2026 Lowe's Supplier Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist before every Lowe's PO ships. Each item corresponds to a specific compliance requirement that, if missed, can result in chargebacks under Lowe's Vendor Performance Plus (VPP) program or routing penalties.

1. Market Delivery Model (MDM) Routing

Lowe's has shifted certain product categories — including appliances, vanities, and riding mowers — from Regional Distribution Centers (RDCs) to Market Delivery Centers (MDCs).

• MDM category confirmed: Verify whether your product category has transitioned to MDM before booking shipment — shipping MDM items to an RDC results in a $500 mis-routing fee per PO
• Market-ready packaging: Items destined for MDCs must be Direct-to-Home capable; packaging must pass ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC testing standards
• MDC appointment scheduled: Delivery slot secured in Lowe's TMS at least 72 hours in advance — a No-Call/No-Show at an MDC incurs a $250 penalty plus detention fees

2. Freight & Logistics Compliance

• Master BOL for VPXD shipments: One Master BOL per trailer submitted for Vendor Prepared Cross-Dock shipments; individual PO BOLs are not accepted
• Pallet type confirmed: GMA Grade A (4-way entry) solid wood pallets only — corrugated or Grade B pallets result in load rejection
• Pallet height (TL): Pallets double-stackable; max 49 inches per pallet including the 5-inch base
• Pallet height (LTL): Single-stack pallets must not exceed 92 inches total height
• Fill rate minimum (98%): Ship at least 98% of ordered units — falling below triggers a Low Fill fine in the VPP system
• Carrier selection: Lowe's-approved carrier used for all Collect shipments; routing booked through Lowe's designated TMS

3. EDI & ASN Requirements

• EDI 850 (Purchase Order): Received and acknowledged; ship-to DC/MDC verified
• EDI 856 (ASN): Transmitted after shipment departs; received before shipment arrives at Lowe's facility — $250 per occurrence for late ASN
• EDI 810 (Invoice): Accurate and submitted promptly after shipment
• ASN matches physical shipment: Carton contents, quantities, and SSCC numbers match exactly

4. Labeling & Packaging

• GS1-128 carton label placement: Upper right-hand corner of at least two adjacent sides of the pallet
• Labels outside shrink-wrap: All pallet labels placed outside shrink-wrap to ensure scannability by overhead MDC gantries
• SSCC barcode on pallet: Unique SSCC barcode on each pallet; placement meets Lowe's vendor manual specifications
• Item dimension accuracy (IDM): Dimensions accurate to within 0.25 inches — inaccurate cube data causing MDC bin-fit errors results in a $100 data integrity fine per SKU

5. Sustainability Compliance

• Scope 1 & 2 emissions reported: Strategic suppliers must report emissions data through EcoVadis or CDP portal by end of Q2 2026
• How2Recycle labeling: 60% of private brand and Lowe's Exclusive packaging features the How2Recycle label
• Wood sourcing certification: All products containing wood have an FSC or PEFC certificate on file; Canadian wood products 100% certified

6. Chargeback Reference

• Late ASN (EDI 856): $250 per occurrence
• Misrouted freight (RDC vs. MDC): $500 per PO
• Pallet quality (non-Grade A): $100 per pallet plus restacking fee
• Fill rate below 98%: Tiered fine based on total PO value

How WarehouseQuote Helps Lowe's Brands

WarehouseQuote acts as a managed warehousing partner (4PL), providing an extension of your operations team to manage 3PL networks, technology, and retail-specific compliance mandates across Lowe's and 100+ major retailers.

• Lowe's-specific SOP development including MDM routing and MDC packaging requirements
• Automated GS1-compliant label and ASN generation
• Exception management to catch routing, ASN, and timing issues before they become chargebacks
• OTIF performance monitoring and VPP compliance tracking
• Chargeback dispute support and recovery across your Lowe's business

Talk to our team to learn how WarehouseQuote supports Lowe's supplier compliance.