Transportation and logistics (T&L) involve the processes of producing, storing, managing inventory, and distributing goods and services. The main job is to make sure goods are correctly identified throughout the supply chain, and you can do this through accurate barcode labeling. Labels serve as the communication bridge that helps get products to the right place, at the right time. Without correct labels, disruptions in the supply chain take place, creating a domino effect for all other operations.
You can avoid supply chain disruptions by following strict regulations, starting with proper labeling. This blog will run through some industry regulations, software features that help meet regulatory compliance to ensure accurate labeling, and the best transportation and logistics labeling solutions.
Transportation and logistics work as the supply chain umbrella for every industry. Each step in the supply chain must work with the next to avoid errors, delays, and production downtime. Transportation and logistics include tasks like receiving, packaging, staging, cross docking, shipping, reverse logistics, fleet and yard management, and proof of pick-up and delivery. Some common types of T&L labels are bills of lading, bill of materials, address labels, hazardous materials labels, fragile labels, temperature sensitive, shipping or packaging labels, cargo labels, and pallet labels. Meeting regulatory compliance helps keep receiving, packaging, and shipping operations running smoothly.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has federal rules for many industries to make sure food, drugs, cosmetics, and other products are safe and secure. Be sure to check what the cargo or parcel contains to remain FDA compliant. Regulations could vary from FDA, GS1, GHS, FSMA, UDI, DSCSA, and others.
All T&L labels must provide specific information to remain compliant which helps prevent product recalls, fines, and sickness or harm to workers, the environment, and its consumers. One of the most important standards for most industries is GS1.
GS1 provides the framework for real-time product identification, tracking, and supply chain efficiencies. GS1 barcode standards are the global language of business between your supplies, partners, and customers. It serves many industries like retail, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, automotive, and logistics. Creating GS1 barcodes is important for daily operations of businesses worldwide.
GS1 supplies a standard called the GS1 Logistic Label, to help identify logistics units, and it is explained in the GS1 General Specifications. Learn more about the logistic label standard on GS1's website.
Authorities will inspect any cargo or shipment being transported to the US, so it's important to make sure all parcels follow laws and regulations. If you import or export from countries outside of the US, be sure to check local and international laws. The regulations for T&L depend on what is being transported, so labeling standards will vary. Be sure to comply with the regulations strictly based on the industry your transport is serving.
Now that you know some of the strict regulations T&L must follow, your next step is choosing the right software provider. CODESOFT barcode label design software and TEKLYNX CENTRAL enterprise label management offer features to improve your labeling process and reduce errors.
TEKLYNX has the best transportation and logistics labeling solutions to help increase supply chain visibility and reduce labeling errors. Try CODESOFT for label design or TEKLYNX CENTRAL for an all-in-one labeling solution to centrally manage your labeling. Start standardizing your T&L labeling environment today to comply with ever-changing regulations. Download a free 30-day trial of CODESOFT or request a free demo to see what TEKLYNX CENTRAL can do for your business.
Anthony Bieniewski is the Operations and IT Manager at TEKLYNX. Anthony uses his 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure and security to continue to move TEKLYNX forward with efficient and secure processes and tools. He also leverages that experience in mentoring and coaching TEKLYNX’s support team so that they can continue to pursue best practices when helping our customers barcode better.
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