How to Create Shipping and Warehouse Location Labels (GS1-128 & SSCC)

Distinguish a carrier shipping label, a GS1 logistic label and an internal warehouse location label. They can use similar stock but follow different data and acceptance rules. A layout with an address and a barcode is not automatically valid for any carrier.

Carrier labels should come from the carrier workflow

Use the carrier's approved booking or integration process for tracking identifiers, routing codes and service-specific artwork. Do not invent a tracking number or redraw an official label in the editor and assume it will be accepted.

UDImaker can help create supplementary package or internal routing labels. It is not a carrier booking service or a native GS1-128/SSCC generator. Plain Code 128 is not interchangeable with GS1-128, which uses the GS1 data structure and FNC1 conventions.

Understand the SSCC distinction

An SSCC identifies a logistic unit under GS1 rules. Its representation uses AI (00) in the GS1 workflow. Do not paste an SSCC into a plain Code 128 text field, add “(00)” as a caption and call the result a GS1 logistic label.

Obtain the assigned number, correct carrier artwork and required layout from the controlled logistics process. If importing approved artwork into a wider layout, preserve its size, proportions, quiet zones and readable data. Check the resulting label against the trading partner's specification.

Create an internal location label instead

For a warehouse location demonstration, use the reference DEMO-A03-B02-L01. Create the corresponding record in your warehouse system first.

1. Set the actual stock dimensions in the editor.
2. Add a large readable location reference.
3. Add Code 128 containing exactly DEMO-A03-B02-L01.
4. Keep the symbol separate from adjacent location labels and structural edges.
5. Test from the normal working distance with the intended scanner.

This label identifies a storage location; it is not a shipment identifier. Check that the receiving software places the scan in the location field rather than an item or parcel field.

Match stock and viewing conditions

An exact 4 × 6 inch label is 101.6 × 152.4 mm; 100 × 150 mm stock is different. Match your file and driver to the actual media. A rack label also has different reading-distance and durability requirements from a parcel label.

Print at actual size, attach a sample at the intended location and confirm both readability and the resulting system action. Retain the stock dimensions, scanner setup and approved data convention with the saved design. Consult the GS1 Logistic Label Guideline for the separate GS1 logistics workflow.