Description
Code 24s are given when the facility receives an order but signs the BOL as short against the quantities the shipment was said to contain. Code 24s occurs when the shipper invoices for more than what the facility claims to have received and/or what is on the purchase order.
How to Prevent Valid Code 24s
Item Setup and Invoicing
Submit only one Invoice per PO when possible
Confirm your item setups
Vendor pack quantities
Warehouse pack quantities
Transmit invoices with Walmart item numbers
Match your invoice to the PO and don’t make adjustments on the invoice that don’t match the PO
match units of measurement on the Invoice to the units on the PO
If you disagree with the quantity ordered, do not short ship. Instead, coordinate with the Replenishment Manager or the buyer to request an updated purchase order.
Confirm that fulfillment information is correctly flowing to the warehouse (check your EDI)
Packaging and Labeling
Be sure the driver notes the case count on the BOL
BOLs marked "shipper load and count" (SLC) make disputing Collect shortages very difficult
DO NOT MASTERPACK
Identify the PO number and Facility number on labels
Be sure labels are clearly applied, not damaged or obfuscated
Use color-coding/imagery to differentiate between products
Use slip sheets between POs if palletizing freight
Use color-coding/imagery to differentiate between orders
It is best to avoid co-mingling inventory for different Purchase Orders. Walmart expects one PO shipment per pallet or per box unless you have an agreement with the RM stating otherwise. If you do include multiple POs in a shipment you must clearly separate them, though it is still not recommended as this is one of the most common reasons for invalid shortage claims.
Can it be Disputed?
Yes. In the Accounts Payable Disputes Portal (APDP) in Retail Link, provide the correct shipping documents to prove that the PO was picked up and delivered in full. This dispute would be approved by Walmart only if the product was counted by the driver and signed for prior to leaving the supplier’s facility.
How to Dispute Invalid Code 24s
Supporting Documentation:
Freight bill showing the order was picked up in full. Collect suppliers: Bill of Lading showing order picked up in full. The BOL must be signed by the driver, and the Purchase Order number should be clearly noted on the BOL. Prepaid suppliers: Proof of Delivery showing order received in full AND a drop trailer stamp showing the load was dropped at the DC yard (Walmart should provide a shortage stamp if the dispute is denied so you can dispute with your carrier). The Purchase Order number should be clearly noted on these documents.
Invoice (EDI 810) showing quantity shipped