Code 64: Early Shipment

Overview

Code 64 deductions occur when suppliers deliver merchandise before the scheduled ship window specified on the purchase order. Early shipments can disrupt Walmart's supply chain planning, inventory management, and receiving operations, resulting in a deduction from the supplier's invoice.

Suppliers should carefully review purchase order ship dates and ensure shipments are released only within the approved shipping window unless an exception has been authorized.

Shipping outside the approved purchase order window can create supply chain disruptions and result in early shipment deductions.

Common Root Causes

• Shipping merchandise before the start of the approved purchase order ship window.
• Incorrect interpretation of purchase order shipping dates.
• Warehouse scheduling errors causing shipments to leave early.
• Failure to obtain buyer approval for early shipments.
• Incorrect shipment documentation or date information.

How to Prevent Code 64 Deductions

• Review purchase order ship windows before scheduling shipments.
• Coordinate warehouse and transportation teams to prevent early releases.
• Confirm any requested early shipments with the buyer before shipping.
• Maintain written approval for any exceptions to purchase order dates.
• Verify shipping documentation accurately reflects actual shipment dates.

Can It Be Disputed?

Code 64 deductions may be disputed if the supplier can prove that the shipment was not early or that early shipment was authorized. Supporting documentation from the buyer or approved exception records may be required.

How to Dispute Invalid Code 64 Deductions

Review the deduction details through Retail Link and verify the related Co-op Agreement information. Contact the representative who approved the deduction using the supplier contact information listed in the agreement.

• Review the Co-op Agreement details in Retail Link.
• Verify the invoice number listed represents the applicable co-op number.
• Contact the approving sales representative for confirmation.
• Provide shipment records, purchase order details, and approval documentation when disputing the deduction.

Supporting Documentation

• Purchase Order showing the approved ship window.
• Shipping records confirming the actual shipment date.
• Buyer approval or written authorization for early shipment.
• Retail Link Co-op Agreement documentation.
• Carrier records or delivery confirmations.

Conclusion

Code 64 deductions occur when shipments arrive earlier than the dates specified on Walmart purchase orders. Preventing these deductions requires accurate shipment scheduling, purchase order review, and proper approval for exceptions. When an early shipment deduction is incorrect, supplier documentation and buyer confirmation are essential for resolving the dispute.