eCommDirect Explained: Buying Commissary Items for Your Loved One at Allred Unit

At Allred, eCommDirect isn't just one option among many - it's the only one. TDCJ doesn't accept other online "package" services, so orders from those platforms won't go through. Starting with eCommDirect saves you from wasting time and money on something the unit will reject.

eCommDirect orders at Allred follow quarterly spending limits tied to specific months. January–March caps at $70. April–June is also $70. July–September stays at $70. The exception is October–December, when the limit jumps to $95 - that's the Holiday Spend quarter. This means you can't treat eCommDirect like an unlimited cart. You're working within a cap, so plan ahead. If your loved one needs certain basics or comfort items, time your orders so you don't hit the limit too early. Want to stretch your budget? The October–December window gives you the most room. Many families save bigger restock orders for that quarter.

Allred allows only one eCommDirect purchase per inmate per day. This trips people up when multiple family members try to help at once - one person orders in the morning, someone else tries that afternoon, and the second order gets blocked. If several people want to contribute, coordinate beforehand. Combine what you can into a single order for the day, then wait until tomorrow for the next one.

eCommDirect is for approved friends and family only. At Allred, there are two ways to qualify. Your loved one can add you to their Approved Visitation List. Or you can contact Securus and register your phone to get on the Approved Phone List. You don't need to be on both - either one makes you an approved sender for eCommDirect purchases.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Make sure eCommDirect is the program you’re using - it’s the only acceptable online package program for TDCJ inmates at Allred.
• ✓ Plan around the quarterly caps: $70 for January–March, $70 for April–June, and $70 for July–September.
• ✓ Use the higher Holiday Spend quarter to your advantage: October–December allows up to $95.
• ✓ Coordinate with other family and friends before ordering, because only one eCommDirect purchase per inmate may be completed per day.
• ✓ Confirm you’re an approved sender before you try to buy: either have your loved one add you to their Approved Visitation List or register your phone with Securus to be placed on the Approved Phone List.