Selling to large distributors and retailers means following their rules for every carton and pallet that arrives at their docks. Most publish a routing guide (also called a vendor or supplier compliance guide) that sets out how to label, pack and ship to them. One of the most common requirements is an SSCC label on every pallet or carton. Get it wrong and shipments can be refused or charged back. This guide explains SSCC labels and routing guides for suppliers shipping to Canadian distributors and retailers.
What is an SSCC label?
An SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is a unique 18-digit number that identifies one shipping unit, such as a pallet or a carton. It is printed as a GS1-128 barcode on a GS1 logistics label, so the receiver can scan it and match the shipment to the advance ship notice (ASN) you sent electronically. The SSCC is the only mandatory element on a GS1 logistics label (GS1 logistics label guideline).
| Part of the SSCC | What it is |
|---|---|
| Extension digit | One digit (0 to 9) chosen by the company that builds the pallet or carton |
| GS1 Company Prefix | Your company’s number, issued by GS1 when you join |
| Serial reference | A running number you assign to each shipping unit |
| Check digit | Calculated from the other digits to catch scanning errors |
The SSCC should be created by the company that builds the shipping unit, using its own GS1 Company Prefix. That is why distributors often ask suppliers whether they have a GS1 company prefix before they start shipping.
What else goes on the label
- Ship from and ship to names and addresses
- Purchase order number and, if required, the distributor’s vendor number
- Carrier details: carrier name, PRO or tracking number
- Contents: product GTIN or SKU, quantity, and lot or expiry date where required
- Barcodes with the matching human-readable text under each one
Where to put the label on a pallet
- Label two adjacent sides of each pallet with identical labels, so one is always visible to the forklift driver.
- Place the barcode between 400 mm and 800 mm (16 to 32 inches) above the base of the pallet.
- Keep the barcode at least 50 mm (2 inches) from any vertical edge.
- Never cover a label with stretch wrap that makes it hard to scan, and never place it over a seam or strapping.
What a routing guide usually covers
| Section | Typical requirements |
|---|---|
| Purchase orders | How orders are sent (often EDI 850) and how to confirm them |
| Advance ship notice | An ASN (often EDI 856) sent before the shipment arrives, matching the SSCCs on the pallets |
| Labelling | SSCC/GS1-128 labels, label size and placement, carton markings |
| Packing | Pallet size and height limits, weight limits, mixed-SKU rules, carton condition |
| Carriers and appointments | Approved carriers, freight terms, delivery appointment booking |
| Invoicing | Invoice format and timing, often by EDI |
| Chargebacks | Fees for late, short, mislabelled or non-compliant shipments |
Every distributor’s guide is different, so always work from the current version for each customer. Large industrial and retail distributors in Canada typically publish their own supplier requirements.
How to avoid chargebacks
- Get the latest routing guide from each customer and keep it on file.
- Join GS1 and get a company prefix before your first compliant shipment.
- Test labels and ASNs with the customer before going live.
- Build pallets to the customer’s height and weight limits.
- Book delivery appointments early and use approved carriers.
- Keep photos of every outbound pallet with labels visible, in case of a dispute.
For more on retail rules, read our guide to retail compliance shipping in Canada.
B2B distribution from Mississauga
Newsom 3PL ships pallet and parcel orders to distributors and retailers across Canada from our Mississauga warehouse. We work from each customer’s routing guide, apply SSCC and carton labels, build compliant pallets and book carrier appointments through our B2B distribution service. Orders can come by integration or email, and we confirm each one and send tracking once it ships. Same-day cut-off is 12:00 p.m. Eastern for pallet/LTL shipments and 3:00 p.m. for parcel. Request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own GS1 company prefix for SSCC labels?
In most cases, yes. The SSCC should be built from the GS1 company prefix of the company creating the shipping unit, and many distributors ask suppliers to use their own.
What is the difference between an SSCC and a UPC?
A UPC (GTIN) identifies a product. An SSCC identifies one specific shipping unit, such as a pallet or carton, and is never reused.
Can my 3PL print SSCC labels for me?
Yes. A 3PL can generate and apply SSCC labels using your company prefix and send the matching ASN details to your customer.
What happens if a shipment does not follow the routing guide?
The customer may refuse it, delay receiving or charge a compliance fee (chargeback). Following the guide from the start avoids these costs.