GS1 labels for warehouses and pallets: SSCC and GS1-128
GS1 logistics labels for warehouses and pallets: what SSCC is, how data is encoded in GS1-128, label layout, where it goes on the pallet, which printer to choose and the link to a WMS.
The GS1 logistics label is the common language between supplier, carrier, warehouse and shop. When a pallet arrives at goods-in, the warehouse wants to learn from a single scan what is on it, who sent it and which order it belongs to. This is what the SSCC and the GS1-128 barcode are for. Printing equipment is on the label printers page.
1. What an SSCC is
The SSCC is the unique serial number of a logistic unit: a pallet, a shipping carton, a container. It has 18 digits: an extension digit, the GS1 company prefix, a serial reference you assign and a check digit. The prefix is issued by the national GS1 organisation.
The main rule: one SSCC identifies one logistic unit and is never reused. If a pallet is broken down and new pallets are built, each one gets a new SSCC.
2. GS1-128 and application identifiers
GS1-128 is the linear barcode that carries logistics data. Each piece of information is preceded by an application identifier (AI), a short number that says what follows. Under the code the identifiers are printed in brackets so that people can read the data as well; the brackets themselves are not encoded.
| Identifier | What it contains | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| (00) | SSCC, the logistic unit number | On every logistics label |
| (02) and (37) | GTIN of the products on the pallet and their count | Pallets with a single product |
| (10) | Batch or lot number | Products traced by batch |
| (15) or (17) | Best before date or expiry date | Food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals |
| (310n) | Net weight in kilograms | Variable weight products |
When there is a lot of data it does not fit into one code, so the label usually carries two or three GS1-128 codes one below the other. Which data, besides the SSCC, is mandatory is agreed with the partner: the retail chain, the distributor or the logistics operator.
3. Label layout
A GS1 logistics label usually has three sections, from top to bottom:
Free section
Name and address of the sender and the recipient, logo, transport information.
Text section
The same data as in the codes, but in readable form with clear titles: SSCC, product, quantity, batch, date.
Barcode section
GS1-128 codes with the logistics data. The SSCC code is usually placed at the very bottom.
The usual size is around A6, close to the 4x6 inch shipping label; for a lot of data, larger labels are chosen. Check the exact format in the GS1 guideline and with the partner.
4. Where the label goes on the pallet
The general rule: at least two identical labels on two adjacent sides of the pallet, so that the forklift driver finds a code whichever way the pallet is turned. Also important:
- Height and edge distance: the code sits where a scanner reaches comfortably, not at floor level and not folded round a corner
- Stretch film: the label goes on top of the film, or its area is left uncovered, so the film does not reflect light or wrinkle the code
- Surface: flat, clean, with no tape over the code
The exact values are in the GS1 guideline, or in the partner's requirements if they are stricter.
5. How to print: method, material, resolution
A pallet may stay in the warehouse for weeks or months, sometimes in the cold or in damp conditions. That is why pallet labels are often printed by thermal transfer with a wax or wax-resin ribbon. Direct thermal is acceptable for short cycles, when the pallet leaves the same day and does not stand in the sun. The differences are explained in direct thermal or thermal transfer.
A resolution of 203 dpi is usually enough for GS1-128 codes on pallet labels; 300 dpi is chosen for denser codes or smaller labels, see 300 or 600 dpi. Check code quality regularly: a code that reads fine on your side may be rejected at the partner's goods-in if the bars are too thin or the print has faded.
6. Which printer to choose
A label 4 inches wide needs a 4-inch class printer; the exact print width depends on the model. Options:
| Scenario | Printer type | Example lines |
|---|---|---|
| A few pallets a day, one dispatch station | Desktop, thermal transfer | Zebra ZD421, TSC TE and TC |
| Continuous dispatch, several shifts | Industrial | Zebra ZT231, ZT411, ZT610; TSC MB, MH; CAB SQUIX |
| Automated palletising line | Print and apply system | CAB Hermes, Zebra print engines |
| Labelling next to the pallet | Mobile | Zebra ZQ, TSC Alpha, in 4-inch versions |
Details on the Zebra, TSC and CAB pages, and for printing next to the pallet read mobile printing in the warehouse and on delivery.
7. The link to a WMS
When a pallet is built, the warehouse management system generates the SSCC, records which products, batches and quantities are on the pallet and sends the label to the printer. At goods-in, a single scan of the SSCC confirms the whole content without counting item by item, especially if the supplier sends an electronic dispatch advice in advance. For warehouse management with pallets and SSCC codes see wms.md. Scanners for goods-in are on scanere.md, and terminals with a screen on terminale-mobile.md.
Do not generate SSCCs by hand or in a spreadsheet. Duplicates appear quickly, and a repeated SSCC at the partner means a pallet that cannot be received automatically.
How to proceed
1. Find out the partner's requirements
What data is required, in what format, and whether a dispatch advice is needed.
2. Obtain a GS1 prefix
Without a company prefix there are no valid SSCCs or GTINs.
3. Configure the system
The WMS or ERP generates the SSCC and the label template with all sections.
4. Choose the printer and consumables
Pick the class by volume and test reading at the partner.
Industry solutions: warehouse, logistics and manufacturing. For an offer, write to us with how many pallets you label a day and what your partners require.
