The third level of compliance is the shipment label.In the , the Container Code is a serial number that functions as shipment identification. This assigned value can be referenced for the container contents, purchase order number, ship date,etc.

Serial Shipping Container Codes are comprised of several elements.

The packaging identifier indicates the type of container (carton, pallet, etc). The carton serial number is generated to give each container its own identity. This value must remain unique for one full year.

Note that all three of the bar codes on the SSCC-18 are using Application Identifiers. These identifiers designate the type of data encoded as well as the value of the bar code.

The Postal Code bar code is UCC/EAN-128. An Application Identifier precedes the postal code. For shipments in the U.S. and Canada, the prefix is 420; all international shipments are preceded by 421. The To Store Code Application Identifier is always 91. Cross-dock shipments use this code to quickly identify shipments going to the same store, without having to scan or reference the rest of the label.

In the , the UPS MaxiCode contains all the relevant shipping information, including: the customer’s address and postal code, the shipper’s ID number, and a package tracking number.While the shipping company uses the MaxiCode, the Code 39 bar codes are for use at both the supplier and customer locations.

The shipment label has a two-fold function. Primarily, it contains all the critical information for shipping the container to the customer. However, its unique container number can be used to for both inventory and tracking.