Military Specifications (MIL-SPEC) Packaging

Shipping military packages require a much more in-depth process than shipping non-military items. There are several protocols that must be followed when shipping military packages, which are as follows:

Adherence to MIL-STD-2073

Military packages sometimes remain unopened by the recipient for up to five years, and sometimes even longer. This is why DoD items must be packaged in a specific manner, or they will not be in accordance with the government contract. Military packages that will be opened six months or sooner are not required to adhere to MIL-STD-2073. In order to completely comply with MIL-STD-2073, military packages must have the following.

• Proper military packaging – Military packages must be packaged in a specific manner to prevent them from becoming damaged during shipping and while they are being stored. 
• Proper military conservation – This describes the process that packages must undergo before they are considered properly preserved. Packages must be properly sanitized, dried, preserved, wrapped, and padded, as well as properly identified. Military packages must also undergo physical protection. When required, they must be coated with a special military-approved preservative, packages must be protected from liquids and moisture, as well as treated with a special drying agent.
• Correct military packing – The packing of military packages must be handled in a certain manner. This includes choosing a proper exterior container, positioning the items inside the package in a specific way, adding the appropriate padding so that the items will not move around, weatherproofing so the items are not damaged by weather, strapping them in so they remain in place, and correctly marking the contents of the box as well.

As you can see, ensuring that a military package adheres to the MIL-STD-2073 requirements is a very extensive process. However, the military package must be packaged properly, or it will not be accepted. Fortunately, there are shipping companies that are familiar with all types of shipments, including MIL-STD-2073, and they can handle your shipments for you. Kaiser & Johnson has many years of experience handling all types of shipments from international to military and everything in-between. Kaiser & Johnson can take the stress out of packaging and shipping packages, regardless of the type. You might feel that the process for shipping military packages is difficult and confusing. Kaiser & Johnson manages this type of shipping on a regular basis, so it’s neither difficult nor confusing for them. Kaiser & Johnson can ensure that all of your military packages undergo the correct process so they will be delivered without any issues arising. In fact, if you like, Kaiser & Johnson can handle all of your shipping needs, for military-related and non-military-related packages. This can enable you to focus on other aspects of your business instead of dealing with time-consuming tasks that you don’t completely understand. The military has developed the MIL-STD-2073 specification for the shipment of all military packages. This protocol was developed by the Department of Defense in order to properly protect and preserve military packages. If you require assistance with ensuring that your company is adhering to the protocols for military shipments, you should give Kaiser & Johnson a call. They will ensure that all your shipping needs are met so you can rest assured all your important packages will be delivered in a timely manner.

MIL-SPEC Packaging and Bar Code Marking Services

Clients that utilize our MIL-SPEC packaging and bar code marking services are usually prime or sub-contractors for the Department of Defense. We package non-hazardous products per the contract’s packaging data, prepare MIRR’s (Material Inspection & Receiving Reports / DD250 forms), provide Bar Code labels, Military Shipment Labels (2D MSL’s), and RFID labels (Radio Frequency Identification) when required (per DFARS#252.211.7006). All packaging marking is in accordance with the latest revision of MIL-STD-129. We can also transmit the ASN (Advanced Shipment Notice) to WAWF (Wide Area Workflow) containing relevant data for your contract shipments (Requires adding our cage code to your WAWF account as the “cage-extension”). We can provide UID tags (UID Type 2, label size 1×3) but these are only sold when we handle the packaging of the parts. UID (Unique Identification) is “Direct Part marking” which is found in MIL-STD-130. When required (per DFARS #252.211.7003), we will affix the UID label directly on your part prior to packaging. Government source inspections for packaging only are conducted at our facility by Quality Assurance Representatives (QAR’s) assigned under DCMA Chicago (S1403A). We can also obtain the government issued Commercial Bill of Lading from DCMA St. Louis’ (S2605A) Transportation Office, when your contract’s delivery freight terms are “FOB Origin”(Government to pay freight charges). We also work with Boeing Direct Ship Spares orders for subcontractors fabricating aircraft spares, requiring direct shipment to other Boeing facilities or DoD depot locations. Our standard packaging practice is in accordance with MIL-STD-2073 latest revision. Some of the most commonly items packaged and shipped are heating & cooling units, aircraft spares & ground support equipment, diesel engines, turbochargers, generators, vehicle parts, etc.