Carton Labeling Instructions
Special handling notations should be prominently noted on any and all cartons shipped to Fanatics fulfillment centers.
- Any legally required external labels may not be obstructed in any manner with any other labeling.
- Any external labels, with the exception of the shipping label, shall be marked in both English and Spanish translations.
- Cartons containing fragile items with a label indicating “Fragile”.
- Cartons requiring a specific orientation with arrows and the phrase “This End Up”.
- Cartons requiring clamp equipment should state “Clamp From this End”.
- Any carton containing more than 20 oz. total fluid liquids shall be marked with the word LIQUID and have orientation arrows.
Note: Cartons with a case pack of 2 or more (excluding displays) may not exceed 75 lbs.
UCC128 Label Requirements
All cartons shipping to Fanatics fulfillments centers require a unique UCC-128 label in SSCC-18 format, unless otherwise approved by your buyer prior to shipping.
- Do not apply the same UCC-128 number to multiple cartons.
- Industry standards state you may reuse UCC-128 numbers after one year, however, Fanatics requests that UCC-128 numbers be used only once.
- UCC-128 shipping container label must be created following GS1 standards and specifications.
- UCC-128 label must be accompanied by a valid 856 ASN or the label will be invalid.
- Pallet level shipping containers and/or ASN's are not accepted.
UCC128 (SSCC-18) Specifications
All UCC-128 labels must comply with the barcode specifications listed below:
- 4"X6" label format.
- Barcode length: 3.02".
- Barcode height: 1.25".
- Barcode ratio: 2:1.
- Base Line width minimum 15 mil (.015").
- .25” quiet zone on each side of barcode.
- ANSI A or B print quality.
- Vendors are responsible for label quality. Smudges during transit caused by the use of improper label stock or not printing on a thermal printer will require extra handling and/or reprinting of new labels.
- Smudge proof ink, non-reflective and high quality white label stock paper must be used for proper scanning. Ink Jet and/or Laser printing is not acceptable. Thermal printing is the required printing method to avoid smudging during transit.
- Standard printer paper is not acceptable for UCC-128 labels.
- Barcodes must be free of any flaws or lines caused by a bad print head. Any flaw in the barcode lines will cause a “no read” issue at the DC and will require an extra handling fee and printing of new labels PO on the carton. A barcode must contain human readable characters.
Label Approval
All cartons require a label. All label questions and examples should be directed to vendorcompliance@fanatics.com. Hard copy examples should be sent to Fanatics via email. Labels will be approved based on content and formatting. It is the vendor’s responsibility to ensure labels arrive at the FC in good scan-able condition. In a UCC-128 barcode, EDI vendor compliant labels should reference the ASN number whereas non EDI vendor labels should reference the purchase order number.
Multiple Labels on the same carton
Do not use more than one UCC-128 shipping label per carton. If a secondary label is required for vendor’s internal processes, that label may consist of 20 digits only if the number is identical to the UCC-128 number.
Any Vendor internal 20 digit barcoded label which is not the same as the UCC-128 shipping label should be defaced by marking a by marking a vertical stripe using a china marker or grease pencil as in the below example. Vendors are instructed to not use a marker as they may fade and the barcode will remain active.
Multiple Components (Kits)
Products shipped with multiple components per selling unit (kits) must be identified as such.
Example: 1 of 3, 2 of 3 and 3 of 3. Identification may be in the form of indication printed directly on the carton or use of a highly visible label 2” x 4”. The ASN should not include all the components of this one selling unit.