STORE REPLENISHMENT & DELIVERY SERVICES
Direct Store Delivery (DSD)
Direct store delivery supplies goods from a supplier or its delivery partner directly to individual stores, bypassing the retailer’s central distribution center for that flow.
DIRECT STORE DELIVERY IN PRACTICE
- Plan the store flowMatch orders, routes and receiving windows.
- Deliver and reconcileConfirm quantities and store acceptance.
- Complete agreed servicesPerform merchandising or rotation if included.
Use the agreed units, actual records and approved procedures for your operation.
A WORKED EXAMPLE
Ten stores need ten receiving handoffs.
A supplier sends stock directly to 10 stores instead of a central DC. Nine stores accept the planned quantities and one rejects part of its load. The route record must preserve the exception and stock disposition rather than reporting every planned unit as delivered.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR QUOTE
Agree the requirement before comparing quotes
Use the actual shipment, stock and service requirements. Record the billing unit, included work and responsibility for exceptions.
A LITTLE MORE CONTEXT
Questions about Direct Store Delivery
Must DSD bypass every warehouse?
No. It bypasses the retailer’s central DC for the specified flow.
Does it always include shelf stocking?
Only when agreed.
Does each store need delivery evidence?
Yes. Preserve store-level acceptance and exceptions.
Source & example notes
Definition and operational example prepared by 3PL Hub. Examples describe hypothetical requirements; verify the actual records and agreed procedures for your operation.
Quantities, costs and scenarios are illustrative, not operating targets, approved handling instructions or guarantees. Source guidance reviewed 22 October 2026.
Last updated: · 3PL Hub
