Palletization / Storage
This sub process describes the requirements, recommendations and guidelines STAND has on how pallets are to be built and labelled for optimal transport and storage through the value chain.
The areas described are:
- Valid pallet types and the requirements made for these
- Placement of Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) on pallet, and stacking pattern
- Use of intermediate pallet sheets
- Requirements for plastic wrap for securing pallet through the value chain
- Product label on Distribution Unit (DU)
- Content, and which informations that should be in the bar code on the label
- Placement
- Bar code requirements for labelling with GS1-128
- Traceability options
Valid pallets
This is an animation that show what pallets are valid for distribution.
Requirements specifications can be downloaded here:
Requirements for approved EUR-pallets
Specification for reusable 1/1 plastic pallet
Specification for reusable 1/2 plastic pallet
Requirements specification for reusable 1/3 plastic pallet (from NLP)
Specification for reusable 1/4 plastic pallet
Requirements Specification reusable 1/2 wooden pallet
Requirements specification for 1/3 and 1/2 disposable cardboard pallet
Placement of Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) on pallet
It is a prerequisite for maintaining strength, that Stock Keeping Units (SKU) are placed within the edges of the pallet with a small margin.
Devices placed on or outside the edge can cause damage with subsequent reduced carrying capacity / risk of injury.
The pallet area should be utilized as best as possible with products. By following the Modular system optimal use of the pallet is ensured and reduces the risk of the load shifting during transport.
Overhang is not accepted.
Requirements for the design of the Distribution Unit (DU) and palletization
The Distribution Unit (DU) is the unit the Stock Keeping Units (SKU) is stacked on / packed in for transport to distributor.
Design of a Standard pallet (Standard pallet and Standard pallet – Low)
A Standard pallet must contain the same product (same GTIN) with a fixed number of Stock Keeping Units (SKU), in a fixed pallet pattern, with equal number of Stock Keeping Units (SKU)on each layer, and where labelling of unique product information on the Distribution Unit (DU) is possible.
The pallet structure shall contain as little excess volume of “air” as possible.
Standard pallet
Maximum pallet height must be 1200 mm incl. pallet. All pallets with total height above standard 1200mm with maximum height of 1250 mm to be agreed bilaterally between supplier and their customers.
Tolerance limit for existing products is 1249 mm.
Standard pallet – Low
Maximum pallet height shall be 600 mm incl. pallet.
Standard pallet – Low is used for low-frequency products and for products with short shelf life.
Principles for the construction of a palletpattern, central in calculation of top load weight, ref Top load labelling system.
When creating a pallet pattern, the following applies:
- A packaged Distribution Unit (DU) must be form stable and handling-friendly
- A Distribution Unit (DU) shall withstand regular transport, handling and storage through the value chain
- For single article Distribution Units (DU), all layers must contain the same number of Stock Keeping Units (SKU), and in a fixed pallet pattern
- Requirements for equal number of Stock Keeping Units (SKU) on each pallet / identical layer from pallet to pallet, with the possibility of variation between the layers
- The pallet should not have overhang
- The Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) should be placed on the pallet as it is exposed in the store
- Do not glue between pallet layers or between Stock Keeping Units (SKU) in the same pallet layer
- If a transport label or product label is attached directly to Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), the label must not overlap between 2 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), either horizontally or vertically
- All pallets with total height above standard 1200mm with maximum height of 1250 mm to be agreed bilaterally between supplier and their customers.
Types of pallet pattern
When constructing Distribution Units (DU), the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) must be placed in accordance with a given pallet pattern. These are referred to as bond stacking and column stacking. Pallets can also be built as a combination of bond stacking and column stacking.
Bond Stacking
Bond Stacking means that the units on every other layer are different, thus locking each other to a greater or lesser extent, but it reduces the compressive strength by approx. 40%.
Example of good pallet utilization and stacking with bond stacking, for good stability.
Column Stacking
Column stacking means stacking packages on top of each other without overlapping with other packages. This form of stacking gives maximum strength in terms of pressure load due to that the corners have better roll stiffness than the sides, but the stack gives poor stability without additional use of shrink wrap, strap, ribbon or similar.
Example of column stacking in the lower pallet layers, and bond stacking on the top layer. Combining the different stacking methods achieves good stack strength on the lower layers while the pallet is locked on top.
This is often a good alternative to intermediate pallet sheets.
Use of plastic to secure the pallet through the value chain
- Shrink / stretch film must not be so tight that the packages are deformed
- Shrink / stretch film must be tight around to the pallet
- No tail of plastic must hang loose
- Shrink / stretch film must not cover the fork lift openings on the pallet
- Shrink / stretch film must not be fastened around the pallet blocks
Use of intermediate pallet sheets
Intermediate pallet sheets must be minimized and used only if this is necessary to ensure quality and transportability of the pallet.
Intermediate pallet sheets are preferred if the alternative to this is intermediate cartons, “Ears” on the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) or use of corner trims.
Where intermediate pallet sheets are used, the following requirements apply:
- The pallet sheet to be used for standard euro pallet should have dimensions of 750 mm * 1150 mm, ie 50 mm less than the length and width of the current load carrier
- The pallet sheet must be of rigid cardboard or corrugated cardboard.
- The stiffness of the pallet sheet must pass the following test: If the short edge of the plate hangs 500 mm from a flat surface (eg a table), the pallet sheet must not bend down more than 50 mm, see illustration below
- No more than one intermediate pallet sheet between each layer
- The intermediate pallet sheet must not be fastened and be flat
- Only a whole intermediate pallet sheet, i.e. without holes or perforations, shall be used
- In case of questions, one is encouraged to contact the packaging supplier
See also Automated storage at distributor – greater understanding of the depalletization process
Example of intermediate pallet sheet that does not meet quality requirements. The intermediate pallet sheet is a thin paper and is not suitable for automatic warehouse systems
Example of what happens when using “thin paper” intermediate pallet sheets.
The sheet is hanging down in the robot. It blocks for sensors that check that the layer is separated from the rest of the pallet. The robot will stop, and manual error correction must be carried out before the machine can be restarted.
Example of pallet with intermediate pallet sheets, too big – hanging on outside the pallet.
Is not suitable.
Intermediate pallet sheets with holes. Is not suitable.
Endringslogg
Purpose of labelling of Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) and Distribution Unit (DU)
The purpose of a standard for labelling of Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) and Distribution Unit (DU) with subsequent electronic data interchange (EDI) is to:
- Achieve an efficient flow of products from manufacturer to consumer
- Ensure traceability through the value chain, which is important in case an event or crisis occurs which requires a recall or withdrawal of the product
The basis for this is the labelling of each Distribution Unit (DU) with a unique SSCC.
This code is the main key in the electronic Despatch Advice and is linked to information about which GTIN which the Distribution Unit (DU) consists of, the number of Stock Keeping Units (SKU) batch / lot number and shelf life information if applicable.
SSCC is the most important key for traceability of Distributions Units (DU), see Recommended way to track and trace a product in the value chain.
For that reason SSCC shall not be reused until after a minimum of 6 years.
Recommended way to track and trace a product in the value chain
Efficiency and traceability are achieved primarily through:
- Synchronization of product information between the various parts in the value chain.
The purpose is for all players to obtain correct and coherent product information about the products. Between suppliers and retail chains in the Norwegian groceries sector the EPD database is used for the registration, quality assurance and distribution of product information.
- Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) between the actors.
The purpose is to reduce manual operations and reduce lead time in the value chain. The most widely used EDI messages are order, order confirmation, Despatch Advice and invoice.
- Standardized labelling of outer packaging.
The purpose is to contribute to faster and more efficient shipping, distribution and receipt of the products. A common labelling concept for the grocery industry is used here; GS1-128.
To ensure rational product and information flow in the distribution chain, STAND recommends a uniform labelling of Stock Keeping Units (SKU) and Distribution Units (DU).
This simplifies the labelling of the manufacturer / supplier, shipment by shipper / freight forwarders and merchandise at distributor / store.
This labelling concept also applies to types of transport units other than pallets.
For fish and fish products, the following applies:
STAND has decided to refer to Norwegian Standard NS17099:2020 “Information technology — Fishery and aquaculture products — Requirements for labelling of distribution units and pallets in the trade of fishery and aquaculture products” for products that fall under this category. This standard replaces todays NS9405: 2014 “Fish and fish products. Requirements for labelling of distribution units and pallets in the trade of fish and fish products», and is valid as from 30. September 2020.
It can be ordered from Standard Norway.
Product information on Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), with example of Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) label
Only product information should be labelled on a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU).
What information to be labelled depends on the type of product.
Intermediate Cartons shall be labelled as Stock Keeping Units (SKU)
Possible product information which SHALL or CAN be labelled on a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU)
GTIN – Global Trade Item Number
Includes GTIN-8 (8 digits), GTIN-12 (12 digits), GTIN-13 (13 digits) and GTIN-14 (14 digits).
All Stock Keeping Units (SKU) must have their own GTIN.
– For variable measure Stock Keeping Units (SKU), GTIN-14 with a leading digit 9 should be used.
– For other products, GTIN-13 is recommended.
Name of brand owner
– shall be shown in plain text either on the label or on the packaging.
Product name
– Must be written in plain text on the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) product label.
– Must be based on the text in the Norwegian grocery data pool – EPD database, and consists of product name, attributes, – and product description.
– The product description labelled on the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) must be identical to the text in the Despatch Advice and Invoice.
-Product description should also contain a package description: for example, Coffee 12 x 500gr.
Batch / lot number
– A number generated by the manufacturer, used to achieve full traceability of product lot/batches in the value chain
– GS1-128 AI 10 must be used.
Shelf life information (“Best before” date, alternatively “Expiry date”)
– Must be labelled on all Stock Keeping Units which has shelf life printed on the Consumer Unit (CU)
GS1-128 AI 15 shall be used for «Best before date”
GS1-128 AI 17 shall be used for «Expiry date»
Net weight
– GS1-128 AI 3103 shall be used for variable measure Stock Keeping Units (SKU).
– Net weight means weight of product excluding packaging (the same weight that is being invoiced).
Supplier’s item number
– can be labelled in plain text.
Table showing what SHALL or CAN be labelled:
| Overview of product information that shall or may be labelled on Stock Keeping Unit (SKU): | ||||
| Information | Human readable text | GS1-128 (bar code) | AI | Format |
| GTIN for Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 01 | n2 + n14 |
| Name of brand owner | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Product name | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Batch / lot number | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 10 | n2 + an..20 |
| Shelf life | Must be labelled if shelf life is marekd on the Consumer Unit (CU) |
Must be labelled if shelf life is marekd on the Consumer Unit (CU) |
15, alternatively 17 |
n2 + n6
|
| Net weight | Must be labelled for products with variable measures |
Must be labelled for products with variable measures |
310x | n4 + n6
|
| Supplier’s item no. | Can be labelled | Not labelled | ||
Example of GS1 Product label for Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), for a product with “Best before” date and a fixed weight:
Example of GS1 Product label for Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), for a product with “Expiry date” and variable measures:
Product information on Distribution Unit (DU), with example of Distribution Unit (DU) label
The standard differs on different types of pallets depending on the content.
Only Standard pallet and Promotional Unit can provide a clear labelling of product information that applies to the entire pallet.
Standard pallet
A Distribution Unit (DU) containing the same product (same GTIN) with fixed count of Stock Keeping Units (SKU) and where labelling of unique product information on the Distribution Unit (DU) is possible.
It is recommended that a Standard pallet only contain Stock Keeping Units (SKU) with the same batch / lot number and shelf life date.
There are two different types of Standard pallet:
- Standard pallet with height 120 cm
- Standard pallet with height 60 cm (Standard Pallet – Low)
Standard pallet – Low is used for low-frequency products and for products with short shelf life.
A product can only be used on one type of Standard pallet, either 120 cm height or 60 cm height.
Standard pallet with height 120 cm
Standard pallet with height 60 cm (Standard pallet – Low)
Standard pallet shall be labelled with product and transport information.
Since product information and transportation information are usually known at different times, the practical solution is to label the device with two different labels:
- Product information label (incl. SSCC)
- Label with transport information
Product information on the GS1 product label for Standard pallet
SSCC (License Plate)
Must be labelled with GS1-128 AI 00 on the GS1 Product label on each Standard pallet in human readable text and in the bar code. The SSCC provides a unique identification of each Distribution Unit (DU). Because of traceability a SSCC shall not be reused until after a minimum of 6 years.
The bar code containing the SSCC should be the lowest bar code on the label. It is recommended to have a bar code containing only the SSCC and no other AI’s.
GTIN – Global Trade Item Number
Standard pallet must be labelled with GTIN. This can be done in the following ways:
- Primarily, GTIN for the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) should be used
- GS1-128 AI 02 must be used. The count of Stock Keeping Units (SKU) is also required on the Distribution Unit (DU) using GS1-128 AI 37
- The Distribution Unit’s (DU) own unique GTIN can also be used, using GS1-128 AI 01.
Product name
The product’s name must be written in human readable text on the Distribution Unit’s (DU) product label. Product name must be based on the text in the Norwegian grocery data pool – EPD database, and consists of product name, attributes, and product description. The product description labelled on the Distributions Unit (DU) must correspond to the text in the Despatch Advice and the invoice.
Batch / lot number.
GS1-128 AI 10 is generated by the manufacturer and used to track the product back to specific production series.
If all Stock Keeping Units (SKU) on the pallet have the same batch / lot number, this is indicated on the label in human readable text and bar code. If the pallet contains Stock Keeping Units (SKU) with different batch / lot numbers, batch / lot number is omitted on the label. However, all unique batch / lot numbers must be stated in the electronic Despatch Advice.
Shelf life information
GS1-128 AI 15 should be labelled on all Distribution Units (DU) that contain Consumer Unit (CU) with “Best before date” printed on them.
Alternatively, the expiration date (GS1-128 AI 17) may be used for shelf life marking.
Net weight (in grams)
GS1-128 AI 3103 shall be used for variable measure products. Net weight means weight of product excluding packaging (the same weight that is being invoiced).
Gross weight (in whole kg)
Shall be labelled in human readable text on each Distribution Unit (DU). Gross weight means weight of products, packaging and pallet (load carrier).
Max. top load (in whole kg)
Must be labelled in human readable text.
Distribution Units (DU) that can not be stacked (in transport or storing) are marked with: Cannot be stacked (Kan ikke stables).
Temperature requirements
shall be labelled in human readable text if the product has a temperature requirement.
Product labelling on Standard pallet
| Overview of product information that shall or may be labelled on Standard pallet: | ||||
| Information | Human readable text | GS1-128 (bar code) | AI | Format |
| SSCC (License Plate)1) | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 00 | n2 + n18 |
| GTIN for the Distribution Unit (DU)2) | Can be labelled | Can be labelled | 01 | n2 + n14 |
| GTIN for the contained Stock Keeping Units (SKU) | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 02 | n2 + n14 |
| Count of Stock Keeping Units (SKU) on the DU | Must be marked except when DU is defined as an SKU | Must be marked except when DU is defined as an SKU | 37 | n2 + n..8 |
| Product name | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Batch / lot number3) | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 10 | n2 + an..20 |
| Best before date4) | Must be labelled if Consumer Unit (CU) has printed best before date | Must be labelled if Consumer Unit (CU) has printed best before date | 15 | n2 + n6 |
| Net weight | Must be labelled for products of variable measure | Must be labelled for products of variable measure | 3103 | n4 + n6 |
| Gross weight | Must be labelled | Can be labelled | 3300 | n4 + n6 |
| Max. top load | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Temperature requirements | Must be labelled if the product has temperature requirements | Not labelled | ||
| 1) SSCC shall be indicated on the product label but permitted on both labels provided that the same number is used. 2) Can be used in a case for a transitional period. 3) If Batch / Lot No. is omitted on the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), or it is different Batch / Lot No. on the Stock Keeping Units (SKU) this should not be labelled on the Distribution Unit (DU). 4) Alternatively, the expiration date (GS1-128 AI 17) may be used for shelf life marking. |
||||
Example on the GS1 product label for Standard pallet
Promotional Unit
A Unit defined as a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) containing a fixed number of Consumer Unit (CU), intended for display in stores.
Promotional Unit can be 1/1 pallet, 1/2 pallet or 1/3 pallet.
Each Promotional Unit has its own load carrier.
Promotional Unit consisting of 1/2 pallet or 1/3 pallet are placed on a slave pallet. This constitutes a transport unit.
If slave pallet is omitted, this must be agreed bilaterally. For example, for 1/2 pallets with good stability, they can be tied together and exclude the slave pallet. This allows for better use of the pallet by increasing the Promotional Unit, thus allowing more items on the pallet.
Promotional Units are labelled with two levels of SSCC:
- At the lowest level is labelled with Product label for Promotional Unit as a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) with the addition of SSCC. The product label is labelled on each Promotional Unit.
- The whole Promotional Unit is labelled with Standard shipping label for the groceries sector. If the Promotional Unit is a 1/1 pallet, this is labelled as a Standard pallet.
Labelling of Promotional Units provides increased traceability in the value chain
Product information on the GS1 product label for Promotional Unit
SSCC (License Plate)
Must be labelled with GS1-128 AI 00 on the GS1 Product label on each Promotional Unit in human readable text and in the bar code. The SSCC provides a unique identification of each Distribution Unit (DU). Because of traceability a SSCC shall not be reused until after a minimum of 6 years.
The bar code containing the SSCC should be the lowest bar code on the label. It is recommended to have a bar code containing only the SSCC and no other AI’s.
GTIN – Global Trade Item Number
Promotional Unit must be labelled with GTIN. This can be done in the following ways:
- Primarily, GTIN for the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) should be used
- GS1-128 AI 01 must be used
Product name
The product’s name must be written in human readable text on the Distribution Unit’s (DU) product label. Product name must be based on the text in the Norwegian grocery data pool – EPD database, and consists of product name, attributes, and product description. The product description labelled on the Distributions Unit (DU) must correspond to the text in the Despatch Advice and the invoice.
Batch / lot number
GS1-128 AI 10 is generated by the manufacturer and used to track the product back to specific production series.
If all Stock Keeping Units (SKU) on the Distribution Unit (DU) have the same batch / lot number, this is indicated on the label in plain text and bar code. If the Distribution Unit (DU) contains Stock Keeping Units (SKU) with different batch / lot numbers, batch / lot number is omitted on the label. However, all unique batch / lot numbers must be stated in the electronic Despatch Advice.
Shelf life information
GS1-128 AI 15 should be labelled on all Distribution Units (DU) that contain Consumer Unit (CU) with “Best before date” printed on them.
Consumer Unit (CU). Alternatively, the expiration date (GS1-128 AI 17) may be used for shelf life marking.
Net weight (in grams)
GS1-128 AI 3103 shall be used for variable measure Stock Keeping Units (SKU). Net weight means weight of product excluding packaging (the same weight that is being invoiced).
Gross weight (in whole kg)
shall be labelled in human readable text on each Distribution Unit (DU). Gross weight means weight of products, packaging and pallet (load carrier).
Max. top load (in whole kg)
must be labelled in human readable text.
Distribution Units (DU) that can not be stacked (in transport or storing) are marked with: Cannot be stacked.
Temperature requirements
shall be labelled in human readable text if the product has a temperature requirement.
Product labelling on Promotional Unit
| Overview of labelling of product information that may or may not be labelled on Promotional Unit: | ||||
| Information | Human readable text | GS1-128 (bar code) | AI | Format |
| SSCC (License Plate) | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 00 | n2 + n18 |
| GTIN for Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 01 | n2 + n14 |
| Product name | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Batch / lot number1) | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 10 | n2 + an..20 |
| Best before date2) | Must be labelled if Consumer Unit (CU) has printed best before date | Must be labelled if Consumer Unit (CU) has printed best before date | 15 | n2 + n6 |
| Temperature requirements | Must be labelled if the product has temperature requirements | Not labelled | ||
| Supplier’s item number | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| 1) If Batch / Lot No. is omitted on the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), or it is different Batch / Lot No. on the Stock Keeping Units (SKU) this should not be labelled on the Distribution Unit (DU). 2) Alternatively, the expiration date (GS1-128 AI 17) may be used for shelf life marking. |
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Example of Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) label with SSCC for Promotional Unit
Units where product information can not be entered on their own label
Mixed pallet
Two variants of Mixed pallets are described; with and without intermediate pallet.
On Mixed pallet it is not possible to enter product information on its own label.
Mixed pallet without intermediate pallet:
Pallet consisting of several different products.
Mixed pallet with intermediate pallet:
Pallet consisting of several different products, where each product is stacked in one or more layers, and where each different product is separated by an intermediate pallet.
The choice of type of mixed pallet depends, among other things, on handling costs, transport / environmental costs and storage technology and must be agreed bilaterally between the parties.
Packaging and stability of the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) must be considered when choosing type of a Mixed pallet.
If intermediate pallet(s) are used, it shall always be ordered the amount of Stock Keeping Units (SKU) to complete a layer.
Mixed pallet (both with and without intermediate pallet) is labelled with Standard shipping label for Norwegian grocery sector.
Customer packed pallet
When a supplier assembles products for delivery to the final recipient, the products are packaged and labelled with SSCC at two packaging levels.
Customer packed units are labelled for delivery to the end-user and the Distribution Unit (DU) is labelled for delivery to the transit warehouse.
On Customer packed units it is not possible to enter product information on the Distribution Unit (DU) label.
A customer-packed pallet can be Customer packed unit – multiple route, multiple customers, Customer packed unit – single route, multiple customers, or Customer packed unit – single customer.
- Customer packed unit – multiple route, multiple customers is a unit of products for two or more end recipients that will be split in transit storage.
- Customer packed unit – single route, multiple customer is a unit of products for two or more end recipients on the same route or transport.
- Customer packed unit – single customer is a unit of products that are intended for only one end recipient.
This Customer packed units does not need to have its own load carrier and is being loaded on a standardized transport unit (for example, an EUR pallet).
Customer packed unit – multiple route, multiple customers and Customer packed unit – single route, multiple customer is stacked in columns per. end receiver.
Customer packed unit – multiple route, multiple customers is split after products receipt in the transit warehouse, and the individual Customer packed unit is forwarded to the final recipient. A prerequisite is that all Customer packed units located on one Distribution Unit (DU) are destined for the same transit warehouse.
Transport information on pallet with example of transport label
Content of the Standard shipping label for the Norwegian grocery sector.
| Overview of labelling of Standard shipping label: | ||||
| Information | Human readable text | GS1-128 (bar code) | AI | Format |
| Sender’s name, street address, postal code, city | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Recipient’s name, street address, postal code, city | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Name, address, etc. for the Crossdocking terminal | Must be labelled when the delivery is via the Crossdocking terminal | Not labelled | ||
| Buyer’s reference | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Gross weight | Must be labelled | Can be labelled | 3300 | n4 + n6 |
| Max. Top load1) | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Temperature requirements | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| SSCC (License Plate) | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 00 | n2 + n18 |
| 1) Max Top load is omitted for Mixed pallet. | ||||
Example of Standard shipping label for the grocery industry
Transport label for Standard pallet
Standard pallet is labelled with Standard shipping label for the grocery industry
A GS1 product label on a Standard pallet requires labeling of SSCC, gross weight, top load weight and temperature requirements.
This information can therefore be omitted from Standard shipping label for the grocery industry.
If both product label and transport label are used, SSCC can be labelled on both labels provided that the identical number is used.
Transport label for Promotional Unit
The Distribution Unit (DU) containing one or more Promotional Units is labelled with Standard shipping label for the grocery industry.
The Distribution Unit (DU) is identified and labelled with its own SSCC
If the Promotional Unit a 1/1 pallet, the same labelling of transport label as for Standard pallet is used.
Transport label for Mixed pallet
Mixed pallet (both with and without interlayer pallet) is labelled with Standard shipping label for the Norwegian grocery industry.
If the Mixed pallet is not stackable, information on Top load is omitted.
Transport label for Customer packed pallets
The Customer packed pallet is labelled with Standard shipping label for the grocery industry.
Note in particular:
Recipient’s name, address, etc.
As recipient transit warehouse is given and transit address is given as delivery address. The pallet must be labelled with the transit warehouse’s name, street address, postal code and postal address in human readable text.
Name, address, etc. for the distribution warehouse.
The via-field the distribution warehouse is given. The pallet must be labelled with the distributions warehouse’s name, street address, postal code and postal address in human readable text.
Transport label for Customer packed units
Transport Information.
On this label, a separate field has been created for transport information. This is information that the buyer sends to the supplier in his order and which the supplier must put on the Customer packed unit’s transport label.
Format and content of transport information is agreed between the parties.
Content in transport label for customer packed unit
| Transport label for customer packed unit: | ||||
| Information | Human readable text | GS1-128 (bar code) | AI | Format |
| Sender’s name, street address, postal code, city | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| End recipients’s name, street address, postal code, city | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Name, address, etc. for the transit warehouse1) | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Transport information2) | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Buyer’s reference3) | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| Gross weight4) | Must be labelled | Can be labelled | 3300 | n4 + n6 |
| Temperature requirements | Must be labelled | Not labelled | ||
| SSCC Code (licence plate) | Must be labelled | Must be labelled | 00 | n2 + n18 |
| 1) Transit Warehouse where the pallet is split/cross-docked, is stated in the VIA-field | ||||
| 2) Transport information is agreed between the parties | ||||
| 3) Example The Customers Ordering Number | ||||
| 4) Gross weight is the sum of weight of the products, packaging materials and pallet (load carrier) | ||||
Example of shipping label for Customer packed unit
Guidelines for labels on Distribution Units (DU)
Placement of labels on pallet
Two types of labels shall be used; label for product information and label for transport information.
- The minimum requirement is that the pallet should be labelled on two sides with both label types; one of the short sides of the pallet and the right hand long side (seen from the short side).
- Product and transport label must be on the same side of the pallet.
- When multiple labels are used on the same side of the pallet, the labels should be placed underneath each other. The label that contains SSCC placed at the bottom.
- The labels should be placed so that the bottom of the lowest bar code should be at least 400 mm above the floor, and the top of the uppermost bar code should not be more than 800 mm above the floor.
- The label should be placed at least 50 mm from the vertical edge.
- For pallets lower than 400 mm the labels should be placed as high as possible.
- If all information is known at the time the pallet is labelled and there is space on the label, all information can be labelled on one single label.
- To ensure automatic reading of the bar codes Promotional Units, Customer packed pallet and Mixed pallet should only the transport label on the transport unit be readable
- Product label on Standard pallet with height 60 cm (Standard pallet – Low) should be placed as high as possible.
Identical information
Same information (GS1-128 AI) shall only appear once on the product and transport label.
This means in practice that the same information can not be repeated on the same label or that the same information may appear on multiple labels on the device (pallet).
The exception is SSCC which is allowed on both labels if it is an identical number used.
Size and design of the labels
The following recommendation applies:
- The width of the label should be 105 mm or 148 mm
- The height of the label may vary
Recommended formats are:
- A5 (148mm x 210mm)
- A6 (105mm x 148mm)
- 105 mm x 192 mm
Quality of labels
- It is a prerequisite that the labels are readable throughout the value chain for the entire life span of the unit
- It is a requirement that the quality of GS1-128 bar codes minimum meets print quality with “Grade C” according to Standard ISO / IEC 15416.
To achieve “Grade C” when reading, “Grade B” or better by printing is recommended - When affixing the labels, it is important to ensure that the bars in the GS1-128 symbol are correct and unbroken (avoid “wrinkling” on the label).
Bar code requirements for labelling with GS1-128 on Distribution Units (DU)
Bar code label with GS1-128 bar codes shall be done according to GS1 General Specifications Chapter 5.4.
Note in particular:
- Size factor is in the range of 50 to 94% of nominal size.
- The minimum bar code height is 32 mm.
- When labelling GTIN (AI 01 and AI 02) always use 14 digits.
When GTIN has 13 digits, you must enter a leading 0 (ex. 07038010000065). - For bar code labelling with GS1-128, a separator, called Function Code 1 (FNC1), is used between the individual information elements (AI’s).
This applies except for the AI’s that have predefined fixed length.
The following AI’s in this document have predefined length AI 00, AI 01, AI 02, AI 15. - It is recommended to have the AI’s to be followed by FNC1 at the end of the bar code, as the FNC1 code may be omitted.
- It is important to the requirements for quiet zone (margins) to be adhered to.
At size factor 50%, the right and left quiet zone margin is 5 mm, and at the size factor 94% the quiet zone margins are 9.4 mm.
