Are there any standard formats or guidelines for transportation labeling?

As well as ensuring a shipment makes its way from A to B, transportation labels are a necessity to communicate any potential dangers that may be associated with a package. Since the labels are the first thing a handler will look at when they come into contact with a package, it is crucial that they clearly communicate any hazardous contents or handling information that is needed for the safety of the workers and those around them.

Especially for shipments which are being sent overseas, it is important that regulations are in place to manage the process and create a standardized form of communication for everyone involved along the way. The United States Department of Transportation enforces a set of regulations which manage transportation labeling, ensuring a shipment is fit for sending before it makes its way through the supply chain.

Every package should be labeled with key information such as an identification number, barcode, details of the contents, recipient/sender information, any warnings, the weight, and dimensions. It is a requirement that these labels are printed in a way that is clear to read (avoiding contrasting colors or poor quality printing) and then securely attached to the package in a position which is free from obstruction.

Specialized markings are required when a shipment contains hazardous materials such as chemicals, flammables, or dangerous goods, providing limits on how much is able to be transported per shipment. These required markings utilize specific colors, codes, and pictograms which are internationally recognized and clearly identify the type of hazard present. As well as being present on the particular package containing the hazard, the specialized transportation labels must also be affixed on the outer packaging of larger shipments so they are easily accessible and recognizable.