Shipping your products to Kroger, a major grocery retailer with almost 2,800 stores across 35 states, is a fantastic opportunity to reach a wider audience. But to make the most of it, you need to follow Kroger’s freight requirements carefully.
What are the freight requirements for Kroger suppliers? We’ll walk you through the key details of Kroger freight shipping in this guide, covering appointment scheduling, routing requirements, and tips for a smooth delivery process.
Before you start shipping freight to Kroger, you should take the time to understand its logistics system and key requirements. If you don’t follow Kroger’s guidelines, your shipment could face delays, penalties, or even rejection. This might make your time as a Kroger supplier much shorter than it should be.
Businesses supplying products can learn about Kroger’s guidelines in their Supplier Hub. But here are the main details you need to know:
Kroger operates a large network of distribution centers across the U.S. to service its many retail stores. Vendors can ship to regional distribution centers or directly to stores, depending on Kroger’s requirements.
Some Kroger brands and locations may have slightly different logistics protocols, so it’s important to understand the specific requirements for each shipment.
All deliveries must be scheduled in advance — Kroger does not accept any unscheduled freight.
To book deliveries at your assigned distribution center, you must use Kroger’s appointment scheduling system. If you miss a scheduled delivery window, you could face delays, substantial fines, or (worst of all) loss of shelf space.
Vendors may need to use Kroger’s preferred carriers or follow specific routing instructions. The requirements can vary when sending products as less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), or intermodal shipments.
Whatever the specifics, improper routing may result in additional costs and delivery failures, wasting time and money.
You can find the Kroger freight routing guide in the Supplier Hub Document Library on the Kroger website. Kroger updates this regularly, so be sure to check in often to ensure you have the latest information.
To help you get started, here are some of the most important details that every Kroger supplier should know:
Kroger requires each vendor to book delivery appointments in advance through its dedicated scheduling system. To schedule your slot, you’ll need:
Since most distribution centers stop taking deliveries in the early afternoon, try to schedule morning appointments whenever possible. Missing your appointment can lead to delays. Rescheduling may take 24 to 48 hours or longer, depending on capacity.
According to the Kroger routing guide, shipments must meet Kroger’s barcode and labeling requirements to be received properly. All labels should be placed on two or more sides of each pallet for easy scanning at distribution centers. Additionally, packaging must stay intact throughout the supply chain — that means no bulging, bending, or damage.
As a Kroger supplier, you should follow the Kroger routing guidelines. These may include:
Failure to stick to these routing requirements could cause major issues with your Kroger freight shipment.
Kroger may issue chargebacks for:
Each vendor is responsible for any penalties issued, even when using a third-party carrier. As chargebacks are an avoidable expense, always follow the Kroger guidelines and reach out to its team if you’re unsure of anything.
Shipping products to Kroger is a major milestone for your business and an excellent opportunity to expand your customer base. Stick to these Kroger freight requirements, and your products will reach distribution centers and stores nationwide.
Looking for an experienced partner to help ensure you meet all of Kroger’s routing guidelines?
DTS is a shipping logistics company with more than 35 years of experience, and we’re here to make sure shipping freight to Kroger is simple for your business.
Our professional team can help you prepare for Kroger freight shipping and help ensure your products are delivered in an efficient process.
Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you as a Kroger supplier.
Whether you're a company looking to improve one facet of your supply chain, your entire supply chain, or simply looking for a transportation and logistics consultation, we can help.
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