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What Are Shipping Barcodes & How 3PLs Use Shipping Barcodes
Time: Sep 09,2024 Author: SFC Source: www.sendfromchina.com
Are you curious about the technology that powers modern logistics? Shipping barcodes are at the heart of efficient supply chains, enabling accurate tracking, inventory management, and order fulfillment. For third-party logistics providers (3PLs), mastering the use of shipping barcodes is key to optimizing operations and ensuring customer satisfaction.
In this article, we'll explore what shipping barcodes are, how they work, and the different types used in the logistics industry to enhance accuracy and streamline processes.
1. What Are Shipping Barcodes
Shipping barcodes are unique identifiers printed on shipping labels, packages, or containers that store critical information in a scannable format. Shipping barcodes serve as the backbone of modern logistics, enabling the seamless tracking, sorting, and delivery of goods from the warehouse to the customer's doorstep. By encoding data such as product details, shipping addresses, and tracking numbers, shipping barcodes ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the supply chain.
Shipping barcodes are integral to the logistics industry, particularly for third-party logistics providers. 3PLs leverage these barcodes to streamline operations, minimize errors, and enhance overall customer satisfaction. As e-commerce continues to grow, the role of shipping barcodes in ensuring smooth and reliable logistics becomes even more crucial.
2. Types of Shipping Barcodes
Barcodes come in various formats, each designed to meet specific logistical needs. Understanding the different types of shipping barcodes is essential for optimizing their use in shipping and warehouse operations.
2.1 Shipping Barcode
Shipping barcodes are used primarily for tracking shipments through various stages of the supply chain. They provide information that helps in logistics management, such as the destination, carrier details, and shipment handling instructions.
Types of Shipping Barcodes:
Code 128
- Used for tracking numbers on shipping labels.
- Common in logistics due to its ability to encode a wide range of characters in a compact form.
GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128)
- Provides additional data, such as batch numbers, serial numbers, and expiration dates.
- Widely used in logistics for enhanced tracking and inventory control.
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)
- Numeric-only barcode, often used on carton-level packaging and shipping labels.
- Suitable for fast-paced environments, such as conveyor belts in warehouses.
MaxiCode
- A 2D barcode designed specifically for high-speed scanning in logistics.
- Used by couriers like UPS; can be read even if partially damaged.
PDF417
- A stacked linear barcode that can encode large amounts of text or data.
- Often used for shipping labels, boarding passes, and other logistics documents.
Aztec Code
- A 2D barcode that can be read even if part of it is damaged.
- Increasingly used in shipping labels and transportation tickets.
QR Code
- Used for adding supplementary information to packages, like URLs or handling instructions.
- Not traditionally used for shipping but gaining popularity for customer engagement and mobile scanning.
2.2 Product Barcode
Product barcodes are primarily used for identifying individual products in retail and inventory management. They are scanned at various points, from manufacturing to retail checkout, to provide product-specific information.
Types of Product Barcodes
UPC (Universal Product Code)
- A 12-digit barcode commonly used in the United States and Canada for retail products.
- Encodes product identification information for point-of-sale systems.
EAN (European Article Number)
- A 13-digit barcode used internationally, particularly in Europe, for product identification.
- Similar in function to UPC, commonly found on consumer goods.
Code 39
- Can encode both letters and numbers.
- Used for inventory management, asset tracking, and sometimes on product packaging.
Data Matrix
- A 2D barcode that can encode large amounts of data in a small space.
- Used for small items, products requiring detailed information like serial numbers, or in sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals.
QR Cod
- Used on products for marketing purposes, such as linking to websites or providing additional product information.
- Can also be used for inventory management and tracking in some applications.
3. How Do Shipping Barcodes Work
Shipping barcodes function by encoding data into a visual pattern that can be scanned and interpreted by barcode readers. Here’s how the process works:
Encoding Information
Data such as product IDs, destination addresses, and tracking numbers are encoded into a barcode format using specific algorithms.Printing Barcodes
The encoded data is printed onto shipping labels or directly on packaging using thermal printers.Scanning Barcodes
As packages move through the supply chain, barcode scanners read the barcodes at various checkpoints—such as warehouses, sorting facilities, and delivery vehicles.Data Transmission
The scanned data is transmitted to centralized databases, updating the package’s status in real-time and ensuring accurate tracking and delivery.4. How 3PLs Use Shipping Barcodes
Third-party logistics providers play a critical role in modern supply chains, handling everything from warehousing to order fulfillment. Shipping barcodes are indispensable tools for 3PLs, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.
Inventory Management
For 3PLs, effective inventory management is crucial to ensuring that the right products are available at the right time. Shipping barcodes enable precise inventory tracking by allowing 3PLs to:
- Track Stock Levels: Barcode scanning provides real-time updates on inventory levels, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts.
- Monitor Stock Movements: Every time an item is picked, packed, or shipped, it is scanned, creating a detailed record of stock movements.
Order Tracking and Accuracy
Shipping barcodes enhance the accuracy of order fulfillment, ensuring that customers receive the correct items in a timely manner.
- Reducing Errors: By scanning barcodes during picking and packing, 3PLs can verify that the right products are being shipped, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors.
- Real-Time Updates: Barcodes provide real-time tracking information, allowing 3PLs to offer customers up-to-date status updates on their orders.
Streamlining Returns
Returns management is a significant challenge for 3PLs, but shipping barcodes simplify this process.
- Efficient Returns Processing: Barcodes on return labels allow 3PLs to quickly scan and process returns, updating inventory levels and issuing refunds faster.
- Enhanced Visibility: Barcodes provide clear data on return reasons and product conditions, helping 3PLs manage restocking and reselling processes more efficiently.
5. What Role Does Shipping Barcode Play in Order Fulfillment
Shipping barcodes are a cornerstone of effective order fulfillment strategies. They enable seamless coordination across multiple stages of the fulfillment process, from receiving and storing inventory to picking, packing, and shipping orders.
Shipping from Manufacturer/Supplier
Barcodes are added to products at the manufacturer or supplier’s facility before they are shipped. These barcodes identify inventory batches and include necessary documentation for third-party logistics providers.
Arrival at the Warehouse
When products arrive at the warehouse, they are scanned using shipping barcodes to verify that the correct items and quantities have been received. The barcodes also track inventory as it is stored, ensuring accurate inventory records.
Picking from Storage
For customer orders, a picking list guides warehouse staff to the correct products. The picker scans the barcodes of the product or storage location, updating inventory counts in real-time and triggering alerts for restocking when inventory is low.
Carrier Pickup
After an order is packed, a shipping barcode is attached to the package. Carriers scan the barcode when picking up the package, indicating the transfer from the warehouse to the carrier and marking the start of the transit phase.
In Transit
During transit, barcodes are scanned at various checkpoints, such as sorting facilities, providing real-time updates on the shipment’s location. This continuous tracking helps manage any potential delays or issues.
Final Delivery
At the destination, the shipping barcode is scanned to confirm delivery. If the delivery is unsuccessful, the barcode helps track the package for reattempt or return to a local facility.
6. Get Started with SFC Services
SFC stands at the forefront of order fulfillment with cutting-edge facilities in Shenzhen, China. Utilizing sophisticated software, we specialize in seamless and trustworthy fulfillment solutions for ecommerce, dropshipping, and crowdfunding platforms. At SFC, we are dedicated to accelerating your business growth through secure warehousing, efficient processing, customizable packaging options, and adaptable shipping strategies while saving you time and money.
Whether you have or do not have a fulfillment partner, particularly your products manufactured in China, you should consider SFC. Click the button below and get help from SFC logistics experts.
What Makes SFC Special
Over 17 Years of 3PL and Order Fulfillment ExperienceAll-in-one Tracking Number
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Worldwide shipping solutions
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7. FAQs
1. What is the difference between 1D and 2D shipping barcodes?
1D barcodes are linear and can store limited alphanumeric data, while 2D barcodes are more complex, capable of storing thousands of characters in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, allowing for more detailed information.
2. How do shipping barcodes improve inventory management for 3PLs?
Shipping barcodes provide real-time updates on stock levels and movements, allowing 3PLs to manage inventory more accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts.
3. Can QR codes be used as shipping barcodes?
Yes, QR codes can be used in shipping to provide additional information such as tracking URLs, customer instructions, or promotional content, enhancing the customer experience.
4. How do barcodes help reduce errors in order fulfillment?
By using barcode scanning during the picking and packing stages, 3PLs can verify that the correct items are being shipped, reducing errors and ensuring accurate order fulfillment.
5. What are GS1 barcodes, and why are they important?
GS1 barcodes are standardized barcodes used globally to ensure consistency and compatibility across supply chains. They are crucial for 3PLs managing international shipments to maintain global standards and efficient operations.
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