Pallet label template: a 4 x 6 inch GS1 logistic label in ZPL

The template

This is the ZPL for the label shown, for a 203 dpi printer. It is produced by the same code as the label generator, so it is always in step with it. The addresses and the SSCC are examples. Replace them before printing, or let the generator do it and number each pallet for you.

^XA
^CI28
^PW812
^LL1218
^LH0,0
^FO30,24^A0N,25,20^FDFROM^FS
^FO152,24^A0N,25,20^FDNorthwind Supply Co^FS
^FO152,55^A0N,25,20^FD1200 Industrial Pkwy^FS
^FO152,85^A0N,25,20^FDReno, NV 89502^FS
^FO30,154^GB751,3,3^FS
^FO30,175^A0N,25,20^FDTO^FS
^FO152,175^A0N,39,22^FDContoso Retail DC 14^FS
^FO152,221^A0N,39,22^FD8800 Distribution Way^FS
^FO152,268^A0N,39,22^FDDenver, CO 80202^FS
^FO30,365^GB751,3,3^FS
^FO30,382^A0N,25,20^FDCARRIER^FS
^FO30,416^A0N,37,23^FDExample Freight^FS
^FO558,382^A0N,25,20^FDCARTON^FS
^FO558,416^A0N,37,17^FD1 OF 12^FS
^FO30,479^A0N,25,20^FDPO NUMBER^FS
^FO30,514^A0N,37,26^FDPO-4471902^FS
^FO30,577^GB751,3,3^FS
^FO30,589^A0N,25,20^FDSSCC^FS
^FO30,625^A0N,61,41^FD006141410000000012^FS
^FO30,698^GB751,3,3^FS
^FO94,735^BY4^BCN,305,N,N,N,N^FD>;>800006141410000000012^FS
^FO95,1056^A0N,32,28^FD(00) 006141410000000012^FS
^XZ

For a 300 dpi printer, use the generator and switch the resolution: every coordinate changes and the barcode module width goes from 4 dots to 6. The annotated ZPL example explains each line.

How the template is laid out

The GS1 General Specifications describe a logistic label as three building blocks, top to bottom (section 6.6.3.1), and the template follows them:

• Top: free-form text. Ship from and ship to. GS1 asks that this text be clearly legible and at least 3 mm high (section 6.6.4.4).
• Middle: text with data titles. Carrier, carton count and PO number, then the SSCC printed large under its GS1 data title. GS1 recommends data content at least 7 mm high here (section 6.6.4.2).
• Bottom: the barcode. The SSCC as a GS1-128 barcode with its human readable interpretation. This is the only block GS1 makes mandatory, and the SSCC barcode belongs in the lowest part of the label (section 6.6.4.1.1).

GS1 notes that the 4 x 6 inch size suits labels carrying the SSCC and limited additional data, and that A5 or 6 x 8 inch labels are used when there is more (section 6.6.4.5). If your customer needs content GTINs, counts, dates or lot numbers in barcodes as well, you will need a larger label than this template.

Where to put it on the pallet

Section 6.7 of the General Specifications sets the placement rules for pallets:

• All barcodes sit between 400 mm (16 inches) and 800 mm (32 inches) from the base of the pallet. On a pallet less than 400 mm high, place them as high as possible (section 6.7.1.1).
• The barcode, quiet zones included, is at least 50 mm (2 inches) from any vertical edge, to avoid damage (section 6.7.1.1).
• The bars are upright, in picket fence orientation, on the sides of the unit (section 6.7.1).
• Two identical labels on adjacent sides are recommended, ideally one on a short side and one on the adjacent side to its right (section 6.7.2).

Two identical labels means the same SSCC on both: they are two copies of one label for one pallet, not two numbers. Print the same ZPL twice.

One pallet, one SSCC

Each pallet gets its own number. The SSCC label guide explains how the 18 digits are built, and carton label covers the same label at case level. If your customer charges for labelling errors, the chargebacks page lists published examples.