GS1-128 is the dominant pallet barcode standard, encoding SSCC plus Application Identifiers.
Detailed Definition
GS1-128 (formerly UCC-128) encodes the Serial Shipping Container Code plus optional Application Identifiers (AIs) for batch number, expiration date, country of origin, and other supply chain attributes. The barcode is read at receiving, putaway, and shipping for full unit-load traceability.
Authoritative Sources
- GS1 US (GS1): the standards organization that defines pallet labeling, the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC-18), and the GS1-128 barcode.
- Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA): the trade association representing the largest US retailers, whose member-driven pallet specifications define receiving requirements at distribution centers.
Related Glossary Terms
How fast does United States Pallets deliver to national, United States?
Same-day shipping in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core (FL, GA, AL, TN, MS, SC, NC, KY, VA) and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. Express options available for national rush orders. Quote response under 2 business hours, dispatch within hours of order confirmation.
What credit terms does United States Pallets offer national customers?
Net-30 credit terms standard after the first 1-3 prepaid or COD loads while credit is being established. Submit a credit application with three trade references; approval typically processes within 48 hours. Volume accounts can negotiate net-45 or net-60.
What documentation accompanies pallet glossary loads?
BOL, packing list, grade certifications standard. Heat-treated loads add IPPC stamps and ISPM-15 documentation. Pharma-grade loads add batch records. Food-grade loads add FSMA Sanitary Transportation Rule certifications. All documentation ships electronically before delivery.
What's the minimum order quantity for pallet glossary?
50 pallets per order minimum on buy-side. Sell-side (buyback) minimum is 250 pallets per single-size load. Volume tiers kick in automatically as cumulative monthly volume increases - 500+/week accounts qualify for standing-order programs with reserved delivery slots.
Can national customers run a buyback program alongside their pallet purchases?
Yes. Backhaul logistics are coordinated on outbound delivery routes - empty or non-spec pallets get picked up on the return leg of new pallet deliveries. Per-pallet freight cost on the backhaul approaches zero for accounts running both new-pallet purchase + buyback simultaneously.
