Pallet Labeling — SSCC Standards, FBA Pallet Labels & 2025 Warehouse Workflow Updated Dec 2025
Source: GS1 General Specifications (Logistic Label / SSCC-18), LTL/FTL carrier pallet requirements (FedEx Freight, UPS, DHL), Amazon FBA pallet rules, major retail DC playbooks (Walmart / Target / Costco), and the WinsBS US Importer & Fulfillment Wiki taxonomy (2025). “Pallet Labeling” refers to all identification and routing labels applied at the pallet (unit load) level so inventory can be received, stored, routed, and shipped accurately across warehouses, carriers, and fulfillment centers.
Industry Standard Definition
View Official Definition
In warehousing and 3PL operations, Pallet Labeling covers all labels and marks placed on palletized unit loads so they can be uniquely identified, scanned, routed, and reconciled against ASNs or shipment plans. This includes SSCC-18 logistic labels, internal pallet IDs or license plates, FBA pallet labels, retail DC pallet marks, and mixed-pallet indicators used in LTL and LCL flows.
Typical components of pallet labeling include:
- SSCC-18 Logistic Labels: GS1-128 barcodes used as unique pallet identifiers across supply chains.
- Pallet ID / License Plate (LPN): internal warehouse pallet IDs mapped in the WMS.
- FBA Pallet Labels: Amazon inbound pallet labels linked to the FBA shipment plan.
- Retail DC Pallet Labels: Walmart / Target / Costco pallet marks tied to EDI 856 / ASN data.
- Routing & Appointment Labels: carrier routing, door / lane assignment, cross-dock routing marks.
- Mixed / Single-SKU Indicators: labels identifying mixed-SKU pallets vs single-SKU pallets.
— GS1 General Specifications, Logistic Label & SSCC-18 (2025)
Pallet labeling works together with Carton Labeling and FBA Prep Services to form a complete inbound identification system from unit to carton to pallet.
Common Types of Pallet Labeling
View Label Categories & Examples
| Label Type | Examples | Typical Usage |
|---|---|---|
| SSCC Logistic Labels | GS1-128 barcode with SSCC-18, human-readable pallet ID. | Global pallet identification across warehouses and carriers. |
| Internal Pallet ID / LPN | WMS-generated pallet license plate, internal ID stickers. | Warehouse storage, Pallet In / Pallet Out billing, cycle counting. |
| FBA Pallet Labels | Amazon pallet labels tied to an FBA Shipment Plan. | Required for palletized FBA inbound at Amazon FCs. |
| Retail DC Pallet Labels | Walmart / Target / Costco pallet marks, GS1-compliant case/pallet labels. | Wholesale & B2B shipments into retail distribution centers. |
| Mixed / Single-SKU Labels | “Mixed SKU Pallet”, “Single SKU Pallet”, batch/lot indicators. | Guiding putaway, picking, and cross-dock routing. |
| Routing & Appointment Labels | Door assignment, staging lane, cross-dock routing, wave ID. | Inbound Appointments, dock scheduling, cross-docking. |
| Compliance / Hazard Labels | “Do Not Double Stack”, tilt indicators, temperature marks. | Fragile loads, temperature-controlled freight, high-value pallets. |
Most warehouses maintain a standard pallet label template and then layer on customer- or program-specific labels for Amazon FBA, retail DCs, or cross-dock routing.
Regional Nuance — U.S., EU, UK & Amazon Ecosystem
View Regional Differences
| Region | Labeling Pattern | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Heavy use of SSCC + carrier routing labels for LTL/FTL. | LTL carriers and retail DCs often require pallet labels on at least two adjacent sides. Incorrect pallet IDs or missing SSCCs can cause mis-dock or OS&D (over, short & damaged) claims. |
| European Union | Strong GS1 adoption with SSCC pallet labels and EDI 856. | Retail and grocery chains depend on SSCC-based pallet tracking. Misaligned SSCC data vs ASN can trigger receiving delays or chargebacks. |
| United Kingdom | GS1-backed pallet IDs plus UK-specific retail DC specs. | Post-Brexit customs workflows add pallet-level documentation and traceability requirements for cross-border inbound. |
| Amazon FBA Ecosystem | FBA pallet labels + carton labels + shipment plan consistency. | Pallet labeling must align with FBA Prep, carton labeling, and appointment rules. Mislabeling can lead to FC refusal, rework, or extra handling fees. |
Compliance Labeling Requirements (2025)
View Compliance Categories
- GS1 SSCC-18 Labels: required for many retail, grocery, and cross-border logistics flows where pallets are treated as logistics units.
- FBA Pallet Requirements: Amazon typically expects pallet labels on all four sides for high racks, plus clear carton visibility, stable wrap, and height/weight compliance.
- Retail DC Pallet Standards: Walmart / Target / Costco specify pallet height, overhang limits, and where SSCC or pallet labels must be placed.
- LTL / FTL Carrier Labels: carriers may require pro numbers, routing labels, and “Do Not Stack” marks on exposed pallet sides.
- Hazard & Handling Marks: tilt indicators, “Do Not Double Stack”, temperature or fragile marks, and regulatory labels when hazardous goods are involved.
- Cross-Dock & Pool Distribution Labels: pool point IDs, store numbers, route IDs, and wave IDs printed on pallet labels for fast cross-dock sorting.
Many pallet-level compliance issues trace back to unscannable SSCC barcodes, pallet labels hidden behind stretch wrap, or mismatches between the pallet label and the ASN or shipment plan data.
Pallet Labeling Cost Drivers & Pricing Implications
View Cost Components
| Driver | Examples | Impact on Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Labels per Pallet | Two-sided vs four-sided labels; extra handling for high racks. | More labels and sides push pricing from per-pallet to per-label billing. |
| SSCC / ASN Integration | Generating SSCCs, printing GS1-128, mapping to ASN and WMS. | Setup and data work often billed as Value-Added Services (VAS). |
| Rework & Re-palletization | Breaking down pallets, rebuilding to meet FBA or DC standards. | Typically hourly VAS billing, plus new material and label cost. |
| Carrier / Retail Program Rules | Special palletization for Walmart, Costco, or regional carriers. | Extra QA steps and configuration checks increase per-pallet fees. |
| Mixed vs Single-SKU Pallets | Complex mixed pallets require more documentation and labeling. | Higher planning and labeling effort vs simple single-SKU pallets. |
| Temperature-Controlled / High-Value Loads | Additional seal tags, temperature marks, and traceability labels. | Premium handling and security protocols reflected in pricing. |
From a budgeting perspective, pallet labeling should be treated as a traceability and routing cost, not just a small warehouse add-on. Poor pallet labeling can trigger downstream expenses such as LTL misroutes, retail DC chargebacks, or FBA pallet rejections that easily outweigh the original label cost.
Critical Risk Terms for Pallet Labeling (2025)
Pallet Labeling FAQ — Common Questions
Is pallet labeling the same as carton labeling?
No. Carton Labeling applies to individual cartons, while pallet labeling applies to the palletized unit load. Pallet labels (often SSCC-based) represent the entire load and link it to ASNs, shipment plans, and routing.
Do I have to use SSCC-18 for every pallet?
Not always. Many retail DC and cross-border programs require SSCC-18, but some smaller programs accept internal pallet IDs only. When pallets move through EDI/ASN-based networks or large retailers, SSCC-18 is strongly recommended or mandatory.
How many pallet labels should be applied?
Best practice is at least two adjacent sides, and four sides for high racks or high-throughput facilities. Amazon FBA and major DCs often require pallet labels on all accessible sides for fast scanning at docks and staging lanes.
Can incorrect pallet labeling cause shipment refusal?
Yes. FBA pallet inbound rejections, LTL misroutes, and DC chargebacks frequently originate from wrong pallet IDs, unreadable SSCC labels, or labels hidden under stretch wrap. Good pallet labeling is one of the simplest ways to avoid OS&D claims and compliance fines.
Can I mix multiple ASNs or shipment plans on one pallet?
Most retailers and Amazon recommend or require one ASN or shipment plan per pallet. Mixed-ASN pallets often need very clear labeling and documentation, and may incur extra handling or rework fees at destination.
Can a 3PL handle pallet labeling and relabeling for me?
Yes. Many 3PLs treat pallet labeling as part of their Value-Added Services (VAS) and FBA Prep Services. This can include generating SSCCs, printing pallet labels, and relabeling pallets that arrive non-compliant.
WinsBS Blog Insights
FBA Pallet Labeling Checklist: Pass Inbound Dock Checks on the First Try
A step-by-step checklist for FBA pallet labeling — from pallet height and wrap rules to label placement, SSCC mapping, and shipment plan alignment at Amazon FC docks.
Read the FBA Pallet Guide →
LTL Palletization & Labeling Rules: Avoid OS&D and Reweigh Fees
Why poor pallet labels and unstable palletization drive OS&D, accessorial charges, and reweigh fees — and how to align with top LTL carrier standards in 2025.
See the LTL Playbook →
Warehouse Pallet Labeling Errors: How They Inflate 3PL Costs
A data-driven look at how pallet mislabeling, missing SSCCs, and mixed pallet confusion increase labor, detention, and chargebacks — and how mature 3PLs enforce pallet label discipline.
Read the Operational Insights →Content Attribution & License
General definitions provided under the CC BY-SA 4.0 License.
All commentary and insights labeled “WinsBS Research” are © WinsBS Research (2025) and licensed exclusively to WinsBS Wiki.
Information verified as of December 2025.
