Demystify the SSCC label: Learn what Serial Shipping Container Codes are and why they're vital for efficient shipping and streamlining supply chain operations.
Every shipment matters, and even minor tracking errors can lead to delays, lost packages, and extra costs. Fortunately, the SSCC label (Serial Shipping Container Code) keeps shipments organized and traceable. It’s a digital passport for logistics that ensures accurate tracking and prevention of costly mistakes before they happen.
In this guide, we’ll explain what an SSCC barcode label is, how it works, and its benefits. You'll also learn to create your own SSCC code and how to integrate it with your EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) system for better logistics management.
What Is an SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) Label?
An SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is a unique identifier for tracking shipping containers or logistics units. It’s an essential part of the SSCC GS1 system, a globally recognized standard that ensures smooth supply chain operations and allows businesses to monitor freight movement from the point of origin to the final destination. Its barcode format makes it easy to scan and process at various checkpoints.
Each SSCC number is assigned to a single shipment and must never be reused. Reusing SSCCs can cause tracking errors, misrouted shipments, and confusion in warehouse systems. Keeping each shipment’s SSCC unique helps maintain accurate and reliable shipping records.
How Do SSCC Labels Work?
SSCC labels play an important role in logistics. They contain essential shipment details in a standardized SSCC format for seamless communication between supply chain partners. Each SSCC label includes:
A machine-readable barcode: The barcode allows automated systems to scan and retrieve shipment data quickly.
A human-readable SSCC number: This number lets logistics personnel manually verify shipment information if needed.
Other essential information: The label may include sender and recipient details, shipping date, and additional reference numbers to aid tracking.
Understanding the Structure of an SSCC Label
The SSCC-18 barcode consists of multiple elements that ensure its uniqueness and functionality. Here’s an example of an SSCC Label:
(00) 1 123456789012345678
Application Identifier (AI): The (00) at the beginning designates this number as an SSCC.
Extension Digit:The single 1 provides additional numbering capacity, allowing companies to generate more unique SSCCs within the same GS1 Company Prefix and Serial Reference.
GS1 Company Prefix: The 123456 identifies the company, as assigned by GS1, the global organization that sets barcode standards for supply chain operations.
Serial Reference: The 78901234567 is a unique number selected by the company to differentiate each SSCC.
Check Digit:The final 8 is a check digit, calculated using the GS1 Modulo 10 algorithm to verify the SSCC’s accuracy. It ensures that the code is correctly structured and prevents errors during scanning or data entry.
Benefits of SSCC Barcodes
Using SSCC labels has several advantages in supply chain management. They allow for:
Increased supply chain traceability by enabling real-time tracking of shipments across global supply chains.
Better inventory management efficiency, which reduces errors in stock levels and improves inventory accuracy.
Enhanced logistics and streamlined operations because they speed up processing times at warehouses, shipping docks, and distribution centers.
Stronger supply chain partner collaboration by providing a standardized way to share shipment data with partners and customers.
Enhanced compliance with standards and regulations because they ensure adherence to GS1 standards, reducing compliance risks.
How to Create Your Own SSCC Labels
Creating an SSCC barcode label is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Register with GS1: To generate an SSCC, you first need a GS1 Company Prefix. You can apply for the prefix on GS1 website.
Generate a unique serial reference: Each shipment must have a different serial reference number. This ensures that every SSCC is unique and doesn’t repeat. The serial reference can be a sequential number or follow a specific pattern your company uses for tracking shipments.
Use barcode generation software: Once you have your GS1 Company Prefix and serial reference, you need to format them correctly to create an SSCC barcode. Many software tools, like Orderful, allow you to input these details and generate a GS1-compliant SSCC format. Label-printing software can also help automate this process.
Print the SSCC label: After generating the barcode, print it on a high-quality label. The label must be clear, scannable, and durable to remain readable throughout shipping. Make sure the barcode size and layout comply with GS1 label formatting rules.
Attach the SSCC label to your shipment: Finally, place the label in a visible and accessible location on your shipping container or pallet. Proper placement ensures logistics personnel can quickly scan and process your shipment at checkpoints.
Following these steps ensures that your SSCC barcode labels are correctly formatted, easy to scan, and compliant with industry standards.
SSCC Labels and EDI
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a technology that allows businesses to exchange shipment information digitally. When combined with SSCC labels, EDI significantly improves supply chain efficiency by automating data sharing and reducing the risk of manual errors.
Here’s how EDI and SSCC labels work together to optimize logistics:
Automated data exchange: Instead of relying on paper-based tracking, EDI electronically transmits shipment details, including SSCC information, to supply chain partners. This way, all stakeholders have up-to-date data on shipments.
Advanced shipping notices (ASNs):An ASN is an electronic document that provides detailed shipment information before goods arrive at their destination. By including SSCC numbers in ASNs, businesses enable their partners to anticipate deliveries efficiently, prepare for unloading, and update inventory records.
Enhanced shipment visibility: When an SSCC label is scanned, EDI systems instantly update shipment statuses, allowing businesses to track freight movements in real-time. This transparency helps prevent delays, improve coordination, and ensure smoother logistics operations.
Improved accuracy and compliance: EDI minimizes human errors in data entry and ensures compliance with GS1 standards. This is particularly important for industries with strict regulations, such as healthcare and food distribution.
By integrating SSCC labels with EDI, businesses can significantly improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall supply chain performance.
Make Your Barcodes Compliant With Orderful
SSCC labels are critical in modern shipping and logistics, ensuring shipments are accurately tracked, easily identified, and efficiently processed. By providing a standardized system for labeling and scanning, they help businesses reduce errors, improve inventory management, and stay compliant with industry regulations. If you're shipping a single pallet or managing a large-scale distribution network, SSCC labels simplify logistics and enhance supply chain visibility.
With Orderful, generating fully compliant SSCC barcode labels has never been easier. Our label-printing API seamlessly integrates into your workflow, helping you automate shipping processes and eliminate manual errors. By adopting SSCC labels, you’re not just improving shipment tracking — you’re making your entire supply chain smarter and more efficient.
Take control of your logistics today with Orderful and start optimizing your shipping operations!
