When to Use an SSCC: Timing, Events, and Trigger Points for Logistic Units

Knowing when to use an SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) helps beginners apply the right process at the right time. An SSCC uniquely identifies a logistic unit — such as a pallet or container — and should be assigned and used whenever that unit will be handled, transported, or stored as a single entity. Below are the common timings and events that trigger SSCC creation, scanning, and transmission.

1. At Packing or Consolidation

The most common time to create an SSCC is at the point of packing or consolidation. When individual items are combined into a pallet, tote, or container, assign an SSCC immediately. This ensures the logistic unit has a unique identity from the moment it’s formed and can be tracked as it moves away from the packing area.

2. Before Carrier Pickup

SSCCs should be applied and recorded before the carrier arrives. Many carriers and receivers require the SSCC to be included in shipment documentation and ASNs. Having SSCCs in place prior to pickup allows carriers to scan goods quickly and helps prevent loading errors.

3. When Creating an ASN or Electronic Shipping Notice

Include SSCCs in the Advance Shipping Notice (ASN) or EDI 856 message sent to the consignee. The ASN is typically sent as soon as the shipment is ready or at a defined time before arrival (e.g., 24–48 hours prior). Transmitting SSCCs with the ASN lets the receiver prepare for inbound handling and reconciliation.

4. When Custody or Ownership Changes

Whenever custody changes — for example, when a carrier accepts a pallet at pickup, a freight forwarder takes over, or the pallet passes through a cross-dock — scan the SSCC to register the handoff. Scanning on custody changes ensures an auditable chain of custody and improves visibility across multiple parties.

5. At Warehouse Receiving and Putaway

On arrival at a warehouse or distribution center, scan the SSCC during receiving to confirm the shipment against the ASN and update inventory. Scanning at putaway ties the SSCC to a physical storage location in the WMS so the entire logistic unit can be found later.

6. When Picking, Staging, and Shipping Outbound

During order fulfillment, final picks are often consolidated into pallets for shipping. Assign or reassign an SSCC to these outbound pallets and ensure the SSCC is scanned during staging and loading. This links the outbound physical unit to the orders it contains and supports accurate delivery confirmation.

7. During Cross-Docking and Consolidation Events

If goods move through a cross-dock, create or capture SSCCs as units are consolidated or broken down. SSCCs help direct which inbound pallets should be routed to which outbound vehicles and provide traceability through fast-moving operations.

8. At Returns and Reverse Logistics Points

When returned goods are consolidated into a logistic unit for processing, an SSCC should be applied. In reverse logistics, consistent SSCC use helps match returns to original shipments or batch records.

9. For Regulatory and Audit Events

If regulatory authorities require traceability, apply SSCCs at points where documentation is generated or custody changes — for instance, at inspection points, quarantine staging, or customs-controlled movements.

10. When Recording in IT Systems (WMS/TMS/ERP)

An SSCC should be recorded in the relevant software systems as soon as the label is applied and scanned. Immediate recording ensures downstream processes (like inventory allocation, invoicing, and EDI transmission) use the SSCC for accurate reference.

Practical Timing Guidelines

• Assign SSCCs at packing/consolidation and before any external movement.
• Include SSCCs in the ASN sent once the shipment is ready or according to partner SLA (e.g., 24 hours before delivery).
• Scan SSCCs at every custody change and at receiving, putaway, and final shipment.

Common Policies and Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)

Many large retailers and 3PLs specify timing: for example, suppliers must send SSCCs in the ASN no later than X hours before arrival, or pallets must be labeled with SSCCs at pickup. Check trading partner guidelines and local GS1 recommendations to meet those requirements.

Beginner’s Checklist: When to Act

1. When you form a pallet or container — assign the SSCC.
2. Before the carrier collects the shipment — apply labels and send the ASN.
3. When the logistic unit transfers between parties — scan to confirm custody change.
4. At warehouse receiving and shipping — scan to reconcile and update systems.

Why Timing Matters

Timing helps maintain accurate visibility and prevents delays. If SSCCs are created too late or not shared in advance,

receiving teams can’t match physical units to paperwork quickly, causing manual checks and slower processing.

Conversely, timely SSCC creation and transmission streamline automated receiving, reduce errors, and speed billing and inventory updates.

To conclude, use SSCCs whenever a collection of items will move, be stored, or be handled as a single logistic unit — especially at packing, before carrier pickup, when custody changes, and when creating ASNs. Establishing clear rules for when to create and scan SSCCs makes operations predictable and efficient.