What type of information is typically included in transportation labels?

Transportation labels serve as a crucial communication tool between everyone in the supply chain, being used all the way from the shipping process to arriving with the recipient. They provide essential information about the contents of the shipment and the destination of the order, as well as any handling instructions, so there are key pieces of information which must be included in the labels before the shipment is sent:

  • Tracking information: Every label should contain a unique tracking ID and a barcode which can be scanned to provide updates on the journey. This provides updates to the sender so they can keep an eye on the progress, as well as providing handlers with key information during the journey.
  • Compliance information: If a shipment contains contents which have potential hazards, temperature requirements, or flammable items, it is important to disclose this in order to comply with regulations. The labels should include internationally recognized safety symbols or hazardous material codes which provide guidance to handlers, ensuring safety throughout the process.
  • Weight and size: The weight and dimensions of a shipment are vital pieces of information during the transit process so must be printed onto all transportation labels. It is initially used to determine the shipping costs for many carriers but then it is also used throughout the supply chain to assist with balanced loading.
  • Sender and recipient details: So handlers have a clear understanding of the destination and are able to contact either the sender or the recipient in the event of a problem, the transportation labels should include both sets of names, addresses, and phone numbers.
  • Contents of the shipment: The transportation labels should contain information about the contents of a package to ensure it is handled correctly and safely throughout transit. This means the package can receive due care during transportation, especially when dealing with fragile or hazardous goods, to not only keep the contents in good condition, but to ensure the safety of handlers throughout the supply chain.
 

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