This article shows how to produce GS1-128 compliant pallet labels by using templates in the SSRS report set instead of the self-service shipping paperwork. This approach can help when a retailer requires a format or workflow that is not covered by the self-service paperwork options.
The example in this article uses the Retailer GS1-128 4x6 Label by Container template. This template is intended for printing during scan pack, so a label is produced each time a pallet is closed.
This article is an example workflow. Use it as a starting point, then confirm the label content and barcode requirements against the retailer's current specification.
Background Articles
Review these articles before you set up or validate the template. They explain the GS1-128 standard, SSCC values, and the label data used by the available templates.
Required Setup
Before you test the template, confirm that the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) values are configured correctly. The template depends on these values to generate the pallet labels and the encoded barcode content.
Leave SSCC Application Identifier blank.
Set SSCC Company Prefix.
Set SSCC Extension Digit.
Use the setup shown in the related GS1-128 articles as your baseline. If these values are incomplete or entered differently, the printed pallet labels may not match the expected barcode structure.
Template Overview
This example uses the Retailer GS1-128 4x6 Label by Container SSRS template rather than the self-service shipping paperwork feature. The SSRS approach gives customers another option when they need a label layout, data presentation, or print timing that is not available in the self-service paperwork flow.
Because this template is designed for container level output, it fits scan-pack workflows well. When a user closes a pallet during the packing process, the system can print that pallet's GS1-128 label immediately.
Packed Shipment Example
This example shipment includes several pallets so you can see how the label output relates to the packing activity. Review the shipment from packing through shipment review, then compare the printed labels to the final packing details.
Start in the Scan Pack area and close each pallet as it is completed. Then review the shipment on the Rate and Ship page and confirm the pallet details on the packing list. Looking at all three views together makes it easier to validate the sequence and contents of each container.
Start by using scan-pack to pack two pallets. Use a container close scan after each pallet is packed. The resulting scan-pack screen will look similar to the screenshot below.
Next, rate and ship with your LTL carrier of choice. This example shows the two-pallet shipment being rated/shipped with Estes.
After shipping, use any Pacejet packing list template to review the contents of the shipment.
Pallet Labels Printed During Scan Pack
Each pallet label is printed when the pallet is closed during scan pack. This makes the label timing predictable and keeps the printed output aligned with the physical pallet that was just completed.
Each label includes GS1-128 standard encoded barcodes along with the key shipment and pallet information needed by the retailer. In this example, two labels are shown with unique identifiers and distinct barcoded values so you can verify that each pallet received its own SSCC-based label.
Sample label printed for pallet 1 is shown below from the reprints page:
Sample label printed for pallet 2 is shown below from the reprints page
Tip: When you validate the output, compare the human-readable values on the label to the encoded barcode values and the corresponding pallet details in the shipment.
Reviewing Labels in Report Viewer
You can also review the labels in the Report Viewer to get another perspective on the printed content. This view is helpful when you want to inspect the generated label data without relying only on the physical printout.
In the viewer, pay close attention to the delivery order and container sequence values used during printing. Those values help explain why each label appears in a specific order and which pallet each label represents.
Sample label printed for pallet 1 is shown below from the report viewer page
Sample label printed for pallet 2 is shown below from the report viewer page
Validation Process
Validation should be short and repeatable. After printing labels from a packed shipment, compare the setup values, pallet details, packing list, and printed labels to confirm that the output matches the retailer's requirements.
Confirm the SSCC setup values.
Pack a shipment with multiple pallets.
Close each pallet in Scan Pack and collect the printed labels.
Review the shipment on Rate and Ship and compare it to the packing list.
Review the same labels in Report Viewer.
Verify the human-readable values, barcode content, delivery order and container sequence.
Some teams also use AI tools such as Claude as a secondary review aid. For example, you can provide screenshots of the label, packing list, and shipment details, then ask for a structured comparison of visible values and potential mismatches. This can speed up review, but it should support human validation rather than replace it.
Sample Validation Report Provided by Claude AI to Review Both Labels
Sending a prompt like "You are a shipping manager who needs to validate these 2 labels for GS1-128 compliance with retailers. You need a clear report that identifies all key compliance components of the labels, including the GS1-128 label encoding". The sample two-pallet shipment provided here was checked for end-to-end against GS1-128 standards in a similar way. Claude decoded the SSCC and PO barcodes on each label, verified the AIM symbology identifier, validated the SSCC check digits, and confirmed pallet-level uniqueness.
Check |
Label 1 |
Label 2 |
|---|---|---|
Symbology: True GS1-128 with FNC1 |
✅ |
✅ |
AIM ID |
✅ |
✅ |
20-character payload ( |
✅ |
✅ |
SSCC check digit valid |
✅ |
✅ |
HRI matches encoded bars |
✅ |
✅ |
|
✅ |
✅ |
SSCC unique per pallet |
✅ |
✅ |
PO field populated |
✅ |
✅ |
Ship From / Ship To populated |
✅ |
✅ |
Carrier section populated |
✅ BOL |
✅ BOL |
Item Description populated |
✅ Mixed |
✅ Mixed |
Quantity populated, non-zero |
✅ 100 units |
✅ 150 units |
SSCC caption present |
✅ "SSCC" |
✅ "SSCC" |
Same PO across pallets in shipment |
✅ |
✅ |
With every check passing, these labels are ready to ship and will pass receiving validation at Amazon Vendor Central, Walmart®, including OTIF and FSMA 204 food traceability, Target®, Kroger®, Costco®, and any major retailer or 3PL running modern GS1®-conformant scanning infrastructure.
Note: If you use an AI tool for validation, remove or protect sensitive shipment data according to your company's data handling policies.
Summary
The Retailer GS1-128 4x6 Label by Container template provides an SSRS based option for GS1-128 pallet labels when the self-service shipping paperwork does not meet a retailer's requirements. With the SSCC Company Prefix and SSCC Extension Digit set, and the SSCC Application Identifier left blank, users can print labels as pallets are closed during scan pack and then validate the results against shipment details and retailer rules.