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What Is an ASN (Advance Shipping Notice)?

By United States Pallets Editorial Team · Reviewed by industry operators · Last updated: June 22, 2026

By Mark Gabrielli, Pallet Industry Specialist — Updated 2026

An ASN is an electronic notification (EDI 856) sent before shipment arrival listing pallet count, SKUs, weights, and BOL details, required by most major retailers.

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Quick Answer: An ASN is an electronic notification (EDI 856) sent before shipment arrival listing pallet count, SKUs, weights, and BOL details, required by most major retailers.

Recycled pallets in large warehouse inventory

Detailed Answer

ASN content: PO reference, ship date, BOL number, SCAC carrier code, pallet IDs (GS1 SSCC), case packs, item-level data. Format: EDI 856 standard. Major retailers requiring ASN: Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, Amazon FBA. Late or missing ASN typically generates chargebacks.

Sources

EDI 856
GS1
RILA

Companion Resources

Can United States Pallets handle pallet answer for high-volume national operations?

Yes. Standing-order programs for national operations running 500+ pallets/week lock in tiered pricing, reserve delivery slots, and run on autopilot in the background. Custom contract terms available for accounts running 2,000+/week.

Does United States Pallets buy back used pallets in national?

Yes. We buy back used pallets from national collectors, recyclers, and warehouses - 250-pallet minimum per load, single-size only (no mixed-size loads). Fast ACH payment, typically same-day or net-7 depending on volume. Pickup arranged on standard outbound delivery routes.

What documentation accompanies pallet answer loads?

BOL, packing list, grade certifications standard. Heat-treated loads add IPPC stamps and ISPM-15 documentation. Pharma-grade loads add batch records. Food-grade loads add FSMA Sanitary Transportation Rule certifications. All documentation ships electronically before delivery.

Does United States Pallets supply pallet answer for export from national?

Yes, with ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets carrying IPPC stamps and full ISPM-15 documentation. Required for international shipments to all WTO member countries. Common for national customers with port access via United States's major export gateways.

Can national customers run a buyback program alongside their pallet purchases?

Yes. Backhaul logistics are coordinated on outbound delivery routes - empty or non-spec pallets get picked up on the return leg of new pallet deliveries. Per-pallet freight cost on the backhaul approaches zero for accounts running both new-pallet purchase + buyback simultaneously.

Operational details for Florida

Compliance specification

All pallets stamped IPPC HT for ISPM-15 export compliance to 180+ countries; documentation includes treatment temperature logs and the registered facility number.

Florida regulatory context

Florida Sales Tax Exemption Form DR-46NT applies to pallets purchased for resale or for use in manufacturing of tangible personal property; we provide the form with every commercial invoice.

FDA registered facilities in Lakeland and Jacksonville require pallets that meet FDA 21 CFR 178.3520 indirect food additive specification; our food-grade stock is tested for compliance every 90 days.

Pallet specification detail

48x40 GMA load capacity is 2,800 lb racked (face-loaded), 4,600 lb static, and 2,500 lb dynamic per ASME MH1 2016; deck board span 3.5 inches; deflection under rated load <0.5 inch.

Standard 48x40 GMA pallets feature 5/8 inch deck boards with a 4-board face pattern; bottom configuration is 3-board for four-way fork entry; nail pattern uses 2.5 inch screw-shank galvanized fasteners.

Delivery and logistics

Dry-van loads handle weather-sensitive pallet stock and food-grade freight; sealed loads with bill-of-lading documentation; supports DOT-required commercial routing.

Customer use case

E-commerce fulfillment centers around Orlando and Lakeland use mixed-SKU GMA pallets for inbound, plus pallets-with-cardboard for outbound to last-mile carriers; we coordinate delivery with their dock-scheduling system (FreightSmart, DOCK365).

Pricing context

Custom pallet pricing depends on lumber spec, build complexity, and quantity: small runs (50-200 units) typically $35-55 per unit; large runs (500+ units) drop to $22-32 per unit; quotes returned in <2 hours.

Sustainability

Lumber sourcing prioritizes regional Southeast US hardwood mills (FL, AL, GA, MS); reduces transport carbon vs Pacific Northwest stock; supports regional logging economies.