MARKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOXES, SACKS, AND

UNIT LOADS OF PERISHABLE AND

SEMIPERISHABLE SUBSISTENCE

A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. COMMERCIAL CONTAINERS

a. When subsistence items are purchased in commercial containers, the 

identification, contract data and precautionary markings may be retained. This 

data will be considered as complying with the marking requirements 

irrespective of order or location so long as:

(1) The commercial markings are legible, non-fading, durable, and provide 

contrast with the container.

(2) All required data is located on an end/and or side panel(s), except for 

precautionary markings, which shall be on the side panels or the top panel. 

(3) No advertising matter or case marking for products or manufacturer, other 

than being purchased, appear on the container.

b. Any data required in Section D, which is not included in the commercial 

markings must be added. All added information shall:

(1) Comply with the requirements of Section C.

(2) Comply with the requirements of Section D except for order. NSN, 

contract number, Armed Forces Symbol for Subsistence and bar code 

symbol must be on an end or side panel.

2. OTHER CONTAINERS

When subsistence items are purchased in other than preprinted commercial 

containers, markings shall comply with Sections C and D.

DLA TROOP SUPPORT FORM 3556 OCT 2010 

THIS DOCUMENT SUPERSEDES:

DSCP FORM 3556, MAY 2010 
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B. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

1. Government Documents:

Military:

MIL-PRF-61002 – Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Labels for Bar Coding

MIL-STD-129P w/Change 4 --- Military Marking For Shipment And Storage

DOD Regulations:

DOD 4500.9-R --- Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR)

2. Non-Government:

International Organization Standards (ISO)

International Electro technical Committee (IEC)

Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA)

MHIA MH10.8.2 – Data Identifier & Application Identifier Standard

ISO/IEC 15434 - Information Technology – Transfer Syntax for High 

Capacity ADC Media

ISO/IEC 15438 – Information Technology – Automatic Identification and 

Data Capture Techniques – Bar Code Symbology Specification–PDF417 

ISO/IEC 16388 – Information Technology- Automatic Identification and Data 

Capture Techniques – Bar Code Symbology Specification–Code 39

(Application for ISO/IEC copies should be addressed to The American 

National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 or 

through www.iso.ch) 

C. METHOD AND SIZE OF MARKING

1. METHOD OF MARKING 

a. The marking of intermediate containers, shipping containers, sacks/bags 

and unit loads shall be accomplished by use of labels, ink jet printing, 

stamping, photo marking, embossing, decals, transfers, laser marking or 

other similar processes (dot matrix or conventional methods are 

acceptable). Hand lettering or hand printing shall not be used except for 

delivery order numbers and weight and cube declarations.

NOTE: When adhering paper labels to shrink-wrapped shipping 

containers, the labels shall be affixed to the shipping containers prior to 

applying the shrink-wrap.

b. All markings shall be legible, non-fading and durable. The markings 

shall contrast with the applied surface.
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c. Commercial enamels, lacquers or inks shall be used for lithographing, 

embossing, roller coating, jet printing or stamping. When stamping is 

applied, commercial waterproof and petroleum resistant inks, offering 

durability on exposure to field service, shall be used.

NOTE: Enamels, lacquers or inks shall not be applied to fiberboard, 

chipboard or any other porous type packaging material that may come into 

direct contact with a food item unless the FDA has declared the marking 

material a Food Grade Material.

d. Labels may be used for address markings, identification and contract data 

markings, regulation / statue markings, and International Logistics 

shipment markings. When labels are used, the required markings shall be 

printed, typed or reproduced. When labels are used for identification and 

contract data, the markings shall be of the size specified herein, and shall 

be a size that permits ready identification. Labels for Level A and B 

packs, except pressure sensitive labels, shall be secured with water 

resistant adhesive. Labels for commercial applications shall be securely 

affixed with adhesive in accordance with good commercial practice. 

Labels for Level A pack shall be waterproofed by coating the entire label 

and adjacent surfaces with a water proof material. Waterproof pressure 

sensitive labels (waterproof adhesive backing and printed surface) do not 

require waterproof coating as described above. When labels are used for 

other than ration items, the color of the labels may be white. If labels are 

applied to ration items, the color shall be an earth tone color such as a 

tan, beige, brown or green.

 

e. Tags. A metal, cloth, plastic or paper shipping tag shall be used 

whenever it is impracticable to stencil, mark or apply a label. For Level 

A and B packs, water resistant paper tags shall be used. Metal shipping 

tags shall be corrosion resistant. Tags shall be attached with wire 

(minimum 23 gauge) or twine. Markings on cloth or paper tags shall be 

printed with waterproof ink or typed; metal tags with dies or punches; 

plastic tags by means of stamping, stenciling, printing, perforating or 

embossing.

2. SIZE OF MARKINGS

a. Lettering shall be in capital letters of equal height.

b. Interrupted stencil shipping case markings shall be minimum 7/16 inch. 

Solid letter shipping case markings shall be minimum 3/8 inch. Solid 

letter markings may be reduced to 1⁄4 inch when panel space is 

insufficient for the larger markings. Markings applied by non-contact 

methods (e.g. ink jet, laser, etc.) shall be minimum 1⁄4 inch.

c. Markings on shipping sacks shall be minimum 3/8 inch.
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d. Label Markings (shipping containers)

Lettering for identification and contract data markings shall not be less 

than 1⁄4 inch (solid or dot matrix letters).

e. Tags (shipping containers). Markings on paper, plastic, or cloth tags shall 

be a minimum of 1/8 inch. Markings on metal tags shall be minimum of 

3/16 inch.

f. Unit load markings shall be minimum 3⁄4 inch.

D. IDENTIFICATION, CONTRACT DATA, AND SPECIAL MARKINGS

1. INTERMEDIATE CONTAINERS.

a. Unless otherwise specified, intermediate containers shall be marked or labeled 

on one end or side panel with the following information.

Item Name (e.g. TEA, INSTANT)

Quantity, Size & Unit (e.g. 50 3⁄4 OZ PG)

 

b. Intermediate container is an interior container, bundle or wrap which contains 

two or more unit packages of identical items, and which is subsequently packed in 

a shipping container.

2. SHIPPING CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION AND CONTRACT DATA

a. On one end panel mark the information listed below as shown in Figure 1 & 2. 

When end panel space is insufficient to allow for all the required markings, all or 

the remaining markings shall be stenciled or printed on the side panel.

NOTE: The identification/contract data markings, cited below, and bar code 

markings may be displayed on separate display panels. This is permitted when 

any one panel is too small to accommodate both sets of markings.
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b. SEMI-PERISHABLE (ISSUE) 1/ (See Figure 1)

Line 1 – NSN (National Stock Number) (e.g. 8915-00-257-3947) 

Line 2 – Item Description or Name (e.g. CORN, CANNED)

Line 3 – Quantity, Size and Unit (e.g. 6 NO. 10 CNS) or Net Weight (e.g. NET 

WT. 42 lbs.) as appropriate.

Line 4 – Contract or P.O. Number, Delivery Order Number 2/(when applicable) 

and Lot Number 3/ 

(e.g. SP0300-10-C-0001, LOT 26 or SP0300-10-C-0001-D027, LOT 26)

 Line 5 – Name, Address, and Zip Code of Contractor.

(e.g. TEFCO, INC., BROOMALL, PA 19101)

Line 6 – Date of Pack 4/ (Month/Year)

(e.g. DOP 5/10) or (Julian Date) (e.g. DOP 3145)

Line 7 – Inspection/Test/Date 5/ ------ --------- ------- 6/ 

1/ Inspection/Test Date is not required for shipment when ration components 

are shipped to ration assembly points.

2/ Delivery order numbers may be hand lettered. Hand lettering shall be 

legible and marked with non-fading, durable ink.

3/ Contractor shall mark the applicable lot number by embossing, stamping, 

printing, stenciling, jet or laser printing on each primary container and/or 

shipping container thus identifying the involved lot from all other lots 

produced by the same contractor. Lot numbers will not be mixed on the same 

pallet except for end of shift/partial lot quantities. Unit load markings shall 

reflect all involved lot numbers.

 

4/ The date of pack is that date on which the product was packaged in the 

unit/primary container.

5/. Expected shelf life is found in the applicable solicitation/contract. To 

calculate Inspection Test Date (ITD), add shelf life value to Date of Pack.

Example 1: If Date of Pack is June 2001 and shelf life is four months, then 

ITD is computed as follows:

6/01 + 4 = ITD 10/01 

Example 2: If Date of Pack is September 2001 and shelf life is six months, 

then ITD is computed as follows:

9/01 + 6 = ITD 03/02

6/ Three spaces shall be provided for additional inspection/test dates.
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c. PERISHABLE (ISSUE) (See Figure. 2)

Line 1 - NSN (National Stock Number) (e.g. 8915-00-127-7984) 

Line 2 - Item Description or Name (e.g. BEANS, LIMA, FROZEN)

Line 3 – Total Net Weight 1/ 2/ (e.g. 50 LB NET WT) or quantity, size and 

unit applicable to items purchased by volume rather than by weight 

(e.g. 24 – 12 FLUID OZ CNS) and Date of Pack 3/ 4/ (month, day and year; 

e.g. DOP 7/6/03) or Julian date (year and day; e.g. DOP 3116)

Line 4 – Contractor P.O. Number, delivery order number 5/ (when applicable) 

and lot number 6/.

(e.g. SP0300-03-C-0001, LOT 26 or SP0300-03-C-0001-D027, LOT 26.)

Line 5-Name, Address, and Zip Code of Contractor

(e.g. JABCO,INC.,DREXEL HILL,PA 19026)

1/ Unless otherwise specified in the contract or order, the net weight shall 

be expressed in pounds to the nearest greater whole pound.

2/ Net weights are not required on shipments of perishable items 

purchased by volume, i.e. frozen juice, milk, ice cream, etc.

3/ The DOP, applied to frozen fruit and vegetable containers, need only 

indicate month and year.

4/ The date of pack is that date on which the product was processed and/or 

packaged in the unit/primary container (as applicable) regardless of dates 

of packing or shipping. On those items such as frozen fruits, juices and 

vegetables which are bulk frozen, the date of pack shall be the month and 

year the product is processed into its final form, regardless of subsequent 

packaging into primary (bulk/retail) containers. When dealing with 

natural cheeses, the date of pack shall be the date of manufacture.

 

5/ Delivery order numbers may be hand lettered. Hand lettering shall be 

legible and marked with non-fading durable ink.

6/ Contractor shall mark each lot by embossing, stamping, printing, 

stenciling, jet or laser printing each primary and/or shipping container, 

thus identifying one lot from all other lots produced by the same 

contractor.
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3. SPECIAL MARKINGS 

a. Fragile items. At least three surfaces (except the bottom surface) of each 

shipping container packed with delicate or fragile items shall be marked 

“FRAGILE” by means of stenciling or labeling. Shipping containers 

imprinted on at least three surfaces with “GLASS-DO NOT DROP OR 

THROW” or “GLASS-HANDLE WITH CARE” or similar precautionary 

markings shall not require “FRAGILE” markings.

b. Precautionary markings (see figure 2). For items required to be refrigerated 

or frozen, the following markings or equivalent wording, as applicable, shall 

be applied to the top or 2 sides of the container in letters 1 to 1-1/2 inches 

high (color of markings may be the same color as the color normally used by 

the contractor on his commercial shipping cases):

 KEEP FROZEN or KEEP REFRIGERATED

 (0.F. or BELOW) (Temperature range, as applicable)

c. Armed Forces symbol for Subsistence. 1/ Except for containers filled with 

fresh fruits and vegetables, all troop issue shipping containers shall have a 

solid crescent (figure 5) applied to the right and adjacent to the identification 

markings. The color of the crescent shall be in contrast to the applied 

surface. Subsistence items intended strictly for resale are not required to 

display the subsistence symbol.

d. Shipping container linear bar code markings. 1/ All shipping containers 

except for perishable items shall have bar code markings applied on the end 

of the container (see figure 1). When space does not permit placing all of the 

bar code markings on one surface of the shipping container, the bar code 

labels/markings will be placed on an adjacent side of the container. The bar 

code marking or label (representing the National Stock Number (NSN), 

contract number, and CAGE code) shall be in a vertical or “picket fence” 

configuration in an area adjacent to the identification markings. The bar 

code shall be placed a minimum distance of 1 inch from the top or bottom 

edges of the container and .5 inches from the side edge of the container. A 

minimum distance (quiet zone) of 0.25 inch from the nearest identification 

marking will be maintained. The bar codes shall be applied in either of the 

following format: (1) stacked on three separate lines (left hand start 

characters vertically aligned) or (2) applied in line with NSN preceding the 

contract number and CAGE code. A minimum space of 0.5 inch separating 

the bar codes shall be maintained. On fiberboard shipping containers, either 

bar code labels or direct printing are acceptable. When labels are used for 

other than ration items, the color of the labels may be white. If labels are 

used on ration items, the bars shall be black with a background earth tone 

color such as tan, beige, taupe or green.
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1/ Not required on shipping containers of ration components being 

shipped from a contractor, or sub-contractor, to a ration assembly point.

E. MARKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHIPPING SACKS AND BAGS

1. IDENTIFICATION AND CONTRACT DATA MARKINGS (see Fig. 4).

a. Beginning 7 inches from the top of the sack or bag, the following 

identification markings shall be applied in the order listed.

Line 1 – National Stock Number (NSN) (e.g. 8920-00-165-6898) 

Line 2 – Item Description or Name (e.g. FLOUR, PASTRY)

Line 3 – Net Weight or Quantity, Size and Unit, Date of Pack (e.g. 

50 LB. NET PKG or 6/10 LB. PKG, DOP 3/03)

Line 4 – Inspection/Test Date_________

(e.g. INSPECTION/TEST 11/03________)

b. Beginning 12 inches from the bottom of the sack or bag, the 

following contract data markings shall be applied in the order listed.

Line 1 – Contract or P.O. Number & Lot number

 (e.g. SP0300-03-C-4424, LOT 6)

Line 2 – Contractor’s name (e.g. TERMINAL FLOUR MILL CO.)

Line 3 – Contractor’s address w/ Zip Code) 

(e.g. PORTLAND, OR 97203)

c. Alternatively, in lieu of the sequence shown above for identification 

and contract data markings, Net Weight/Date of Pack may be 

displayed with the contract data markings. When this option is 

utilized, Net Weight/Date of Pack will be the first line of contract 

data markings.

d. Level A sacks and Level B (for ocean shipment) sacks. On the side 

of the shipping sack bearing the manufacturer’s Certificate of 

Compliance, stencil or print the following words in block letters 1 to 

1-1/2 inches high: “FOR OCEAN SHIPMENT”. Marking shall be 

applied directly under the manufacturer’s Certificate of Compliance 

markings.

e. Commodities already packed in commercially printed sacks shall 

have the required markings stenciled in letters of 7/16 to 1 inch, 

equal height, centered on one face of the sack or bag.

2. When the printing area is too small to permit compliance with 

specified requirements, the spacing of the printing may be altered 

proportionately.
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3. If the bag material (other than paper) is such that the information is not 

legible, when stenciled, the information shall be printed or typed on a 

white or manila cloth or paper tag. The required markings shall be 

waterproofed by coating the entire outer surfaces of the tag with spar 

varnish, clear acrylic coating compound or adhesive. The tags shall be 

attached with tag wire not smaller than 23-gauge (0.0258 in. diameter) 

or other suitable corrosion resistant metal fastener. Maximum size of 

tags shall be 28 square inches.

F. MARKING FOR PALLETIZED/CONTAINERIZED SHIPMENTS

1. MARKING AND SPECIAL MARKINGS

a. Markings and special markings as specified by Section D-3 (if applicable) for 

palletized/containerized unit loads shall be stenciled, printed, or labeled on 

two adjacent sides as follows:

Line 1 – NSN

Line 2 – Item Description or Name

Line 3 – Quantity, Size and Unit, 1/

Line 4 – Gross Weight and Cube 2/

Line 5 – Contract or P.O. number (Delivery Order Number (when 

applicable)) and Lot Number 3/ 4/

Line 6 – Name and Address of Contractor 3/

Line 7 – Date of Pack (DOP)

Line 8 – Inspection/Test Date 5/

1/ The quantity is the number of shipping cases in the unit load.

 

2/ Gross weight and cube; include the weight and dimensions of the pallet 

or load base.

3/ Contract markings (lines 5 and 6); required to be applied to one side 

surface of the unitized load.

4/ Different lot numbers will not be mixed on the same pallet load except 

for end of shift/partial lot quantities. The unit load markings shall reflect 

all involved lot numbers

5/ Inspection Test Date (ITD) is not required for shipment when the ration 

components are shipped to ration assembly points, except, Unitized Group 

Ration component item unit loads destined for government depot assembly 

points shall display ITD markings.

2. MARKINGS
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a. Sheathed or Consolidation Boxes. The above-required marking may be 

applied directly on any two adjacent sides as shown in figure 3. 

Additionally, the Subsistence Crescent and bar code symbol must be 

applied in the approximate positions as shown in figure 3.

b. Unsheathed Loads. Unit load markings shall be placed on two adjacent 

sides of the unit load by means of marking panels 1/. Shipping cases will be 

placed or stacked so that the shipping case contract data markings are facing 

towards the outside of the load if possible. When required marking (see 

Section D) are exposed on two adjacent sides of the load, on one or more 

individual shipping container(s), the marking panel need only be marked with 

lines 3 and 4 as previously specified.

1/ Marking Panels

The marking panel shall be made from weather resistant fiberboard material 

complying with ASTM D 4727M. If the panel is secured to the load with 

tape, it must be weather resistant and no less than 2 inches wide. The tape 

shall be applied along each of the four edges of the panel; the ends of the 

tape shall not extend more than 3 inches past the adjacent panel ridge.

3. SHRINK FILM OR STRETCH-WRAP

a. For heat shrink or stretch-wrap bonded loads, the required unit load 

markings will be applied before the unit load is bonded with the film. 

When multi-layer applications of stretch wrap film obscure the 

identification and contract markings that were applied to the load 

prior to bonding, pressure sensitive labels shall be placed on the 

outermost layer of wrap. Alternatively, a placard may be 

appropriately positioned on the sides of the unit load just prior to 

applying the last layer of stretch wrap. The outside labels/placards 

shall be placed on either the identification sides of the load or on 

opposite sides. 

NOTE: Outside labels/placards are in addition to labels/placards 

affixed directly to the unit load as cited above.

 

 

 
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G. ADDRESS MARKINGS

1. DOCUMENTATION TO ACCOMPANY SEAVAN/MILVAN SHIPMENTS 

Four copies of a document showing the contents of the van, and including the 

words “Date Stuffed” with such date, will be placed in a waterproof envelope 

marked “MILSTAMP DOCUMENTATION” and attached either to the interior of 

the loading door of the van or to one of the packages visible immediately upon 

opening. (This document may be any one of the following: contract, delivery 

order, packing/loading list, DD Form 250, TCMD, Bill of Lading or other 

document which fully identifies the contents.)

2. MILITARY SHIPPING LABELS (MSL)

a. Military (DoD) and contractor-or vendor-originated address markings, 

including the military shipment label (MSL) and respective bar code symbols, 

shall be as specified in DOD 4500.9-R, Part II, MIL-STD-129, and as 

summarized herein. The preferred location for applying address markings to 

shipping containers is shown in figures 1, 3, & 4. Exact placement of MSLs may 

vary slightly from those shown. 

b. Military (DoD) and contractor- or vendor-originated address markings (see 

figure 6). Unless specifically exempted in the contract, (DoD) and contractor- or 

vendor shipping activities will apply address markings using a bar coded military 

shipping label (MSL). This includes shipments moving within CONUS or 

OCONUS, for CONUS to OCONUS, or conversely from OCONUS to CONUS. 

Military Shipping Label (MSL) (see figure 6 ). The MSL will be completed and 

attached as specified herein (see figures 1, 3, & 4.

 The MSL will include clear-text entries applicable to the shipment.

The MSL will include linear (Code 39) bar code symbols formatted in accordance 

with MIL-STD-129 in reference to ISO/IEC 16388. Three linear (Code 39) bar 

codes are required including the Transportation Control Number (TCN), Piece 

number without leading zeros, and Ultimate Consignee /Mark For DoDAAC.

 
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The MSL will include a 2D(PDF417) symbol in accordance with ISO/IEC 

15438, formatted in accordance with Table IV of MIL-STD-129 and as specified 

herein, with reference to DoD 4500.9-R, Part II, Appendix X. The 2D(PDF417) 

symbol will contain Table IV specified human readable information from the 

printed MSL, Table IV specified DoD 4500.9-R, Part II, TCMD data (only 

selected data), and Table IV specified line item supply data (DD Form 1348-1A 

or requisition information). The applicable 2D (PDF417) Transportation Control 

Movement Document (TCMD) data, and line item supply data in accordance with 

the following paragraphs. The applicable 2D(PDF417) symbol Data Identifier 

(DI) formats can be found in Table IV of MIL-STD-129. ISO/IEC 15434 and 

MHIA MH10.8.2 are the references for MIL-STD-129, Table IV.

The 2D(PDF417) symbol shall contain the clear-text information on the MSL as 

provided herein. For contractor or vendor shipments, the TCMD information, 

when required, shall be coordinated between the contractor or vendor and the 

contracting office or administrative contracting office, per the FAR 47.305-10 and 

the DFARS 247.305-10 and 247.371, and applied by the contractor per FAR 

52.247-52. The TCMD may contain coded information that shall be converted to 

in-the-clear text for printing on the MSL, for example, deletion of leading zeros 

from pieces, weight, cube, length, width, height, TCMD data, and conversion of 

alpha numeric pieces, weight, cube, and TCMD codes to numeric digits. Each 

shipment unit in a consolidated shipment shall be marked with a 2D (PDF417) 

MSL.

The 2D (PDF417) symbol line item supply data for MILSTRIP transactions is 

sourced from DD Form 1348-1A information as noted in DOD 4000.25-1-M, 

Appendix 1.35, or as carried forward from the contract order. The MSL 2D 

(PDF417) symbol on each piece of a shipment unit will have the same line item 

information. For contractor or vendor shipments, this information, as available, 

and the DFARS 247.305-10 minimum requirements, shall be coordinated between 

the contractor or vendor and the contracting office or administrative contracting 

office. For non-MILSTRIP transactions, the available information will be limited. 

Factors that determine the amount of available data to be recorded on the 2D 

(PDF417) symbol are specified in this Section.

MSL size. 

 

The recommended size for the MSL is 4 inches by 6 inches.

MSL stock quality. The quality of the MSL will be such that labels are suitable for 

ink printing without feathering or spreading. They must withstand normal 

handling and shipping conditions and remain securely in position. General bar 

code labels shall meet the following requirements:
13

Labels, paper, pressure-sensitive, water-resistant. Labels shall be of a waterresistant grade paper, film, fabric, or plastic, coated on one side with waterinsoluble, permanent type adhesive. The adhesive shall adhere to metal, plastic, 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, be 

capable of withstanding normal handling and storage conditions, and remain 

securely in position. Application specific performance criteria and durability 

requirements to ensure functionality in various climatic environments should be 

tailored, if required, using MIL-PRF-61002. MIL-PRF-61002 can be used as an 

acquisition tool when labels presently being used are not performing satisfactorily 

or when new conditions or applications require special label stock for those 

particular situations. Address marking bar code labels on exterior containers shall 

meet the following requirements:

Bar code labels on exterior shipping containers. When bar code labels are printed, 

the printer ribbons shall be of OCR-grade quality, or equivalent, and shall produce 

clear, smear-resistant markings. 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 tape, or equivalent protection, shall 

be applied to or shall be inherent to the label.

MSL format. The in-the-clear data and bar code entries shall meet required 

standards and shall comply with the following paragraphs and MIL-STD-129, 

Table IV detailed format requirements. The in-the-clear data and linear (Code 39) 

bar code HRI shall be easily human readable. The linear (Code 39) bar codes and 

the 2D (PDF417) bar code symbol shall be easily machine-readable. A specific 

MSL format is not required except for the location of the TCN (see figure 6). The 

MSL format shall retain the applicable block titles associated with the data content. 

Figure 6 shows an example of an acceptable MSL format that may be used as a 

guideline in producing a label. MHIA MH10.8.1 is the referenced standard for 

developing a DTR compliant MSL.

 

 Completing the MSL for address marking. The MSL shall be completed as follows 

to include in-the-clear text or descriptive information, linear (Code 39) bar codes 

with HRI, and a 2D(PDF417) symbol. 

a. Linear (Code 39) bar code labels or 2D(PDF417) symbol labels with HRI may 

be affixed to the MSL as an alternative to direct printing on the MSL 

providing the labels do not impact the effectiveness of the MSL.

b. Data identifier (DI) codes shall not be used in conjunction with the linear 

(Code 39) bar codes. 

c. The MSL unique transport unit identifier shall be the TCN and it shall be 

encoded and printed as the uppermost bar code on the top of the label. 

Information on TCN construction for the various types of shipments is 

detailed in DoD 4500.9-R, Part II, Cargo Movement, Appendix L.
14

d. Linear (Code 39) bar codes or 2D(PDF417) bar code symbols shall not be 

positioned in the same linear plane and the label layout should provide as 

much vertical spacing as available between the bar code symbols to reduce the 

possibility of scanning interference. 

e. The text for all entries, except as noted below, shall be no smaller than 10 

lines per 1 inch (approximately a 7 point font). The preferred font size is 10 

to 14 points.

(1) The “Ship To” address character height shall be no smaller than the 

“From” address character height and should be distinctive in appearance, 

e.g., larger, bolder, different color, etc. The “Ship To” address shall be 

located below or to the right of the “From” address.

(2) The transportation priority numeral shall be bold text and shall be 3⁄4 inch 

high (approximately a 72-point font).

Data content of the MSL (see figure 6). The data content of the MSL and the 

instructions for completion are summarized below.

(1) The MSL shall contain the following information: TCN. Enter the 17-character 

(alphanumeric) TCN using a 1⁄2-inch-high linear (Code 39) bar code with HRI as 

the uppermost bar code on the top of the label. For consolidated shipments, place 

a lead TCN in this block. The lead TCN shall not duplicate any internally packed 

TCNs.

(2) Transportation Account Code (TAC)/Postage. Enter the TAC or the postage 

data. For other than mail shipments, enter the TAC applicable to shipments 

moving from POE to POD, otherwise leave blank. For mail shipments, use one of 

the following:

(a) For metered mail, attach the stick-on metered postage 

values to or near this block.

(b) For permit imprint mail, enter the appropriate 

service/agency mail authorization.

Example: First Class Mail

Postage and Fees Paid

Defense Logistics Agency

Permit No. G-53 

(3) From. Enter the Consignor DoDAAC/CAGE and in-the-clear address (up to 3 

lines of 35 characters) of the shipping activity. For mail enter the zip code.

 

(4) Type Service. In-the-clear text (e.g., Frt.TL, Frt. LTL, SEAVAN) for the type 

of transportation service to the “Ship To” address. The in-the-clear text may be 

derived from the TCMD Mode/Method code for the Generic Cargo MSL.

 

(5) Ship to/POE. Enter the three-digit air/water Port of Embarkation (POE) code, if 

applicable, and an in-the-clear address (three characters and 5 lines of up to 35 

characters).
15

(6)Priority. Enter the applicable transportation priority (TP). TP 1, 2, 3, or 4 

(deferred air freight) should be clearly identified in the priority block of the MSL 

using bold text that is 3⁄4 inch high. 

(7) POD. Enter three-digit air/water Port of Debarkation (POD) port 

designator, if applicable. In-the-clear location name may be included. Blank 

for mail shipments

 

(8) Project Code. Enter project code, if applicable.

(9) Ultimate Consignee/Mark For Consignee. Enter the in-the-clear 

complete address(s) (up to 5 lines of 35 characters) and the 1⁄2-inch-high linear 

(Code 39) bar code DoDAAC with HRI.

(10) Weight. Enter actual gross weight (numeric value of this piece). 

Round to next whole digit and do not zero fill.

(11) RDD. Enter the Required Delivery Date (RDD) code specified by the 

requisitioner, if appropriate.

(12) CUBE. Enter the actual cube (numeric value of this piece). Round to 

next whole digit and do not zero fill.

(13) Charges. No known requirement. Leave Blank.

(14) Date Shipped. Enter an in-the-clear date (for example YDDD, 

YYYYDDD, DD/MM/YY, or DD-MMM-YYYY. Do not use the Date 

Shipped Code from DoD 4500.9-R, Part II, Appendix RR.

(15) FMS Case Number. Enter as FMS case identifier as appropriate.

(16) Piece Number. Enter the piece number (numeric value assigned to this 

piece) of the cargo documented by the TCN for this shipment unit and a 1⁄2 

inch high linear (Code 39) bar code. Do not zero fill. Piece Number may be 

expressed as “Piece Number of Total Pieces” to save space on the label, only 

the Piece Number has a linear (Code 39) bar code; the word “of” and the total 

number of pieces are not shown in the linear (Code39) bar code.

(17) Total Pieces. Total number (numeric value) of pieces documented by 

the TCN for this shipment unit. Total Pieces may be expressed as “Piece 

Number of Total Pieces” to save space on the label, the Total Pieces value is 

not shown in the Piece Number linear (Code 39) bar code. Do not zero fill.

18) 2D(PDF417) symbols. Includes MSL in-the-clear text data, selected 

TCMD data, and selected supply/unit information. 
16

MSL 2D(PDF417) symbol coding requirements. Each MSL 2D (PDF417) 

symbol shall contain the data elements from the applicable figure in Table IV of 

MIL-STD-129 for encoding MSL text, TCMD data, and supply line item 

information.

a. The data elements include MSL information, header TCMD data (T_0 

through T_3) and the respective trailer data (T_5 through T_9) for the labeled 

shipment unit, and the line item contents of the single shipment unit for generic 

cargo. Table IV-A of MIL-STD-129 provides data descriptions, format, and data 

sources for the MHIA MH 10.8.2 DIs used in the 2D(PDF417) symbol and for the 

data element identifiers (DEI) that identify DoD unique data elements from DoD 

4500.9-R and DoD 4000.25-1-M. Tables IV-B and Table IV-C provide the 

content of the data streams for sustainment cargo MSLs.

b. All shipment unit data and line item data in the MSL 2D(PDF417) symbol 

replicates data from the three sources noted below. If the data is available and a 

corresponding DI or DEI is shown in the applicable Table IV-B or IV-C, the data 

must be entered into the 2D(PDF417) symbol. Blank data fields are not to be 

encoded. When multiple sources for a data element are identified, the sources are 

prioritized as follows (TCMD) source has priority if it exists):

(1) Source 1: Header TCMD data. Format 07 DEI 34 (Table IV-A of MIL-STD129) shall be used to identify the Document Identifier Code of header TCMD data 

being documented in the 2D (PDF417) symbol.

(2) Source 2: Supply documentation (DD Form 1348-1A bar code data) or 

contract data for each supply line item packaged within the shipment unit.

(3) Source 3: Shipment information entered in the clear on the MSL.

c. The MSL 2D (PDF417) symbol can only contain limited amounts of data 

(about 1000 characters) The following factors will be considered when 

determining the amount of available data to record in the 2D(PDF417) symbol.

(1) A consolidated shipment unit containing multiple shipment units shall 

be documented by encoded only the header TCMD data and its 

respective trailer TCMD information. The MSL 2D symbol shall not 

be populated with TCMD information from the internal shipment 

units. Each shipment unit in a unitized shipment must be marked with 

a 2D (PDF417) MSL. The MSL 2D (PDF417) symbol does not 

contain enough capability to consistently record the internal shipment 

unit prime TCMD data (T_4) and the respective trailer data.

(2) The 2D (PDF417) symbol for a consolidated shipment unit of multiple 

shipment units, or a mix of line items and multiple shipment units, 

shall not contain any line item information and shall be marked with 

an in-the-clear text message that shall be entered at the bottom of the 

2D (PDF417) symbol stating “NO LINE ITEM DATA” and it shall be 
17

entered into the Format 07 DEI 35 (free text comment) area of the 

MSL 2D (PDF417) symbol for reprinting purposes

(3) It may not be possible to document the supply line items of an entire 

multi pack of consolidated shipment. If the AIT media can’t store all 

of the line item data required to document the shipment unit, the line 

item information shall be eliminated from the 2D (PDF417) symbol. 

An in-the-clear message shall be entered at the bottom of the 2D 

(PDF417) symbol stating “NO LINE ITEM DATA” and it shall be 

entered into the Format 07 DEI 35 (free text comment) area of the 

MSL 2D (PDF417) symbol for reprinting purposes.

(4) In order to provide space for multiple line item supply data in the 2D 

(PDF417) symbol of the Generic Cargo MSL, the in-the-clear address 

data shall only be printed in the 2D (PDF417) symbol of a Generic 

Cargo MSL for single line item shipments or when no line item data is 

printed in the bar code. Most multi-piece shipments derive from a 

single line item document; therefore, the addressing data will usually 

be available in the 2D (PDF417) symbol for reprinting MSLs when a 

Tran shipper needs to split a multi-piece shipment. 

 

d. When an MSL 2D(PDF417) symbol is generated in accordance with Table IV-B 

of MIL-STD-129 (Generic Cargo), it does not need to include DIs that are blank. 

Metric units of measure may be used in the 2D(PDF417) symbol for selected DIs 

/DEIs as noted in Table IV-A.

MSL bar code symbol printing standards. The three linear bar codes and 

2D(PDF417) symbol shall be printed in accordance with this standard with 

reference to ANSI MH10.8.1, ISO/IEC 16388, and ISO/IEC 15438 for further 

explanation. ISO/IEC 15416 defines print quality for linear bar codes. ISO/IEC 

15415 defines print quality for two-dimensional symbols. Printed symbols will 

conform to “B” quality standards as defined in the appropriate standard. The 

requirements are summarized as follows:

1. Linear (Code 39) bar codes.

(1) The minimum bar height shall be 1⁄2 inch.

(2) The minimum narrow element dimension (X-dimension) shall not be less 

than 0.01 inch.

(3) The wide to narrow ratio of the elements should be 3:1. The measure ratio 

shall be between 2.4.1 and 3.2.1.

(4) The leading and trailing quiet zones shall be not less than 0.25 inches. 

(5) The linear bar codes should be presented on shipment units with the bar 

codes horizontal (picket fence orientation).

(6) The label should be designed so that two bar codes and/or symbols are not in 

the same linear plane unless the label is wide enough to reduce the possibility 

of interference with successful bar code and/or symbol scanning.
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(7) The quality of the printed bar code shall meet a grade requirement of 2.5(B) 

at the point of production when measured in accordance with ISO/IEC 15416 

with a measurement aperture of 0.25 mm and an inspection wavelength of 660 

+/- 10nm.

2. 2D(PDF417) symbol. For technical details, see Table IV of MIL-STD-129.

Human readable interpretation (HRI). The HRI of the TCN, piece number, and 

consignee DoDAAC should appear above, below, or in line with the linear bar 

code. When in line, a 0.25-inch quiet zone shall be provided.

H. PLACEMENT OF ADDRESS MARKINGS (MSL)

Address labels should be affixed at a suitable location where there is minimum risk of 

damage. For approximate placement of the address markings see figures 1, 3, or 4.

Required address markings shall be placed on the identification-marked side of 

exterior shipping containers. If a container is too small to accommodate the address 

on the identification-marked side, the address markings/label shall be applied on an 

adjacent or opposite side of the shipping container, or attached to a paper shipping 

tag or a marking board/panel. When the surface of the shipping container does not 

lend itself to direct application of the MSL, or the MSL obscures other required 

markings on a shipping container, the label shall be attached to a paper shipping tag, 

a marking board or marking panel. The tag shall be large enough to accommodate 

the label without folding. Separate marking boards or panels shall be used for 

identification and address markings. Separate tags shall be used for identification 

and address markings.

Stencil marking alone is not an appropriate alternative for applying address marking 

to shipments because stenciling cannot accommodate the bar code requirements.

a. Paper shipping sacks, bags, and textile/laminated textile bags. 

When a label is used, it shall be applied below the identification markings and the 

side of the sack or bag that does not bear the certificate of compliance of the sack or 

bag manufacturer. Commercially packed commodities shall have the required label 

centered on one face of the sack or bag. When the printing area is too small, spacing 

of the printing may be altered proportionately and lines may be consolidated to 

accommodate the MSL label. 

b. Unit load (see figure 3). When a palletized unit load is formed, the individual 

containers comprising the unit load shall already be marked with the appropriate 

identification information. The palletized unit load shall have the exterior container 

identification and address markings applied as specified herein and as shown in 

Figure 3. When a fiberboard container such as a triple-wall fiberboard box is used 

for unitizing a load in lieu of palletization, all required markings, including the 
19

address label, may be placed directly on the flat fiberboard surface. The gross 

weight for palletized/containerized unit loads shall include the weight of the pallet or 

container base. Because palletized loads are often stacked two or three high when 

shipped or stored, the markings shall be large enough to be read from a distance. 

The size of the lettering shall be proportionate to the overall size of the unitized load 

but shall be not less than three-fourths of an inch in height.

Address markings shall be placed on a marking board/panel by using a label. 

When a palletized load is covered with stretch-wrap film, pressure-sensitive labels 

containing the address markings may be placed on the outermost layer of wrap on 

either side of the load in addition to other marking requirements. Variations are 

authorized based on local operations and capabilities (e.g., a marking board/panel 

positioned on the pallet before the last layer of wrap is applied).

e. Commercial- or Government-owned (or -leased) shipping containers 

(SEAVANs) and military-owned demountable containers (MILVANs)

 

Exterior container identification markings shall not be placed on the outside of a 

SEAVAN/MILVAN. A completed MSL shall be attached to the seal on the 

SEAVAN/MILVAN or shall be attached at the rear of each SEAVAN/MILVAN. 

Shipping containers, consolidation containers, and palletized unit loads, do not 

require individual address/bar code markings if they have not been assigned an 

individual TCN and if they are consolidated by the shipper of origin into a full 

SEAVAN/ MILVAN load for delivery as a single shipment unit to the ultimate

consignee. As per DTR direction, all individual shipment units documented with a 

TCN, including those inside a consolidation container, must be marked with an MSL 

to facilitate DTS movement, in-transit visibility, and in-check/receipt processing. 

CCP activities that receive shipments for consolidation are not required to obliterate 

address labels applied by the shipper of origin or to relable the consolidated 

shipment units. 

f. Full carload and full truckload shipments. Full carload and full truckload 

shipments moving as a single shipment unit from a single consignor to a single 

consignee require at least one completed MSL attached to the container or 

palletized load located closest to the door. Additional MSLs may be placed on 

other containers or palletized unit loads in the shipment.

g. Less than carload and less than truckload (LTL) shipments. A MSL is 

required on all loose shipping containers, or if palletized, unit loads, for less than 

carload and LTL lots. Exterior container markings are not required on the train car 

or truck. 

Direct vendor delivery (DVD).

 Contractor- or vendor-originated DVD shipments require identification marking 

and address marking with bar codes. DVD shipment documentation must also be 

marked with additional bar codes. This additional issue/receipt bar code 
20

requirement is applicable only to the shipment of materiel to a location other than a 

DLA distribution depot. All shipments to DLA distribution depots (stock buy) still 

require marking in accordance with this document. The issue/receipt bar code 

markings shall either be placed on or printed on labels affixed to either the DD Form 

250/250c or the commercial packing list. If placed on the DD Form 250/250c, they 

should be in blocks 15, 16, 17, etc. In either case, these documents shall be 

furnished in a packing list envelope affixed to the outside of the shipping container. 

The following separate lines of issue/receipt bar code data with HRI printed directly 

below the linear (Code 39) bar code in accordance with ISO/IEC 16388, shall be 

provided as three bar codes containing data as described in DoD 4500.25-1-M, 

Appendix 2:

a. Bar code: Document number and suffix (if applicable) for a maximum fourteen 

characters. It may be referred to in a contract/order as the requisition number.

 b. Bar code: Thirteen digit National Stock Number (NSN) and two additional 

(Add) codes as applicable. In the absence of the NSN and Add code, the CAGE 

Number will be used for a maximum of 15 characters.

 c. Bar code: Three character inventory control point identifier code (RIC), two 

character unit of issue (UI), five digit zero filled quantity (QTY), one character 

condition code (COND), blank or last two characters of the distribution code 

(DIST), and a seven digit zero filled Unit Price (UP) showing dollars and cents 

with no decimal. The bar code will have a fixed length of 20 characters to include 

leading zeros and blanks.