Prepare your shipments with equal attention

A seamless supply chain is the lifeblood of any business.

But amidst the orders and deadlines, it’s easy for smaller shipments or less “glamorous” items to get relegated to the back burner. This is where the philosophy of “preparing your shipments with equal attention” takes center stage. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about recognizing that every package, regardless of size or destination, deserves the same dedication and meticulous preparation.

Prepare Your Shipments With Equal Attention

Pre-printing Your Cartons with ITF-14 Barcodes

Every step in the supply chain, from the moment your product leaves the factory floor to the minute it lands on a customer’s doorstep, needs to be seamless and optimized. One of the most effective ways to achieve this smooth flow is by pre-printing your cartons with ITF-14 barcodes.

ITF-14s are a type of label specifically designed for direct application to corrugated cardboard surfaces. Unlike traditional paper or plastic labels, ITF-14s boast exceptional durability and weather resistance, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in the shipping, logistics, and retail industries.

ITF-14 Barcodes as the Backbone of Efficient Scanning:

What is an ITF-14 barcode?

The ITF-14 barcode is primarily found in general distribution settings and is used to identify items like cases and pallets. It serves as a distinct identification for every carton, making scanning easy for the duration of the journey. No more challenging manual identification processes or unclear handwritten labels. Implement ITF-14, and you’ll see your shipments move with the accuracy of a laser as they go through the supply chain.

The ITF-14 can be printed directly on corrugated material to easily identify your full cases of products. These barcodes can only encode the GTIN-14, a type of Global Trade Item Number intended to identify master cartons and other items at higher levels of packing in general distribution. Unlike a UPC barcode, point-of-sale scanners cannot read the ITF-14 point-of-sale systems are not designed to scan a GTIN-14.

If you acquired your GTINs from GS1 US, you can use the  GS1 US Data Hub tool to create GTIN-14s and encode them into an ITF-14 barcode to share with your carton manufacturer. You can also learn how to generate the ITF-14 barcode in the GS1 Data Hub Help Center.

Think of ITF-14 barcodes as the superheroes of the shipping world. These durable, machine-readable barcodes enable seamless scanning throughout the entire journey. Save yourself potential headaches, embrace the ITF-14 and watch your shipments zip through the supply chain.

Why pre-print?

Pre-printing your cartons with ITF-14 barcodes offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond just the ability to scan:

  • Increased efficiency: Scanning pre-printed barcodes is significantly faster and more accurate than manually entering information, saving your business partners valuable time and reducing the risk of errors.
  • Reduced costs: Minimized errors and faster processing translate to fewer lost shipments, lower re-labeling costs, and a streamlined overall operation.
  • Improved inventory management: With accurate and instantly accessible data, you can track your inventory in real time, optimize stocking levels, and make informed decisions about production and logistics.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction: Timely and accurate deliveries build trust and loyalty, keeping your customers happy and coming back for more.

Embracing Smart Data with GS1 US

GS1 US isn’t just barcodes. They empower businesses of all sizes to unlock the potential of smart data, transforming your supply chain from a jumbled puzzle into a well-oiled machine.

Here’s how:

  1. Real-time transparency: Say goodbye to the guessing game. Track your shipments in real-time with unparalleled accuracy thanks to standardized identifiers and data management.
  1. Accuracy that doesn’t stutter: Ditch the error-prone world of manual data entry. Standardized barcodes like ITF-14 ensure that every package speaks the universal language of the supply chain, minimizing misrouting and lost shipments.
  1. Efficiency through automation: Streamline your processes from warehouse to store with automated identification and sorting powered by smart data. Let technology do the heavy lifting, freeing up your team to focus on strategic initiatives.
  1. Communication without static: Bridge the information gap between you, your partners, and carriers. Many retailers and marketplaces use GS1 US’s Data Hub as a way to ensure everyone is on the same page, leading to smoother collaboration and fewer hiccups.

Choosing a One-Stop Logistics Partner

Global shipping can be daunting, especially for smaller businesses. This is where Forceget Logistics steps in. They’re not just your average shipping company; they’re your trusted partner, ready to guide you through every step, from freight management and consolidation to customs clearance and last-mile delivery.

Tips for Shipping Excellence:

Package like a pro: Invest in high-quality, appropriately sized packaging to protect your products from the rigors of travel.

Document: Create clear and concise packing lists and shipping instructions to avoid confusion and ensure seamless delivery.

Communication is key: Keep your customers informed about their shipments with real-time tracking information and updates. By consistently delivering on your promises, you build trust and strengthen customer relationships.

With these insights and the powerful tools available from GS1 US and Forceget Logistics, you can transform your shipping practices from an operational headache to a strategic advantage.

With Forceget by your side, you can focus on what you do best, knowing your shipments are in capable hands.

The Equal Attention Advantage:

By embracing the “equal attention” approach and leveraging the power of GS1 US’s smart data solutions, ITF-14 barcodes, and Forceget Logistics’s expertise, you unlock a multitude of benefits:

  • Reduced costs: Minimized errors and streamlined processes translate to fewer lost shipments and lower overall shipping expenses.
  • Retained customers: Timely and accurate deliveries build trust and loyalty, keeping your customers coming back for more.
  • Competitive edge: Stand out from the crowd with a reputation for reliable and efficient shipping, giving you a distinct advantage in the marketplace.

Remember, every package has a story to tell. And by giving each one the same level of care and attention, you’re not just optimizing your supply chain; you’re building a foundation for sustainable business success.

So, embrace the “equal attention” philosophy, watch your supply chain hum with efficiency, and experience the joy of satisfied customers and a thriving business.

Ready to take the plunge? Visit the GS1 US website and explore their comprehensive suite of data-driven solutions.

Connect with Forceget Logistics and discover how their expert services can take the weight off your shoulders. Start treating every shipment with equal attention today and watch your business soar to new heights.