quality requirements found in contracts are posted on the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) . Click on the link titled DLA Master List of Technical and Quality Requirements that was valid at the time contract was issued.

 I am shipping hazardous materials.  Where do I find the requirements and other guidance?

The technical and quality requirements found in contracts are posted on the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) Click on the link titled DLA Master List of Technical and Quality Requirements that was valid at the time contract was issued.
In addition, visit the DoD Hazardous Materials Packaging and Transportation Community of Practice 

 Can vendors/contractors request a Quantity Per Unit Pack (QUP) change?

All QUP change requests are routed to the Packaging Specialist (PKGS) of record for review.  The PKGS will determine if the request meets DLA and DOD requirements and either approve or deny the request.  No other personnel are authorized to change the QUP.

 What is the difference between vendor commercial packaging/best commercial practice and packaging in accordance with ASTM D3951, Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging?

ASTM D3951 sets a standard and has specific requirements.  There is no set standard for vendor commercial packaging/best commercial packaging.  ASTM D3951 is DOD approved standard for commercial packaging.

 There is a “Z” in the contract packaging requirements, but there aren’t any supplemental instructions.  How do I get that information?

Submit a Post Award Request (PAR) to the Contracting Officer to request the supplemental information for the “Z” packaging code.

 Are we supposed to put labels on all containers and do all containers have barcodes?

MIL-STD-129R outlines the label and barcode requirements for material being shipped into the DOD supply chain. MIL-STD-129 provides illustrations and detailed requirements for the marking and labeling of packaging.

 How can I get a copy of the Special Packaging Instruction (SPI) referenced in my contract/solicitation?

The Special Packaging Instructions (SPI) are identified as an engineering drawing located in cFolders technical documents. The SPI may have a different drawing number than the SPI number identified in the packaging requirements section. After thoroughly reviewing the technical documents in cFolders, if the SPI cannot be found, please submit a Post Award Request (PAR) to the Contracting Officer to inform them the SPI is not available.

 My contract refers to a packaging specification.  Will the Contracting Officer provide me with a copy?

DLA ASSIST Quick Search  contains Military standards and specifications in PDF form ready for download free of charge. Industry specifications can be obtained through their respective organization.

 How do I request a Unit of Issue (UI) change? 

DLA/DOD personnel will submit a DD Form 1359 request to the identified UI Coordinator.  Vendor requests should be submitted using the Post Award Request (PAR) request link on DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). Once submitted, the request will be routed to the UI coordinator for the specified supply chain. It is important to note that a UI change request takes some time for review and, if approved, will not become effective for 90 days after final approval.  UI change requests require approval from the packaging specialist and product specialist, finance, and the UI coordinator.  The UI coordinator may reach out to the administrators of existing long term contracts to determine if those LTCs would be adversely affected.

 I don’t understand the Unit of Issue as noted in the contract.  Who do I contact for assistance?

Submit a Post Award Request (PAR) to the Contracting Officer for clarification.

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