How To Generate, Assign, And Print SSCCs For Pallets (US Best Practices)

SSCC Serial Shipping Container Code, a GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify a logistic unit such as a carton or pallet. Assigning SSCCs consistently and printing them correctly on pallet labels is essential for smooth receiving, ASN matching, and carrier handoffs in US retail and 3PL operations.

This guide walks through practical steps for generating SSCCs, integrating them into your WMS/ERP, printing compliant GS1-128 labels, and avoiding common errors encountered at scale.

Preconditions: Company Prefix And Policy

Before generating SSCCs you must have a GS1 Company Prefix if you are issuing SSCCs that include your prefix. Decide an internal policy that documents the serial reference strategy and retention rules. Some companies use a sequential counter; others embed packing date or plant codes in the serial reference — both are acceptable as long as uniqueness is guaranteed.

• Obtain A Company Prefix: Register with GS1 (for US companies, via GS1 US) if you will issue SSCCs containing your unique prefix.
• Define Serial Logic: Choose sequential or structured serials and document rules to avoid collisions across sites.
• Retention And Reuse: Define how long an SSCC is retired before possible reuse (follow GS1 recommendations and trading partner agreements).

How To Generate SSCCs In Your Systems

For scale and accuracy, generate SSCCs programmatically in your WMS or ERP at the time of palletization.

• System Generation: Configure WMS/ERP to create the 18-digit SSCC (extension digit + company prefix + serial reference + check digit) and record it to the pallet record.
• Avoid Manual Entry: Manual SSCC creation increases duplicate risk; use system controls and sequence tables.
• API And Integration: Expose SSCC generation through APIs so pack stations, labeling systems, and EDI processes can request a new SSCC when needed.

Printing Labels And Barcode Encoding

Labels should encode the SSCC with GS1 AI (00) using a GS1-128 (formerly EAN-128) barcode. Label templates should also include human-readable SSCC digits and partner-required information like ship-to GLN, PO number, and handling marks. Ensure barcode quality for consistent scanning.

• AI Use: Encode SSCC as (00) in GS1-128. If you include GTIN or batch, use their respective AIs.
• Label Placement: Place a large SSCC label on two adjacent faces of the pallet (common practice) so scanning is possible regardless of orientation.
• Barcode Quality: Use high-contrast print, correct barcode height, and verify barcodes with a verifier to meet ISO/GS1 quality grades.

Integration With EDI And ASNs

Include the SSCC in your ASN (Advance Shipping Notice) and any other shipping messages. In EDI X12 or XML ASNs, SSCCs appear in the hierarchical or pallet-level segments so receivers can match scanned pallets to ASN lines. Notify carriers and receivers of the SSCC values at pickup.

• ASN Mapping: Map SSCC to HL segments (in X12 856) or equivalent XML nodes to indicate pallet-level detail.
• Carrier Handoffs: Share SSCCs so carriers can scan at pickup and delivery and provide event visibility.

Common Operational Checks

Run routine checks in your WMS and labeling systems to prevent common mistakes.

• Duplicate Detection: Prevent reissuing an active SSCC by checking system tables before assigning.
• Validation: Compute and validate the check digit during generation and before printing.
• Partner Compliance: Maintain label templates that meet each retailer or 3PL customer’s label requirements (size, content, placement).

Real-World Example: A US 3PL Flow

At pick/pack, the 3PL’s WMS finalizes a pallet and requests an SSCC from the SSCC-generation service. The service returns an 18-digit SSCC which the WMS writes to the pallet record. The label printer prints a GS1-128 label with AI (00) encoding and human-readable SSCC plus the PO number and ship-to GLN. The ASN sent to the retailer lists the SSCC and the carton contents per SSCC. At arrival, the retailer scans the SSCC and the WMS auto-matches the pallet to the ASN, speeding receiving and put-away.

Scaling And Automation Tips

Automate SSCC generation across multiple sites using a centralized service or synchronized sequence ranges. Maintain log tables to track issuance and status (active, received, retired) and expose reports for audits and recalls.

• Central Generation Service: Use a central API to avoid prefix/sequence collisions across warehouses.
• Audit Trails: Log who generated the SSCC, which order it belongs to, and when it was scanned in/out.
• Label Verification: Implement inline barcode verification on print lines to catch printing defects immediately.

In short, the SSCC should be generated by systems, printed as GS1-128 with AI (00), referenced in ASNs, and controlled by operational policies that prevent duplication and ensure partner compliance — doing so reduces dock time, improves tracking, and supports accurate inventory and recall processes.