In this article, learn about:
Where Dollar General’s DCs are located
Key documentation and shipping requirements
How to handle Truckload vs. Less than Truckload shipments
Common transportation violations to avoid
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Shipping goods to Dollar General’s distribution centers (DCs) requires precision, planning, and adherence to different compliance protocols. From appointment scheduling to pallet configurations, every step matters. Suppliers that miss the mark risk delays, rejected shipments, or chargebacks that can quickly add up.
In this article, we will walk through Dollar General’s domestic transportation requirements, how to handle the different shipment types, and what common transportation violations you should avoid.
Dollar General Distribution Centers
Dollar General operates over 35 strategically placed DCs across the US. These facilities are assigned location numbers, which are used on purchase orders, labels, and BOLs. As of 2025, here is a list of Dollar General's DCs:
Alachua, FL (96800)
Amsterdam, NY (96150)
Ardmore, OK (96300)
Ardmore Fresh, OK (96520)
Atlanta Fresh, GA (30316)
Aurora, CO (96590)
Berkley Fresh, AL (96450)
Bessemer, AL (96930)
Bethel, PA (96100)
Blair, NE (96540)
Blair Fresh, NE (96550)
Bowling Green Fresh, KY (96530)
Clayton Fresh, NC (96420)
Fulton, MO (96700)
Indianola, MS (96600)
Jackson, GA (96140)
Janesville, WI (96130)
Jonesville, SC (96910)
Lebec, CA (96970)
Longview, TX (96160)
Marion, IN (96920)
McDonough, GA (96650)
Montgomery Fresh, AL (96470)
North Little Rock, AR (96570)
Orlando Fresh, FL (96480)
Pottsville Fresh, PA (96410)
West Sacramento, CA (96510)
San Antonio, TX (96120)
San Antonio Fresh, TX (96460)
Scottsville, KY (96000)
South Boston, VA (96500)
Walton, KY (96170)
Westville Fresh, IN (96430)
Zanesville, OH (96900)
- Zanesville Fresh, OH (96490)
Each DC has unique routing rules, so make sure to verify the DC identifier and address before shipping. Always reference the correct DC number on your BOL and carton labels.
How Dollar General’s Transportation Program Works
Dollar General’s Domestic Vendor Guide outlines the expectations for how suppliers must ship products to their DCs. These instructions apply to non-import vendors using either collect or FOB shipping terms, with the core requirement being that every shipment must arrive complete, labeled, and exactly as called in.
The Different Shipping Methods:
Collect (LTL): Dollar General picks the carrier and pays for the freight. Suppliers just need to prepare the shipment and wait for pickup.
FOB (TL or LTL): The supplier handles everything—transportation, appointments, documentation, and all costs.
Regardless of the shipping method, every shipment must follow Dollar General’s routing instructions, appointment procedures, and packaging standards.
Everything Suppliers Must Do to Handle Dollar General Transportation Successfully
Dollar General suppliers must meet strict operational expectations. Here's what you need to ensure every shipment goes smoothly:
1. Ship Purchase Orders in Full
Every purchase order must be shipped complete as originally ordered. Dollar General does not allow partials, short shipments, or backordered quantities unless they have been formally approved by a Dollar General buyer.
If a supplier ships an incomplete PO without approval, Dollar General may:
Reject the shipment
Apply chargebacks for added freight expense
Require the vendor to ship the remainder prepaid
For example, a supplier shipping school supplies receives a PO for 1,000 units split across five SKUs. Due to inventory constraints, they ship only 800 units and skip the call-in revision. DG receives the shipment, flags it as incomplete, and initiates a chargeback for the additional freight required to deliver the missing product.
2. Call-In Procedures
A Dollar General call-in is a required notification process that suppliers use to inform Dollar General that a PO is ready to be shipped from their facility. It’s a key part of FOB (Free on Board) shipping, where the supplier is responsible for transportation coordination. The call-in ensures that Dollar General’s Transportation Operations team knows:
What PO is ready to ship
Where it’s shipping from
When it will be ready for pickup
How it will be shipped (truckload or LTL)
If any detail changes, such as a delay in readiness, a revised call-in must be submitted. The vendor must also notify Transportation Operations at transops@dollargeneral.com. Not updating a call-in on time may result in a Truck Ordered Not Used fee.
3. Do Not Change Ship Points Without Approval
Before changing the origin ship point on any order, vendors must:
Get approval from the Merchandising Department
Update the quote sheet via Master Data Management (MDM)
Submit a revised call-in
In some cases where the PO was confirmed in Compass, vendors should request a new PO through the Dollar General Global Inventory Analyst
Unauthorized origin changes that result in added transportation costs will be charged back to the supplier.
4. Communicate if the Carrier Doesn’t Show
If the assigned carrier does not contact the supplier within 3 business days of the ready date, suppliers should reach out to transops@dollargeneral.com or the corporate number listed in the Retailer Contacts section.
5. Prepare Accurate Bills of Lading (BOLs)
A compliant bill of lading is a non-negotiable part of the shipping process. All BOLs must:
Be typed (handwritten BOLs are not accepted)
Include the PO number, carton count, pallet count (if palletized), and shipment weight
Clearly state the freight terms: “Collect” or “Prepaid”
Related Reading: A Supplier's Guide: Prepaid vs. Collect
Each BOL must match the purchase order and packaging exactly. Inaccurate BOLs often lead to refused shipments, payment delays, or chargebacks.
Understanding Dollar General Shipment Guidelines
Dollar General accepts Full Truckload (FTL) and Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) when it comes to receiving shipments.
Full Truckload (FTL or TL) refers to shipments large enough to fill an entire trailer or require dedicated space. These loads often involve higher volume, heavier freight, or specific scheduling needs. Suppliers using TL shipping, typically under FOB terms, are responsible for coordinating the transportation and following load and documentation procedures.
In contrast, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments are smaller loads that don’t require a full trailer. These are typically arranged as collect shipments, with Dollar General assigning the carrier and managing the pickup. Regardless of the carrier delivering the goods, LTL freight still needs to meet pallet and labeling requirements to avoid delays and penalties.
Key Requirements for Truckload (TL) Shipments
If you're shipping TL under FOB terms, here are some general requirements that suppliers need to adhere to:
Secure the load: Use shrink wrap, air bags, pallet bands, or other packing materials.
Load as called in: If you called in double-stacked pallets, you must load them that way.
Use Shipper Load, Count & Seal: Seal numbers must be recorded on the BOL, and padlocks are not permitted.
Appointment details: Record Gate-In, Dock-Out, and Appointment times on the BOL to help settle detention disputes.
Get a stamp: A DG Guard House stamp confirms the trailer entered a facility—it’s not proof of delivery.
Key Requirements for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipments
LTL shipments involve a different set of requirements:
Use only the carrier Dollar General assigns.
Combine shipments to the same DC on one BOL if shipping within two days.
All freight must be palletized—no slip sheets.
Vendors load the trailer. Drivers will not assist.
Use the correct LTL Consolidation Matrix for your region (Southeast, Midwest, Pacific Southwest, etc.).
Label each pallet or carton with PO number and DC destination.
Note: For mixed DC shipments, include a separate BOL per destination.
Understanding Proof of Delivery (POD)
At Dollar General, proof of delivery is determined by the actual quantity received, not what was shipped. This means the final receiving stamp matters more than the original BOL. For example, if 110 cartons were shipped, but 100 were received the POD would state 90 received which means that the supplier was 10 short which result in a chargeback. To dispute the chargeback, claims must be submitted within 9 months of the shipment date.
Common Transportation Violations to Avoid
Dollar General has a long list of compliance infractions that lead to deductions. Here are some of the most common violations:
Shipping collect but billing prepaid
Using the wrong carrier for a FOB shipment
Missing call-in or incorrect call-in data
Overweight loads or late shipments
Mislabeling pallets or using the wrong PO
Driver detained more than 2 hours ($100 chargeback)
Not honoring a delivery appointment
Slip sheets on LTL shipments
“Truck Ordered Not Used” due to incomplete product readiness
Premium services (e.g., expedited freight) listed on the BOL
Each violation typically results in a $100+ deduction, and some come with a 5% administrative fee.
Related Reading: Dollar General Accounts Payable Procedures for Vendors
Transportation compliance at Dollar General is detailed but not impossible. The key is preparation, communication, and documentation. A single misstep, like using the wrong BOL format or failing to call in a PO, can lead to penalties. However, by following the procedures outlined in the Domestic Vendor Guide and partnering closely with Transportation Operations and your DG Demand Chain Analyst, you can protect your margins and maintain a strong working relationship with the retailer.
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