The logistics has always been around. However, after the pandemic, we have seen a massive surge in the shipping industry because people now prefer shopping from the comforts of their homes.

Logistic labels are now the heroes that bring your parcels to the accurate locations. Yet, there is a lot that goes behind finding the right label for the package and printing it to industrial standards.

With this article, we want to bring forth the details of shipping labels, their printing, choice of materials and much more. So, stay with us until the very end.

Decoding the Shipping Label

A shipping label isn’t a mere sticker. Rather, it’s a piece of paper with comprehensive details of the package. It serves as the guiding light that takes a parcel from the warehouse to your customer’s doorstep. The label holds critical information, including the postal code, country, tracking number, date, package quantity, weight, and detailed address information. For international shipments, it goes above and beyond by specifying the contents. Additionally, the label communicates the chosen shipping method.

Each label is unique and non-reusable. Every delivery requires industrial label printers to generate a fresh label to ensure accurate and efficient transportation. The importance of getting these details right is immense, as inaccuracies can lead to costly mishaps, inefficiencies, and undelivered packages.

Unraveling the Mystery of Shipping Label Mechanics

How do shipping labels work their magic? Each carrier has its template for shipping labels, meticulously designed to be easily understood by humans and machines. Barcodes, numbers, and letters on the label provide critical information at each stage of the shipping process.

Let’s delve into the anatomy of a shipping label:

• Sender’s Information: This section includes the name and address of the entity dispatching the package, ensuring clear identification.
• Recipient’s Information: Correspondingly, the name and address of the recipient are crucial for accurate delivery.
• MaxiCode – Machine-Readable Code: This code can be read in any direction by a machine, facilitating efficient sorting and processing.
• Routing Code – Sorting Instructions: This code instructs how to route the package within the sorting section, streamlining the logistics chain.
• Postal Barcode – Destination Zip Code: The zip code of the destination aids in precise routing, minimising the chances of delivery errors.
• Tracking Number – Customer’s Tracking ID: This unique number lets customers track the journey of their package in real-time.
• Level of Service – Chosen Shipping Method: Express, Standard, or other service types are indicated to ensure the customer receives the paid-for service.

It’s crucial to note that the standard size for shipping labels is 4 x 6 inches, although alternatives exist for different package dimensions. Ensuring adherence to these standards is vital for compatibility with carriers’ systems.

Navigating the Printing Process

Printing logistics labels involves critical choices that impact both cost and efficiency. Two main options exist: standard inkjet/laser printers or thermal label printers that require no ink.

Inkjet or Laser Printers

While inkjet printers can suffice for occasional use, they may not endure high label printing volumes. In the case of limited label printing, it’s crucial to ensure the clarity and sharpness of the printed information, guarding against smudging that could render labels illegible.

As your label production increases, ink costs become a significant factor, potentially making this option economically unfavourable. Moreover, consider the vulnerability of paper labels to weather conditions and handling during transit, which might necessitate protective measures such as clear tape or clear plastic envelopes.

Laser printers, on the other hand, offer higher precision, especially when using specialised parcel labels. However, this precision comes at a cost, with expensive label sheets and toner cartridges requiring regular replacement. 

Thermal Label Printers

Thermal label printers are purpose-built for label printing and emerge as the superior option in the long run, especially for businesses with substantial label printing needs. These printers eliminate the need for additional supplies like ink or toner, relying solely on rolls of labels. The mechanism involves creating shapes on the paper using heat, resulting in accurate, long-lasting labels.

While the upfront cost of thermal label printers might seem steep, their efficiency and cost-effectiveness become apparent as label printing volumes increase.

Placing Labels on Packages

Once you’ve successfully printed your labels, their strategic placement is paramount. Labels typically belong on the largest side of the package, ideally positioned on the top. It is particularly crucial if the package carries a “This Way Up” label.

The label’s size should align with the package dimensions to ensure it fits entirely on the designated side without folds or overlaps. It’s imperative to secure logistics labels firmly, avoiding corners sticking up or any bumps that could potentially damage the label during transit, rendering it unreadable.

In certain scenarios, additional protective measures are employed, such as covering labels with transparent tape to safeguard against potential damage, especially from exposure to rain. Alternatively, some opt for plastic wallets attached to the package, particularly for international shipments carrying customs documents. Regardless of the chosen method, the label must remain visible and legible to both humans and barcode scanners.

Choosing the Right Material for Logistic Labels

The material selection for logistic labels involves a nuanced consideration of various factors, including exposure to atmospheric conditions, storage and transport conditions, and the application method to the product. The two primary categories are self-adhesive labels and non-adhesive labels.

Self-adhesive Labels

Self-adhesive labels are the most prevalent choice for logistic markings, thanks to their ease of printing and application on products or pallets. This process can even be automated for efficiency. A diverse range of surface materials and adhesives is available, allowing businesses to tailor their label solution to the specific conditions in which the label will be used. 

Non-adhesive Labels

In certain scenarios, non-adhesive labels in the form of a sheet of an appropriate format might be employed. This is typically seen in reusable packaging, where adhesive labels are discouraged.

Selecting the Perfect Ribbon

Choosing the correct thermal transfer ribbon is pivotal for ensuring the durability of printing and, consequently, the readability of barcodes. The decision revolves around three main types of thermal transfer ribbons:

Wax Ribbons

Wax ribbons represent the most economical option and are dedicated to printing on paper labels. While suitable for short-term markings, they are not recommended for scenarios where the printed labels might be exposed to scratches, as in the case of pallets being shrink-wrapped after label application.

Wax-resin Ribbons

Wax-resin ribbons offer enhanced resistance to scratches, temperature fluctuations, and weather conditions. Higher-grade wax-resin ribbons can withstand the process of foiling products in a thermal tunnel, ensuring the longevity and readability of the printed information.

Incorporating RFID Technology

RFID technology is progressively gaining traction in logistics. Beyond traditional barcode information, RFID tags store data in their memory. While this comes at a higher cost, the benefits, such as process automation, make it an attractive choice for certain applications.

Summing Up

Mastering the complexities of logistics labels is a fundamental aspect of successful e-commerce logistics. Whether you’re a novice navigating your first shipments or a seasoned professional seeking optimisation, a deep understanding of shipping labels ensures efficient deliveries, cost savings, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Remember, attention to detail in each step, from label creation to application, is the key to a seamless logistics process.

DAL stands out as the premier label printing company, offering unparalleled expertise and cutting-edge solutions. Renowned for precision and reliability, DAL ensures your labels meet the highest standards, making them the go-to choice for businesses seeking top-tier printing services.