SSCC & Pallet Labels: Case-Level Supply Chain Tracking

SSCC & Pallet Labels: Case-Level Supply Chain Tracking

The Serial Shipping Container Code (GS1 identifier for pallets and shipping containers." data-category="GS1 Standards & Identifiers">SSCC) is an 18-digit GS1 identifier for logistics units such as pallets, cases, and containers. Encoded in GS1-128 barcodes on shipping labels, SSCCs enable tracking of goods from warehouse to delivery dock.

SSCC Structure

Extension | GS1 Company Prefix | Serial Reference | Check Digit
(1 digit) | (variable)         | (variable)       | (1 digit)

Total: 18 digits, always encoded with AI (00)

The extension digit (0-9) is assigned by the company. The serial reference must be unique for each logistics unit. Together with the company prefix, this guarantees global uniqueness.

GS1-128 Shipping Label Layout

The standard GS1 logistics label has three sections (top to bottom):

1. Free-format section: Ship-to address, carrier information, routing codes (human-readable)
2. Barcode section: GS1-128 barcodes encoding SSCC and optionally GTIN, quantity, weight, dates
3. Human-readable section: All encoded data printed in text with AIs in parentheses

The label is typically 100mm x 150mm (4" x 6"), printed on thermal transfer stock.

Common Data Elements on Pallet Labels

Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)

The SSCC links the physical label to an electronic Advanced Shipping Notice (EDI 856). Before the shipment arrives, the sender transmits an ASN containing:

• SSCC for each logistics unit
• Contents (GTINs, quantities)
• Ship-from and ship-to locations (GLNs)
• Carrier and tracking information

When the receiving warehouse scans the SSCC barcode, the WMS matches it against the ASN to verify the shipment contents, eliminating the need to open and count each case.

Scan-Based Receiving

The ASN + SSCC combination enables scan-based receiving:

1. Shipment arrives at the dock
2. Operator scans the SSCC barcode on each pallet
3. WMS matches SSCC to ASN line items
4. System automatically logs receipt of all items on that pallet
5. Discrepancies trigger exception handling

This reduces receiving time from hours to minutes and virtually eliminates counting errors.

Implementation Steps

1. Obtain a GS1 Company Prefix (if not already registered)
2. Design your serial reference scheme (sequential, random, or date-based)
3. Generate labels using GS1-128 encoding with correct AI formatting
4. Test label quality with a barcode verifier (minimum grade C)
5. Integrate with EDI for ASN generation
6. Coordinate with trading partners to ensure SSCC scanning is supported at their receiving docks

Label Placement

Apply labels on two adjacent sides of the pallet (front and one side) at a height of 400-800mm from the ground. This ensures at least one label is scannable regardless of pallet orientation in the truck.