FEDERAL ACQUISTION SERVICE (FAS)

DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS VENDOR ADVISORY SERVICE

THE SHIPPING LABEL FOR GLOBAL SUPPLY ORDERS

A major show stopper with FAS orders both export and domestic shipments
are not having a properly prepared shipping label. As with small parcel
carriers such as Fed Ex, a means of tracking a shipment is the internal
control number both "in the clear" and barcoded assigned to your
shipping package. The transportation control number (TCN) is the key
element in tracking FAS Distribution Operation shipments and must appear
on the shipping label with "in the clear text" and barcode information.

As with the small parcel carriers control number, the in the clear as
well as barcoded TCN number controls these government shipments. Figure
1 illustrates the minimum information needed to ship our customers'
orders. To further aid you in preparing the shipping label we will
indicate the applicable blocks and information as found on the Order for
Supplies or Services Form (GSA Form 3186).

We must discuss the performance factors associated with export shipping
labels. In fact, the performance factors listed below are requirements
that are mandatory for export labels. Many of these factors are
requirements for the domestic labels as well. See Mil-Std-129 for
distinctions between export and domestic labels.

1.  Each individual shipping container must have a shipping label.

2.  The recommended size for the label is 4 inches by 6 inches.

3.  The quality of the label will be such that labels are suitable for
    ink printing without feathering or spreading.

4.  The label must withstand normal export handling and shipping
    conditions and remain securely in position.

5.  Waterproofing materials such as spar varnish, acrylic coating
    compound, sealing compound, label adhesive, polyurethane coatings,
    and pressure-sensitive tape that does not restrict or preclude
    legibility or readability of the package markings and shall be used
    as protective coatings on container markings.

6.  When lithographing, embossing, or roller coating of markings is
    authorized, commercial enamels, lacquers, or inks in the color
    specified shall be used. When stamping or inkjet marking is
    specified, commercial waterproof and petroleum-resistant inks, in
    the color specified, must maintain sufficient durability during
    exposure to field service.

7.  Labels shall be of a water-resistant grade of paper, film, fabric,
    or plastic, coated on one side with water-insoluble, permanent type
    adhesive. The adhesive shall adhere to metal, plastic, aluminum or
    fiberboard surfaces under high and low temperatures. Labels shall
    have a finish suitable for printing and writing on with ink without
    feathering or spreading.

8.  When bar code labels are used on exterior shipping containers, a
    waterproof, un-tinted/transparent, plastic, protective laminate such
    as ASTM D 5486, type I, class 2 tapes, or equivalent protection,
    shall be applied to or shall be inherent to the label.

9.  You need to scan the bar code label after any process that may
    affect the readability of the bar code, such as the application of
    tape. Identification bar code markings shall not be obscured by
    application of strapping or tape.

10. The requirements for the Military Shipping Label (MSL) may be found
    in Mil-Std-129 and Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) 4500.9
    Part II, Chapter 208 and Appendix X. The MSL label and format are
    preferred by DoD.

![](media/image1.png){width="3.0055555555555555in" height="4.575in"}

**FIGURE 1 GSA SHIPPING LABEL**

![](media/image2.png){width="5.9944444444444445in"
height="3.1798611111111112in"}

![](media/image3.png){width="5.999305555555556in"
height="1.5090277777777779in"}

**FIGURE 2 GSA ORDER FOR SUPPLIES OR SERVICES FORM (GLOBAL SUPPLY)**