What Is an SSCC? A Beginner’s Guide to the Serial Shipping Container Code

For newcomers to supply chain terminology, the SSCC can seem like a small but critical piece of logistics infrastructure. The SSCC, or Serial Shipping Container Code, is a standardized identifier used worldwide to uniquely identify a single logistic unit during transport and storage. It enables automated scanning, integration with electronic documents like Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs), and clearer handoffs between trading partners.

Structure and format

An SSCC is an 18-digit numeric code. Its typical structure contains several parts:

• Extension digit: A single digit used by the company to increase capacity and vary serial ranges.
• GS1 company prefix: A variable-length number assigned by GS1 that identifies the company that creates the SSCC.
• Serial reference: A sequential number chosen by the company to uniquely identify the logistic unit.
• Check digit: A single digit calculated using a standard algorithm to validate the entire SSCC.

When encoded as a barcode, the SSCC is typically carried in a GS1-128 barcode using Application Identifier (AI) 00. This AI indicates the data represents an SSCC and ensures systems and scanners interpret it correctly.

What qualifies as a logistic unit?

A logistic unit is any unit of packaging treated as a single item for handling and tracking. Common examples include:

• Pallets of mixed or uniform cases
• Large cartons or crates
• Roll containers and totes
• Shipping containers or trailers (in some workflows)

Each of these units can receive one SSCC. If the contents or configuration of the unit change (for example, if a pallet is broken down and reconfigured), a new SSCC is typically created for the new logistic unit.

How SSCCs are created and used

• Generation: Companies generate SSCCs using their allocated GS1 prefix and internal serial numbering. This creation is usually integrated into an ERP, WMS, or label-printing solution to avoid duplication and ensure formatting and check digit correctness.
• Labeling: The SSCC is printed as a GS1-128 barcode and affixed prominently to the logistic unit. Human-readable text is also recommended to help manual checks.
• Communication: The SSCC should be included in shipping documents like ASNs, packing lists, and bills of lading so the receiving party can match physical units to electronic records.
• Scanning and lifecycle: SSCCs are scanned at key touchpoints — outbound, pickup, transit milestones, inbound receiving, put-away, and delivery — and those scan events update WMS/TMS systems and tracking portals.

Real-world examples

• A beverage manufacturer assigns an SSCC to each pallet of bottled drinks; the retailer receives an ASN listing the SSCCs. At the dock, the retailer scans the SSCCs to confirm the delivery and drive quick put-away.
• An e-commerce fulfillment center labels totes with SSCCs so that picking, packing, and shipping functions refer to a single, scannable logistic unit throughout fulfilment.

Benefits of using SSCCs

• Unique, unambiguous identity for logistic units, enabling automation and reducing manual errors.
• Faster receiving via ASN reconciliation and barcode scanning.
• Improved traceability for recalls, audits, and quality investigations.
• Enhanced visibility across transportation and warehouse management systems.

Common pitfalls for beginners

• Not using the GS1 AI (00) format when encoding SSCCs into barcodes, which can cause scanner or system misinterpretation.
• Reusing SSCC numbers before they are safely out of the operational lifecycle — avoid reuse to prevent confusion in records.
• Failing to include SSCCs in electronic shipping documents (ASN/EDI), which negates many of the scanning and receiving efficiencies.

Getting started

1. Obtain or verify your GS1 company prefix (if you don’t have one, register with your local GS1 organization).
2. Implement SSCC generation inside your WMS/ERP or use a label-printing solution that calculates check digits and formats the GS1-128 barcode with AI 00.
3. Update shipping workflows to include SSCCs in ASNs and ensure receiving sites accept and scan them.

In short, the SSCC is a simple but powerful numeric key that uniquely identifies logistic units. For beginners, learning to generate, print, and transmit SSCCs is one of the fastest ways to tap into automation, speed up warehouse operations, and improve supply chain visibility.