How to Meet Retail Compliance in B2B Fulfillment

Retailer Expectations Are High—Here’s How to Meet Them

If you’re shipping products to major retailers, your fulfillment process has to do more than deliver on time. Retailers expect compliance with strict routing guides, accurate labeling, standardized packaging, and delivery windows—down to the hour. 

Failing to meet retail compliance in B2B fulfillment risks both margins and vendor status. In fact, retailers typically deduct between 1–5% of invoice value for compliance mistakes—and at giants like Walmart, that can mean up to a 3% penalty per late or incomplete delivery. A company shipping $80 million a year could lose up to $4 million in chargebacks. 

Failing to meet those requirements could lead to chargebacks, delays, and even being dropped as a vendor.

Let’s break down what retailers expect from B2B fulfillment—and how a capable 3PL partner can help you meet those retail compliance standards.

Retail Compliance Requirements for B2B Fulfillment

1. Compliance with Routing Guides

Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Macy’s issue detailed routing guides that outline how goods must be packed, labeled, and shipped.

A single mistake—such as incorrect pallet stacking or missing UCC-128 labels—can result in costly chargebacks. These guides often include:

Label placement requirements


Pallet configuration specs


Appointment scheduling procedures


ASN and EDI submission formats

2. On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) Performance

Retailers don’t just want shipments to arrive—they want perfect shipments. OTIF metrics measure whether your team delivers every order on time and with the correct quantity.

Late or incomplete deliveries can trigger financial penalties


High OTIF performance keeps you in good standing with buyers

3. Barcode and Labeling Standards

Most retailers require barcodes like GTINs or SSCC-18 labels on every case or pallet. Retailers require exact label formats to ensure proper scanning at delivery.

4. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Compliance

Retailers rely on EDI to manage purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notifications. If you don’t follow the correct EDI format, you may not get paid—or may lose the account entirely.

5. Standardized Packaging

Retailers expect packaging that minimizes damage, fits their shelf requirements, and follows eco-friendly guidelines. Excess packaging or odd-shaped items can get rejected.

How 3PL Center Supports Retail Compliance

At 3PL Center, we work with major retailers across the U.S. and understand their compliance standards. Here’s how we help:

Routing Guide Compliance: We follow routing guides to the letter, from pallet labeling to EDI and ASN submissions.


Retail-Specific Prep: We provide case picking, repackaging, relabeling, and pallet configuration services tailored to each retailer.


UCC-128 and Barcode Generation: Our WMS prints compliant barcodes automatically to reduce error and improve scan rates.


OTIF Tracking: We monitor on-time, in-full metrics and take proactive steps to address any fulfillment risks.


Integrated EDI: We connect with all major retail EDI platforms, including SPS Commerce, TrueCommerce, and Logicbroker.

With 3PL Center, you can confidently expand your retail footprint without worrying about fulfillment penalties or non-compliance.

Partner With a 3PL That Gets Retail Compliance Right

Retailers don’t tolerate fulfillment errors—and neither should you. 3PL Center ensures compliance, speed, and accuracy for every B2B shipment. Book a call to learn more.