The Role of Handling Units in Modern Distribution
Introduction
In the world of logistics, the handling unit (HU) is the backbone of every shipment. A handling unit represents the physical container that a driver or warehouse worker actually moves — a box, tote, crate, or pallet that can be lifted, scanned, and tracked as one complete piece. It’s the bridge between the digital manifest and the physical freight.
By standardizing handling units, the regulated cannabis sector is finally stepping into the same operational rhythm as mainstream Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight and large-scale distribution networks. In those environments, every parcel or pallet is treated as a traceable, uniquely labeled unit, ensuring consistency from pickup to delivery. A 4×6 shipping label with a scannable code is the universal language of logistics — and adopting it creates a common framework that drivers, dispatchers, and compliance teams can all read fluently.
Standardized handling units mean:
Clearer accountability — each HU has its own ID, label, and traceable record.
Faster loading and unloading — every container can be scanned and sorted in seconds.
Fewer losses or mix-ups — each HU moves as one controlled piece.
Seamless alignment with commercial carriers and regulatory expectations.
Understanding and managing handling units isn’t just an administrative detail — it’s the foundation of reliable transport and compliant distribution. In this system, line items define what’s being shipped, but handling units define how it physically moves. Recognizing the difference allows teams to design efficient workflows, prevent errors, and maintain full chain-of-custody from the production floor to the retail counter.
Mello Analytics – Shipping & Handling SOP
Line Items, Handling Units, and Labeling Procedures
1. Purpose
To establish standardized procedures for preparing, labeling, and shipping outbound orders using Moth Transport’s Mello Analytics platform.
This SOP defines the relationship between line items and handling units (HUs) to ensure full compliance, accurate tracking, and smooth transport operations.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all Pure Derivatives staff responsible for:
Order entry and manifest creation in Mello Analytics
Product packaging and labeling for transport
Verification and documentation before pickup
3. Required Equipment
Thermal Label Printer
Model: Zebra ZD420 (recommended)
Two cables: power cord and USB to computer
Label size: 4×6 inches (required by Mello Analytics)
Install Zebra Setup Utilities to ensure proper driver and print alignment
Workstation Setup
Dedicated computer for Mello Analytics and label printing
Confirm USB connection, stable internet, and printer recognition
4. Accessing Mello Analytics
Obtain registration from Moth Transport (company email required).
Bookmark the login link for quick access.
Once logged in, navigate to Orders → New Order.
Enter all required fields before saving, including:
Receiving license name and number
Destination address, email, and phone
Product descriptions and quantities
Handling Unit count
5. Understanding Line Items vs. Handling Units
Line Item
A line item represents a unique product entry on the manifest, defined by SKU, batch, or package ID.
Each line item is a record of digital accountability, containing:
Product name and ID
Weight and quantity
THC/CBD potency
Origin and package data
These line items are what appear in BioTrack or METRC for regulatory tracking.
Handling Unit (HU)
A handling unit is the physical container used to transport one or more line items — such as a box, tote, or crate.
Each HU is a physical logistics unit, meaning it’s what the driver actually picks up, moves, scans, and delivers.
Every HU must have a 4×6 Mello Analytics shipping label (QR/barcode) linking it directly to its manifest data and contents.
6. Relationship Between Line Items and Handling Units
There’s no fixed ratio between line items and HUs — it depends on how orders are packed.
Key Principle:
Line items drive compliance (digital record).
Handling units drive logistics (physical movement).
Mello Analytics connects the two to maintain alignment between what’s listed on paper and what’s shipped in reality.
7. How Mello Analytics Links Them
Manifest Level – Digital Layer
Lists every line item (SKU, batch, weight, count).
Forms the state compliance record in BioTrack.
Handling Unit Level – Physical Layer
Each HU is assigned a Mello-generated 4×6 label.
The label links the container to its manifest and line items.
Scanning in Mello records the HU → Manifest → Line Item relationship.
Example:
Manifest #MT-2025-1832 has 8 line items.
Two handling units (HU-001, HU-002) are used.
HU-001 contains lines 1–4; HU-002 contains lines 5–8.
Each HU is labeled, scanned, and verified during pickup and delivery.
This system ensures compliance records always match physical shipment details.
8. Printing Labels
After creating the order in Mello Analytics, select Print Label for each HU.
Load 4×6 thermal labels into the Zebra ZD420 printer.
Ensure labels print in portrait (vertical) orientation.
Apply labels on the short (width) side of each box or tote.
All labels must face the same direction for quick scanning.
Tip: Add container details (e.g., “HU-01 – Rosin – 3.5g Pack”) on each label for clarity.
9. Required Documentation
Each handling unit must include the following on top of the box, inside a clear packing-slip envelope:
Transport Manifest (BioTrack)
Invoice (BioTrack)
Chain of Custody Form (generated by Mello Analytics)
All documents must be clean, legible, and accessible for driver verification.
10. Troubleshooting & Pre-Check
Before building or printing an order:
Verify license number and destination contact details.
Ensure SKU and weights match the BioTrack manifest.
Confirm printer connection and correct label orientation.
Common Issues:
ProblemSolutionPrinter not recognizedReinstall Zebra driver using Setup UtilitiesLabel size mismatchSet printer preferences to 4×6 formatOrder won’t saveMissing license, address, or contact info
11. Verification Before Pickup
Confirm total line items and handling units match.
Verify all labels are visible, scannable, and facing outward.
Ensure documentation is attached in a clear envelope on top.
Sign and date the packing checklist for each shipment.
12. Revision & Training
Any updates to Mello Analytics, hardware, or labeling requirements will trigger an SOP revision.
All staff involved in shipping must complete retraining after each update.
13. Key Takeaway
Line items ensure digital compliance.
Handling units ensure physical control.
Together, through Mello Analytics, they create a verifiable chain of custody — from your facility to the customer — built for accuracy, efficiency, and trust.
