
1
Packaging and Marking
Guide For DoD
Defense Contract Management Agency
October 2012

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For more information, contact
a DCMA Packaging Specialist at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or call 215-737-3578
FOREWORD
This Booklet has not been officially adopted by DOD.
It is prepared as an informational guide for familiarization purposes only
and is not intended to take the place of contractual requirements,
specifications or regulations. The information contained herein is derived
from current government packaging documents, pamphlets and technical
manuals and is used for instructional purposes only.
October 2012
DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED
CREDITS: SOME PACKAGING & PRESERVATION ILLUSTRATIONS
COURTESY OF STU CRYSEL, AMCPSCC, TOBYHANNA PA

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Location of Packaging
Requirements in
Solicitations & Contracts
• Part 1, Section A - Table of Contents
• Section B - Schedule of Supplies & Services
• Section C - Specifications
• Section D - Packaging & Marking
• Section E - Inspection & Acceptance
• Section F - Deliveries & Performance
• Attachments
• CID’s (Commercial Item Descriptions)
• Military or Federal Specifications
• Aperture Cards & Drawings
• Special Packaging Instructions
• Master Solicitations & FAR clauses
• Product Specifications
• Military Standard Drawings (MS)
• Industry Standards (ASTM’s)
• Packaging Requirement Codes

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ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
The general order of precedence will be:
1. Laws and Executive Orders
2. Requirements specifically listed in the contract. There is even an
order of precedence clause covering which section of the contract takes
precedence over other sections. The following clause covers sealed bid
contracts and states:
52.214-29 Order of Precedence - Sealed Bidding
Any inconsistency in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by
giving precedence in the following order: (a) the schedule (excluding
the specifications); (b) representations and other instructions; (c)
contract clauses; (d) other documents, exhibits and attachments; and (e)
the specifications.
(end of clause)
3. Detailed Federal Specifications and Standards.
4. General Specifications and Standards
5. Normal Commercial Practice.
The terms and conditions of a contract always supersedes a specification
unless written changes to the contract have been obtained from the
Contracting Officer.
52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Items. and
52.214-29 Order of Precedence--Sealed Bidding.
52.215-8 Order of Precedence – Uniform Contract Format.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
• Title 49 CFR for Land
• IMO for Water
• ICAO/ IATA for Commercial Air
• AFMAN 24-204(I)* for Military Air
In addition to Contractual Requirements -
MUST be Packaged in accordance with the
Appropriate modal regulation:
Must be marked and labeled in accordance with the
appropriate Modal Regulations and if specified,
MIL-STD-129.
In case of conflicting information, the appropriate
Modal Regulations take precedence.
*Joint Regulation:
DLAI 4145.3 / TM 38-250 /
NAVSUP PUB 505 / MCO P4030.19I

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Items NOT Going into Stock
SHALL be packaged in accordance with
standard commercial practice
as defined in
ASTM D-3951
(Latest Revision is ASTM D3951-10)
Some Items Intended for packaging by ASTM D-3951* include:
Items Intended for Immediate Use.
Items for Not Mission Capable Supply
Items Intended for Depot Operational Consumption
Small Parcel Shipments (CONUS), Not for Stock.
Direct Vendor Deliveries (CONUS)
* "DoD Contracts and Purchase Orders may require additional markings per MIL-STD-129."
.

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DOMESTIC or EXPORT
Considerations
•
The type of goods – The Fragility Factor
•
Type of carrier -
Trucks and Trains or Ships and Planes
•
Delivery Time - Days and Weeks vs. Weeks and Months
•
Types of hazards -
On the Ground vs. On the Water or In the Air
Extreme Temperatures and Humidity
•
Cost factors – Handling and Transportation
•
Legal restrictions –
Import and Export Documentation
After-sale use (What Happens To the Packaging?)

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LEVELS OF PROTECTION
LEVELS OF PROTECTION
A means of specifying the level of Military Preservation and Packing that a given item requires to
ensure that it is not degraded during shipment and storage.
MIL-STD-2073-1e Levels of Preservation are designed to protect an item during shipment, handling,
undetermined storage, and distribution to consignees worldwide.
Examples of containers used for Level A packing
requirements include, but are not limited to, overseas
type wood boxes, and plastic and metal reusable
containers.
Examples of containers used for Level B
packing requirements include, but are not
limited to, domestic wood crates, weather
resistant fiberboard containers, fast pack
containers, weather-resistant fiber drums,
and weather resistant paper and multi-wall
shipping sacks.
LEVEL B
Level "B" is the level of packing required for protection of material under moderate (anticipated)
worldwide shipment, handling and storage.
A pack designated Level "B" must be designed, in tandem with the applied preservation, to be capable
of protecting material not directly exposed to extremes off climate, terrain, and operational and
transportation environments.
Military Levels of Packing
LEVEL A
Level "A" is the level of packing required for protection of material against the most severe worldwide
conditions known or anticipated to be encountered during shipment, handling and storage.
A Level A pack must, in tandem with the applied method of preservation, be capable of protecting
material from the effects of direct exposure to extremes of climate, terrain, and operational and
transportation environments.
Examples of situations: War Reserve Material,
mobilization, strategic and theater deployment and
employment, open storage, deck loading and Foreign
Military Sales.
Examples of Situations: Security
Assistance, such as Foreign Military Sales
and containerized overseas shipments.

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will be packaged in accordance with
MIL-STD-2073-1e (1)
dated 7 January 2011
MIL-STD-2073-1e requirements apply to:
A. Items expected to enter the military distribution system.
B. Items delivered during wartime.
C. Items requiring reusable containers.
D. Items intended for delivery at sea.
APPENDICES
• APPENDIX A - DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS
• APPENDIX B - FACTORS & FORMULAE ESTABLISHING MILITARY PACKAGING QUP & ICQ
• APPENDIX C - CONTAINERS
• APPENDIX D - DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS FOR KITS (PARTS &
MODIFICATION)
• APPENDIX E - MILITARY PACKAGING DATA FORMS
• APPENDIX F - MILITARY PACKAGING DESIGN VALIDATION PROVISIONS
• APPENDIX G - QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS
• APPENDIX H - PROCEDURES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH CONTAINER DESIGN RETRIEVAL SYSTEM
(CDRS) REQUIREMENTS.
• APPENDIX J - MILITARY PACKAGING REQUIREMENT CODES
Items Going into
the Military Distribution Center
*See contractual requirements

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FIVE (5) BASIC METHODS
OF MILITARY PRESERVATION
METHOD
HEADING
10
PHYSICAL PROTECTION
20 PRESERVATIVE COATING
ONLY
30
WATERPROOF PROTECTION
40
WATERVAPORPROOF
PROTECTION
50
WATERVAPORPROOF
PROTECTIONS WITH DESICCANT

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METHOD 10
(Formerly Method III)
PHYSICAL PROTECTION
Protection from Physical Damage and Mechanical Malfunction
Unpreserved items shall be provided protection
from physical damage and mechanical malfunction.
Cushioning materials, dunnage, blocking and
bracing shall be applied as required to protect the
items and the enclosing media and restrict the
movement of the item within the container.
Types of items to be preserved Method 10:
Plastic, Ceramics, Glass, Painted Metal, Finished Wood Products.

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METHOD 20
(Formerly Method I)
Preservative Coating Only (with greaseproof wrap, as required)
BARE METAL
REPAIRABLE
PRESERVATIVE
GREASEPROOF WRAP
PRESERVED METHOD 20
READY FOR PACKING

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METHOD 31
(Formerly Sub-Method IC-3)
WATERPROOF BAG, SEALED
Waterproof Enclosure, with Preservative as Required

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METHOD 32
(Formerly Sub-Method IC-2)
CONTAINER, WATERPROOF BAG, SEALED

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METHOD 33
(Formerly Sub-Method IC-1)
GREASEPROOF-WATERPROOF BAG, SEALED
Waterproof or Waterproof-Greaseproof Enclosure, with Preservative as Required
BARRIER, MIL-B-117
Type I, Class C Style 1,2,or 3
or Type II Class C Style 1.
CUSHIONING
(as Required)
GREASEPROOF
WRAP
SLING REMOVED, WRAPPED
PRESERVATIVE ON
ALL BARE METAL PARTS
BARRIER WRAPS OR BAGS SHOULD
NEVER BE USED AS A STORAGE OR
SHIPPING CONTAINER. ALWAYS
OVERPACK IN THE APPROPRIATE
CONTAINER.
METHOD 33
PRESERVED ITEM

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METHOD 41
(Formerly Sub-Method IA-8)
Watervaporproof Bag, Sealed
preservative on
bare metal
Greaseproof
Wrap
Bag made from MIL-B-131, Class 2
Folded and Sealed on 2 Edges.
Exhaust Excess Air
READY FOR PACKING
BARRIER WRAPS OR BAGS SHOULD NEVER BE
USED AS A STORAGE OR SHIPPING CONTAINER.
ALWAYS OVERPACK IN THE APPROPRIATE
CONTAINER.

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METHOD 42
(Formerly Sub-Method IA-14)
Container, Bag, Sealed, Container
INNER CARTON
CUSHIONING
INTIMATE WRAP
CORNER FLATTENED
TO PREVENT BAG
PUNCTURE
ITEM PACKED
TIGHT
INNER CARTON PLACED
IN BAG, MIL-B-131, CLASS 2,
HEAT SEALED AND
IDENTIFIED
OUTER CARTON
SEALED AND
IDENTIFIED

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(Formerly Sub-Method IA-16)
METHOD 43
FLOATING WATERVAPORPROOF BAG, SEALED
Not always required

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Method 44
Rigid Container (other than metal)
(Formerly Sub-Method IA-13)

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Method 45
Rigid Metal Container, Sealed
(Formerly Sub-Method IA-5)

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METHOD 51
(Formerly Sub-Method bvIIc
Watervaporproof Bag, Sealed
WITH DESICCANT
preservative on
bare metal
Greaseproof
Wrap
Bag made from MIL-B-131, Class 2
Folded and Sealed on 2 Edges.
Exhaust Excess Air
READY FOR PACKING
BARRIER WRAPS OR BAGS SHOULD NEVER BE
USED AS A STORAGE OR SHIPPING CONTAINER.
ALWAYS OVERPACK IN THE APPROPRIATE
CONTAINER.
Place Desiccant and
Humidity Indicator
Inside Bag

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METHOD 52
(Formerly Sub-Method II-B)
CONTAINER, WATERVAPORPROOF BAG, SEALED, CONTAINER
Watervaporproof enclosure, with Desiccant
, with Preservative as Required
INNER
CARTON
INTIMATE WRAP
DESICCANT
BARRIER
MIL-B-131
VACUUM EXHAUST
AIR & HEAT SEAL
THE BAG
HUMIDITY INDICATOR
(NORMALLY PLACED
INSIDE BARRIER BAG)
OUTER CARTON

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MIL-STD-2073-1E Worksheet
PURPOSE: To translate packaging requirements from Orders or Contracts which specify Packaging Requirements Codes in accordance
with MIL-STD-2073-1E
Contractor:
Contract Number:
Procuring Office:
Item Description:
HEADING DETAIL
TABLE
CODE
REQUIREMENT
Hazardous
Material
D = Dangerous
N = Non Regulated
QUP
Quantity per Unit
Pack
Page 142
Para. J.4.3
ICQ
Intermediate Pack
Quantity
Page 143
Para J.4.11
PRES
METH
Method
Preservation
J.I or J.Ia
CLNG/DRY
Cleaning and
Drying
J.II
PRESV
MAT
Preservative
Material
J.III
WRAP
MAT
Wrap Material
J.IV
Cush/Dunn
Mat
Cushioning /
Dunnage Material
J.V
Thkness
Cushioning
Thickness
J.VI
UC
Unit Pack
Container
J.VII
IC
Intermediate
Container
J.VII
UCL
Unit Container
Level
J.VIII
OPI
Optional
Procedure
Indicator
J.VIIIa
PACK
Level A Military
Packing
J.IX
PACK
Level B Military
Packing
J.IXa
PACK Minimal
Packing
J.IXb
Spec Mark
Special Marking
J.X
Sample Worksheet

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PACKAGING REQUIREMENT CODES (PRC) - MIL-STD-2073-1E
HM (HAZARDOUS MATERIAL) When the item is regulated by Title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations or other regulation such as IATA/ICAO or DLAM 4145.3, a
code "D" will be annotated in this block. When the item is not regulated, a code
"N" will be annotated although in most cases it is left blank.
QUP (QUANTITY PER UNIT PACK)
Para. J.4.3
States the quantity per unit pack in the clear up to 999. BLK will be used for Bulk
and ZZZ for Special Requirments listed in supplemental data or drawings
ICQ (INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER QUANTITY) Para J.4.11
When intermediate containers are used, the number of unit packs per intermediate
containers up to 100 will be listed in the clear. Other codes may be AAA, XXX or ZZZ.
PRESERVATION
Table J.I, & J.Ia
Method of Preservation will be a two (2) digit code derived from the tables. Table
J.I information is for the preservation methods and submethods established by Para. 5.2.3
Table J.Ia codes are for packaging procedures which are regularly used and require a
more detailed description than allowed by the basic code and yet do not require the use of
special packaging instructions. Always check the tables in sequence to avoid errors.
CLEANING & DRYING PROCEDURES
Table J.II
This is a one (1) digit code sometimes shown as CLN/DRY or C/D.
PRESERVATIVE MATERIAL
Table J.III
A two (2) digit code. Refers to the type of material to be used to coat the item.
Table III lists contact preservative material in alphanumeric order.
WRAPS
Table J.IV
A two (2) digit code. This is a listing of what the item will be wrapped in after it has
been properly preserved.

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CUSHIONING AND DUNNAGE
Table J.V
A two (2) digit code. Codes listing the cushioning and dunnage material that will be
utilized after the item has been wrapped. This material will usually be placed between
the wrapped item and the inside of the unit container
CUSHIONING THICKNESS
Table J.VI
One (1) digit code listing the minimum thickness that is required between the unit
and the unit container in any one direction.
UNIT CONTAINER
Table J.VII
Two (2) digit code listing the type of container into which the item will be placed.
INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER
Table J.VII
Two (2) digit code listing the type of container that is to be used if an intermediate
container is necessary.
UNIT CONTAINER LEVEL
Table J.VIII
One (1) digit:
"O" - Denotes the unit container is not an acceptable shipping container.
"A" or "B" - Denotes if the container is an acceptable shipping container and what
the highest level of protection will be afforded by this container.
"D" - No container is required.
"M" - Unit container provides minimal packing protection.
"Z" - Indicates that the container requires special considerations (air only, inside
storage only, etc.)
OPI (Optional Procedure Indicator)
Table J.VIIIa
"A" is indicated if packaging is in accordance with a specification or a special
packaging instruction.
"M" indicates that all packaging data is mandatory for compliance and no
substitutions are permitted.
"O" indicates an option can be exercised as to the submethods and packaging
materials to used.

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MILITARY PACKING
Table J.IX
One (1) digit code. Indicates the type of shipping container for MILITARY
packing.
MINIMAL PACKING
Table J.Ixa
One (1) digit code. Indicates the type of shipping container for Minimal packing.
SPECIAL MARKINGS
Table J.X
Two (2) digit code. If more than one code or a combination of codes not included in
the table must be specified, "ZZ" will be annotated which indicates that supplemental
data is listed elsewhere.
Some contracts will show the following information:
UNIT PACK WEIGHT
Five (5) digit numerical code. It shows the actual unit pack weight in the clear to the
nearest on tenth of a pound. The decimal point does not show.
UNIT PACK SIZE
LGTH WDTH DPTH
Four (4)digit numerical code. This code shows the outside dimensions in the clear
to the nearest tenth of an inch in the order of length, width and depth (or height). The
decimal points do not show. (Example: 0035 = 3 1/2")
UNIT PACK CUBE
WH CUB 1000th
Four (4) digit code for the whole cube and three ( digits in the 1000th column.
These numbers indicate the actual cube of the unit pack to the nearest one thousandth of a
cubic foot up to 9,999.999 cubic feet.
Packaging Code Lookup Tool
http://www.palm.saic.com

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Mil-Std-2073
Preservation Inspections
Visual Preservation Examinations
Leakage Test
Vacuum Retention Technique
Submersion or Immersion Technique
Pneumatic Pressure Technique
Hot Water Technique
Squeeze Technique
Heat Sealed Seam Test
Paragraph 5.7 Quality Assurance Provisions. Unless otherwise
specified in the contract or purchase order, the contractor is
responsible for the performance of all quality assurance
requirements as specified in Appendix G
Quality Assurance Provisions
Appendix G

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Preservation Inspection Provisions
Table G.1
Some of the included visual inspection is for:
• Item contaminated by handling after cleaning.
• Contaminated wiping cloths or compressed air used.
• Preservative not as specified.
• Excessive Preservative.
• Wrap not as specified.
• Cushioning material or thickness not as specified.
• Interior unit container corners not blunted.
• Excessive looseness in unit container.
• Weight & cube of unit pack exceeds maximum allowable.
• Incorrect QUP
• Marking omitted, incorrect or illegible.
When a box or container is used to effect the unit pack of Method 31,
32, 41 and 51, unit pack markings of MIL-STD-129 shall be applied to
the barrier bag as well as the box specified to effect the unit pack.

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PACKAGE MARKINGS
Four types of Basic Markings
1. Identification Marking
NSN - (National Stock Number)
CAGE Code and PN - (Part #)
Nomenclature
Quantity and unit of issue
Contract number (on unit & intermediate containers)
Military Method and date of unit pack preservation
Shelf Life Information (if applicable)
Serial Numbers (if applicable)
Gross Weight (on exterior containers)
2. Bar Code Markings
NSN (& Serial Number) for unit and intermediate packs
NSN, Contract number, CAGE, CLIN, Shipment Number (&
Serial Number) on exterior shipping containers
3. Address Markings
Uses Military Shipping Label (MSL).
Transportation Control Number (TCN), DODAAC of Ultimate
Consignee, and Piece Number must be bar coded when
shipment is destined into the Defense Transportation System
2D Bar Coding of MSL Information, TCMD data and line item
supply data.
4. Special Markings
Hazardous Material
Set Marking, Project Code
Warranty, Manufactured, Cured or Assembled Date
Expiration, Inspection or Pack Date
Arrows, Fragile, Special Handling, etc.
UID and RFID

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2910-00-456-7416
CAGE 57685
PN 341
CARBURETOR
1 EA
DAA625-03-C-1056
M41 02/08
MFD DATE 01/08
EXP DATE 01/09
SER NO 1157
Unit & Intermediate Container
Label Example.
1157
*MFD and EXP Date for Shelf Life Items and Serial Numbers only if Applicable.
ID DATA
INCLUDES UII(s)
(if required)
*Application of the linear bar codes is not required when the 2D (PDF417) identification symbol is used.

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Unit & Intermediate Containers with
linear (Code 39) bar codes
Unit & Intermediate Containers
with 2D (PDF417) symbol*
*For units with UII
*For units without UII

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2910-00-456-7416
CAGE 57685
PN 341
3 EA
DAA625-07-M-1056
M41 02/08
WT 30
Exterior Container Label Example
.
ID DATA
INCLUDES UII(s)
(if required)
*Application of the linear bar codes is not required when the 2D (PDF417) identification symbol is used.

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Exterior Containers with linear
(Code 39) bar codes
Exterior Containers with 2D
(PDF417) symbol*
*For containers without UII
*For containers with UII

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The label contains Address Markings
The 2D Bar Code contains Address Markings and Inventory
Control Information
FOB Destination TCN uses letter “X” and the five digit CAGE Code, Four
Digit Julian Date, first letter of the company name, last three digits of
Shipment Number from DD 250, Suffix Number, Partial Shipment Code and
Split Shipment Code (Usually “XXX”)
Military Shipping Label (MSL)
Sample – CONUS Shipment

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Special Markings
• Shelf-life
• Project Code
• Fragile/ Delicate
• Method 50
• Expedited Handling
• Hazardous Materials

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Special Markings
Shelf-life
• Shown below identification data
on unit, intermediate and exterior
containers
•
TYPE I (non-extendable):
MFD DATE 10/01
EXP DATE 10/06
•
TYPE II (extendable):
ASSEMBLED DATE 10/01
INSP/TEST DATE 10/04
•
RUBBER or ELASTOMER (TYPE I OR II):
CURED DATE 4Q01
INSP/TEST DATE 4Q05

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Special Markings
Project Code
Special Handling
Method 50
Electrostatic Discharge
(ESD) Sensitive
Unit Pack
Intermediate
and Exterior
Pack
Red Background & Letters, White Block & Arrow
Red and White
Yellow Background, Black Letters & Graphics

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Special Markings
Expedited Handling
Red and White
Green NMCS Letters on White Background

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Special Markings
DOT Hazardous Materials
• Proper Shipping Name
• UN Number
• Hazard Labels
Package Orientation Marking
Cargo Aircraft Only Label
UN Performance Specification
Red and White
Orange & Black
Black on White or Red on White

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HEAT TREATED
Wood Packaging
Material
Required for all Wood Packaging Material (WPM). WPM is
defined as wood pallets, skids, load boards, pallet collars,
wooden boxes, reels, dunnage, crates, frames, and cleats.
MUST – 56 degree Celsius (132 F) Core Temp for 30 Minutes
KD19HT – Kiln Dried, 19% Moisture Content, Heat Treated but not sufficient.

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Unique Item Identification
(UID) of Parts
DFARS Clause 252.211-7003 Item Identification and Valuation
Mandated to be in all solicitations where it will apply as of
January 1, 2004. Mandatory requirement—no exceptions or
waivers.
UID is required for items valued at $5000 or more,
or otherwise specifically required in the contract.
Remember to mark the UID Serial Number placed on the outside of
the Unit, Intermediate and Exterior Pack per MIL-STD-129P(3).
www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/UID/

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Radio Frequency
Identification RFID
(Passive)
• 252.211-7006
• Latest Revision Dated September 2011
•
Class 1 Generation 2 tags only after 1 Mar 2007.
• Currently cases/pallets shipped from suppliers –
eventually UID items
• Captures Shipment/order data
Official Website
www.dodrfid.org
Contains Policy, Business Rules,
Implementation Plan and Supplier Guide

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Radio Frequency
Identification RFID
(Passive)
• Create Number:
• Size of Tag, - 64 or 96 Bit
• Type of Object - Case, Pallet or UID
Item
• CAGE - Prime or 3
rd
Party
• Serial Number - up to 16,522,293 or
68,719,476,736
• Converted to Binary Code, then
Hexadecimal and Electronically Placed on
Tag
• Input “Hex” Number into WAWF Advanced
Shipping Notice (ASN)
• Hex Number must be exactly 16, 24, 32, or
64 Characters in Length.

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