Read this article if you want to:
Understand the difference between a bill of lading (BOL) and a packing list (or packing slip)
Learn what KeHE requires for BOLs and packing lists on inbound shipments
Discover how SPS Fulfillment can help set your business up for success with KeHE
Efficient, accurate shipping runs on clear communication.
If you’re a supplier who’s preparing to ship into KeHE, it’s important to know the food distributor’s up-to-date communication requirements. KeHE has outlined them in the 2025 version of its Inbound Routing Guide & Product Handling Requirements, noting that clear expectations benefit both the distributor and its suppliers by increasing efficiency, controlling costs, and improving customer service.
According to the Inbound Routing Guide, all KeHE shipments are required to include the following two inbound documents: a bill of lading (BOL) and a packing list. The two are easy to confuse but serve two distinct purposes in the shipping process.
KeHE Shipping Documentation Requirements: Bill of Lading
The bill of lading (BOL) is a legal contract between the shipper (i.e., the supplier) and the transportation provider or carrier that is responsible for moving the shipment from the supplier to KeHE. The shipper usually receives the BOL from the carrier.
KeHE requires two BOL copies with every shipment, and each BOL must contain the following shipment- and pallet-level information:
Ship From
As the shipper, this is where you include the complete name and address of your business.
Ship To
Write out the complete name, address, and telephone number of the distribution center or store you are shipping to.
Date Shipped
Provide the date on which the shipment will be shipped.
Purchase Order Info
List the purchase order (PO) numbers, number of cases, shipment weight, handling unit (pallet, slip sheet, etc.), and any other necessary shipper information, such as:
Density, if necessary to properly describe products.
The total number of handling units and cases for each PO (PO level).
The total number of cases and total shipment weight for all POs (shipment level).
Ship Arrive Date
This is the estimated time of arrival listed in the EDI 810 (PO) you received from KeHE.
Carrier Name
Provide the name of the carrier you are using to transport your products. KeHE’s list of preferred carriers consists of:
ABF Freight (dry LTL)
Trademark Transportation (temperature control LTL, dry LTL, and truckload)
Cash on Delivery/Freight Charge Terms
Specify the appropriate cash on delivery (COD) and freight charge terms on every BOL. KeHE notes that this section is especially important for LTL shipments.
Carrier Information
This section includes:
Handling Unit — quantity and type (e.g., pallet, slip sheet). The quantity should match the individual pallet labels. For example, pallet labels that say “1 of 2” and “2 of 2” should match the total count of “2” listed on the BOL. Also, be sure to include if pallets are double stacked (e.g., “4 pallets double stacked into 2 positions”).
Package — quantity and type (e.g., cases).
Grand Total of Handling Units, Cases, and Weight of Shipment
National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) — includes the commodity description reference and the commodity class.
Seal Number
Write down the seal number (i.e., the unique alphanumeric identifier attached to the transport unit). KeHe will validate the seal number on the BOL against the physical seal used on the shipment.
Temperature Requirements
KeHE has minimum temperature requirements for all temperature-controlled products:
Product | Low | High |
Refrigerated | 34°F | 40°F |
Protein | 28°F | 40°F |
Frozen (including ice cream) | -20°F | 0°F |
If your products have special temperature requirements, you must note them on the BOL. KeHE notes that these include, but are not limited to, seasonal temperature requirements (e.g., “DO NOT MELT” or “DO NOT FREEZE” during certain months).
Note: If you fail to provide product temperature requirements on the BOL and your products arrive above or below KeHE’s minimum temperature requirements, KeHE says that it reserves the right to hold the shipper responsible for:
All returned product
All related freight costs, including the cost of the original inbound freight
All expenses for any backorder and reshipment of the original PO, including the cost of freight
Special Instructions
If KeHE’s merchandising department or distribution centers provide you with any special instructions, include them here.
Special Note for Supplier Delivered Loads Only
If your freight is supplier delivered, you must include the following note:
“All unloading, sorting and segregating charges to be billed to the Shipper.”
Do not bill these charges to KeHE.
Related Reading: All Things LTL
KeHE Shipping Documentation Requirements: Packing List
In addition to two BOL copies, KeHE suppliers must include a packing list. The packing list serves as a record of all items in a particular shipment. Receivers use packing lists to verify whether the amount received matches the amount shipped and ordered.
To stay compliant, follow these packing list guidelines:
Create one packing list per PO.
Clearly label the packing list.
Attach the packing list to a pallet.
Include all required information.
Required Packing List Information
Every packing list must include the following:
- Your business’s name, address, and phone number
- KeHE PO number
- Total pallet count (should match BOL)
- Item number (should ideally match KeHE PO item number; or if UPC, should match product UPC)
- Pallet weight and item description (detail needed: flavor, color, size)
- Unit of measure
- Quantity on pallet
- Total quantity ordered by KeHE
- Total quantity shipped by supplier
- Expiration date (must be readable)
Related Reading: Distributor Compliance Best Practices
Add SPS Fulfillment to Your KeHE Readiness Checklist
Every inbound KeHE shipment needs two BOLs and one packing list, and when it comes to these documents, accuracy matters. Any missing or mismatched details will likely create downstream problems, slowing you down and perhaps even costing you money.
And of course, these documents are just a small part of the communication that needs to occur between your business and KeHE. The distributor has outlined seven core electronic data interchange (EDI) documents that its suppliers must be able to either provide or receive during the order fulfillment process.
SPS Fulfillment can set up your business for EDI success by:
Giving your team one place to manage orders, documents, and updates.
Getting KeHE’s requirements right, reducing uncertainty and protecting your bottom line.
Automatically rebuilding workflows as your business grows, scaling your business without scaling complexity.
Explore the benefits of partnering with SPS Fulfillment.
