Logistics Label Pallet or Packaging

The Logistics label is a standard container to be affixed to a logistic unit (pallet or packaging). It contains all the information needed to identify the logistic unit worldwide, in particular the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) and other data such as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), lot number or best before date.

A logistics label can be printed on a large range of formats and sizes. The size of the label depends on the type of logistic unit and the amount of data that needs to be displayed. The basic layout of the logistics label is a box divided in three sections: the top section contains free text or graphics such as the name and address of the sender and receiver, the manufacturer logo and additional information such as manual handling instructions. The middle section contains non-HRI text reflecting the data encoded in the barcode(s) using data titles rather than AIs and, if necessary, additional information not represented in the barcode(s) (preferably in plain text). The bottom section is a barcode symbology, typically one of the standard barcodes used by GS1: the SSCC or the GTIN.

If the GS1 company prefix of the company that allocates the SSCC is different from the GS1 company prefix of the logistic unit, this information should be included as free text. Also if the logistic unit is being shipped to a destination that uses another transport mode than road or air, the ultimate consignee location should be included. This information is often provided in the Transport Instruction segment of the GS1 label.

In order to guarantee the integrity of a shipment and to allow for easy tracking throughout the supply chain it is important that the logistic units are identified with the correct GS1 identifiers. This can be achieved by including the GS1 Company Prefix of the logistic unit in the GS1 Identifier in AI field (413) SHIP FOR LOCATION. The GS1 Company Prefix is usually that of the logistic unit's shipper and can be found in the GS1 Identifier Database.

The GS1 Logistics Label Tool was created specifically to make it easy for businesses to create a GS1 Logistics Label for traded and transport units (pallets) with a GS1 SSCC and GS1 barcode. To use the GS1 Logistics Label Tool you simply enter the SSCC and GTIN of your trade item in the online form. You can then print the GS1 barcode or the SSCC and GTIN in the GS1 Identifier in text format (for printing on labels). The GS1 SSCC is a 12-digit number that uniquely identifies a logistic unit worldwide, and it consists of the GS1 Global Trade Item Number (2 digits) and the piece number and total piece count (2 digits). It must be allocated by a company that owns or controls the GS1 identifier. This can be a company in the same group as the logistic unit creator or it can be a separate company, such as a logistic service provider.