Schaeffler Global Transport Label
Implementation guideline for suppliers
January 2024 – Version 1.6

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Contents
List of abbreviations and glossary ............................................................................................................................3
1

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................4

2

Schaeffler GTL Label ................................................................................................................................5

2.1

Basic definitions .....................................................................................................................................5

2.2

Types of labels .........................................................................................................................................6

2.3

Handling unit structure ...........................................................................................................................7

2.4

Examples .................................................................................................................................................83

Specifications and further information .................................................................................................10

3.1

Dimensions, classification of data blocks and titles ..............................................................................12

3.1.1

Single/Master/Mixed label – A5 (210 X 148 mm) .................................................................................12

3.1.2

Single label – small (210 X 74 mm) ........................................................................................................13

3.1.3

Single label – tray format (210 X 42 mm) ..............................................................................................14

3.2

Data fields per block – SINGLE label (A5/small) ....................................................................................15

3.3

Data fields per block – SINGLE label (tray format) ................................................................................16

3.4

Data fields per block – MASTER label ....................................................................................................17

3.5

Data fields per block – MIXED LOAD label ............................................................................................18

3.6

Information fields for EDI communication ............................................................................................19

4

License plate, barcode 128 and 2D data matrix code ...........................................................................20

4.1

License plate ..........................................................................................................................................20

4.2

Barcode 128 ..........................................................................................................................................20

4.3

Specifications, content of the 2D data matrix code and data identifiers ..............................................21

5

Usage with SupplyOn ............................................................................................................................22

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PUBLICList of abbreviations and glossary(5pt)

Point: Specifying the font point size (here 5 point)

AIAG

Automotive Industry Action Group: North American organization for developing
standards and guidelines throughout the supply chain

ASN

Advanced Shipping Notification

Batch

A batch describes an entity of units which were produced within a batch process or
as part of a lot size production. These units have been produced or packed under
the same conditions or with the same parameters.

Block

Defined area on the label, which can contain several information / fields (A1, A2,..., E2)

Data-Matrix

two-dimensional matrix barcode according to ISO/IEC 16022

DI

Data identifier according to ISO/IEC 15418

DUNS number

Numbering system to assign a unique numeric identifier to a single business entity(Developed and regulated by Dun & Bradstreet)

EDIFACTDELFOR

Message

International Standard for the format for the exchange of electronic data incommerce: DELFOR = delivery forecast

EDIFACTDESADV

Message

International Standard for the format for the exchange of electronic data incommerce: DESADV = dispatch advice message

EDIFACT
ORDERS

Message

International Standard for the format for the exchange of electronic data incommerce: ORDERS = purchase order message

GTL

Global Transport Label: label or insert card according to ISO 15394

IAC

Issuing Agency Code: registered for DUN & BRADSTREET as "UN" (according to
ISO/IEC 15459)

JAIF

Joint Automotive Industry Forum: Joint associations from the automotive
producing regions of the world; was formed to mutually carry out global activities
that achieve common objectives

Material number

Synonym for the item number or part number

OdetteOrganization for Data Exchange, that represents the interests of the automotive
industry in Europe

VDA

German Association of automotive manufactures and automotive component
suppliers

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Introduction

The most significant changes in content compared with the previous version are displayed in green text.
This guideline describes the standard for the Schaeffler transport label, the Global Transport Label (GTL). This guideline
includes all technical specifications regarding the dimensions of the label and the content of fields, text and barcodes,
which are required for the implementation of the GTL. This specification is based on the Global Transport Labelstandard (Version 3) which was developed and issued by the Joint Automotive Industry Forum (JAIF) and which isreflected in the VDA 4994 recommendation for the use of Global Transport Label. 1
Global Transport Label is the physical information carrier on the packing piece. It is designed for electronic data
communication as well as manual operation and includes barcodes for an automated compilation with scanners.

Targets of a unified Schaeffler transport label:
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−
−
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Global unification of all supplier transport labels for automotive and industrial business,
Simplification of data communication,
Reduction of manual handling in goods receipt,
Non-ambiguous labeling and identification of separate packing pieces,
Tracking and tracing of goods in the whole Supply Chain between Schaeffler and its suppliers.

Field of application:
This document specifies the implementation and the set-up of the Schaeffler GTL and is effective as of now. This
document describes the rules for labels for logistics packages or handling units. It does not include rules for labels on
product packages. The changeover to the GTL as well as the replacement of the hitherto valid VDA-/Odette labels has
to be aligned with each Schaeffler site individually and has to be set out in the local logistics agreement.
Before the changeover to the Schaeffler GTL, a sample print has to be sent by the supplier to the receiving Schaeffler
plant for testing of the content and to ensure the adherence of the barcode specifications according to ISO/IEC 15415,
15416, 15417 and 16022. In case of a positive test, the receiving plant will do the approval for the changeover to the
Schaeffler GTL.
Exceptions on this regulation require a separate agreement.

1

JAIF: Global Transport Label Standard for the Automotive Industry. Version 3 dated 17NOV2010; ISBN: 978-1-160534216-0

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Schaeffler GTL Label

2.1

Basic definitions

The Schaeffler GTL transport label has to be used for all packing pieces (pallets, containers or shipping cartons).
Packing pieces and containers without a fill quantity as well as auxiliary packaging like cover plates or packaging
materials will not be labeled.
Existing marking areas or insert pockets have to be used if no other regulations are violated. If dedicated areas are notavailable, the labels have to be attached with cardboard or with residue-free glue dots onto the handling unit.
Additional regulations for special handling unit types have to be fulfilled. GTL labels have to be applied secure and savefrom loss. Weatherproof and removable adhesive dots (max. ∅ 30mm) have to be used, if necessary. The adhesive dots
may not conceal any label information.
The labeling has to be clear and distinct while old labels have to be removed. The usage of self-adhesive labels of any
kind onto the reusable packaging materials is prohibited.
Empty small containers and empty boxes have to be labeled as such with informal information content and with theformat of the Single GTL. Each primary packaging (e.g. bag in the small container or box) has to be labeled at least witha supplier-label. This label must include material number Schaeffler, material description, quantity, change index andbatch number. In some cases, for defined materials a Schaeffler defined mini-label is given in alignment with thereceiving Schaeffler plant.

Schaeffler will use the GTL label with the following variants:
1.

SINGLE label for all part carrying containers/load unit without leading MASTER/MIXED LOAD label

2.

SINGLE label for all part carrying containers/packing pieces with a leading MASTER/MIXED LOAD label (lowest
packaging unit)

3.

MASTER label for the main packaging unit (outer packaging) of homogeneous unmixed transportation units withidentical material numbers in all sub-packages

4.

MIXED LOAD label for the main packaging unit (outer packaging) of mixed transportation units with different
material numbers in the sub-packages

Single-, Master- and Mixed load labels have to be applied to the loading unit in format
1200 mm x 800 mm (or larger) on the short side and in format 800 mm x 600 mm on the long side of the unit.

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PUBLICThe application of Single labels on sub-packages has to be done as follows:
Format 600 mm x 400 mm, 400 mm x 300 mm: small side. Format 300 mm x 200 mm: long side.
The single labels of the outlying packages have to be visible from outside.
Security straps for load security of the loading unit may not run across or conceal a Master- or Mixed load GTL. If
handling units are stretched for load security, the Master- or Mixed load GTL have to be applied above the stretchingmaterial.

2.2

Types of labels

SINGLE label:• For homogeneous, unmixed transportation units (e.g. packages, meshed containers, small load carriers,
etc.)• Contains NO sub-packages with separate SINGLE label

A5

Fig.1

small

Tray-Format

Example for the use of the SINGLE label on the package (A5), small container (small) or tray format container

MASTER Label:

MIXED LOAD-Label:

For homogeneous, unmixed HU(same material number)• For NON-homogeneous, mixed HU• Contains sub-packages with separate• Contains sub-packages withseparate SINGLE-LabelSINGLE-Label

Fig.2

Example usage of the MASTER label
on a homogeneous pallet (1200x800)

Fig.3
Example usage of the MIXED LOAD label
on a non-homogeneous pallet (1200x800)

The labels have to be inserted into the KLT slots provided for this purpose as well as secured with adhesive dots
(master label with 3 adhesive dots, single label with one dot). Adhesive dots/strips must not cover any barcodes.

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Handling unit structure

The physical allocation of the SINGLE labels to the MASTER/MIXED labels on the handling unit based on the individual
license plate numbers has to match the handling unit structure in the electronic communication via EDI (chapter 3.5).
Important is the right match between each SINGLE label to the leading MASTER/MIXED label number of the handlingunit. This has to be ensured by the supplier when attaching the labels to each container in the delivery process.

Fig. 4

Example for HU structure

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ExamplesThe following figures show examples of the five different label types. The examples are not true to scale.

Fig.5

Example – SINGLE label (A5)* The safety symbol should only be printed for security relevant materials and components.

Fig.6

Example – SINGLE label (small: 210 x 74 mm)

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Example – SINGLE label (Tray-format: 210 x 42 mm)

Fig.8

Example – MASTER label (A5)9
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Example – MIXED LOAD label (A5)3Specifications and further information

Format:• The format of the Schaeffler Global Transport Label is A5-landscape (210 mm x 148 mm).
• The transport label for small load carriers is half the height of the A5 (210 mm x 74 mm).
• The transport label for tray format load carriers has the dimensions 210 mm x 42 mm.
• In agreement with the local receiving plant the format AIAG B10 (6 inch x 4 inch) can be used too.

Languages:• For transports within the German-speaking area, all block and field titles have to be displayed in German language.
• For cross-boarder transports outside the German-speaking area all block and field titles have to be displayed in
English language.
• If sender and receiving plant are within the same language area but outside the German- or English-speaking areas,
the shared common language can be used for block and field titles by special agreement.

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Font:• For all block and field titles only the characters of the ASCII-character set may be used.
• Only for transports within a country (outside of the German- or English-speaking areas), country-specific characters
may be used by special agreement.
• The fonts Arial Narrow, Helvetica Condensed or a familiar font type may be used.
• Font size for field and line titles (SINGLE small/Master/Mixed): 6 point (pt), max. height 1,5mm.
• Font size for field and line titles (SINGLE tray format): 3 point (pt), max. height 1 mm.
• Font size for field data: Highest possible for best readability within the defined field size.

Printing and paper quality:
Quality level B according to ISO/IEC 15415 und 15416 is required to guarantee the readability of the barcodes. Paper
quality should guarantee a minimum weight of 160 g/m2. As alternative, labels with less weight can be used whenapplied to carton cut-outs or within an insert pocket.

Supplier Area:
The „supplier field“ (E1) can be defined and used by the supplier for own purposes. Language and symbols are free ofchoice by the supplier. If own barcodes are used the following restrictions apply: If identical identifiers are used – asdescribed for the Schaeffler-defined barcodes – these have to contain the same data and information.

Safety symbol:
For security relevant materials or components the following
safety symbol has to be printed in field C aligned to right side:

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Dimensions, classification of data blocks and titles

3.1.1

Single/Master/Mixed label – A5 (210 X 148 mm)

Fig.10Dimensions and classification of blocks – Single/Master/Mixed label (A5)

Fig.11

Data titles – Single/Master/Mixed label (A5)12
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3.1.2Single label – small (210 X 74 mm)

Fig.12Dimensions and classification of blocks – SINGLE label (small)Fig.13

Data titles – SINGLE label (small)

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3.1.3. Single label – Tray format (210 X 42 mm)

Fig.14

Dimensions and classification of blocks – SINGLE label (Tray format)

Note: the dividing lines to the left of section A2 and above E1/E2 are not printed in tray format so as not to impair the legibility of
the 2D symbols. See Fig.7.

Note:

the dashed lines are not printed.

Fig.15

Data titles– SINGLE label (Tray format)

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Data fields per block – SINGLE label (A5/small)

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Data fields per block – SINGLE label (tray format)

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Data fields per block – MASTER label

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Data fields per block – MIXED LOAD label

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Relevant EDIFACT subsets

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License plate, barcode 128 and 2D data matrix code

4.1

License plate• The term "License plate" is a synonym for a global unique identification number for packing pieces of any kind. The
license plate number (ISO/IEC 15459) which has to be generated for use in the Schaeffler GTL, is based on the DUNS
number. The DUNS number is issued by the company Dun & Bradstreet (e.g. application on the internet platform
Upik) and is free of charge.
• The data identifier of the license plate (e.g. 1J) will only be displayed in the header of the data field of the label. In
the data matrix code, it has to be precede the license plate number.
• The uniqueness of the issued license plate number for a packing piece has to be ensured for at least two years.
Configuration of the License plate:

4.2

Barcode 128• The license plate has to be coded according to Code 128 (ISO/IEC 15417) with quality level B in block D1. The data
information will be coded as Code 128 as a singular data element.
• The module width "X" for an element in code 128 is X= at least 0.4mm.

Size of the barcodes

HeightWidthincl. quiet zone

Quiet zone

A5 Labels

20mm

100-120mm

left min. 6mm + quiet zone corr. ISO-N.;
right quiet zone corr. ISO-Norm
top and bottom min. 1mm

SINGLE Label(small; tray format)

10-11mm91-100mm

left min. 6mm + quiet zone corr. ISO-N.;
right quiet zone corr. ISO-Norm
top and bottom min. 1mm

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4.3

Specifications, content of the 2D data matrix code and data identifiers• The Schaeffler GTL will use a square data matrix code (ISO/IEC 16022) with longest applicable lateral length of 33
mm. The minimum size of the elements is X = 0.33 mm (13mil). The quiet zone around the code has to correspondto the ISO specification and should be at least 2 mm to each side.
• A corresponding data identifier (DI) has to precede each data element in the code. All data elements will beembedded according to the syntax ISO/IEC 15434. The format indicator "06" in the header of the syntax defines theusage of the ASC-data identifiers.
• The syntax ISO/IEC 15434 starts with the explicit identification sequence with compliance indicator and format
trailer, followed by the format identifier for the DI´s, the data field separators, the data elements and the closing
sequence with format trailer and message trailer.
• The following characters and character strings will be used as control characters:• The user data will be included after the format identifier "06" and "GS" with preceding data identifier in the syntax,
each separated with a separator "GS":[)>RS06GSdata element 1GSdata element 2GSdata element nRSEoT

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Order and assignment of data elements in the 2D data matrix code

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Usage with SupplyOn

Suppliers who are connected to the internet platform SupplyOn have the possibility to create and print the Schaeffler
GTL label within the ASN process. Prerequisite is the usage of the SupplyOn ASN process module by the supplier andthe established connection with the receiving Schaeffler plant.
This service can be used within the WebEDI solution by entering the required data on the internet based frontend
portal of SupplyOn. While creating the advanced shipping notification (ASN) with his input data, the supplier can
generate the Schaeffler GTL label and export a document for printing.
Additional information can be obtained via the company SupplyOn (www.supplyon.com).

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PUBLICAll information has been carefully prepared andchecked. For any errors or incompleteness, we canassume no liability. Any technical modifications arereserved by us.
© Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
Issue: January 2024

Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
Industriestraße 1-3
91074 Herzogenaurach
Telefon: +49 9132 82-0
Fax:
+49 9132 82-49 50

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