LOADS, UNIT: PREPARATION OF SEMIPERISHABLE SUBSISTENCE ITEMS

Unit Loads: This DSCP form covers general requirements for unitization and 

containerization of semiperishable subsistence items for the Directorate of Subsistence.

Classification: The unit loads shall be designated by one of the following types and the 

contractors shall adhere to the requirements within unless otherwise specified in the 

solicitation/contract, or purchase order.

Type I - Palletized unit load

 Class A - Strapped or film bonded

 Class B - Capped and strapped

 Class C - Capped (with 2 flap cap), strapped and film bonded

Type II – Containerized unit load

 Class E – Capped and strapped fiberboard box.

Type III – Commercial loads

 Class G - On commercial pallet

Intended use - This specification covers general and detailed requirements for unitized 

and containerized, semi perishable subsistence items. The following information is 

furnished to indicate the established levels of protection:

a. Level A protection: Solicitation/Contract specific.

b. Level B protection: Type I - Class A load; Type I - Class B load,

 Type I - Class C load or Type II - Class E load 

 

 c. Minimal Military Requirements/Commercial: Type III, Class G load.

Reference Documents

(1). Pallets and Construction 

ANSI MHIA MH1-2005; Part 3, Wood Pallets and Part 9, Wood Pallets for 

Military Use

 Unitization Guidelines

 MIL-STD-147 – Palletized Unit Loads 

DLA TROOP SUPPORT FORM 3507 Apr 2014 

THIS DOCUMENT SUPERSEDES DSCP FORM 3507 Oct 2010

PREPARING ACTIVITY: DLA-TROOP SUPPORT - FTSA
(2). Fiberboard 

 ASTM-D4727 - Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard Sheet Stock 

(Container Grade) and Cut Shapes

 

 ASTM-D5168 - Containers, Fabrication and Closure of Triple Wall 

Corrugated Fiberboard

(3). Strapping

 ASTM-D3950 - Strapping, Nonmetallic (and Joining Methods)

(4). Marking

 DLA TROOP SUPPORT Form 3556 - Marking Instructions for Boxes, 

Sacks, and Unit Loads of Perishable and Semi-Perishable Subsistence

(5). Sampling and Test Procedures 

 ANSI/ASQC Z.1-4 - Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by 

 Attributes

General Requirements

 

Pallets: Unless otherwise specified herein, or by contract, pallets shall conform to Part 3 

and Part 9 of ANSI MHIA MH1-2005. Pallets shall be Class 1, Type 2, Style 6, Size 2. 

For pallet loads under 1500 pounds, ref. Part 9, Table 4, ANSI Part No.MH1/9-

02SW4048. For pallet loads 1501 to 3000 pounds, ref. Part 9, Table 4, ANSI Part No. 

MH1/9-05SW4048.

Note: When unitizing individual field meals (MRE, MCW, LRP) and humanitarian 

ration (HDR), the top deck surface area “footprint” of the specified double wing pallet 

may be increased to reduce load overhang. Maximum top deck dimensions of (L) 43”x 

(W) 51.5” may be used. This option only applies to top deck board and stringer (length) 

dimensions.

International Palletization/Dunnage Requirements

In accordance with the requirements of ISPM 15, the following commercial heat 

treatment process has been approved by the American Lumber Standards Committee 

(ALSC) and is required for all Wood Packaging Material (WPM). WPM is defined as 

wood pallets, skids, load boards, pallet collars, wooden boxes, reels, dunnage, crates, 

frame and cleats. Packaging materials exempt from the requirements are materials that 

have undergone a manufacturing process such as corrugated fiberboard, plywood, 

particleboard, veneer and oriented strand board (OSB). All WPM shall be constructed 

from Heat Treated (HT to 56 degrees Centigrade for 30 minutes) lumber and certified by 

an accredited agency recognized by the American Lumber Standard Committee, Inc. 

(ALSC) in accordance with Wood Packing Material Policy and Wood Packing Material 

Enforcement Regulations, see URL: http://www.alsc.org Pallet markings shall be 

2
applied to the stringer or block on diagonally opposite sides and ends of the pallet and 

be contrasting and clearly visible. All wood containers shall be marked on a side other 

than top and bottom, contrasting and clearly visible. All dunnage used in configuring 

and/or securing the load shall also comply with ISPM 15 and be marked with an ASLC 

approved DUNNAGE stamp. Failure to comply with the requirements of this restriction 

may result in refusal, destruction, or treatment of materials at the point of entry. 

Pads: When specified in specification sheets, top and bottom pads shall be fabricated 

from fiberboard conforming to class weather-resistant of ASTM D4727. Alternatively, in 

lieu of a bottom fiberboard pad, a moisture barrier material fabricated from 4 mil or 

thicker commercial polyethylene film may be used. The pad or barrier material shall be 

approximately the same size as the load base, except the top fiberboard pad shall not 

extend beyond sides and ends of the load.

Consolidation Box: Boxes shall be triple wall fiberboard. The contents shall fit snugly in 

the box; the maximum void space shall be not more than five percent of the capacity. 

The maximum dimensions of the boxes, maximum net weight of contents and size shall 

be as specified in Table I.

TABLE I. Maximum dimensions and net weight of contents of consolidation box

_________________________________________________________________

Maximum outside dimensions in inches

Height Maximum net weight Box

Length Width including base of contents (pounds) Material__

 49 41 43 2600 Fiberboard

 

Strapping: Strapping shall be nonmetallic as specified herein.

Nonmetallic Strapping: Nonmetallic strapping shall conform to type II or III or IV of 

ASTM D3950, having a minimum breaking strength of 900 pounds. Buckles shall not be 

used. When specified in the contract, the strapping on the end item load shall be tested 

for seal (joint) strength, and shall meet the requirement specified in ASTM D3950, when 

tested as specified under “Strapping Seal (joint) testing below.

Formation of Load: Shipping containers in each palletized unit load shall be uniformly 

arranged in a pallet pattern that results in the utilization of at least 80% of the pallets 

surface area. Pallet pattern guidelines can be found in MIL-STD-147. If the contractor 

cannot achieve required surface area efficiencies, a proposed unit load configuration 

plan shall be submitted to the contracting officer for approval. Unless otherwise 

specified, the overall dimensions of the palletized loads shall not exceed 43 inches in 

length, 52 inches in width, and 43 inches in height (including pallet and cap when 

required). (See Table I for consolidation box dimensions). A plus tolerance of 1 inch will 

be allowed for the height only. The shipping container shall be stacked to form a 

compact squared load centered on the load base and shall be squared with all corners 

of the pallet with minimum overhang. The overhang or underhang shall be equalized 

3
with the sides and/or ends of the pallets. The shipping containers of each pallet load 

shall be interlocked by reversing the pattern in each course, except when the containers 

are of such dimensions as to prohibit interlocking patterns.

Marking: All unit loads shall be marked on two sides in accordance with DSCP Form 

3556 or as specified in the contract. Alternatively, when the required markings on one or 

more individual shipping containers are exposed on two sides of the unit load, a 

minimum 3 by 5-inch white label shall be applied on the same two sides of the load. 

The label shall be marked (letter size not less than 1/2 inch) with the quantity (number 

of units per load), and when required, gross weight, and cube. The values marked for 

gross weight and cube shall have a tolerance of + 3 percent when tested as specified 

herein under Gross Weight and Cube Testing.

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS

Responsibility for inspection: Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase 

order, the contractor is responsible for the performance of all inspection requirements 

(examinations and tests) as specified herein. Except as otherwise specified in the 

contract or purchase order, the contractor may use his own or any other facilities 

suitable for the performance of the inspection requirements specified herein, unless 

disapproved by the Government. The Government reserves the right to perform any of 

the inspections set forth in this specification where such inspections are deemed 

necessary to ensure supplies and services conform to prescribed requirements.

Responsibility for compliance: All items shall meet the requirements of this document. 

The inspection set forth in this specification shall become a part of the contractor’s 

overall inspection system or quality program. The absence of any inspection 

requirements in the specification shall not relieve the contractor of the responsibility of 

ensuring that all products or supplies submitted to the Government for acceptance 

comply with all requirements of the contract. Sampling inspection, as part of 

manufacturing operations, is an acceptable practice to ascertain conformance to 

requirements, however, this does not authorize submission of known defective material, 

either indicated or actual, nor does it commit the Government to accept defective 

material.

Quality conformance inspection: Unless otherwise specified, sampling for inspection 

shall be performed in accordance with ANSI/ASQC Z-1.4.

Component and material inspection: Components and materials shall be inspected in 

accordance with all the requirements of reference documents unless otherwise 

excluded, amended, modified, or qualified in this specification or applicable purchase 

document.

Unit load visual examination: The unit loads shall be examined for the defects listed in 

Table II. The lot size shall be expressed in units of unitized or containerized unit loads. 

The sample unit shall be one unitized or containerized unit load. The inspection level 

shall be S-4 and the AQL, expressed in terms of defects per hundred units, shall be 4.0. 

In the event that the lot size is less than three, 100 percent inspection shall be 

performed.

4
TABLE II. Unit load visual defects

___________________________________________________________________

Examine Defect________________________________________

Pads (when applicable) Material not as specified

Missing

Pallets (when Pallet size exceeded

applicable) Components not as specified

Stringers not slotted for straps as specified

Unclean 1/

Strapping (when Missing, broken, or not as specified

applicable) Nonmetallic strapping does not indent as specified

Buckles used 

Load formation Load dimensions exceeded (a plus tolerance of 1 inch

is authorized for load height only)

Load not squared

Overhang or underhang not equalized

Not interlocking as required (when applicable)

Consolidation box Size not as specified

Void space more than 5 percent of capacity

Net weight greater than specified

Marking Not as specified: Missing, Illegible, or incorrect

Footnote 1/: Pallets shall be free from foreign material and/or growth(s) such as, but not 

limited to, adhering dirt, filth, mud, mildew, mold, etc.

Unit Load Testing:

Strapping Seal (joint) Testing. When specified, the seal (joint) strength of nonmetallic 

strapping seals shall be tested in accordance with the breaking strength procedure of 

ASTM D3950. The sample shall be three seal (joint) specimens taken from the 

strapping on one unit load selected at random from the lot. Each strapping specimen 

shall be 48 inches in length with the seal (joint) located at the specimen midpoint. When 

the average breaking strength of the specimens is less than the requirement, it shall be 

cause for rejection of the lot.

Gross Weight and Cube testing. The unit load gross weight and cube may be 

established on an average basis, for marking purposes. The weight and cube average 

shall be based on a minimum of 5 unit loads. Loads should be stacked (not more than 

three high) to permit normal compression and settling prior to measurement of cube 

determination. The lot shall be unacceptable if the average unit load weight and cube 

marked on the load is less than or exceeds 3.0 percent tolerance.

5
NOTE: Contracting Officer must specify the following in the solicitation/contract:

 1. Title, Number and Date of this Form.

 2. Type and Class. 

 3. When allowed height of palletized load is higher than specified.

 4. Verification testing as applicable. 

Verification Testing: Verification testing is mandatory when the type and class unit load 

specified in the acquisition document is Level A protection.

6
LOADS UNIT: TYPE I, CLASS A – PALLETIZED, STRAPPED OR FILM BONDED LOAD

REQUIREMENTS:

The unit loads shall have the commodity containers arranged on a pallet with a top and 

bottom, pad then be strapped with nonmetallic straps as previously specified. The 

top/bottom pad shall be made of the specified fiberboard. Nonmetallic straps shall be 

tensioned to indent the edge of the boxes or pad a minimum of 1⁄4 inch without tearing 

the edge to which applied. Alternatively, each unit load shall be bonded with shrink or 

stretch film in a manner that reflects the guidelines of MIL-HDBK-774. When stretch film 

is used, the top of the load shall be covered with a weather-resistant fiberboard pad or 

covered with a sheet of plastic film. If less than full width film is used, film sections 

should overlap so as to ensure complete coverage. The top film shall extend down all 

four sides a minimum of 12 inches. Shrink film will be a bag encapsulated over the 

entire load and extending at least evenly with the underside of the bottom deck board of 

the pallet. Stretch wrap film shall be stretched around the load in multiple wraps from 

the top of the bottom deckboard to not less than 2 inches above the height of the load. 

When required, specific film thickness shall be specified in the solicitation, contract or 

purchase order. Bottom pads are not required when commodities are packed in 

shipping containers constructed of solid fiberboard meeting or exceeding the following 

requirements: dry burst strength shall be a minimum of 425 psi, wet burst strength shall 

be a minimum of 250 psi and laminated board thickness shall not be less than 0.069 

inches. The shipping case contents must also be completely protected by internal liners, 

external sleeves or taped seams, as specified.

See Figure 1.

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS:

The unit loads shall be examined for the applicable defects listed in Table II (page 5). 

In addition, the defects listed in the following table shall apply.

Additional unit load defects

Item Defect_________________________________________

Shrink film when used When cited, material or film thickness not as specified

 Not tight, burned through or loosely applied

 Not secured under top deck boards of pallet

Stretch film when used When specified, film not correct material or thickness

 When specified, number of plies of film not adequate to 

 conform to sum of film thickness requirements

 Film not tensioned or secured to deckboards or top of load

 Weather resistant fiberboard pad, or plastic film on top

 of load missing or of insufficient size

 Film does not extend a minimum of 2 inches above the

 height of load

7
LOADS UNIT: TYPE I, CLASS B – PALLETIZED, STRAPPED LOAD WITH CAP

REQUIREMENTS:

Cap. The cap shall be flanged, scored, and slotted as shown in Figure 2 and be made 

of fiberboard conforming to V3c of ASTM D4727or from the same solid fiberboard 

specified below for the shipping container.

. 

The unit load shall have the commodity containers arranged on a pallet and pad, then 

capped, and strapped with nonmetallic straps as previously specified under General 

Requirements and as shown in Figure 2. Nonmetallic straps shall be tensioned to indent 

the edge of the cap a minimum of 1⁄4 inch without tearing the edge of the cap. Bottom 

pads are not required when commodities are packed in shipping containers constructed 

of solid fiberboard meeting or exceeding the following requirements: dry burst strength 

shall be a minimum of 425 psi, wet burst strength shall be a minimum of 250 psi and 

laminated board thickness shall not be less than 0.069 inches. The shipping case 

contents must also be completely protected by internal liners, external sleeves or taped 

seams, as specified.

See Figure 2.

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS:

The unit loads, shall be examined for the applicable defects listed Table II (page 5).

In addition, the defects listed in the following table shall apply.

 Additional unit load defects

Item Defect_____________________________________

Cap Not material specified

Not in accordance with Figure 2

8
LOADS, UNIT: TYPE I, CLASS C - PALLETIZED, STRAPPED LOAD WITH 2-FLAP 

CAP, FILM BONDED

REQUIREMENTS:

Cap. The cap shall be flanged and scored as shown in figure 6 (the 2 flaps of the cap 

will be located underneath the primary and auxiliary straps positioned across the width 

of the pallet). The cap shall be made of fiberboard conforming to V3c of ASTM D4727 or 

from the same solid fiberboard specified below for the shipping container.

The unit load shall have the commodity containers arranged on a pallet and pad, then 

capped with a 2-flap cap, strapped with non-metallic straps as previously specified 

under General Requirements and as shown in Figure 6. Non-metallic straps shall be 

tensioned to indent the edge of the cap a minimum of 1⁄4 inch without tearing the edge of 

the cap. Additionally, each unit load shall be bonded with a minimum 90 gauge (.9 

mil thickness) polyethylene (PE) stretch film or netting. Multiple wraps of the PE film or 

netting shall add up to a minimum thickness, prior to wrapping, of 4.5 mils. If less than 

full width film is used, film sections should overlap so as to ensure complete coverage. 

The top film shall extend down all four sides a minimum of 12 inches. Stretch wrap film 

shall be stretched around the load in multiple wraps from the top of the bottom deck 

board to not less than 2 inches above the height of the load. Bottom pads are not

required when commodities are packed in shipping containers constructed of solid 

fiberboard meeting or exceeding the following requirements: dry burst strength shall be 

a minimum of 425 psi, wet burst strength shall be a minimum of 250 psi and laminated 

board thickness shall not be less than 0.069 inches. The shipping case contents must 

also be completely protected by internal liners, external sleeves or taped seams, as 

specified. 

(See Figure 6)

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS:

The unit loads shall be examined for the applicable defects listed in Table II (page 5). In 

addition, the defects listed in the following table shall apply.

Additional unit load defects

Item Defects

Cap Not material specified

Not in accordance with Figure 6

Stretch film Film not correct material or thickness

Number of plies of film not adequate to 

conform to sum of film thickness requirements

Film not tensioned or secured to deck boards 

or top of load

Film does not extend a minimum of 2 inches 

above the height of the load

9
LOADS, UNIT: TYPE II, CLASS E – CONTAINERIZED UNIT LOAD, FIBERBOARD 

 BOX ON PALLET WITH CAP, AND NONMETALLIC STRAPPING 

ONLY

REQUIREMENTS: 

Triple-wall fiberboard box: The tube, including cap, shall be as shown in Figures 3 and 4 

and made from fiberboard conforming to ASTM D 5168. The corners of the cap shall 

not be cut out. The corner flaps shall be secured to the adjacent flanges with five 

staples as shown in Figure 3. The flaps of the cover shall be crushed prior to stapling. 

The length of the staple shall penetrate two thicknesses of the fiberboard and be 

clinched. Alternatively, the triple-wall cap may be secured with a horizontal strap, the 

same used for strapping the load, applied not more than 4 inches nor less than 2 inches 

from the bottom edge of the flange. The body of the box may have one or two body 

joints. The overlap at the body joint shall not be less than 2 inches. The overlapped 

portion of the body joint of the tube shall be completely crush rolled prior to stapling. 

When two body joints are used, the joints shall be on diagonally opposite corners of the 

tube. The metal staples shall be positioned not more than 1-1/2 inches apart. A staple 

should be placed at 5/8 + 1/8 inch from both ends of the flap. The staple shall have 

commercial zinc or copper coating. The direction of the flutes in the tube shall be 

vertical. All bottom flaps of the tube shall be crushed adjacent to the score line. The 

crushed area of the bottom flaps shall be a minimum of 2 -1/2 inches in width by the full 

length of the flap. The exact depth of the tube shall be determined from the height of the 

contents. When contents are bagged items, the top course shall be above the edge as 

shown in Figure 4. The tube shall be fastened to the pallet as shown in Figure 3 with 

large head galvanized roofing nails or staples. The number of staples shall be double 

the number of nails as shown in Figure 3. After fastening the tube to the pallet a pad 

made from fiberboard as specified or of the same material as the tube shall be placed 

over the bottom flange of the tube. 

The containerized unit load shall have the commodity containers arranged in a 

consolidation box placed on a pallet as previously specified and as shown in Figures 3 

and 4. The box shall be closed and strapped with nonmetallic strapping as previously 

specified and shown in Figure 4. The straps shall be tensioned to indent the edge of the 

cap a minimum of 1⁄4 inch without tearing the edge of the cap.

See Figures 3 & 4

10
QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS:

The unit loads shall be examined for the applicable defects listed in Table II (page 5). 

In addition, the defects listed in the following table shall apply.

Additional unit load defects

Item Defect

Triple-Wall Not as shown on Figures 3 and 4

Fiberboard not as specified

Cap corners cut

Cap corners not secured as specified

Staple does not penetrate fiberboard

Box overlap not as specified

Triple-wall flap not crush rolled 

Body joints not on diagonally opposite corners

Body joint not secured as specified 

 Protrusion of bagged goods not as specified

Tube not secured as specified

11
LOADS, UNIT: TYPE III, CLASS G – COMMERCIAL LOADS, PALLETIZED

REQUIREMENTS:

The unit load shall have the commodity containers arranged on a 40 inch by 48 

inch commercial, wood, or plywood partial 4-way entry winged or flush type pallet; or on 

a 48 inch x 40 inch Grocery Manufacturers of America wood partial 4-way entry pallet. A 

bottom pad as specified or fabricated from commercial fiberboard shall be utilized. 

When commercial stringer type pallets are used, strapping slots shall be positioned to 

permit the load straps to fit snugly against the bottom of the top deck boards. The load 

shall be bonded with strapping, shrink or stretch film or other means in such a manner 

as to assure unit load integrity from producer to user.

See Figure 5

NOTE: International Palletization & Dunnage Requirements apply to all wood packing 

materials (WPM) as previously cited. (Ref: pages 2 & 3)

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS

The unit load shall be examined for the applicable defects listed in Table II (page 5). In 

addition, the defects listed in the following table shall apply. 

. Additional End Item Defects

Item Defect_____________________________________

Pallet Stringers cracked or broken

Top deck boards cracked or broken

Bottom deck boards cracked, broken or missing

Nails not completely driven or protruding

12
NOTES

Reference documents as cited in this form may be obtained from the following activities:

DLA TROOP SUPPORT FORMS 

DLA TROOP SUPPORT (FTSA) Phone (215) 737-7772

DSN 444-7772 

For all other documents:

Standardization Documents Order Desk Phone (215) 697-2179

Defense Automation Printing Service DNS 442-2179

700 Robbins Ave.

Building 4D

Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094

13