TI-HI For Retail Shipping: How To Determine And Communicate Pallet Patterns

A pallet configuration measurement showing cases per layer, called TI, and the number of layers, called HI.

TI-HI A pallet configuration measurement showing cases per layer, called TI, and the number of layers, called HI. For retail shipping, TI-HI is the agreed shorthand used in advance shipping notices, load manifests, and retailer pallet requirements.

Retail DCs rely on accurate TI-HI to route pallets through conveyors, sort by lane, and plan labor for putaway. When suppliers provide clear TI-HI details, receiving scans and manual inspections are faster, stock goes live sooner, and chargebacks are less likely. Below are practical steps sellers, 3PLs, and carriers should follow when preparing pallets for retail customers.

What Retailers Expect From TI-HI Information

Retailers typically expect TI-HI on these documents: ASNs, pallet labels, packing lists, and sometimes on the bill of lading. They use it to confirm case counts without breaking seals and to schedule labor. Some retailers also require TI-HI in electronic data interchange (EDI) formats so receiving systems can auto-compare expected vs. actual counts.

How To Determine The Correct TI-HI For A Shipment

• Verify Case Dimensions: Record length, width, and height of the case. That determines how many fit on a standard pallet footprint.
• Establish A Repeating Pattern: For uniform cases, create a single layer pattern that can be repeated. Count cases in that repeating unit to get TI.
• Respect Weight And Height Limits: Determine HI based on maximum pallet height allowed by the retailer and the product’s stacking strength and weight per layer.

How To Communicate TI-HI To Retail Partners

Use multiple channels to avoid miscommunication. Include TI-HI in human-readable labels and the ASN. For EDI shipments, put TI-HI values in the relevant pallet descriptor fields. For nonstandard pallets, include a photograph of the pallet pattern and a note about any partial layers or mixed case sizes.

Common Documentation Practices

• Pallet Label: Print TI × HI and total cases on the label, along with SKU and net weight.
• Packing List/ASN: Include TI-HI per pallet and per shipment, and total pallet count.
• EDI/ASN Fields: Map TI-HI to the retailer’s expected pallet dimension and layer fields to enable automated receiving checks.

Handling Exceptions And Mixed Pallets

If pallets contain mixed case sizes, record them as mixed pallets rather than forcing a single TI-HI. For partial top layers, document the number of full layers plus the fractional layer (e.g., 12 × 5 + partial). Where retailers permit, separate mixed SKUs onto different pallets to maintain simple TI-HI patterns.

Practical Receiving Checklist For Carriers And DCs

• Check Labels: Confirm TI-HI on the pallet label matches the ASN.
• Count Layers Visually: Verify HI by sight and confirm TI across a visible layer; if sealed, rely on ASN and sample checks.
• Record Exceptions: Note any deviations—overhang, nonconforming heights, or damaged cases—immediately in the receiving system.

Benefits Of Consistent TI-HI Practices

Consistent TI-HI reduces receiving time, minimizes handling errors, and helps retailers use automated systems efficiently. It also protects suppliers from chargebacks that often result from incorrect palletization or insufficient documentation.

In short, the TI-HI code should be treated as a primary communication tool between suppliers, carriers, and retail DCs: determine TI-HI using case dimensions and stacking rules, document it clearly on labels and ASNs, and handle exceptions explicitly to keep receiving fast and accurate.