Short answer: ASTM D3951 is the standard practice for commercial packaging. When Section B of a DLA order says to package under ASTM D3951, you may use non-specification materials and choose your own methods, but the pack must still protect the item, meet the stated QUP and carry MIL-STD-129 markings with the code MCP. It never means unmarked.
How to tell if ASTM D3951 applies
Open the solicitation or award to Section B and find "Prep for Delivery." DLA's vendor guidance tells you to look for a statement that the item will be packaged in accordance with ASTM D3951. If it's there, follow ASTM D3951 for preservation, packaging and packing. If it isn't, follow the MIL-STD-2073-1 codes on the packaging line instead ().
Either way, check the marking line. It usually says marking must follow MIL-STD-129.
Military packaging vs ASTM D3951 commercial packaging
DLA's guidance lays out the differences:
| Military packaging | Commercial packaging (ASTM D3951) | |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Specification materials | Non-specification materials allowed |
| Instructions | MIL-STD-2073-1 preservation and packing codes | ASTM D3951 guidelines; methods at the vendor's discretion |
| Marking | MIL-STD-129 required | MIL-STD-129 required |
| Wood packaging | Must comply | Must comply |
| Where to get the standard | Free on DLA's ASSIST site | Must be purchased from ASTM |
DLA describes military packaging as meant for items going into the military distribution system, such as stored stock. Commercial packaging fits cases like items not going into stock, items for immediate use, small parcel shipments within the continental U.S. that aren't for stock, and customer direct deliveries. You don't get to choose. The order tells you which one applies.
What ASTM D3951 still requires
ASTM D3951 itself must be bought from . DLA's vendor page summarizes what commercial packaging furnished to DLA must do:
- Clean. Items must be free of dirt and contaminants that would cause deterioration or need cleaning before use. Protective coatings don't count as contaminants.
- Preserve when needed. Items that can corrode or deteriorate need protection, such as preservative coatings, barrier protection, volatile corrosion inhibitors or desiccated packs.
- Cushion when needed. Fragile items or items that can be damaged need wrapping, cushioning, compartments, cartons or other protection against shock and vibration.
- No loose fill. Loose-fill cushioning or dunnage is prohibited for DoD shipments.
- A unit pack that survives. The unit pack must hold the contents with no damage to them and minimal damage to the pack during shipment and storage.
- A shipping container that lasts. Shipping containers must deliver safely and survive multiple handlings and at least one year of storage in enclosed facilities without damage to the product.
QUP still applies
The quantity per unit pack (QUP) is in the contract or purchase order, and it still applies under ASTM D3951. If the QUP is 001, each item goes in its own unit pack, even if commercially you'd ship 50 in one bag. See Unit of Issue and QUP on DLA Contracts.
Marking under ASTM D3951
Marking is a common failure point. DLA lists missing or incorrect label data among common marking errors. DLA's packaging guidance also notes that in FY23, 1 out of every 15 new procurement receipts had a packaging or marking defect requiring correction before acceptance. DLA requires MIL-STD-129 marking for both military and commercial packaging. For unit packs, intermediate containers and exterior containers, that generally means:
- NSN, CAGE code and part number
- item description (on unit packs)
- quantity and unit of issue
- contract or order number (PIID)
- preservation method and date. For commercial packaging, DLA uses "MCP," method of preservation of commercial packaging, with the pack date
- shelf-life markings if they apply
- bar codes. DLA prefers the 2D PDF417 symbol, and linear bar codes become optional when the 2D symbol carries the data
Exterior containers also get gross weight and the military shipping label printed from DLA's Vendor Shipment Module. The marking standard itself, MIL-STD-129, is free from DLA's .
Wood and pallets
If you use wood packaging, such as pallets, skids or crates, DLA requires heat treatment under the international ISPM 15 standard and a visible compliance mark. Palletization follows the requirements in the DLA Technical and Quality Master List (RP001) and MIL-STD-147. Non-compliant wood can cause frustrated shipments and remediation charges billed to you.
What happens when it's wrong
DLA lists the consequences of packaging and marking defects: material held or remediated at your cost, delayed payment, a possible hit to your supplier performance risk score, and Supply Discrepancy Reports against your CAGE code. The DLA page names "wrongly implemented commercial packaging standards" as a common error.
A practical ASTM D3951 checklist
- Does Section B actually say ASTM D3951? If not, use the MIL-STD-2073 codes.
- What's the QUP, and how many unit packs does that mean?
- Does the item need corrosion protection or cushioning?
- Is your cushioning something other than loose fill?
- Will the shipping container survive handling and a year in a warehouse?
- Do the unit, intermediate and exterior markings meet MIL-STD-129, with "MCP" and the pack date?
- Is any wood heat-treated and marked?
- Are your labels printed from VSM close to the ship date?
Where FedOpp fits
FedOpp flags MIL packaging on each DIBBS row and checks the packaging gate before you quote, and its Bid Sheet keeps packaging and marking in your unit price. You quote on DIBBS yourself. FedOpp is $199 a month after a 7-day free trial.
For the military side, see MIL-STD-2073 Packaging Codes on a DLA RFQ, Explained and the MIL-STD-2073 packaging code decoder.
Also see How to Read a DIBBS RFQ.
Also see DIBBS bid checklist.
Also see packaging is part of the quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is ASTM D3951?
ASTM D3951 is the Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging. DLA uses it when an order calls for commercial rather than military packaging.
Where can I get a copy of ASTM D3951?
ASTM D3951 must be purchased from ASTM. The military packaging and marking standards, MIL-STD-2073-1 and MIL-STD-129, are free on DLA's ASSIST Quick Search.
Does QUP still apply under ASTM D3951?
Yes. The quantity per unit pack is set in the contract or purchase order and still applies when ASTM D3951 commercial packaging is allowed.
What does MCP mean on a DLA label?
MCP stands for method of preservation of commercial packaging. DLA uses it in place of a military preservation method code when ASTM D3951 applies.
Is loose-fill packing allowed on DLA orders?
No. DLA says loose-fill cushioning or dunnage is prohibited for DoD shipments.
Last verified 2026-10-08 · Author FedOpp
Sources
Practical notes, not legal advice. The solicitation controls.