Everything You Need to Know About Pallet Label Size & Placement
Wooden pallets are ubiquitous with worldwide shipping, transport and merchandising. Allowing for the easy organization, consolidation, and distribution of identical or similar items from a manufacturer or retail hub. Half a billion pallets are constructed annually in the United States alone, with an estimated 2 billion pallets needed to carry out shipping duties in America every year. In total, those pallets transport about 80% of all United States commerce- a hefty feat for some hardwood planks! In fact, the international demand for pallets has been on the rise and due to the hardships of the past few years, pallets are experiencing somewhat of a shortage at the moment.
Although the worth of pallets cannot be boiled down to a hard dollar amount, since their true value is not only the goods they carry but also their inevitable successful arrival to their destination, it goes without saying that proper labeling is imperative to their ultimate value. If proper label dimensions and placement is not used it can result in a pallet that is improperly routed, returned to sender, or perhaps altogether lost. In distribution and logistics, the timely and successful arrival of goods is key to their maximum dollar amount.
For transport structures of industries that rely on pallet labels, it’s important to follow all industry guidelines and protocols. Often the stringent regulations of large retailers can act as a somewhat foolproof guide for potential suppliers, as is the case with a behemoth like Walmart.
Pallet Labeling Standards
Scannable labels that identify a bevy of information about a product or pallet are the lifeblood of the automated supply chain. Information contained in a scannable label often includes the contents of the package or pallet, the origin, as well as the final destination. Although this information is somewhat universal there is no all-encompassing guide for these protocols. But rather they are dictated by individual retailers, often the biggest and most geographically diverse, who set the standards as mentioned with Walmart.
Different corporations and industries champion varying sets of information, but one thing almost always remains the same- the serial shipping container code (SSCC), more commonly known as the barcode.
With standards set by the international business organization Global Standard One (GS1), barcodes consist of serialized numbers that make accurate tracking/inventory control possible. The globally recognized GS1 Logistic Label Guideline outlines the specific characteristics needed from these codes to ensure safe travel. Within this document, the organization also sets standards for pallet label size and placement.
Details of the utmost importance:
Varying Size of Labels- required shipping data, barcode dimensions, and the physical size of the logistics unit will all dictate proper label size.
Large Labels for Pallets: As outlined within our Walmart Pallet Label guide, a recommended pallet label is 6 by 8 inches to encompass all the information required or additional information deemed necessary to the successful transport. <insert walmart pallet label blog>
Label placement / Height of the Unit: The guidelines divide pallet placement into two categories based on whether they are over or under a height of 16 inches. For units over 16 inches: the label needs to be placed between 16 inches and 32 inches above the pallet’s base. For units under 16 inches: the label needs to be placed as high as possible, with consideration given towards protecting the barcode.
Stacked Pallets / Individual Labels: When pallets are stacked, each pallet requires its own label and unique barcode in accordance with the size and placement set forth
Pallet labels are easy and effective when the proper labeling, marking, and coding machinery and software is used. Always refer to your industry’s unique set of guidelines to ensure all pertinent information is included. AMI specializes in print and apply label equipment and technology and our knowledgeable staff can assist manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers alike. Call 1-800-345-6667 or have someone call you.