Vendor Routing Guide: Purpose, Process, and Compliance What is a Vendor Routing Guide? A Vendor Routing Guide is a set of logistics, labeling, packaging, and shipping instructions provided by a retailer to its suppliers. It outlines how goods must be prepared and delivered to meet retailer-specific requirements. Each guide varies by retailer, product type, and distribution strategy, but non-compliance often leads to deductions or chargebacks against the invoice. A typical routing guide includes: =>Approved carriers and booking windows =>Labeling specifications (UPC, SSCC-18, ASN) =>Pallet configuration and packaging standards =>Delivery appointment procedures =>ASN (Advance Shipment Notice) submission formats =>Routing request portals and lead times Why Routing Guide Compliance Matters While the routing guide may seem like a logistics document, it’s also a compliance checkpoint with direct financial consequences. Non-adherence leads to operational disruptions, lost inventory visibility, and automated deductions issued through retailer systems. Retailers operate on slim margins and tight schedules, so compliance ensures: =>Goods flow predictably into their distribution centers =>Errors don’t ripple downstream to stores or customers =>Reverse logistics and restocking costs are minimized learn more : https://blog.inymbus.com/vendor-routing-guide