LM Milstd129r 151007
LM Milstd129r 151007
MIL-STD-129R
18 February 2014
SUPERSEDING
MIL-STD-129P
w/CHANGE 4
19 September 2007
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
STANDARD PRACTICE
MILITARY MARKING
FOR SHIPMENT AND STORAGE
FOREWORD
1. This standard is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of
Defense.
2. This standard is to be cited only for military marking for shipment and storage.
4. This revision has resulted in numerous changes to MIL-STD-129 Revision P, Change 4, but
the most significant ones are:
a. If a single two-dimension (PDF417) bar code cannot accommodate all the information
for the included item information, a set of Macro PDF417 bar codes encode the identification
information and the UII information. See Appendix A.
c. Palletized unit loads are specifically called out for identification and bar code marking.
d. The military shipping label (MSL) format includes a transportation tracking number
(TTN) as a conditional data element that is only included if the system can generate and encode
it.
e. The 2D (PDF417) bar code is recommended for use in all packaging identification
marking and some figures are modified to remove the linear (Code 39) bar codes.
f. Packing list requirements are defined to be one of two types: 1) a content packing list
for package contents not marked on the packaging, to include sets, kits, and assemblies; 2) a
shipment packing list for a single-piece or multi-piece shipment units to include applicable
shipping information.
g. The 2D (PDF417) bar code content for unit pack and container marking was modified
to include data qualifiers for the part number (DI ‘1P’) and for the quantity and unit of issue (DI
‘7Q’).
h. The ammunition and explosives section (see 5.14) is completely rewritten to include a
new ammunition/explosive packaging label. Most of the existing paragraphs are revised;
however, a large portion of the text is moved to different paragraphs and not changed.
i. The shipment term “customer direct” replaces “direct vendor delivery (DVD)” to align
with DoD distribution definitions.
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j. Many of the changes were required to align with DoD transitioning to life cycle
management of serialized items through programs for item unique identification (IUID) and
serialized item management (see Table III for term definitions). To further enable the IUID
requirement, the unique identification marking in this standard is changed to include the
following:
(1) The end-item/product serialized numbers marked on each unit pack,
container, or palletized unit load include all of the unique item identifiers
(UII) and assigned serial numbers. Exceptions apply for more than five serial
numbers and for assorted-item packs.
(2) ISO/IEC 15434 Format 06 envelopes are used to associate line item specific
data (e.g. document number, NSN, quantity, serial number, UII, etc.). The
Format 06 envelopes may be used for military shipping label data
associations and the Format 06 envelopes are used for serialized item number
associations.
(3) For other than assorted item packs, serial number lists and UII number lists
are required for the end-item/product NSN if more than five serialized items
are included in the package.
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CONTENTS
PARAGRAPH PAGE
FOREWORD..........................................................................................................................ii
1. SCOPE .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Purpose............................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Applicability ................................................................................................... 1
2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS ........................................................................... 1
2.1 General ............................................................................................................ 1
2.2 Government documents................................................................................. 1
2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks ........................................................ 1
2.2.2 Other Government documents and publications .............................................. 2
2.3 Non-Government publications ...................................................................... 4
2.4 Order of precedence ...................................................................................... 6
3. DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Abbreviations and acronyms ........................................................................ 6
3.2 Term definitions ........................................................................................... 11
4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................ 20
4.1 Marking unit packs, intermediate and exterior containers, unit
loads, palletized unit loads, and loose or unpacked items .............. 20
4.2 Marking, marking materials, and methods ............................................... 20
4.2.1 Marking materials .......................................................................................... 20
4.2.1.1 Waterproofing materials used as protective coatings ..................................... 20
4.2.1.2 Stencil-marking material ................................................................................ 21
4.2.1.3 Obliterating lacquer, enamel, or paint ............................................................ 21
4.2.1.4 Lithographing, embossing, roller coating, stamping, and inkjet marking ..... 21
4.2.2 Labels, pressure-sensitive, water-resistant ..................................................... 21
4.2.2.1 Use of labels ................................................................................................... 21
4.2.2.2 Protective coating of labels ............................................................................ 21
4.2.2.3 Affixing and securing labels (except for labels on vehicles and related
equipment)............................................................................................. 21
4.2.3 Shipping tags .................................................................................................. 22
4.2.4 Water-resistant envelopes .............................................................................. 22
4.2.5 Conditions of surfaces to be marked .............................................................. 22
4.2.6 Marking legibility, durability, and color ........................................................ 22
4.2.7 Marking board or marking panel ................................................................... 22
4.2.8 Size of marking .............................................................................................. 22
5. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................... 22
5.1 Identification text marking (for ammo/explosives – see 5.14).................. 22
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5.1.1 Identification text marking on unit packs and intermediate containers ......... 24
5.1.2 Identification text marking on exterior containers, palletized unit loads,
and unpacked items ............................................................................... 25
5.1.2.1 Package marking for assorted-items pack ...................................................... 27
5.2 Address marking (shipping labels) ............................................................. 28
5.2.1 Military (DoD) and contractor- or vendor-originated address marking ........ 28
5.2.2 Military shipping label (MSL) ....................................................................... 28
5.2.2.1 MSL size ........................................................................................................ 30
5.2.2.2 MSL label stock quality ................................................................................. 30
5.2.2.3 MSL format .................................................................................................... 30
5.2.2.4 Completing the MSL for address marking ..................................................... 30
5.2.2.5 Data content of the MSL ................................................................................ 31
5.2.2.6 MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code requirements .................................................... 34
5.2.2.7 MSL bar code printing standards ................................................................... 35
5.2.2.8 Human-readable interpretation....................................................................... 36
5.2.3 DoD shipments sent through the U.S. Postal Service and commercial
parcel services ....................................................................................... 36
5.3 Placement of identification text (for ammo/explosives – see 5.14) and
address marking. ................................................................................ 36
5.3.1 Placement of identification text marking on unit packs and intermediate
containers .............................................................................................. 36
5.3.2 Placement of identification text and address marking on exterior
shipping containers, palletized unit loads, and unpacked items ............ 37
5.3.2.1 Boxes and crates. ............................................................................................ 37
5.3.2.2 Bales and cloth-covered bundles .................................................................... 38
5.3.2.3 Paper shipping sacks, bags, and textile/laminated textile bags ...................... 39
5.3.2.4 Barrels, drums, and other cylindrical containers (including empty
containers) ............................................................................................. 40
5.3.2.5 Miscellaneous articles and unpacked items such as spools, reels, rods,
coils of wire and cable, and paper- and cloth-wrapped rolls................. 40
5.3.2.6 Unpacked major equipment (except unpacked vehicles) ............................... 41
5.3.2.7 Palletized unit load ......................................................................................... 42
5.3.2.8 Wood products ............................................................................................... 44
5.3.2.8.1 Bundled wood products.................................................................................. 44
5.3.2.8.2 Unstrapped (loose) wood products (piles, poles, etc.) ................................... 44
5.3.2.8.3 Miscellaneous wood products in containers (doors, windows, and
moldings)............................................................................................... 45
5.3.2.9 Unpacked vehicles ......................................................................................... 45
5.3.2.10 Commercial-owned or Government-owned (or leased) shipping
containers (SEAVAN) .......................................................................... 46
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5.4.5 Placement of identification 2D (PDF417) and linear (Code 39) bar code
marking on exterior shipping containers, palletized unit loads, and
unpacked items ...................................................................................... 58
5.4.5.2 Tag marking configurations for linear (Code 39) identification bar codes
to be used with exterior shipping containers, palletized unit loads,
and unpacked items ............................................................................... 59
5.4.5.3 2D (PDF417) bar code configuration. ............................................................ 59
5.4.5.4 Label protection for exterior shipping containers, palletized unit loads, or
unpacked items. ..................................................................................... 60
5.4.5.5 Boxes and crates under 10 cubic feet and those 10 cubic feet and over ........ 60
5.4.5.6 Bales, cloth-covered bundles, paper shipping sacks, bags and
textile/laminated textile bags, rods, shafts, pipes, and coils of wire ..... 61
5.4.5.7 Barrels, drums, and other cylindrical containers ............................................ 62
5.4.5.8 Reels or spools of cable, wire, and rope ......................................................... 63
5.4.5.9 Paper- and cloth-wrapped rolls ...................................................................... 63
5.4.5.10 Palletized unit loads ....................................................................................... 63
5.4.5.11 Unpacked major equipment (skidded or unskidded) ..................................... 64
5.4.5.12 Bundled wood products.................................................................................. 64
5.4.5.13 Small arms weapons container and palletized unit load labels ...................... 64
5.5 Customer direct (formerly direct vendor delivery (DVD)) ...................... 64
5.6 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) marking requirements .............................. 65
5.6.1 Minimum package size .................................................................................. 65
5.6.2 FMS assorted-items pack ............................................................................... 65
5.6.3 Contractor-originated FMS shipments........................................................... 65
5.6.4 DoD originated FMS shipments .................................................................... 66
5.7 Shipments to NATO countries or shipments using NATO carriers........ 66
5.8 Marking for specific commodities .............................................................. 66
5.8.1 Household goods ............................................................................................ 67
5.8.2 Medical material ............................................................................................ 67
5.8.3 Subsistence ..................................................................................................... 67
5.8.4 Bulk cargo ...................................................................................................... 67
5.8.5 Petroleum products ........................................................................................ 67
5.9 Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) .......................................... 67
5.9.1 Passive RFID tag technical requirements ...................................................... 67
5.9.1.1 Passive RFID tag data specifications ............................................................. 67
5.9.1.2 Passive RFID tag frequency ........................................................................... 67
5.9.2 Passive RFID tag placement .......................................................................... 67
5.9.2.1 Individual shipping container or palletized unit load ..................................... 68
5.9.2.2 Exterior containers within a palletized unit load............................................ 69
5.9.3 Tagging munitions/explosives with passive RFID ........................................ 69
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CONTENTS
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CONTENTS
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TABLES PAGE
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1. SCOPE
1.1 Purpose. This standard provides the minimum requirements for uniform military
marking for shipment and storage. Additional marking may be required by the contract or the
cognizant activity.
1.2 Applicability. Shipment planning for supplies, equipment, and ammunition will be
as specified in this standard. A marking is the numbers, letters, bar codes, labels, tags, symbols,
or colors applied to provide identification and to expedite handling during shipment and storage.
2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3, 4, and 5
of this standard. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this
standard or recommended for additional information or as examples. While every effort has
been made to ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they
meet all specified requirements documents cited in sections 3, 4, and 5 of this standard,
whether or not they are listed.
FEDERAL STANDARDS
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2.2.2 Other Government documents and publications. The following other Government
documents and publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless
otherwise specified, issues are those cited in the solicitation.
(The CFR titles are available for download from http://www.ecfr.gov/. The FAR and DFARS
are available for download at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/. The U.S. Government Printing Office
web site is also available at http://www.gpo.gov/ for access to the documents.)
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JOINT MILITARY
(Joint military publications, DoD manuals, and DLMS manuals listed are available through the
applicable Service/Agency publications distribution office. Non-DoD activities can obtain
copies of the publications from the Defense Logistics Agency, ATTN: DSS-CV,
8725 John J. Kingman Road, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6221. DLM 4000.25-1 and
DoD 4140.27-M are available electronically through http://www2.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/elibrary/
manuals/publications.asp. DTR 4500.9-R is available through http://www.transcom.mil/dtr/
dtrHome/.)
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OTHER
(Copies of Medical Marking Standard No. 1 (MMS No. 1) may be obtained by contacting DLA
Troop Support via email at dscp.packaging@dla.mil or online at http://www.landandmaritime.
dla.mil/downloads/packaging/mms1.pdf. Copies of DLA Troop Support Form 3556 are
available online at https://www.troopsupport.dla.mil/subs/support/specs/forms/3556.pdf or
from the Specification POC by calling 215-737-7772.)
ASTM INTERNATIONAL
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(Application for hard copies should be addressed to International Transport Association, 2000
Peel Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2R4.)
2.4 Order of precedence. Unless otherwise noted herein or in the contract, in the
event of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text
of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes
applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.
3. DEFINITIONS
General packaging definitions may be found in ASTM D996 and other referenced documents.
Hazardous materials definitions are listed in Title 49 CFR, Parts 171 and 173, and in other
related publications.
3.1 Abbreviations and acronyms. The following abbreviations and acronyms are used
in this standard or are commonly associated with marking. Bar code abbreviations will be in
accordance with the standards or documents cited for use.
a. Unit of issue (UI) or unit of measure (UM) abbreviations. Table I contains the
recommended abbreviations for the human-readable translations of three different code sets
used to describe the “quantity or basis for measurement” characteristic for an item. The three
code sets (DLMS UI, DLMS UM, or ANSI ASC X12.3 Unit or Basis for Measurement) do not
always use the same code for the same measured characteristic; therefore, the code must first be
translated to the human-readable term which may then be printed using a Table I abbreviation.
An abbreviation for package marking identified in a contract or purchase order takes precedence
over the Table I list. Some of the abbreviations in Table I are for terms in addition to those
listed in DoD 4100.39-M, Volume 10, Table 53 (UI) and Table 81 (UM) and in ANSI ASC
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X12.3 Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement). In this standard, also see the Table
III UI and UM definitions for DLMS conversion guide information.
2D - Two-dimensional
ADC - Automatic Data Capture
ADC - Approved DLMS Change
AFJI - Air Force Joint Instruction
AFMAN - Air Force Manual
AIT - Automatic Identification Technology
AR - Army Regulation
ARS - Agricultural Research Service
ANSI - American National Standards Institute
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463L System. Aircraft pallets, nets, tie down and coupling devices, facilities, handling
equipment, procedures, and other components designed to interface with military and civilian
aircraft cargo restraint systems. Though designed for airlift, system components may have to
move intermodally via surface to support geographic combatant commander objectives. A
loaded 463L System pallet is not considered to be a palletized unit load for marking of
identification information in accordance with this standard.
Ammo package. For ordnance or materiel treated as ordnance, the term describes a unit
load/palletized unit load, an exterior container within a unit load/palletized unit load, or it is an
individual shipping container.
Assembled date. See Shelf life.
Assembly. An item of supply, composed of two or more related parts, that is capable of
disassembly (for example, carburetor, powerpack, and intermediate frequency circuit amplifier).
Bar code. An array of rectangular bars and spaces in a predetermined pattern representing coded
elements of data that can be automatically read and interpreted by automatic bar code reading
devices.
Case. It is either an exterior container within a palletized unit load or it is an individual shipping
container.
Classified items. See Protected cargo.
Cognizant activity. The activity having responsibility for a contract or jurisdiction over it. At a
contractor’s facility, the cognizant activity is the administrative contracting officer or the
procuring contracting officer. Contractor personnel do not qualify as the cognizant activity. At
DoD installations, this is the head of the agency, bureau, command, or Service that is responsible
for storage and shipment.
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Consignee (receiver). Party to whom materiel is shipped and whose name and address appear in
the “ULTIMATE CONSIGNEE OR MARK FOR” block of the shipping label.
Consignor (shipper). Party who ships materiel and whose name and address appear in the
“FROM” block of the shipping label.
Consolidated shipment unit. A shipment unit with multiple line items, or a shipment unit
containing other shipment units, or a shipment unit with a mix of line items and other shipment
units.
Consolidation container. A container used to consolidate more than one line item into a single
shipping container to be shipped to one destination, but not necessarily to one addressee.
Content Level Detail. Content level detail includes those data elements that describe the asset or
item being shipped plus the data elements necessary to minimally identify each level of a
complete shipment entity. The most basic entity is a single box or unpacked item governed by a
shipment unit identifier. The data elements are specifically described in DTR 4500.9-R, Defense
Transportation Regulation.
Contract Line Item Number (CLIN). A four to six-digit number used to identify each delivery
date and/or destination’s quantity in the contract schedule.
Contract number, or purchase order number, or procurement instrument identification number
(PIIN). The acquisition instrument identification number appearing on the acquisition document.
Some DoD contracts refer to the contract or purchase order number, together with the delivery
order number, as the PIIN.
Controlled items. See Protected cargo.
Consolidated shipment unit. See Shipment unit.
Cured date. See Shelf life.
Customer direct. Customer direct (formerly direct vendor delivery (DVD)) is a streamlined
distribution method that requires vendor delivery directly to a customer or Defense
Transportation System (DTS) transshipment point. Many customer direct efforts include a
customer-transparent interface with military standard requisitioning and issue procedures
(MILSTRIP).
Data area/field title. See Human-readable information.
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Defense Transportation System (DTS). That portion of the nation’s transportation infrastructure
that supports DoD transportation common-user transportation needs across the range of military
operations. It consists of those common-user military and commercial assets, services, and
systems organic to, contracted for, or controlled by the DoD.
Department of Defense Activity Address Code (DODAAC). A distinct six-position
alphanumeric code assigned to identify specific units, activities, or organizations as found in the
Department of Defense Activity Address Directory.
Definitive UI. See Unit of issue (UI).
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive devices. Electrical and electronic devices that are
susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge (static electricity). These devices include, but
are not limited to, integrated circuits and discrete devices (e.g., resistors, transistors, and other
semiconductor devices).
Expiration date. See Shelf life.
Exterior container. A container, bundle, or assembly that is sufficient by reason of material,
design, and construction to protect unit packs and intermediate containers and their contents
during shipment and storage. It can be a unit pack or a container with a combination of unit
packs or intermediate containers. An exterior container may or may not be used as a shipping
container.
Field titles. See Human-readable information.
Free text. See Human-readable information.
Generic military shipping label (MSL). A term used to identify the MSL used for cargo other
than unit move cargo documented in accordance with DTR 4500.9-R Part III or other than
personal property cargo documented in accordance with DTR Part IV. Generic MSL use
procedures are in DTR Part II.
Government Bill of Lading (GBL). A Government document used to procure transportation and
related services from commercial carriers.
Hardness critical item (HCI). Items at any assembly level which are mission critical and could
be designed, repaired, manufactured, installed, or maintained for normal operation and yet
degrade a system’s survivability in a nuclear environment if hardness were not considered. HCIs
will only be replaced with other HCI-approved items.
Hazardous materials. An item of supply consisting of materiel that because of its quantity,
concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may either cause or
significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious, irreversible, or
incapacitating reversible illness; or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health
or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise
managed. This includes all items listed as hazardous in Titles 29, 40, 49 CFR and other
applicable modal regulations effective at the time of shipment.
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Modification work order (MWO). Official publication providing authentic and uniform
instructions for the alteration and modification of existing materiel, including joint Service
publications published as retrofit orders.
Multipack. An exterior container or palletized unit load packed with assorted line items and
marked as a “MULTIPACK” (see 5.1.2.1.b).
National/NATO stock number (NSN). A 13-digit number that is divided into two parts, the
Federal supply class (FSC) number and the national item identification number (NIIN). The
FSC is the first four digits of the NSN that establishes its relationship to other items within the
same FSC. The NIIN is the last nine digits of the NSN. The first two digits of the NIIN identify
the country assigning the two numbers referred to as the National Codification Bureau codes.
The remaining seven are serially assigned numbers. When shown in the contract/requisition, the
NSN includes any prefixes and suffixes.
Nomenclature. See Item description (nomenclature).
Nondefinitive UI. See Unit of issue (UI).
Ordnance. Explosives, chemicals, pyrotechnics, and similar stores, e.g., bombs, guns and
ammunition, flares, smoke, or napalm. Source: JP 3-15
Pack/Package. An instance of packing. For ammunition, explosives, or materiel treated as
ordnance, the term describes a unit load/palletized unit load, an exterior container within a unit
load/palletized unit load, or it is an individual shipping container.
Packaging. A means of specifying the preservation and packing that a given item requires to
ensure that it is not degraded during shipment and storage.
a. Preservation. Application of materials and/or methods designed to protect an item
during shipment, handling, indeterminate storage, and distribution to consignees worldwide.
Military methods of preservation are defined in MIL-STD-2073-1. The date of preservation is
the date the item was placed in the unit pack.
b. Packing. Application of any exterior protective methods, materials, or devices to
assure the integrity of the item. The assembly of items into a unit pack, an intermediate or
exterior container, or a palletized unit load.
c. Packed date. See Shelf life.
Packing. See Packaging.
Palletized unit load. A quantity of items, packed or unpacked, arranged on a pallet in a specified
manner and secured, strapped, or fastened on the pallet so that the whole palletized load is
handled as a single unit. A palletized or skidded load is not considered to be a shipping
container. A loaded 463L System pallet is not considered to be a palletized unit load for marking
of identification information in accordance with this standard. Also see Unit load.
Parcel post. Any packed materiel placed in United States Postal Service channels.
Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. An RFID device which modulates and
reflects a carrier signal from an interrogator. Passive RFID tags operate without a separate
external power source and obtain operating power generated from the reader.
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f. Packed date. For subsistence items only, the packed date will be the date on which the
item was packaged in the unit pack, regardless of the date of packing, shipping, or additional
processing.
Shelf-life code (SLC). A code assigned to a shelf-life item to identify the number of months of
original shelf life and also whether the original shelf life is nonextendible (Type I) or extendible
(Type II).
Shelf-life item. An item of supply that possesses deteriorative or unstable characteristics to the
degree that a storage time period is assigned to ensure that the item will perform satisfactorily in
service.
a. Type I shelf-life item. An individual item of supply which is determined through an
evaluation of technical test data and/or actual experience, to be an item with a definite non-
extendible period of shelf life. One exception is Type I medical shelf-life items that may be
extended if they have been accepted into and passed testing for extension in the DoD/FDA Shelf-
Life Extension Program (SLEP).
b. Type II shelf-life item. An individual item of supply having an assigned shelf-life
time period that may be extended after completion of visual inspection/certified laboratory test,
and/or restorative action.
Shipment unit. A shipment unit has a unique transportation control number (TCN) assigned to it
for accounting, control, and visibility throughout its life cycle in the Defense Transportation
System. It may be divided into partial or split increments for movement on different
conveyances; and it is one of the following:
a. Single shipment unit (one item). A single line item of supply destined to one
consignee; or,
b. Single shipment unit (multiple items). Two or more compatible line items having the
same consignee/destination, commodity code, and transportation account code; shipped together
in the same container, or the same conveyance, or the same SEAVAN (without regard to
commodity code), or as loose packages banded together into a single piece, or as a set or
assembly; or,
c. Consolidated shipment unit. Two or more compatible shipment units aggregated into
a consolidated shipment unit.
Shipping container. An exterior container which meets carrier regulations and is of sufficient
strength, by reason of material, design, and construction, to be shipped safely without further
packing (e.g., wooden boxes or crates, fiber and metal drums, and corrugated and solid
fiberboard boxes).
Single shipment unit (one item or multiple items). See Shipment unit.
Supply condition codes for shelf-life items. Specific codes that provide standard criteria at the
wholesale/retail level and designate the remaining shelf life of an item from dates of
manufacture, cure, assembly, packing (subsistence only), inspect, test, or restoration action. The
codes indicate the classification of materiel that reflects its readiness for issue and use or to
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identify the action underway to change the status of materiel. DLM 4000.25-1 provides a
complete listing of these codes and their definitions as related to shelf-life items/materiel.
Transportation control number (TCN). The single standard shipment identification number for
all DoD-sponsored movements (i.e., materiel and equipment and all vendor-shipping transactions
involving DoD materiel). The TCN is a 17-position alphanumeric data element assigned to
control a shipment unit through the transportation system (to include CONUS shipments,
shipments entering the DTS, and commercial systems).
Transportation tracking number (TTN). The TTN is a unique, serialized 17-digit number
generated by a shipping application for specific unit move shipments. The TTN is derived from
the unique 13-digit transportation tracking account number generated for each unit line number
(ULN) created in an operations plan during execution. The TTN generation process is scheduled
for implementation subject to application system funding.
Unique identification (UID). See following subtopics, the DoD Guide to Uniquely Identifying
Items, and MIL-STD-130.
a. Item unique identification (IUID). A system of establishing unique item identifiers
within the DoD by assigning a machine-readable character string or number to a discrete item,
which serves to distinguish it from other like and unlike items.
b. Unique item identifier (UII). A globally unique and unambiguous identifier that
distinguishes an item from all other like and unlike items. The UII is derived from a UII data set
of one or more data elements. The term includes an IUID equivalent.
c. UID equivalent. Item unique identification methods in commercial use that have been
recognized by DoD for use as unique item identifiers (UIIs).
Unique item tracking (UIT). A program within DoD for tracking selected items to maintain
visibility of each uniquely identified asset for the primary purpose of inventory control and/or
engineering analysis. (DLM 4000.25-1)
Unit load. For ammunition, explosives, ordnance, or materiel treated as ordnance, an assemblage
of two or more items (in or out of ammo packages) designed to permit handling these items as a
single entity during transportation and storage. Also see Palletized unit load.
Unit move cargo. A descriptive term used to identify cargo documented in accordance with
DTR 4500.9-R Part III procedures.
Unit of issue (UI) – see 3.1.a. The UI is a standard or basic quantity that is expressed as a unit
and indicated in a requisition, contract, or order as the minimum quantity issued (bottle, can,
dozen, each, foot, gallon, gross, pair, pound, yard, etc.) and to which a unit price is ascribed. The
UI codes are specified in DoD 4100.39-M, Volume 10, Table 53. A DLA Logistics
Management Standards updated list of UI code definitions and their respective ANSI ASC X12.3
Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement) codes are specified in the Unit of Issue and
Purchase Unit Conversion Guide (Unit or Basis for Measurement) (DoD Code Sequence) at
http://www2.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/eApplications/LogDataAdmin/dlmsansiconverguides.asp.
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4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Marking unit packs, intermediate and exterior containers, unit loads, palletized unit
loads, and loose or unpacked items. Marking shall be accomplished by any means that provides
the required degree of legibility and durability. Marking may be applied by tagging, stenciling,
stamping, machine printing, or labeling (using preprinted labels). Although machine printing is
preferred, hand printing may be used for marking packs and containers if permitted by the
cognizant activity. Hand printing is not authorized for ammunition containers.
4.2.1 Marking materials. Marking materials used shall be those materials specified in
this standard or alternate choices approved by the cognizant activity. Contractors may obtain the
DoD-unique labels (e.g. DD Form 250) discussed herein from commercial sources after
obtaining samples from either the procuring activity or the local Defense Contract Management
Agency (DCMA) office. Also see http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/index.htm.
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4.2.1.2 Stencil-marking material. Any opaque, nonfading, fast drying, weather resistant
stencil ink, lacquer, paint, or enamel shall be used for stencil marking. MIL-DTL-64159 or
MIL-DTL-53039 paint shall be used for stenciling containers that have a chemical agent resistant
coating (CARC) applied to them.
4.2.1.3 Obliterating lacquer, enamel, or paint. Any quick-drying, opaque lacquer, ink,
enamel, or paint that approximates the color of the container shall be used for the obliteration of
marking. When obliterating CARC painted marking on metal reusable containers, paint
conforming to MIL-DTL-64159 or MIL-DTL-53039, Green 383, paint chip color 34094 or Tan
686A, paint chip color 33446 of FED-STD-595, shall be used. Green shall be used on green or
green camouflage and tan shall be used on tan or desert sand camouflage colored containers.
4.2.1.4 Lithographing, embossing, roller coating, stamping, and inkjet marking. When
lithographing, embossing, or roller coating of marking 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, shall
maintain sufficient durability during exposure to field service.
4.2.2.1 Use of labels. Pressure-sensitive labels that meet the requirements of 4.2.2 may
be used on containers/surfaces other than wood without prior surface preparation. When
pressure-sensitive labels are used on wood containers/surfaces, the labeling area shall be suitably
prepared to ensure adhesion.
4.2.2.2 Protective coating of labels. If labels for exterior containers, palletized unit
loads, and unpacked items, except vehicles and related items, are not inherently waterproof, they
shall be waterproofed by coating the entire outer surface of the label with a transparent,
waterproofing material (see 4.2.1.1). Exterior identification bar code labels shall be protected in
accordance with 5.4.5.4.
4.2.2.3 Affixing and securing labels (except for labels on vehicles and related
equipment). Labels that are other than pressure-sensitive shall be securely affixed with a water-
resistant label adhesive or a transparent, waterproof, pressure-sensitive tape.
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4.2.3 Shipping tags. Shipping tags are recommended for use when it is impractical to
stencil mark or apply a label on the container or unpacked item. Shipping tags of metal, cloth,
plastic, paper, or other durable material shall be used to provide the required marking when
specified herein or when it is impractical to stencil mark or apply a label on a container or
unpacked item. Separate tags shall be used for identification and address marking.
4.2.6 Marking legibility, durability, and color. Marking shall be clear, legible, durable,
non-fading, and sufficient to withstand normal exposure to environmental and handling
conditions to which the package/container might be subjected. Bar code print quality shall
conform to 5.4.2. Unless instructed otherwise in the contract, purchase order, or drawing,
packages constructed of wood or lightly colored materials shall be marked using a black color
and packages constructed from green or black materials shall be marked using a white or yellow
color.
4.2.7 Marking board or marking panel. Marking shall be applied to marking boards and
marking panels as specified herein or in the contract or purchase order.
4.2.8 Size of marking. Unless otherwise specified herein or by the cognizant activity,
the lettering/marking shall be in capital letters of equal height, clearly visible, and the largest size
practical for the package size within the acceptable range. When marking space permits,
stenciled or pre-printed marking shall be not less than 0.09 inch (2.3 mm).
5. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
NOTES:
1. Ammunition and explosives identification marking exclusions to the general requirements of
this section are as noted.
2. A loaded RORO trailer/vehicle, loaded SEAVAN, loaded 463L System pallet, or other
unitized load documented as a shipment unit consolidation in accordance with DTR 4500.9-R
Part II Appendix M or unit move cargo documented in accordance with DTR 4500.9-R Part III
are exempt from the identification marking requirements in this standard.
5.1 Identification text marking (for ammo/explosives – see 5.14). Identification marking
consists of text marking and bar code marking. Identification marking is intended to provide
receipt process information for vendor sourced material and storage process information for
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accurate stock accounting. Figure 1 shows an example of the content and approximate
placement of the identification text marking and the alternative identification bar code marking
on unit packs, intermediate containers, and exterior containers. Unless specifically exempted in
the contract or solicitation, or this standard, the marking shall be applied to all DoD and
contractor-originated or vendor-originated shipments.
NOTES:
1. Identification bar code marking is specified in 5.4.
2. Marking materials, methods, and size of the identification text is specified in 4.2. The exact
placement of identification text and identification bar code marking on specific containers may
vary in configuration and format from those shown in the figures in 5.3.
3. Hazardous item identification marking is specified herein and in 5.13.
4. Ammunition and explosives identification marking is specified in 5.14.
2910-00-456-7416 2910-00-456-7416
CAGE 57685 CAGE 57685
2910-00-456-7416 PN 341 PN 341
CARBURETOR CARBURETOR
CAGE 57685 2 EA 1 EA
PN 341 DAA625-03-C-1056 DAA625-03-C-1056
4 EA M41-4/02 M41-4/02
DAA625-03-C-1056 MFD DATE 4/01 MFD DATE 4/01
M41-4/02 EXP DATE 4/16 EXP DATE 4/16
SER NO 1151 SER NO 1151
MFD DATE 4/01 1153
EXP DATE 4/16 ID DATA ID DATA ID DATA
INCLUDES UII(s) INCLUDES UII(s)
WT 14 INCLUDES UII(s)
SER NO 1151
1153
1155
1157
NOTE: For hazardous marking, see 5.13. Linear bar codes are optional when the 2D
(PDF417) bar code includes the identification data.
FIGURE 1. Example of unit pack, intermediate and exterior container
identification text marking and 2D (PDF417) bar codes.
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5.1.1 Identification text marking on unit packs and intermediate containers. Unless
specifically exempted in the contract or solicitation, the following identification text information
shall be marked on all unit packs and intermediate containers, in the order listed. This
requirement applies to all unit packs and intermediate containers repacked for shipment by
military installations. Additional identification marking may be required by the contract and
shall be placed either below the identification text marking or in a conspicuous location on the
identification-marked side of the container. Unit packs used as exterior containers at the time of
packaging shall be marked in accordance with 5.1.2.
a. NSN/NATO stock number. The in-the-clear NSN text, if applicable, shall include
spaces or dashes and any prefix or suffix specified in the contract or solicitation. If no NSN is
assigned, the blank line may be omitted.
NOTE: The encoded NSN in the linear (Code 39) or 2D (PDF417) bar codes and human-
readable interpretation below the linear (Code 39) bar code, as applicable, shall not include
spaces or dashes, unless otherwise specified in the contract or solicitation.
b. CAGE code. The CAGE code of the company awarded the contract for the item
being shipped. The CAGE code shall be preceded by the abbreviation “CAGE”.
c. Part number. If a PN is specified in the contract or order, then only that PN shall be
shown. The PN specified in the contract may be the PN assigned by the Government procuring
activity, or it may be the PN of the actual manufacturer or the PN assigned to the item by the
company awarded the contract. For shipments sent directly from a subcontractor to a DoD
addressee, the PN of the company awarded the contract shall be shown. The part number shall
be preceded by the abbreviation “PN” or “P/N”. If the item has no PN assigned to it or if no PN
is cited, the blank line may be omitted.
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“4/02” indicates the date of preservation. For specialized preservation codes, use the code from
MIL-STD-2073-1, Table J-Ia. (e.g., “MBC-4/02” – method BC was provided in April 2002).
Method of preservation code “ZZ” shall be shown as ‘ZZ’. If a military preservation method
does not apply, the method space shall be left blank. If a preservation date does not apply, the
pack date shall be shown (e.g. “6/15”).
i. Serial number(s). When an item is assigned a serial number, that number shall be
applied and preceded by the abbreviation “SER NO” (see 5.4.1.1.1). Serial numbers assigned
by the manufacturer solely for the purpose of indicating the quantity produced should not be
shown.
NOTE: Identification bar code marking requirements, encoding of the UII(s), bar code
configurations, and bar code formats for unit packs and intermediate containers are
specified in 5.4.1.1
5.1.2 Identification text marking on exterior containers, palletized unit loads, and
unpacked items (see multiple figures in 5.3. Unless specifically exempted in the contract or
solicitation or this standard, the following minimum identification text information shall be
marked on all exterior containers, palletized unit loads, and unpacked (loose) items in the order
listed. When a palletized unit load of containers or items is formed, the individual containers or
unpacked items shall be marked with exterior container identification text marks or unpacked
item identification text marks, subject to exceptions noted in 5.3.2.7. A DoD originated
shipment packaged in an overpack enclosure (protective outer packaging or palletized unit load)
for convenience of handling during transportation is exempt from identification marking under
the following conditions: the overpack enclosure is not an assorted-items pack (see 5.1.2.1), the
cargo is non-hazardous, the unpacked items or containers within the overpack enclosure are
marked/tagged with identification information in accordance with this standard, and the overpack
enclosure is not intended for storage at destination. The minimum text information is:
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f. Contract number or purchase order number (PIIN). The contract number or PIIN,
including four-digit delivery order or call number, modification for change order number, and
lot number shall be shown (see 0.f).
(1) When more than one contract is applicable to an assorted-items pack, the
contract number is not required on the exterior container or palletized unit
load, but shall be applied to each unit pack and container in the exterior
container or palletized unit load.
(3) For DLA Troop Support clothing and textile (C&T) items, the following
additional marking is required: shipment number and container number.
The container number shall be consecutively numbered from each shipping
point for the duration of the contract. For multiple container shipments of
C&T items, the packing list shall be placed inside the last container to be
loaded for each shipment. The words “PACKING LIST HERE” shall be
marked on the container.
g. Military preservation method, date of unit preservation, or pack date (see 0.g).
h. Gross weight. The gross weight shall be expressed in pounds rounded up to the
nearest pound. The gross weight shall be preceded by the abbreviation “WT”.
i. Proper shipping name (PSN) and North American (NA) or United Nations (UN)
HAZMAT identification number, where assigned (see 5.13.2).
k. Serial number(s). When an item is assigned a serial number, that number shall be
applied and preceded by the abbreviation “SER NO” (see 5.4.1.2.1). Serial numbers assigned
by the manufacturer solely for the purpose of indicating the quantity produced should not be
shown.
NOTE: Identification bar code marking requirements, encoding of the UII(s), bar code
configurations, and bar code formats for exterior containers, palletized unit loads, and
unpacked items are specified in 5.4.1.2.
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Example: MULTIPACK
WT 100
(3) The words “MULTIPLE DODAACs” shall be applied to the outside of the
exterior container or palletized unit load of an assorted-items pack of
individual shipments/containers shipped to a single destination for multiple
consignees.
(4) For an assorted-items pack of hazardous materials, see 5.13.3 and 5.13.5.6
for the required container and palletized unit load identification marking and
for additional marking of “OVERPACK” and “AIR ELIGIBLE”, as
applicable.
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(5) Caution marking shall be applied to the outside of the exterior container or
palletized unit load of an assorted-items pack as required by this standard
(e.g., FRAGILE, arrows, hazardous warning labels, etc.).
(6) For Foreign Military Sales (FMS) shipments, all containers or palletized unit
loads containing assorted items (whether related or unrelated) shall be
marked as a “MULTIPACK” in accordance with 5.1.2.1.b.
5.2 Address marking (shipping labels). Military (DoD) and contractor- or vendor-
originated address marking, to include the military shipping label (MSL) and respective bar
codes, shall be as specified in DTR 4500.9-R, Part II, Chapter 208, and as summarized herein.
The preferred location for applying address marking to shipping containers, palletized unit loads,
and unpacked items are shown in the figures in this section. Exact placement of MSLs may vary
slightly from those shown.
5.2.1 Military (DoD) and contractor- or vendor-originated address marking (see Figures
2A and 2B). Unless specifically exempted in the contract or DTR, DoD and contractor or vendor
shipping activities shall apply address marking using an MSL with bar codes. This includes
shipments moving within CONUS or OCONUS, from CONUS to OCONUS, or conversely from
OCONUS to CONUS.
NOTE: Attach a DD Form 1387 (Military Shipment Label) in lieu of a bar coded MSL for DoD
contingency operations where manual entry is the only means available to document DTS
shipments (see Figure 13).
5.2.2 Military shipping label (MSL) (see Figures 2A and 2B). The MSL shall be
completed in accordance with 5.2.2.5 and attached in accordance with 5.3.2. Each shipment unit
in a consolidated shipment unit shall be marked with an MSL. For contractor or vendor
shipments, the MSL information shall be coordinated between the contractor or vendor and the
contracting office or administrative contracting office, per the FAR 47.305-10, FAR 52.247-52,
DFARS 247.305-10 and DFARS 247.371.
a. The MSL shall include in-the-clear text entries applicable to the shipment as provided
for in 5.2.2.5. When the MSL is generated from DTR 4500.9-R, Part II, Appendix M
transportation control movement document (TCMD) related information, the coded data shall
be converted to in-the-clear text for printing on the MSL, for example, delete leading zeros from
numeric values and convert TCMD alphanumeric code values for pieces, weight, and cube to
numeric digits.
b. The MSL shall include linear (Code 39) bar codes formatted in accordance with this
standard 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.
c. The MSL shall include a 2D (PDF417) bar code in accordance with ANSI MH10.8.1
and ISO/IEC 15438, formatted in accordance with 5.2.2.6 and Appendix A of this standard,
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with reference to DTR 4500.9-R, Part II, Chapter 208, ISO/IEC 15434 for bar code syntax, and
ANSI MH10.8.2 for bar code semantics.
NOTE: Not actual size. Recommended label size is 4 by 6 inches (10.2 by 15. 2 cm).
FIGURE 2A. Generic MSL. FIGURE 2B. Unit move MSL.
(1) The 2D (PDF417) bar code shall contain the in-the-clear text information on
the MSL as provided for in 5.2.2.6. For contractor or vendor shipments, the
TCMD information in the 2D (PDF417) bar code, 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.
(2) The 2D (PDF417) bar code line item supply data for MILSTRIP
transactions is sourced from DD Form 1348-1A information as noted in
DLM 4000.25-1, Appendix 1.35, or as carried forward from the
contract/order. The MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code on each piece of a
shipment unit shall have the same line item information. For contractor or
vendor shipments, this information, as available, and the DFARS 247.305-
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5.2.2.1 MSL size. The recommended size for the MSL is 4 by 6 inches (10.2 by
15. 2 cm). The labels and bar codes in the figures have been reduced in size for ease of
publication.
5.2.2.2 MSL label stock quality. The quality of the MSL label stock shall be such that
labels are suitable for ink printing without feathering or spreading. The MSL shall withstand
normal handling and shipping conditions and remain securely in position. For general label
requirements see 4.2. For HAZMAT label requirements are specified in Title 49 CFR.
5.2.2.3 MSL format. The in-the-clear text and bar code entries shall meet required
ANSI/ISO standards listed in section 2 and shall comply with 5.2.2.4 through 5.2.2.8, Appendix
A detailed formats, and DTR 4500.9-R, Part II, Chapter 208 requirements. The in-the-clear text
and linear (Code 39) bar code human-readable interpretation shall be easily human readable.
The linear (Code 39) bar code and the 2D (PDF417) bar code shall be easily machine readable.
Figures 2A and 2B show examples of acceptable MSL formats that may be used as guidelines in
producing a label. ANSI MH10.8.1 is the referenced standard for developing a DTR compliant
MSL.
5.2.2.4 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
human-readable interpretation, and a 2D (PDF417) bar code.
a. Linear (Code 39) and 2D (PDF417) bar code labels 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 DTR 4500.9-R, Part II, Cargo Movement,
Appendix L.
d. Linear (Code 39) or 2D (PDF417) bar codes should not be positioned in the same
horizontal plane and the label layout should provide as much vertical spacing as available
between the bar codes to reduce the possibility of scanning interference.
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e. The text for all entries, except as noted below shall be no smaller than 10 lines per 1
inch (25.4 mm) (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, for
example, 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 0.75 inch
(19.1 mm) high (approximately a 72-point font).
5.2.2.5 Data content of the MSL (see Figures 2A and 2B). The data content of the MSL
and the instructions for completion are summarized below.
(1) TCN. Enter the 17-character (alphanumeric) TCN using a 0.5 inch (12.7
mm) high linear (Code 39) bar code with human-readable interpretation 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. Do not apply over text or bar codes.
(b) For permit imprint mail, enter the appropriate Service/agency mail
authorization.
(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 include the
ZIP code.
(4) Type Service. In-the-clear text (for example, Frt LTL, Air Expss, Expss
Mail, TGBL UB, DPM HHG) for the type of transportation service to the
“Ship To” address. The in-the-clear text may be derived from the TCMD
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mode/method code for the generic MSL. Should be blank for unit move
shipments.
(5) Ship to/POE. Enter an in-the-clear ship to address (three characters and five
lines of up to 35 characters) or, if applicable, enter the three-digit air/water
port of embarkation (POE) code (from DTR 4500.9-R, Part II, Appendix
CC or MM) and its ship to address. A POE code is not required for
shipments to a DLA CCP.
(10) Weight (lbs). 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. Blank for classified unit move.
(12) Cube (ft). Enter the actual cube (numeric value of this piece). Round to
next whole digit and do not zero fill.
(15) FMS Case Number. Enter FMS case identifier as appropriate. Blank for
unit move.
(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
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0.5 inch (12.7 mm) 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 (Code
39) 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) bar code. Includes MSL in-the-clear text data, selected
TCMD data, and selected supply/unit information per 5.2.2.6. For unit
moves only, when the item has been assigned a UII, the UII shall be
included in the 2D (PDF417) bar code.
b. For unit moves, in addition to the requirements in 5.2.2.6, data for the following
elements, as applicable, shall be shown on the MSL:
(9) Unique item identifier (UII) – only encode the UII in the 2D (PDF417) bar
code.
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d. Local Processing Data. Shippers may add local internal processing information to
the label, such as DLA distribution information, as long as it is clearly marked and does not
interfere with the orientation and placement of MSL data. Additional data may be required by
the contract or added based on trade agreements.
5.2.2.6 MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code requirements. Each MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code
shall contain the data elements from the applicable table in Appendix A for encoding MSL text,
TCMD data, and supply line item information.
a. The data elements include MSL information, TCMD data, and the respective TCMD
trailer data (T_5 through T_9) for the labeled shipment unit, and the line item contents of the
single shipment unit for a generic MSL (i.e., for other than unit move documented cargo (DTR
4500.9-R Part III) or personal property documented cargo (DTR 4500.9-R Part IV). Table A-I
provides data descriptions, format, and data sources for the ANSI MH10.8.2 DIs used in the 2D
(PDF417) bar code and for the data element identifiers (DEI) that identify DoD unique data
elements from DTR 4500.9-R and DLM 4000.25-1. Tables A-II and A-III in this standard
provide the content of the data streams for generic MSLs and unit move MSLs.
b. All shipment unit data and line item data in the MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code
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 A-II or A-III, the data shall be entered into the 2D
(PDF417) bar code. Blank data fields are not to be encoded except as noted in Appendix A,
A.2.3.h.(1). 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 A-I) shall be
used to identify the document identifier code of header TCMD data being
documented in the 2D (PDF417) bar code. The unit move transportation
tracking number (TTN) is included with this source category.
(2) Source 2: Supply documentation (DD Form 1348-1A) bar code data or
contract data to include IUID information, as applicable, for each supply
line item packaged within the shipment unit.
c. The MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code can only contain limited amounts of data (about
1,000 characters). The following factors shall be considered when determining the amount of
available data to record in the 2D (PDF417) bar code.
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to consistently record the internal shipment unit prime TCMD data and the
respective trailer data.
(2) The 2D (PDF417) bar code 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) bar
code stating “NO LINE ITEM DATA” and it shall be entered into the
Format 07 DEI ‘35’ (text comment) area of the MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code
for reprinting purposes. If line item data is still desired for a shipment, it
should be included on an alternate form of high capacity AIT media.
(3) It may not be possible to document the supply line items of an entire
multipack or consolidated shipment. If the AIT media cannot store all of
the line item data required to document the shipment unit, the line item
information shall be eliminated from the 2D (PDF417) bar code. An in-the-
clear text message shall be entered at the bottom of the 2D (PDF417) bar
code stating “NO LINE ITEM DATA” and it shall be entered into the
Format 07 DEI ‘35’ (text comment) area of the MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code
for reprinting purposes.
(4) In order to provide space for multiple line item supply data in the 2D
(PDF417) bar code of the generic MSL, the in-the-clear address data shall
only be printed in the 2D (PDF417) bar code of a generic 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)
bar code for reprinting MSLs when a transshipper needs to split a multi-
piece shipment. The in-the-clear address data should be printed in the 2D
(PDF417) bar code of the MSL after giving encode priority to the TCMD
and TTN information in the 2D (PDF417) bar code.
d. Metric units of measure may be used in the 2D (PDF417) bar code for selected
DIs/DEIs as noted in Table A-I. Metric units of measure shall not be used for in-the-clear text
entries.
5.2.2.7 MSL bar code printing standards (see Figures 2A and 2B). The three linear
(Code 39) bar codes and 2D (PDF417) bar code 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 bar codes. Printed bar codes shall conform to “B” quality standards as
defined in the appropriate standard. The requirements are summarized as follows:
(1) The minimum bar height shall be 0.5 inch (12.7 mm).
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(2) The minimum narrow element dimension (X-dimension) shall not be less
than 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).
(3) The wide to narrow ratio of the elements should be 3:1. The measured 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 inch
(6.35 mm).
(5) The linear (Code 39) bar codes should be presented on shipment units with
the bar codes horizontal (picket fence orientation). See 5.3.2.4 for cylinder
applications.
(6) The label should be designed so that two bar codes are not next to each other
unless the label is wide enough to reduce the possibility of interference with
successful bar code scanning.
(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 0.010 inch (10 mils or 0.25 mm) and
an inspection wavelength of 660 ± 10 nm.
(8) To encode the information, only the Code 39 basic character set (A-Z 0-9 $
and the start/stop character[*]) shall be used in accordance with ISO/IEC
16388.
5.2.3 DoD shipments sent through the U.S. Postal Service and commercial parcel
services. Shipments originated by DoD activities and sent through the U.S. Postal Service or a
commercial parcel service shall comply with the U.S. Postal Service domestic mail and
commercial carrier requirements in addition to the requirements of this standard.
5.3 Placement of identification text (for ammo/explosives – see 5.14) and address
marking.
5.3.1 Placement of identification text marking on unit packs and intermediate containers
(see Figure 1). Identification text marking on unit packs and intermediate containers shall be so
located as to allow the marking to be easily read and to ensure that the marking will not be
destroyed when the pack or container is opened for inspection or until its contents have been
used. The marking surface of a unit pack shall be the outermost wrap, bag, or container of the
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unit pack. When a barrier bag is used within another unit container, both the bag and the
outermost container shall be marked. Bundled items should be marked with a tag or by affixing
a label under one of the bundled ties. The required marking should be placed so that it is not
obscured by any strapping or closure tape.
a. The exact location of the identification text marking may vary slightly. The marking
shall be applied to the upper left two-thirds of the side of the container or palletized unit load
having the greatest overall, usable marking surface. Specific requirements for the placement of
the identification text marking on various containers, palletized unit loads, and unpacked items
are discussed in the following paragraphs. The required marking shall not be obscured by
cleats, strapping, or closure tape. Unless otherwise specified in the contract or solicitation or
when required by the carrier, such as parcel post, one end and the top and bottom of every
exterior container or palletized unit load shall be free of identification marking. Marking
materials used shall meet the requirements specified in section 5. Unless otherwise specified by
the cognizant activity, the size of the identification text marking lettering shall be as specified in
4.2.8.
b. Address labels should be affixed at a suitable location where there is minimum risk of
damage and in accordance with the provisions of 5.3.2. For RFID-enabled address labels, see
Passive RFID tag placement. If a label location is not specifically identified in this standard,
shippers are referred to ANSI MH10.8.1 for additional guidance.
(2) Stencil marking alone is not an appropriate alternative for address marking
of shipments because stenciling cannot accommodate the bar code
requirements.
a. Boxes and crates 10 cubic feet and over shall have additional identification marking
placed on the end of the container to the left of the identification-marked side. Placement of
identification marking on the end of boxes and crates under 10 cubic feet is optional.
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Regardless of size, identification text marking may be stenciled or printed directly on the
container or applied by use of a stenciled or preprinted label. If no other adequate marking
surface is available, cleats may be used as part of the marking surface. If the exterior surface is
not suitable for direct marking application, a marking board/panel may be used.
b. The address label shall be placed on the identification-marked side and right of center
on a vertical face, allowing a minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) from all edges of the box or crate.
An additional address label may be placed on the identification-marked end for styles which,
because of their configuration, allow access by materials handling equipment only to the end of
the container.
5.3.2.2 Bales and cloth-covered bundles (see Figure 4). The identification text marking
on bales shall be stenciled on the upper two-thirds of the side of the bale having the largest
marking surface area. Bales with a pre-sewn end and a wire-tied ear on the opposite end shall
have the NSN, quantity, and UI applied on the pre-sewn end. When both ends have wire-tied
ears, no identification marking shall be applied on the ends. On cloth-covered bundles,
identification text marking shall be stenciled on the upper two-thirds of the side of the bundle as
close to the left side as possible. When direct stenciling is used, there is no need to coat the
cloth, provided the marking does not become smeared or illegible because of any absorption into
the cloth. To ensure that the marking is both permanent and readable, the cloth bundle may be
given a smooth coat of sand-colored lacquer, enamel, or paint over the area to be marked before
the marking is applied. When stenciling is not appropriate for bales or cloth-covered bundles,
preprinted labels or tags may be used. Address labels for bales and bundles shall be applied to
the lower two-thirds of the identification-marked side or to the wire-tied ear with a tag.
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NOTE: For identification bar code specific marking locations, see Figure 23.
FIGURE 4. Placement of identification and address marking on
bales and cloth-covered bundles.
5.3.2.3 Paper shipping sacks, bags, and textile/laminated textile bags (see Figure 5).
Identification text marking shall be printed or stenciled on the side of the sack or bag that does
not bear the certificate of compliance of the sack manufacturer. Commercially packed
commodities shall have the required marking stenciled and 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. If the stenciled marking is not legible, it shall be machine printed
on a tag or label. If a bag is closed by stitching, an identification tag (not an address label) may
be fastened to the bag by stitching at the time of closure. If the top of a bag has ears, the
appropriate tag shall be affixed to one of the ears. Address marking shall be placed on a label or
tag. When a label is used, it shall be applied below the identification marking. If the bag is
closed by stitching, a tag may be fastened to the bag by stitching when closure is made. If the
top of the bag has ears, the tag shall be affixed to one of the ears.
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5.3.2.4 Barrels, drums, and other cylindrical containers (including empty containers)
(see Figure 6). Identification text marking shall be stenciled or preprinted on the upper one-third
of filled barrels, pails, kegs, drums, and reusable metal containers. In addition to the required
marking on 50- and 55-gallon drums or barrels with non-removable heads, identification data
(less weight) and shelf-life marking shall also be shown on the head. Forest-green containers
shall be marked with yellow or white lettering. Although the preferred methods of application
are stenciling and preprinting, labels or tags may be used when a container is too small for either
method. However, unless otherwise approved by the cognizant activity, labels or tags shall not
be used for identification text marking on metal containers, unless the containers are too small to
accommodate the stenciled or preprinted marking. Also, if labels are used for marking, only
pressure-sensitive labels shall be used on cylindrical containers and metal drums. Marking shall
be avoided in the space 6 inches (15.2 cm) above or below the centerline of the body sidewall for
barrels not swaged with rolling hoops. On empty barrels, drums, and cylindrical containers,
identification marking shall be applied on the top and on the upper one-third of the side by
attaching labels or tags. The preferred location for the address label is on the middle one-third of
the identification marked side of the container, except for barrels not swaged with rolling hoops.
However, if space is not available in this location, the address label shall be placed in a
conspicuous location in close proximity to the identification marking. A flat surface of the
container is preferred to accommodate scanning of the 2D (PDF417) and linear (Code 39) bar
codes. If space is not available on the surface of the container for the address label, the label
shall be placed on a shipping tag.
5.3.2.5 Miscellaneous articles and unpacked items such as spools, reels, rods, coils of
wire and cable, and paper- and cloth-wrapped rolls (see Figure 7). Identification marking shall
be applied on two tags securely attached to items such as rods and bars. One of the tags shall be
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bound to the item with burlap or other suitable covering, with each end of the cover securely
fastened. The other tag shall be securely attached to the item with a wire or twine (see 4.2.3).
On reels or spools of cable and wire, identification text marking shall be stenciled on the side of
the reel or spool. When this area does not permit stenciling, marking may be applied by using a
label. On coils of wire, identification marking shall be applied on two tags securely attached to
the coil. On paper- and cloth-wrapped rolls, identification text marking shall be applied by
stenciling, printing, or labeling. Prior to stenciling cloth-wrapped rolls, the marking area shall be
given a smooth coating of sand-colored lacquer, enamel, or paint. One end of wrapped rolls
shall contain NSN, quantity, and UI marking. Address marking shall be applied to these types of
miscellaneous articles and unpacked items by using labels on flat areas or on tags as shown.
NOTE: For identification bar code specific marking locations, see Figures 23 and 25.
FIGURE 7. Placement of identification and address marking on
miscellaneous articles and unpacked items.
5.3.2.6 Unpacked major equipment (except unpacked vehicles) (see Figure 8).
Identification text marking shall be either stenciled on a marking board/panel applied to the most
suitable location on the item, or they shall be printed on a label attached directly on the
equipment’s surface. Address marking shall be applied by using labels applied to the marking
board or attached to the equipment’s surface. Labels (identification or address) shall be attached
to the equipment’s surface with ASTM D5486/D5486M, type I, class 2 tape. The tape shall be
placed over the label and shall extend 0.05 inch (1.27 mm) or more from its edges. For
unpacked vehicle marking requirements, see 5.3.2.9.
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5.3.2.7 Palletized unit load (see Figure 9). When a palletized unit load of containers or
items is formed, the individual containers/items comprising the unitized load shall be marked
with exterior container identification marks or unpacked item marks. Unless otherwise specified,
unit loads of box-packed items shall have one or more boxes turned to present a blank surface for
marking. The palletized unit load shall have the identification and address marking applied as
specified herein and as shown in Figure 9. For palletized unit loads 10 cubic feet and over,
additional identification marking shall be placed on the end of the load adjacent to the
identification-marked side. When a fiberboard container such as a triple-wall fiberboard box is
used for unitizing a load in lieu of palletization, all required marking, including the address label,
may be placed directly on the flat fiberboard surface. Unitized tires shall be stacked on pallets,
sidewall to sidewall, to prevent the marking on individual tires from being seen around the
circumference of the load. 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 marking shall be large enough to be read from a distance. The
size of the lettering (see 4.2.8) shall be proportionate to the overall size of the unitized load but
shall be not less than 0.75 inch (19.1 mm) in height. A loaded 463L System pallet is not
considered to be a palletized unit load for marking of identification information in accordance
with this standard. A loaded 463L System pallet is documented for movement as specified in
Defense Transportation Regulation, DTR 4500.9-R, Part II, Chapter 203.
b. Except for DLA Troop Support C&T items, a palletized load of containers of items
having different NSNs shall be marked as a “MULTIPACK” (see 5.1.2.1.b). Palletized loads of
DLA Troop Support C&T items having different NSNs shall be marked as specified in the
contract or order.
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NOTE: For identification bar code specific marking locations, see Figure 25.
FIGURE 9. Placement of identification and address marking on palletized unit loads.
(1) The address label shall be placed right of center on a vertical face, allowing
a minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) from all edges of the unit load.
(2) The bottom edge of the address label containing the unit load information
should be within the range of 32 to 48 inches (81 to 122 cm) from the
bottom of the pallet. If the loaded pallet is less than 40 inches (102 cm) in
height, the label should be placed as high as possible on the pallet, but not
closer than 2 inches (5 cm) to the natural top of the unit load.
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marked/tagged with identification information in accordance with this standard, and the overpack
enclosure is not intended for storage at destination.
5.3.2.8 Wood products. Identification marking shall consist of the NSN and contract
data only. If the NSN is not available, the item description as cited in the contract (e.g., door,
wood, exterior, etc.) shall be used. Identification text marking shall be applied by stenciling the
most suitable area. Address marking shall be applied by labeling or tagging. When wood
products are shipped on a single conveyance to more than one consignee, address marking shall
be provided on each shipment unit.
5.3.2.8.1 Bundled wood products (see Figure 10). When identification text marking is
applied by stenciling, it shall be placed directly on the side of the bundle. If the area does not
permit stenciling, two or more identification tags may be attached to the bundle. Identification
text marking may also be stenciled directly on a marking board/panel or may be applied by using
a stenciled label. When a marking board/panel is used, it shall be securely fastened to the
bundle. Fiberboard shall not be used as a marking board/panel for bundled wood products.
However, wood or wood-based panels may be used as marking boards/panels for bundled wood
pallets. In addition to the NSN and contract number, OCONUS shipments of bundled wood
products require address marking. For wrapped bundles of wood products, the address label may
be applied directly below the identification marking. For unwrapped bundles, the address label
may be attached to a shipping tag or marking board secured to the bundled unit (stenciling is
only permitted for text characters). Prior to shipment, a transparent, waterproof laminate shall be
placed over the address label, if the label is not weather resistant (see 4.2.1 and 4.2.2).
5.3.2.8.2 Unstrapped (loose) wood products (piles, poles, etc.) (see Figure 11).
Identification text marking shall be applied by either stenciling or tagging. If tags are used, they
shall be securely attached to the unstrapped (loose) pieces. Metal or plastic tags may be used
when authorized by the procuring activity. At least 10 percent of the total pieces in a single
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shipment shall be marked. Address marking shall be affixed on the side of the load by labeling
on a marking board or tag (stenciling is only permitted for text characters). For materiel such as
poles and ties that is preservative-treated with oil solutions, stenciling shall be accomplished with
aluminum-leaf paint.
5.3.2.9 Unpacked vehicles (see Figure 13). Identification marking is not required on
unpacked vehicles that are shipped within CONUS. Address marking is not required on
driveaway, truckaway, railaway, or towaway shipments within CONUS. The address marking of
vehicles for unit move shipments shall be in accordance with the applicable regulations of the
military department involved as required by DTR 4500.9-R. For other than unit moves, the
address marking for CONUS shipments and the identification and address labels for OCONUS
vehicle shipments shall be applied to a marking board/panel or applied by attaching a preprinted
label on the vehicle’s surface with ASTM D5486/D5486M, type I, class 2 tape. When the
address label is attached directly to the surface of the vehicle, the label shall be placed either on
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the rear of the vehicle or on the right side (passenger side) near the rear of the vehicle. When
marking boards/panels are used, they shall be secured on the front of the vehicle. When
possible, the marking shall be positioned on the vehicle at a height of not more than 6 feet or less
than 4 feet. When the use of these locations is not practicable, the best alternate location shall be
selected.
NOTE: The figure shows a DD Form 1387 (Military Shipment Label) used in lieu of a
bar coded MSL for DoD contingency operations where manual entry is the only means
available to document DTS shipments.
FIGURE 13. Placement of identification and address marking on a
marking board for an unpacked vehicle.
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5.3.2.11 Full rail carload and full truckload shipments. Full rail 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 be attached to the container, palletized unit load,
or unpacked item located closest to the door. Additional MSLs may be placed on other
containers, palletized unit loads, or unpacked items in the shipment.
5.3.2.12 Less than rail carload and less than truckload (LTL) shipments. An MSL is
required on shipping containers, palletized unit loads, and unpacked items for less than rail
carload and LTL lots. Exterior container marking is not required on the train car or truck.
5.3.2.13 Tires (loose). Identification or address marking on tires shall be placed on tags
affixed to the tires with twine or by labels affixed to the outside sidewall or on the tire tread.
Labels with rubber based adhesives such as those conforming to MIL-PRF-61002, Type
Optional, Grade A, Style 3-Rubber, Composition (b) (laminated) shall be used. In addition to the
required identification marking, tires shall be marked with the cure date and the expiration or
inspect/test date (choose one). Tires requiring Department of Transportation (DOT) marking
molded into the sidewall do not require the cure date to be marked since the last three digits of
the DOT marking indicate the week and year of the manufacture of the tire (cure date). Only the
expiration or inspect/test date (choose one) is required. Bar code marking required for exterior
containers (see 5.4.1.2) shall be applied to all tires or a label. An MSL shall be affixed to a
shipping tag or it shall be affixed directly to the tire. Additional guidance on the marking of tires
is contained in MIL-DTL-4.
5.3.2.15 Tubular products (bundles and lifts). Two weather-resistant tags containing the
identification marking shall be applied to 10 percent of the load. Plastic or metal tags may be
used when authorized by the procuring activity. Identification text marking may also be
stenciled or labeled on a marking board/panel, which shall be attached to the load by
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ASTM D5486/D5486M, type I, class 2 tape or metal bands as specified in ASTM D3953 (used
with ASTM D4675). The address label shall be affixed to a flat surface on the side of the load or
on the marking board/panel.
5.4 Identification bar code marking (for ammo/explosives – see 5.14) (see Figure 1 and
25). For single line item packaging and marking (for example one NSN with a quantity of one or
more), identification bar codes (2D (PDF417) and/or linear (Code 39) with human-readable
interpretation), as applicable, are required for DoD and contractor- or vendor-originated
shipments, unless specifically exempted in the contract. See 5.4.1.3 for assorted-item packaging
requirements.
NOTE: A loaded RORO trailer/vehicle, loaded SEAVAN, loaded 463L pallet, or other unitized
load documented as a shipment unit consolidation in accordance with DTR 4500.9-R Part II
Appendix M or unit move cargo documented in accordance with DTR 4500.9-R Part III are
exempt from the identification marking requirements in this standard.
a. For identification marking of other than UII information, a 2D (PDF417) bar code(s)
and/or linear (Code 39) bar codes shall be used on unpacked items, unit packs, intermediate and
exterior containers, and palletized unit loads. Use of the 2D (PDF417) bar code is preferred.
b. For identification marking of UII information, the 2D (PDF417) bar code(s) shall be
used for listing UIIs (DI ‘25S’) and the data normally included in the linear (Code 39)
identification bar codes (see 5.4.1.1.2 and 5.4.1.2.2). For UII identified items, ISO/IEC 15434
Format 06 envelopes (see Appendix A) shall be used in the 2D (PDF417) bar code to associate
item-specific data (e.g. UII, a serial number, and other data such as manufacturer, lot number,
etc.) for uniquely identified items.
NOTE: Bar code requirements for container UII/serial number list requirements are in 5.4.1.2.1.
Bar code marking requirements for the MSL are in 5.2.2.6 and 5.2.2.7. Bar code marking
requirements for the DD Form 1348-1A (Issue Release/Receipt Document) are in 5.12. Bar code
requirements for customer direct shipments are in 5.5.
5.4.1.1 Identification bar code content for unit packs and intermediate containers (see
Figures 1, 18 and 19). The following shall be identified with machine-readable bar codes on unit
packs and intermediate containers. For information on the placement of bar code marking on
unit packs and intermediate containers, see 5.4.4.
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a. The NSN/NATO stock number. The NSN/NATO stock number encoded in a bar
code shall consist of the basic 13 data characters. Unless otherwise specified in the contract or
purchase order, prefixes and suffixes to the stock number, as well as spaces and dashes, shall
not be encoded.
b. The UII(s) and assigned serial number(s). UII and serial number bar code marking
and content requirements are subject to complex conditional situations based on the choice of
bar code used, whether or not UIIs are involved, the number of UIIs or serial numbers, and if
the container is a consolidation of assorted items. Each situation is addressed in following
paragraphs.
5.4.1.1.1 Identification 2D (PDF417) and linear (Code 39) bar code encoded serial
numbers on unit packs and intermediate containers (see Figures 1, 17 and 18). When an item is
assigned a serial number, that number shall be encoded and applied using machine-readable bar
codes (2D (PDF417) and/or linear (Code 39)). The in-the-clear serial number shall be preceded
by the abbreviation "SER NO". The letters “SER NO” are not encoded in the bar code. A 2D
(PDF417) bar code, if used in lieu of the linear (Code 39) bar codes for package marking and
serial number lists, shall include the serial number(s) and other identification information (see
5.4.1.1) and be preceded by a data area title for the encoded information, for example “ID
DATA”. When more than five serial-numbered items are in an intermediate container, the
requirements for encoded serial numbers on an exterior shipping container apply, as specified in
5.4.1.2.1.
5.4.1.1.2 Identification 2D (PDF417) bar code encoded unique item identifiers (UII) on
unit packs and intermediate containers (see Figures 1, 17, and 18). When an item is assigned a
UII, the UII shall be developed as specified in the DoD Guide to Uniquely Identifying Items.
The UII(s) and the applicable identification information (see 5.4.1.1), to include a serial number
(if assigned), shall be encoded in a 2D (PDF417) bar code and applied subject to the following
provisions.
a. The bar code(s) shall be preceded by a data area title for the encoded information, for
example “ID DATA INCLUDES UII(s)”.
c. See Appendix A for 2D (PDF417) bar code requirements and data semantics technical
information. ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘25S’ shall be used to identify each item’s UII.
The 2D (PDF417) bar code(s) shall be placed in close proximity to the identification marking.
d. When more than five UII marked items are in an intermediate container, the
requirements for encoded UIIs on an exterior shipping container apply, as specified in 5.4.1.2.2.
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FIGURE 15. Examples of typical linear (Code 39) bar code fields.
5.4.1.2 Identification bar code content for exterior containers, palletized unit loads, and
unpacked items (see Figures 1, 15, 22, and 25). Exterior shipping containers, palletized unit
loads, and unpacked items shall be marked using machine-readable bar codes with the following
information:
a. The NSN/NATO stock number. The NSN shall be encoded as specified in the
5.4.1.1.
d. The CLIN (when used) shall be encoded with six characters, including zero fillers
placed to the left of the number, for example, 0001AB. For multiple CLIN(s), only the first
number shall be encoded.
e. The contractor shipment number, when assigned, shall be encoded using seven
characters and eight if it includes a suffix, (see DFARS Appendix F, Part 3). The first three
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positions shall always be alpha, the last three always numeric, and the fourth either alpha or
numeric, for example, BETH001 or BET0001.
f. The UII(s) and assigned serial number(s). UII and serial number bar code marking
and content requirements are subject to complex conditional situations based on the choice of
bar code used, whether or not UIIs are involved, the number of UIIs or serial numbers, and if
the container is a consolidation of assorted items. Each situation is addressed in following
paragraphs.
NOTE: For linear (Code 39) bar code configurations, see 5.4.2.4 thru 5.4.2.6. For information
on the placement of bar code marking see 5.4.5.
5.4.1.2.1 Identification 2D (PDF417) and linear (Code 39) bar code encoded serial
numbers on unpacked items, exterior shipping containers, and palletized unit loads. When an
item is assigned a serial number, that number shall be encoded and applied using machine-
readable bar codes (2D (PDF417) and/or linear (Code 39)) subject to the exemptions in 5.4.5,
5.4.5.10, 5.4.1.3, and the following provisions.
a. Serial numbers shall be shown as part of the identification marking except when the
item is packed and marked in accordance with 5.10.14.1. Linear (Code 39) bar codes, if used,
shall be arranged in a stacked, in-line, or combination configuration.
b. The in-the-clear serial number shall be preceded by the abbreviation "SER NO". The
letters “SER NO” are not encoded in the bar code.
c. If more than five serial numbers are identified for an exterior container or palletized
unit load, a serial number list shall be provided in lieu of marking the packaging.
(1) For each exterior container, the list shall contain a human-readable NSN and
the serial number(s) accompanied by a bar code (2D (PDF417) and/or linear
(Code 39)) identifying each serialized item in the container. Copies of the
list(s) shall be placed inside and outside a container. The words “SERIAL
NUMBER LIST INSIDE” shall be marked on the identification-marked side
of the container. The list(s), of included serial numbers, attached to the
outside of each container shall be enclosed in a water resistant envelope for
possible use during receipt, inventory, and pick processes (to preclude
opening the packed item). For a multi-piece shipment unit of exterior
containers (i.e. multiple containers have same TCN), the list(s) of serial
numbers for each piece shall also be included in the packing list envelope
with the shipment packing list as applicable (see 5.11).
(2) For a palletized unit load, the list shall contain a human-readable NSN and
serial number accompanied by a bar code (2D (PDF417) and/or linear (Code
39)) identifying each serialized item in the palletized unit load. The list(s)
shall be in a water resistant envelope near the identification mark on the
palletized unit load and the envelope should be labeled “SERIAL NUMBER
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LIST INSIDE”. For a multi-piece shipment unit of palletized unit loads (i.e.
multiple palletized unit loads have same TCN), the list(s) of serial numbers
shall also be included in the packing list envelope with the shipment
packing list as applicable (see 5.11).
d. A single 2D (PDF417) bar code or multiple 2D (Macro PDF417) bar codes (see
Appendix A) may be used in lieu of linear (Code 39) bar codes for package marking and serial
number lists; however, the human-readable serial numbers shall be listed. The 2D (PDF417 or
Macro PDF417) bar codes shall include the serial number(s) and other identification
information (see 5.4.1.2) and be preceded by a data area title for the encoded information, for
example “ID DATA”.
5.4.1.2.2 Identification 2D (PDF417) bar code encoded unique item identifiers (UII) on
unpacked items, exterior shipping containers, and palletized unit loads. When an item is
assigned a UII, the UII shall be constructed as specified in the DoD Guide to Uniquely
Identifying Items. The UII(s) and the applicable identification information (see 5.4.1.2) shall be
encoded in a single 2D (PDF417) bar code or multiple 2D (Macro PDF417) bar codes subject to
the exemptions in 5.4.5, 5.4.5.10, and the following provisions.
a. The bar code(s) shall be preceded by a data area title for the encoded information, for
example “ID DATA INCLUDES UII(s)”.
c. All of the UIIs shall be encoded and applied in a single 2D (PDF417) bar code or
multiple 2D (Macro PDF417) bar codes. Also, if more than five UIIs are contained within an
exterior container or palletized unit load, the encoded data in the bar codes(s) on the
items/containers/loads shall be on applicable serial number lists and/or UII list(s) similar to the
serial number lists described in 5.4.1.2.1.c.(1) and (2).
5.4.1.3 Assorted-items pack (see 5.1.2.1). The exterior shipping containers and
palletized unit load of an assorted-items pack shall have identification bar code marks applied as
follows:
a. NSN/NATO stock number. None. However, unit packs and intermediate containers
that comprise the assorted-items pack shall have identification bar code marking applied as
described in 5.4.4.
b. Contract number. The contract number shall be marked with a bar code if the
number applies to all items of the assorted-items pack. If the assorted-items pack content is
sourced from multiple contracts, then the contract number shall not be marked.
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5.4.1.4 Sets, kits, and outfits (SKO). Identification bar code marking shall be applied to
all SKOs, whether the SKOs were obtained through procurement or were assembled at a DoD
activity. When a multiple container SKO is comprised of other SKOs, all containers shall be
marked with identification bar codes that identify only the final (end item/product) SKO. When
the SKO is obtained through procurement, the end-item/product NSN, CAGE, contract number,
CLIN (when used), contractor shipment number, and UII/serial number of the complete SKO
shall be encoded for exterior shipping containers and palletized unit loads. When an SKO is
assembled at a DoD activity, only the NSN and UII/serial number shall be encoded. All
containers of a multiple container shipment shall be marked as specified in 5.10.14.
5.4.1.5 Materiel destined for resale. Unit packs and intermediate containers of materiel
destined for resale that normally have a Universal Product Code (UPC) bar code need not be
remarked with linear (Code 39) and 2D (PDF417) bar codes.
5.4.1.6 Protected cargo (controlled, sensitive, classified, and pilferable items). Unless
otherwise specified in the contract or solicitation, purchase order, or shipping document, the item
description (nomenclature) shall be omitted from all shipping containers of protected cargo.
Identification bar code marking is required. If the NSN is included as part of the identification
marking, the linear (Code 39) bar code human-readable interpretation shall be shown. However,
if the NSN is omitted, the human-readable interpretation shall also be omitted. For shipments of
DLA Troop Support C&T items, the human-readable interpretation shall remain. For shipments
of DLA Troop Support medical items, the item description (nomenclature) and the NSN,
including the human-readable interpretation, shall be omitted; in lieu of the marking, the term
“MEDICAL SUPPLIES” shall be used. The only exception is for medical material classified as
both protected cargo and hazardous material; for these items, hazardous marking requirements
shall take precedence.
5.4.2 Identification bar code labels / printing. Identification linear (Code 39) bar code
marking shall be printed on a label or, upon authorization by the cognizant activity, by direct
printing on the packaging material. Linear (Code 39) identification bar codes can be applied
directly with the identification text marking or printed onto a separate label. Stenciling of linear
bar codes is not permitted. The 2D (PDF417) bar code(s) shall be printed onto label stock. Bar
code labels may be accepted for use without a quality verification if they are accompanied by a
certificate of conformance (COC), from the printing activity, for review by the applying/marking
activity. However, the COC does not supersede the need to scan the marking after any process
that may affect the readability of the bar codes, such as the application of tape.
5.4.2.1 Label stock requirements. For label stock general requirements, see 4.2.2.
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b. When specified in the contract or purchase order, identification bar code labels
generated on direct-thermal printers may be used on unit packs, intermediate and exterior
containers, palletized unit loads, and unpacked items. The direct-thermal labels shall be
durable, buff-colored stock, or its equivalent.
5.4.2.2 Linear (Code 39) bar code printing specifications. Linear (Code 39) bar codes
shall be prepared in accordance with ISO/IEC 16388. Print quality, element width, and wide to
narrow ratios shall comply with ISO/IEC 15416 and ANSI MH10.8.1. The standard linear
(Code 39) bar code density range should be from 3.0 to 9.4 characters per inch (CPI). When a
direct-marking process is used to bar code exterior shipping containers or palletized unit loads, a
bar code character density range of 1.7 to 3.0 CPI may be used. Higher bar code densities in the
range of 9.4 to 15.5 CPI may be used, when specified, for unique applications.
5.4.2.4 Identification linear (Code 39)) marking basic configurations (see Figure 16A).
Linear (Code 39) bar codes may be arranged either vertically (ladder bars) or horizontally (picket
fence bars) in a stacked or in-line configuration. Unless otherwise specified in the contract or
order, all linear (Code 39) bar codes shall be in a horizontal configuration. When two or three
linear (Code 39) bar codes are encoded, a stacked configuration is preferred. When three or
more bar codes are configured in-line, the spacing between bar codes shall be increased so that
false reads will not occur when using a non-contact reader.
5.4.2.5 Identification linear (Code 39) bar code complex configurations (see Figure
16B). There may be cases requiring the use of configurations more complex than the single
stack or single in-line configuration. A combination configuration contains two or more columns
of stacked bar codes and two or more rows of in-line bar codes. A staggered configuration is
similar to a combination configuration, but each stack of bar codes is staggered, or offset, from
the adjacent stack of bar codes. The staggered configuration satisfies the requirement for a
distance of at least 2.25 inches (57.15 mm) between the bar codes when there are three or more
in-line bar codes.
5.4.2.6 Identification linear (Code 39) bar code configuration information. The
following configuration information is listed in the order of preference.
(1) Stacked.
(2) In-line.
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FIGURE 16A. Linear (Code 39) bar FIGURE 16B. Complex linear (Code 39)
code configurations. bar code configurations.
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5.4.3 General application requirements for identification bar codes and labels. The bar
codes shall be located in close proximity to the identification text marking (see 5.3).
Identification bar code marking shall not be obscured by application of strapping or tape.
5.4.3.3 Identification 2D (PDF417) and linear (Code 39) bar code marking on
transparent containers. A bar code marking placed inside a transparent container shall be
machine readable from the outside of the container. Similarly, an identification bar code
marking on containers that are shrink/stretch wrapped into a load shall be machine readable from
the outside of the load in at least one location and shall meet the readability requirements of
ISO/IEC 15438 for 2D (PDF417) and ISO/IEC 16388 for linear (Code 39) bar codes.
5.4.4 Placement of identification 2D (PDF417) and linear (Code 39) bar code marking
on unit packs and intermediate containers (see Figures 17 and 18 respectively). For linear (Code
39) identification bar codes, the NSN/NATO stock number shall be bar coded and applied above
the in-the-clear text identification mark. When space does not permit placement of all the
required identification bar code marking on one surface of the container, the identification bar
code labels or marking can be placed on the opposite side of the container, the adjacent end, or
on a tag attached to the container. When the unit pack and exterior shipping container are one
and the same, only exterior container bar code marking shall be applied.
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5.4.5 Placement of identification 2D (PDF417) and linear (Code 39) bar code marking
on exterior shipping containers, palletized unit loads, and unpacked items.
a. Bar code placement shall be adjacent to identification marking as specified in the 5.3
subparagraphs.
5.4.5.1 Printing layout configurations for identification linear (Code 39) bar code data
on exterior shipping containers, palletized unit loads, and unpacked items (see Figure 19). If
linear (Code 39) bar codes are marked on exterior shipping containers, palletized unit loads, or
unpacked items, they shall be applied as illustrated in one of the following configurations, listed
in order of preference.
FIGURE 19. Typical linear (Code 39) bar code configurations for use
on exterior containers and on tags.
a. A one-stack configuration with data fields stacked from top to bottom to include:
NSN, contract number, CAGE code of the company awarded the contract, CLIN (if used),
contractor shipment number, and serial number(s) (if assigned). When a stacked configuration
is used, bar codes shall be left justified (left-hand (start) characters vertically aligned). For an
example of the one-stack configuration see Figure 19.
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5.4.5.2 Tag marking configurations for linear (Code 39) identification bar codes to be
used with exterior shipping containers, palletized unit loads, and unpacked items (see Figure 19).
Any linear (Code 39) bar code configuration discussed herein may be applied to a tag attached to
a shipping container, palletized unit load, or unpacked item. Tags shall be marked by either
direct marking or by applying pressure-sensitive labels. If space is available on the identification
tag, the identification linear (Code 39) bar code label/marking may be applied to the right or
below the identification marking. If space is not available, the linear (Code 39) bar code
label/marking may be applied on the reverse side of the tag.
5.4.5.3 2D (PDF417) bar code configuration. See Appendix A for 2D (PDF417 and
Macro PDF417) bar code requirements and data semantics technical information. If the encoded
data volume exceeds the capacity of a single 2D (PDF417) bar code, Macro PDF417 bar codes
(i.e. multiple linked bar codes– see Figure 20) shall be used. The 2D (PDF417) bar code(s) shall
be placed in close proximity to the identification marking.
NOTE: Example is actual size and can be used for scanner testing.
FIGURE 20. Macro PDF417 bar codes on exterior container label.
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5.4.5.4 Label protection for exterior shipping containers, palletized unit loads, or
unpacked items. A waterproof, untinted/transparent, plastic, protective laminate such as ASTM
D5486/D5486M, type I, class 2 tape, or equivalent protection, shall be applied to or shall be
inherent to the label.
5.4.5.5 Boxes and crates under 10 cubic feet and those 10 cubic feet and over (see
Figures 21 and 22). Regardless of size, the NSN/NATO stock number, contract or order number
(if appropriate), CAGE code, CLIN (when used), contractor shipment number, UII(s), and
assigned serial number(s) shall be encoded in machine-readable bar codes using the required data
carrier(s) and applied to the identification-marked side of all boxes and crates used as exterior
shipping containers. If used, the linear (Code 39) bar codes shall be located above, to the right of
or below the identification marking and shall be in a horizontal (picket fence) configuration. The
2D (PDF417) bar code shall be located in close proximity to the identification marking.
FIGURE 21. Exterior container bar code marking on boxes and crates
under 10 cubic feet.
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a. For boxes and crates 10 cubic feet and over, the identification bar code marking
should also be placed on one end of the container.
b. The identification bar code marking shall be applied at least 2 inches (50.8 mm) from
the top and bottom edges and at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) from the side edges of the box or crate.
A quiet zone of at least 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) from the ends of the bar code to the nearest
identification marking shall be maintained. When identification bar codes are located above or
below identification marking, a separation of at least 0.125 inch (3.18 mm) shall be maintained
between the marking and the bar code. If cleats, strapping, or other required marking may
interfere with the placement of identification bar code marking, the identification bar code
marking shall be placed as near as practicable to the prescribed data.
FIGURE 22. Exterior container bar code marking on boxes and crates
10 cubic feet and over.
5.4.5.6 Bales, cloth-covered bundles, paper shipping sacks, bags and textile/laminated
textile bags, rods, shafts, pipes, and coils of wire (see Figure 23). Identification bar code
marking shall be placed either on the container surface or on identification tags, using the
required data carrier(s). When tags are used for these items, the tags shall be secured as shown.
If used, linear (Code 39) bar code formats shall be as described in 5.4.5.2. Identification bar
code marking on coils of wire shall be applied to either side of both identification tags.
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5.4.5.7 Barrels, drums, and other cylindrical containers (see Figure 24). The 2D
(PDF417) bar code shall be applied in close proximity to the identification marking.
Identification bar code marking shall not be placed on the tear strip or container seam.
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a. Greater than five gallons. If used, linear (Code 39) bar code marking shall be applied
adjacent to the identification marking on the upper one-third of containers that are greater than
five gallons.
b. Five gallons or less. If used, identification linear (Code 39) bar code marking shall
be applied immediately to the right of or below identification marking on containers five
gallons or less and shall be at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom and top edges of the
container. Stacked bar code configurations shall be left justified.
d. Marking on the tops of barrels, drums, and other cylindrical containers (see Figure
24). When identification marking is applied to the tops of empty or filled shipping containers
such as barrels and drums, the identification bar code marking shall be applied beneath the
identification marking. This is in addition to the bar code marking using the required data
carrier(s), in 5.4.5.7.a and b. When marking reusable containers, all identification bar code
marking that was applied for previous shipments or for storage shall be obliterated prior to
application of current identification bar code marking.
5.4.5.8 Reels or spools of cable, wire, and rope (see Figure 25). The 2D (PDF417) bar
code shall be placed in close proximity to the identification marking. If used, linear (Code 39)
bar code marking shall be applied adjacent to or beneath the identification marking. On other
than wood reels or spools, the surface shall be prepared and the labels applied in accordance with
5.4.3.1. For wood reels or spools see 5.4.3.2.
5.4.5.9 Paper- and cloth-wrapped rolls (see Figure 25). The 2D (PDF417) bar code shall
be placed in close proximity to the identification marking. If used, linear (Code 39) bar code
marking shall be applied to the right or below the identification marking.
5.4.5.10 Palletized unit loads (see Figure 25). The 2D (PDF417) bar code shall be
placed in close proximity to the identification marking. If used, linear (Code 39) bar code
marking shall be applied to the outside of the load immediately to the right of or below the
identification marking on a marking board/panel or on the identification-marked side(s) of the
load, as appropriate (see 5.3.2.7). If the individual containers that comprise the load are marked
with bar codes and are scanable, no additional bar code marking is required.
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5.4.5.11 Unpacked major equipment (skidded or unskidded) (see Figure 8). The 2D
(PDF417) bar code shall be placed in close proximity to the identification marking. If used,
linear (Code 39) bar code marking shall be applied immediately to the right of the identification
marking. If a marking board/panel is used, the bar codes shall be applied as specified in 5.4.5.5.
5.4.5.12 Bundled wood products. Identification bar code marking for bundled wood
products shall be applied on a marking board or panel as specified in 5.4.5.5.
5.4.5.13 Small arms weapons container and palletized unit load labels (see Figure 15).
Bar code label requirements shall be as follows:
a. Identification bar code labels used on other than wood and wood containers/surfaces
shall comply with the requirements specified in 5.4.3.1 and 5.4.3.2 respectively.
b. Identification bar code labels on unit, intermediate and exterior containers, and
palletized unit loads shall comply with requirements specified in section 5.4. The style shall be
specified in the contract or purchase order.
5.5 Customer direct (formerly direct vendor delivery (DVD)). Unless otherwise
specified in the contract or solicitation, contractor- or vendor-originated customer direct
shipments require identification and address marking with 2D (PDF417) and linear (Code 39)
bar codes in accordance with this standard. The issue/receipt bar code marking shall either be
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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 as specified in 5.11.2.a. The
issue/receipt bar code marking shall be provided in three bar codes (see below) containing data
as described in DLM 4000.25-1, Appendices 1.35 and 2; and DLM 4000.25-2, Appendix 2. The
human-readable interpretation is printed directly below each linear (Code 39) bar code.
a. Bar code: The document number and suffix (if applicable) for a maximum 15
characters. It may be referred to in a contract/order as the requisition number.
b. Bar code: The 13 digit national stock number (NSN) and 2 additional (Add) codes as
applicable. In the absence of the NSN and Add code, the CAGE and part number shall be used
for a maximum of 15 characters.
c. Bar code: The 3 character inventory control point routing identifier code (RIC), 2
character unit of issue (UI) code, 5 digit zero filled quantity (QTY), 1 character condition code
(COND), blank or last 2 characters of the distribution code (DIST), and a 7 digit or 11 digit zero
filled unit price (UP) showing dollars and cents with no decimal. The bar code shall have a
fixed length of 20 or 24 characters to include leading zeros and blanks depending on the
implemented version of the unit price annotation noted in DLM 4000.25-1, Appendix 3.48.
5.6 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) marking requirements. Identification and address
marking for unit packs, intermediate and exterior containers, palletized unit loads, and for
unpacked items shall be applied as specified in 0, 5.1.2, 5.2, and 5.4.5. Identification bar code
container marking for FMS shipments is required unless otherwise specified in the contract or
purchase order. Bar coding of the MSL for FMS materiel shipments is required. In addition, the
following special requirements shall apply to FMS shipments.
5.6.1 Minimum package size. The minimum size box used for FMS shipments shall
have enough surface area on the top and two sides to affix all required labels, packing lists, DD
Forms 250 (Material Inspection and Receiving Report), DD Forms 1348-1A, and any other
required marking without overstamping or overlapping. Identification bar codes shall be legible
and readable. Nothing shall be placed or appear on the ends or bottom of the box, package, or
container. A packing list is required.
5.6.2 FMS assorted-items pack. All FMS shipment packs containing assorted items
(related or unrelated) shall be marked as a “MULTIPACK” as specified in 5.1.2.1.
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5.6.4 DoD originated FMS shipments. FMS shipments shall be accomplished as shown
in Figure 26 as authorized by chapters 5 and 6 of DLM 4000.25-1, which also authorizes
reprinting of additional copies of the DD Form 1348-1A.
b. One copy of the DD Form 1348-1A shall be placed inside the container and one copy
of the same form shall be affixed to the exterior of the container for each item that is inside the
container. One of these copies shall be the original. Except for sensitive and/or classified
items, there are no exceptions to this requirement. Palletized unit loads shall also require a DD
Form 1348-1A packing list copy, as applicable (see 5.11).
c. One copy of the DD Form 1348-1A shall be forwarded (annotated with either the
Government bill of lading or the commercial bill of lading number) to the address of the
appropriate freight forwarder indicated by the Type of Address Code obtained from the Military
Assistance Program Address Directory (MAPAD).
d. Additional copies of the DD Form 1348-1A may be needed for the notice of
availability (NOA).
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5.8.1 Household goods. Household goods shall be marked in accordance with DTR
4500.9-R, Part IV.
5.8.2 Medical material. Medical material shall be marked for shipment and storage as
specified in the latest edition of Medical Marking Standard No. 1.
5.8.4 Bulk cargo. Where the transportation conveyance is the only exterior container,
such as for liquids, ore, or grains, the shipment shall be documented in accordance with the
contract.
5.8.5 Petroleum products. Petroleum products shall be marked for shipment and storage
as specified in MIL-STD-290.
5.9 Passive radio frequency identification (RFID). Passive RFID shall be used within
DoD and by contractors/vendors in accordance with the DoD Suppliers’ Passive RFID
Information Guide (http://www.acq.osd.mil/log/sci/ait.html) and the DTR Part II, Chapter 208
(http://www.transcom.mil/dtr/dtrHome/).
5.9.1 Passive RFID tag technical requirements. Unless otherwise specified in the
contract or solicitation, DoD and contractors/vendors shipping or delivering to the DoD shall use
passive RFID tags that comply with the EPCglobal Class 1, Generation 2 RFID tag
specifications.
a. Passive RFID tags shall be applied to case shipments and palletized unit load
shipments.
b. Bulk commodities shall not be tagged in accordance with passive RFID tagging
requirements. Bulk commodities are products carried or shipped in rail tank cars; tanker trucks;
other bulk, wheeled conveyances; or pipelines. Examples of bulk commodities are: sand,
gravel, bulk liquids (water, chemicals, or petroleum), ready-mix concrete or similar construction
materials, coal, or combustibles such as firewood, and agricultural products (seeds, grains,
animal feeds and the like).
5.9.1.1 Passive RFID tag data specifications. DoD tag data specifications and passive
RFID tag formats for data constructs are located in the DoD Suppliers’ Passive RFID
Information Guide.
5.9.1.2 Passive RFID tag frequency. The DoD approved frequency range for passive
RFID tags is 860-960 MHz.
5.9.2 Passive RFID tag placement. A passive RFID tag may be integrated with the
military or commercial shipping label (RFID-enabled address label) or it may be placed in a
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separate location on the shipment. This standard identifies recommended locations for the
RFID-enabled address label and passive RFID tag placement. See 5.9.3 for
ammunition/explosives applications.
(1) The RFID-enabled label should not be placed over a seam nor should
sealing tape or bands be placed over the label in a manner that interferes
with the scanning of the label bar codes or reading the transponder data.
(2) The RFID-enabled label should not be placed in a manner that overlaps any
other existing RF transponder. There should be at least a 4 inch (10.2 cm)
separation.
(3) To preclude inventory and receipt issues associated with pallet-level data,
the RFID-enabled tag attached to a palletized unit load should not be
applied to an exterior container within the load.
b. If RFID-enabled address labels are not used, then attach a separate passive RFID tag
and a separate address label(s).
(1) Address labels should be affixed in accordance with the provisions of 5.3.2,
including applicable sub-paragraphs.
(2) Parcel carriers may require the placement of commercial address label
carrier information on the top of a shipping container in addition to
customer and supplier information that would continue to be placed on
address labels in accordance with the provisions of 5.3.2. Shippers are
referred to ANSI MH10.8.1 for guidance concerning address label formats
and locations for carrier, customer, and supplier information.
(3) The passive RFID tag should be placed on the identification marked side
within the same boundary locations as noted for the address labels on
shipping containers or palletized unit loads as per 5.3.2, including applicable
sub-paragraphs.
(4) A passive RFID tag should not be placed in a manner that overlaps any other
existing radio frequency (RF) transponder. There should be at least a 4 inch
(10.2 cm) separation.
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(5) To preclude inventory and receipt issues associated with pallet-level data,
the RFID tag attached to a palletized unit load should not be applied to an
exterior container within the load.
5.9.2.2 Exterior containers within a palletized unit load. These containers will not
usually be marked with an address label and therefore require only that the passive RFID tag be
affixed at a suitable location where there is a minimum risk of damage and the highest potential
for successful passive RFID tag interrogation (see 5.9.2.1.b).
5.9.3 Tagging munitions/explosives with passive RFID. Munitions and explosives shall
not be tagged until the certification requirements for hazards of electromagnetic radiation to
ordnance (HERO) are met for the passive RFID tag, tag reader, and antenna configuration. For
additional information, refer to the Automated Movement and Identification Solutions website at
http://www.pdamis.army.mil/Contracts/prfidii/prfidii.html and contact the Contracting Officer's
Representative at the phone number listed.
5.9.4 Electronic data interchange (EDI) transactions. Advance Shipment Notice (ASN)
transactions (EDI 856), Shipment Status transactions (EDI IC 856S), or Consolidated Shipment
Notice transactions (EDI IC 856A) shall be used to link the passive RFID tag to the content level
detail information associated with each of the container types in accordance with DFARS
252.211-7006 guidance. Consignors shall transmit these EDI transactions to consignees in
advance of shipment. For additional information, refer to http://www2.dla.mil/J-6/dlmso/
elibrary/TransFormats/140_997.asp and http://www.transcom.mil/dteb/.
5.10 Special marks and labels. The special marking discussed in this standard are
examples of the types of special marking that may be specified in a contract or purchase order.
Every contract or solicitation shall include all special marking requirements applicable to the
contract. Unless otherwise specified, the special marking shall be placed in a conspicuous
location on the identification-marked side of the applicable container, palletized unit load, or
unpacked item.
5.10.1 Shelf-life marking (see Figure 28). Shelf-life marking shall be shown as part of
the item identification data on unit packs, intermediate containers, exterior containers, and
unpacked items. Shelf-life marking shall include the manufactured, cured, assembled or packed
date (apply one date), and the expiration or inspect/test date, as appropriate. Shelf-life marking
can be specified in solicitations or contracts, purchase orders, purchase descriptions,
specifications and material standards. All shelf-life marking shall be based on shelf-life codes
(SLC) (see Table IV). In accordance with DoD 4140.27-M, there are two types of shelf-life
items. Type I shelf-life items have a definite non-extendible period of shelf life. They are
assigned alpha shelf-life codes (SLCs) (excluding “X”). Type II shelf-life items have an
assigned shelf-life time period that may be extended after completion of visual inspection,
certified laboratory test, or restorative action. Type II items are assigned numeric SLCs and “X”.
Items that are assigned a SLC of zero (non-deteriorative) do not require shelf-life marking. For
definitions of the assembled date, cured date, expiration date, inspect/test date, manufactured
date, and packed date, see Table III.
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a. For Type I shelf-life items, the mark includes: manufactured (MFD) date, cured date,
assembled date, packed date (subsistence only) (apply one date, as appropriate), and expiration
(EXP) date (see note). For items that contain rubber or synthetic elastomers, the expiration date
shall be calculated from the cured date of the rubber/elastomer.
b. For Type II shelf-life items, the mark includes: manufactured date (MFD), cured
date, assembled date, packed date (subsistence only) (apply one date, as appropriate), and
inspect/test (INSP/TEST) date (see note). For items that contain rubber or synthetic elastomers,
the inspect/test date shall be calculated from the cured date of the rubber/elastomer.
NOTE: The words “TYPE I” or “TYPE II” shall not be applied as part of the shelf-life marking.
For other than cure dated items (see examples 1 and 2), the manufactured date, assembled date,
packed date, expiration date, and the inspect/test date shall be expressed by the numeric month
followed by the last two digits of the calendar year, with the day of the month being the last day.
For cure dated items, the cured date, expiration date, and the inspect/test date (see example 3)
shall be expressed by the calendar quarter followed by the last two digits of the calendar year,
with the day of the quarter being the last day. When two or more unit packs of the same item are
consolidated within any intermediate or exterior containers and have different shelf-life dates,
the earliest dates shall be shown on those containers.
c. Prior to issue or shipment, Type II shelf-life materiel that has been extended to a new
inspect/test date, shall have a DD Form 2477 (see Figure 27 - size 1, 2 or 3) applied as specified
in DoD 4140.27-M.
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5.10.2 Project code marking (see Figure 28). When a project code has been assigned or
is specified in a solicitation or contract, project code labels shall be applied to exterior
containers, palletized unit loads, or unpacked items. The project code shown in the solicitation,
contract or purchase order (e.g., ARI, ABC, etc.), shall appear in the address and also on a white
label having a disc of a highly contrasting color superimposed on it. If more than one project is
required, all project codes may be put on one label. Label sizes shall be 3 by 3 inches (76.2 by
76.2 mm) with a 2 inch (50.8 mm) diameter disc or 9 by 9 inches (22.9 by 22.9 cm) with a 6 inch
(15.2 cm) diameter disc, with both having proportionate contrasting lettering. The project code
may also be applied directly on a container. When marking is applied by tags, the project code
shall be placed on the identification tag adjacent to the identification marking. The project code
marking shall be applied as follows:
FIGURE 28. Examples of special marking (shelf life, project code, and
transportation special handling/protective services marking).
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d. Vehicles or other major unpacked items - one disc on the marking board, or one disc
applied directly on a vehicle by a waterproof, pressure-sensitive tape such as ASTM
D5486/D5486M. The tape shall be placed over the label and extend a minimum 0.5 inch
(12.7 mm) from all edges of the label.
f. SEAVANs - not marked. However, containers or items comprising the load shall be
marked.
5.10.4 Structural marking. When required, structural marking such as “REMOVE TOP
FIRST” or “TO OPEN TOP: REMOVE SCREWS” shall be placed on shipping containers on or
near the structure described. Containers designated as “reusable” shall include sufficient
structural marking to provide instructions for opening and unpacking without causing damage to
the container, packing materials, and the container's contents.
5.10.5 Valuable and security items. When items such as certain drugs, narcotics,
precious metals, currency, jewelry, cameras, and similar type valuables are shipped, marking
shall be as specified by the cognizant activity or as required by regulation or statute. When no
marking requirements are specified, marking shall be as prescribed in 0 and 5.1.2. Alcohol or
alcoholic beverages shall be documented and marked in accordance with U.S. Treasury
Department regulations.
5.10.6 Special handling, including arrows and FRAGILE or DELICATE marking (see
Figure 29). All containers shall have appropriate caution marking applied. Special handling
marking such as “TOP”, “UP”, “THIS SIDE UP”, “GLASS”, “KEEP DRY”, “PERISHABLE”,
“KEEP FROZEN”, “FRAGILE” or “DELICATE” shall be placed on shipping containers, as
applicable. The marking shall not interfere with or obscure other marking. Containers of fragile
or delicate items shall be marked with a fragile label or by stenciling or stamping the word
“FRAGILE” or “DELICATE” on the container. When space permits, “FRAGILE” or
“DELICATE” marking shall be placed on the identification-marked side and one end of a
rectangular container, and on two equally spaced areas on the circumference of a cylindrical
container. Special handling illustrations are contained in ASTM D5445.
5.10.6.1 Legend “USE NO HOOKS” (see Figure 29). The legend “USE NO HOOKS”
in letters not less than 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) in height shall be stenciled on both sides of shipping
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containers in which the contents are susceptible to damage by the use of hooks. In addition, a
hook symbol with a superimposed “X” sufficiently heavy to convey the intended prohibitory use
of the hooks shall be placed directly above the legend.
5.10.6.2 Arrows (see Figure 29). When containers are required to be stacked or the top
surface shall remain up, two sides of a rectangular container and two equidistant points on the
circumference of a cylindrical container shall be marked or labeled “UP” with an arrow pointing
toward the top of the container. The arrow shall be not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in length and
its overall size shall be proportionate to the available space. Arrows are to be used only to
indicate the words “UP” or “TOP”.
5.10.7 Warranty marking (see Figure 29). When an item is procured with a warranty
agreement, warranty marking shall be applied to all containers. Applicable warranty marking
shall be placed on containers of serviceable/unserviceable materiel shipped from field units.
Warranty marking shall indicate the time period or condition of the warranty (e.g., days/months,
hours of operation, etc.). Warranty marking shall be applied by labeling, tagging, or printing and
shall be prefaced by the words “WARRANTED ITEM”. All warranty information, including
“WARRANTED ITEM”, shall be in upper case letters of the same style font. The marking shall
be located adjacent to or below the identification marking. For an assorted-items pack that
contains items covered by a warranty, the words “WARRANTED ITEMS INSIDE” shall be
placed immediately below the identification marking.
5.10.8 Pictorial symbols for marking (see Figure 30). Containers shall be marked with
pictorial symbols to indicate special handling and storage needs, such as Temperature Limits, Do
Not Stack, Do Not Drop, Do Not Roll, Clamp Here, Fragile Handle With Care, Keep Away
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From Heat, and Keep Away From Cold. They may appear on a label or be printed directly on
the package. Affirmative symbols need not be framed by borderlines, but all negative symbols,
that is, “Do Not …....” shall have borders with a slash mark across. Additional pictorial marking
symbols and their application are illustrated in ASTM D5445.
5.10.9 Lag bolt caution marking. Demountable crates shall be conspicuously marked
with the words “REMOVE LAG BOLTS BEFORE OPENING”.
5.10.10 Method 50 (see Figure 31). Packs with desiccant shall bear a cautionary
marking on the identification-marked side to alert personnel that the item is preserved with
desiccant and shall not be opened prior to use. Items packaged with desiccant shall be
completely reprocessed with new desiccant after opening. On unit packs and intermediate
containers, cautionary marking may be applied by any means that provides a high degree of
visibility and permanence. On exterior containers, the marking may be applied by any means
that provides the required degree of legibility and durability. When a cautionary marking is
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applied directly on the container, red marking ink that is waterproof, bleed-resistant, and resistant
to ultraviolet ray degradation shall be used (see 6.5). When space is not available to permit the
use of a label, the words “PACKAGED WITH DESICCANT - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL READY
FOR USE” shall be placed on the container adjacent to the identification marking.
5.10.11 Magnetized material. Containers and/or bare items that contain magnetized
material, as defined in AFMAN 24-204(INTERSERVICE)/TM 38-250/NAVSUP PUB
505/MCO P4030.19J/DLAI 4145.3, being shipped by military aircraft, shall be marked and
labeled per said publication. Magnetized material, as defined by IATA and ICAO, shipped by
commercial air, shall be marked and labeled in accordance with the ICAO and IATA regulations.
5.10.13 Lot, batch, or identification control numbers (see Figure 32). Lot, batch, or
identification control numbers shall be shown on unit packs, and intermediate and exterior
containers. They shall be preceded by the proper designation, e.g., LOT NO 5, and shall be
shown adjacent to the contract number.
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FIGURE 32. Examples of special marking (modification work order (MWO)) and lot
number marking on unit packs and intermediate and exterior containers).
5.10.14 Set or assembly marking (see Figure 33). When a set or assembly is placed in
two or more containers, each container shall be marked with its own number within the set (i.e.,
1 of 2), the total number of containers making up the set (i.e., 2 of 2), and the number of the set
within each shipment (i.e., Set 1). Set or assembly marking shall be placed in the lower right-
hand corner of the identification-marked side of the container as shown. A 2 inch (50.8 mm)
disc of a high contrast color shall be placed above the numbers on each container.
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FIGURE 33. Examples of special marking (set or assembly marking, with component parts of
disassembled items and single stock-numbered set marking).
5.10.14.2 Single stock-numbered and part-numbered sets (see Figure 33). When the
components of a single stock-numbered or part-numbered item are packed in two or more
shipping containers or are stored together as a set, the stock number or part number shown on
each shipping container shall be that of the complete set and shall be prefixed with “P/O”
(part of).
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5.10.16 Expedited handling - not mission capable supply (NMCS) and 999 (see Figure
35). Requisitions and contracts identified as NMCS shipments shall have an NMCS code shown
in the RDD block of the address label. The applicable code is 999 or the letter “N”, which may
be followed by the RDD expressed in the number of days from the date of requisition. NMCS
condition 999 shipments shall be marked with two 999 labels, one placed adjacent to the address
marking and one placed on the opposite side of the container. For NMCS conditions other than
999, one NMCS label shall be placed adjacent to the address marking and one on the opposite
side of the container.
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5.10.17 Center of balance and lifting and tiedown points (see Figure 36). Handling
information shall be marked as follows:
FIGURE 36. Center of balance, load bearing area, and lifting and tiedown points.
a. When the weight of an item is not evenly distributed, a 1 inch (25.4 mm) wide vertical
line not less than 3 inches (76.2 mm) long locating the center of balance shall be extended up
from the bottom edge of both sides of the item or its container, regardless of its length. The
words “CENTER OF BALANCE” shall be clearly marked by any means that provides the
required degree of legibility and durability in 1 inch (25.4 mm) letters above or alongside the
line. The center of balance marking is not required on items such as SEAVANs which are not
handled by forklifts.
b. Unit move cargo shipments have center of balance marking requirements that are in
addition to the requirements of this standard. For example, all items/cargo 10 feet or longer shall
be marked with a center of balance; the center of balance shall be marked with a “T” shape; the
horizontal portion of the “T” shall contain the gross weight information; the vertical portion of
the “T” shall contain the letters “CB” and the number of inches from the reference data line of
the center of balance location shall also be indicated. Additional differences are applicable as
specified in DTR 4500.9-R Part III, Appendix P.
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shall be black, and the words “LIFT HERE” with an arrow pointing to the lifting eyes, placed
above or alongside the lifting eyes. When space does not permit, the size of the arrow and
lettering may be reduced accordingly.
5.10.18 Load bearing areas and forklift entry points (see Figure 36). When exterior
shipping containers and their contents are subject to damage caused by uneven container stresses
or strains, load bearing areas and lift points shall be marked on the exterior of the container. The
words “LOAD BEARING AREA” shall be marked on opposite panels of the container directly
over the load bearing area. The words “FORKLIFT AREA” shall be placed directly over the
forklift entry points.
5.10.19 Axle weight marking. When axle weight marking is required, it shall be marked
above each axle by stenciling or printing in 1 inch (25.4 mm) letters the words “AXLE WT”
followed by the weight in pounds. The size of the lettering may be reduced, when necessary.
When marking directly on the equipment, paint shall be soluble in paint thinner or mineral
spirits. CARC paint or ink shall be used when appropriate.
5.10.20 Electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive devices (see Figure 37). All unit packs
and intermediate and exterior containers of ESD sensitive devices that are susceptible to damage
from ESD shall be marked as follows:
5.10.20.1 ESD unit packs. The unit packs shall be marked with the ESD sensitive
devices attention label prescribed by ASTM D5445. The label shall include the ESD sensitive
device symbol (triangle and reaching hand), the words “ATTENTION STATIC SENSITIVE
DEVICES”, and the statement “HANDLE ONLY AT STATIC SAFE WORK STATIONS”.
The symbol and lettering on the label shall be marked in black on a yellow background.
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5.10.20.2 ESD intermediate and exterior containers. The containers shall be marked
with the ESD sensitive devices attention label. The label used shall be sized proportionate to the
size of the container. The ESD sensitive devices symbol and the words “ATTENTION
OBSERVE PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE
DEVICES” shall be marked in black on a yellow background. One label shall be placed on the
identification-marked side of an intermediate container. Two labels shall be placed on an
exterior container. One label shall be placed on the identification-marked side (or surface), and
one label shall be placed on the opposite side (or surface). If the label is temporarily unavailable,
intermediate and exterior containers shall be marked with the ESD sensitive devices symbol and
the words “ATTENTION OBSERVE PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE SENSITIVE DEVICES”. The minimum size of the symbol shall be 0.625 inch
(15.9 mm) measured vertically at the base of the triangle. When preprinted labels are not used,
the symbol shall be printed in black or the same color as the identification marking, if other than
black.
a. DD Form 1574 (Serviceable Tag - Materiel) and DD Form 1574-1 (Serviceable Label
- Materiel). Use for materiel that is serviceable (e.g., issuable without qualification, issuable
with qualification, or priority issue). The tag and label shall have yellow borders and letters.
When preprinted letters are not legible, black lettering may be used. To assist in identification,
a 1 by 5 inch (2.54 by 12.7 cm) yellow stripe may also be printed on the back of each tag.
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d. DD Form 1575 (Suspended Tag - Materiel) and DD Form 1575-1 (Suspended Label
– Materiel). Use for materiel that is suspended (e.g., stocks awaiting classification, returns
awaiting classification, ammunition suitable for emergency combat use only, reclaimed items
awaiting condition determination, quality deficiency exhibits, or stocks that are being held
pending negotiation or litigation). The tag and label shall have brown borders and letters. To
assist in identification, a 1 by 5 inch brown stripe may also be printed on the back of each tag.
5.10.22 Hardness critical item (HCI). Unit packs, intermediate and exterior containers
housing items identified on the parts list as “HCI” shall be stamped, stenciled, or labeled with the
symbol “HCI” or the words “HARDNESS CRITICAL ITEM”. The HCI symbol or wording
shall be placed on the identification-marked side and the end of the container to the left of the
identification-marked side of rectangular containers, and on two equally spaced areas on the
circumference of cylindrical containers. The HCI lettering shall be black in color, and the size of
the lettering shall conform to the requirements of 4.2.8. On forest-green containers, the HCI
lettering shall be either yellow or white in color.
5.11 Packing lists and documentation. There are essentially two kinds of packing list
documentation required by this standard: 1) a content packing list for package contents not
marked on the packaging, to include sets, kits, and assemblies; 2) a shipment packing list for a
single-piece or multi-piece shipment unit to include applicable shipping information.
a. Packing lists shall be sealed in water resistant envelopes and secured to the exterior of
the container, palletized load, or unpacked item in the most protected location (see Figure 38).
b. When specified in the contract or purchase order or when requested by the procuring
activity, contractors shall place a packing list inside each container and to the outside of each
container or palletized unit load.
5.11.1 Content packing lists for container/palletized load/unpacked items (see Figure
38). The packing list identifies the content-related information not marked on shipment
packaging. The content-related information should include the NSN, nomenclature, part
number, quantity, and unit of issue. The use of packing list protectors is recommended.
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a. Sets, kits, or assemblies composed of unlike items but identified by a single stock
number or part number, shall have a packing list (identifying each item) securely attached to the
end or side of each container. An additional packing list placed inside each container is
recommended.
b. Sets with two or more exterior shipping containers of different stock numbered or
part-numbered items require a master packing list. One copy of the master packing list shall be
attached to container No. 1 and one copy placed inside container No. 1.
d. A “kit contents list” shall be placed inside each “kit container” and shall not be
included with the packing list on the outside of the exterior container. The kit contents list may
be placed on a DD Form 250 or on a locally prepared list. This list shall not be included as part
of the exterior shipping container packing list.
e. Packing lists may include lists of the serial numbers and UIIs prepared in accordance
with 5.4.1.2.1 and 5.4.1.2.2.
f. No exterior packing list documentation (see Figure 38) is required for containers or
palletized unit loads of like items or single-item packs when content information, to include all
included serial numbers and/or UIIs, are marked on a label attached to the boxes/load,
lithographed on the boxes, or printed on the boxes (see Figure 34). For FMS shipments (see
5.6), exterior documentation is always required except for controlled, sensitive, or classified
items.
5.11.2 Shipment packing list and DD Form 1384 (TCMD). A shipment packing list and
TCMD as identified below shall be attached to the No. 1 piece or lowest numbered exterior
container or palletized unit load of each shipment unit. For shipment units partialed or split into
shipment increments in accordance with DTR 4500.9-R, Part II, Appendix L, the shipment
packing list and TCMD (as applicable) shall be attached to the lowest numbered piece of each
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shipment unit increment. A packing list envelope may contain a content packing list (see
5.11.1), a shipment packing list, serial number lists, and a DD Form 1384 (TCMD).
a. DD Form 250 (Material Inspection and Receiving Report). A DD Form 250, when
prepared in accordance with contract requirements using the DFARS, Appendix F shall be used
as a shipment packing list. Copies shall be in addition to those required for standard distribution
as specified in the DFARS and each shall be marked “Packing List”. All applicable data shall be
included on the form. When a DD Form 250 is prepared for a customer direct shipment, it shall
include issue/receipt bar code marks (see 5.5).
d. DD Form 1348-1A. The DD Form 1348-1A shall be used by DoD shippers and as
specified in the contract. It shall be prepared in accordance with 5.12 and DLM 4000.25-1,
Chapter 5 and attached IAW the following 5.11.2 numbered subparagraphs.
5.11.2.1 Shipment units containing a single DD Form 1348-1A (see Figure 39). For
single line-item shipments, attach a copy of the DD Form 1348-1A to the materiel in shipping
container No. 1 or palletized unit load No. 1. In addition, enclose at least one copy of the form in
a water-resistant envelope attached to the outside of the exterior container or palletized unit load
as noted in 5.11.2. When a storage container is used as a shipping container, the copy attached to
the material in container No. 1 shall be enclosed with the copy attached to the outside of
container No. 1.
5.11.2.2 Shipment unit containing multiple DD Forms 1348-1A. For multiple line item
shipments, place a copy of each DD Form 1348-1A in a water-resistant envelope so the NSN
identification and requisition information are visible and attach the envelope to the materiel for
each respective requisition. When a polyethylene bag is used to group single line items for
packing, the same bag shall contain the DD Form 1348-1A. At least one copy of the form,
applicable to each requisition, shall also be placed in a water-resistant envelope attached to the
outside of the exterior container or palletized unit load as noted in 5.11.2.
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a. Interior. Place one copy of the shipping document and one copy of the preservation/
depreservation guide inside a sealed bag or water-resistant envelope. Attach the bag or
envelope to a conspicuous location inside the vehicle.
5.11.3 Exceptions to the use of exterior container documentation. With the following
exceptions, exterior container documentation is required on all contractor, DoD, and FMS
shipments.
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a. For controlled, sensitive, classified, and pilferable items (except for FMS shipments),
the shipping documentation shall be placed inside all containers rather than on the outside. For
classified shipments, marking that indicates the classified nature of the materiel and its security
classification shall not appear on the exterior of each container if it will identify the classified
nature of the shipment.
b. For DLA Troop Support multiple container shipments of clothing and textile (C&T)
items, the packing list shall be placed inside the last container to be loaded for each shipment.
The words “PACKING LIST HERE” shall be marked on the container (see 5.1.2.f.(3)).
5.12 DD Form 1348-1A bar code data requirements (see Figure 39). The following
encoded data are required on the DD Form 1348-1A.
a. Linear (Code 39) bar coded data with human-readable interpretation for issue to
Services/agencies.
(1) Document number and suffix assigned to the requisition for a maximum of
14 characters should be bar coded in block 24.
(2) The 13 digit national stock number (NSN) and 2 additional (Add) codes, as
applicable, per DLM 4000.25-1, Appendix 2.5.2, should be bar coded in
block 25. In the absence of the NSN, the CAGE and Part Number shall be
used for a maximum of 15 characters.
(3) The 3 character “from” routing identifier code (RIC), 2 character unit of
issue (UI) code, 5 digit zero filled quantity (QTY), 1 character condition
code (COND), blank or last 2 characters of the distribution code (DIST),
and a 7 digit or 11 digit zero-filled unit price (UP) showing dollars and cents
with no decimal bar coded in block 26. The bar code shall have a fixed
length of 20 or 24 characters to include leading zeros and spaces depending
on the implemented version of the unit price annotation noted in DLM
4000.25-1, Appendix 3.48.
b. Linear (Code 39) bar coded data, with human-readable interpretation requirements,
for issue to FMS/Grant Aid customers.
(1) Block 24. The document number and suffix assigned to the requisition for a
maximum of 15 characters should be bar coded.
(2) Block 25. The 13 digit national stock number (NSN) and 2 additional (Add)
codes, as applicable, per DLM 4000.25-1, Appendix 2.5.2, should be bar
coded. In the absence of the NSN, the CAGE and part number shall be used
for a maximum of 15 characters.
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(3) Block 26. The 2 character unit of issue (UI) code, 5 digit zero filled
quantity (QTY), 1 character condition code (COND), a 7 digit or 11 digit
zero-filled unit price (UP) showing dollars and cents with no decimal, and
the first position and last 3 positions of supplementary address DODAAC
should be bar coded. The bar code shall have a fixed length of 19 or 23
characters to include leading zeros and spaces depending on the
implemented version of the unit price annotation noted in DLM 4000.25-1,
Appendix 3.48. For transfers to DLA Disposition Services, Block 26 shall
not contain bar code data in accordance with DLM 4000.25-1, Appendix
3.49.
c. The application of linear bar codes on the DD Form 1348-1A and its Continuation
Page shall be in accordance with 5.4.2.6 and 5.4.2.2. A data check character is not used. The
following requirements and exceptions apply:
(1) The height of the bar code should be at least 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and shall be
no less than 0.25 inch (6.35 mm), regardless of the density (characters per
inch).
(2) Blocks 24 and 25. The length of the bar code shall not be greater than 4
inches (10.2 cm). Each bar code shall have 15 characters. When there is an
absence of any character(s) (less than 15) within these 2 bar codes, encoded
spaces shall be used as fillers.
(3) Block 26. The length of the bar code shall not be greater than 4.5 inches
(11.4 cm). Encoded spaces shall be used as fillers for any unknown, or
unencoded, data characters.
(4) Block 27. The length of the bar codes shall not be greater than 4 inches
(10.2 cm) for serial numbers that may have up to 30 characters. The narrow
element X-dimension should be at least 0.010 inch (10 mils or 0.254 mm)
but shall not be less than 0.007 inch (7 mils or 0.178 mm) for these high-
density bar codes. The wide to narrow ratio should be 3 to 1 but shall not be
less than 2 to 1.
5.12.2 DD Form 1348-1A 2D (PDF417) bar code. The 2D (PDF417) bar code shall be
used in block 27 of the DD Form 1348-1A or a DD Form 1348-1A Continuation Page to enter
additional data for internal use by the shipping/receiving activity in accordance with DLM
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4000.25-1, Chapter 5 and Appendix 1.35 and 1.36. The bar code shall encompass all the data
elements in blocks 24 through 27, including UIIs, and shall be used in addition to the linear
(Code 39) bar codes. See Figures 39 and 40.
5.13 Hazardous materials (HAZMAT). The marking and labeling requirements for
shipment and storage of HAZMAT, including ammunition and hazardous wastes, shall be
accomplished as stated in this standard and in the applicable regulatory documents.
5.13.2 Proper shipping name and identification number (see Figure 41). The PSN and
NA or UN HAZMAT identification number shall be marked on the exterior shipping container.
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PSNs for n.o.s. items shall be followed by a technical name in parentheses. The PSNs and
identification numbers are listed in Title 49 CFR, Part 172.101, latest revision, and in AFMAN
24-204(INTERSERVICE)/TM 38-250/NAVSUP PUB 505/MCO P4030.19J/DLAI 4145.3,
Attachment 4. North American numbers are not authorized for international shipments. The
applicable international modal document shall be used to determine the UN PSN and UN
HAZMAT identification number for international shipments.
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5.13.4 Marking and labeling of air and water shipments. Marking and labeling
requirements for shipments of HAZMAT by domestic commercial air are specified in Title 49
CFR and by international air in the ICAO Technical Instructions and the IATA Dangerous
Goods Regulations. When shipment is by military airlift or contract carrier, the requirements of
AFMAN 24-204(INTERSERVICE) TM 38-250/NAVSUP PUB 505/MCO P4030.19J/DLAI
4145.3 shall apply. In addition, for all military air shipments, the outer container of combination
packages, having inner receptacles that contain a liquid HAZMAT, shall also be marked “AIR
ELIGIBLE” to verify that either the inner container(s) or the outer container meet the internal
pressure requirements for air eligibility. This required marking is in addition to any applicable
UN Performance-Oriented Packaging certification marking (see 5.14.2.f and Figures 41 and 42).
When known, the tested kilopascals (kPa) may be marked below the “AIR ELIGIBLE” wording.
A kPa is the international unit for measurement of internal pressure. The formula for converting
to kilopascals is (psi X 6.89 = kPa). The words “AIR ELIGIBLE” are not required for single
containers of HAZMAT because the kPa is already a part of the UN Performance-Oriented
Packaging certification code. The marking and labeling requirements for the shipment of
HAZMAT by vessel are specified in Title 49 CFR and in the IMO IMDG Code. The IMO
IMDG Code is used for overseas shipments by vessel.
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These type containers may be used to ship HAZMAT domestically and internationally when
covered by a competent authority approval (CAA) or the packaging has successfully passed all
applicable UN Performance-Oriented Packaging certification tests and is so marked. When the
authorized packaging configuration has successfully passed the UN Performance-Oriented
Packaging certification test and the packaging is marked with the applicable certification
marking, and when military requirements such as detailed drawings specify over-packing of this
configuration, then the testing and subsequent marking of the outer container are unnecessary.
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5.13.5.3 DOT special permits (SPs). When a DOT-SP is applicable, the DOT-SP
number (e.g., DOT-SP 7605) shall be placed near the PSN and any other required cautionary
marking. DOT-SPs shall not apply to international shipments unless the HAZMAT is exempted
from UN Performance-Oriented Packaging certification marking requirements.
5.13.5.4 Certification of equivalency (COE). When a COE has been issued, the
container certification number shall be applied near the PSN and any other cautionary marking.
COEs shall not apply to international shipments, unless the HAZMAT is exempted from UN
Performance-Oriented Packaging certification marking requirements.
5.13.6 Documentation for HAZMAT. The shipper is responsible for the completion of
a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods form for each and every military air shipment
containing dangerous goods as specified in inter-Service manual AFMAN 24-
204(INTERSERVICE)/TM 38-250/NAVSUP PUB 505/MCO P4030.19J/DLAI 4145.3, which
provides instructions on how to properly complete the form.
5.13.6.1 Existing palletized unit loads of HAZMAT. Existing palletized unit loads of
HAZMAT in the DoD stockpile identified as having passed the UN Performance-Oriented
Packaging certification testing requirements shall have the UN Performance-Oriented Packaging
certification marking applied to placards placed on two opposite sides of the pallet load in lieu of
marking each container. This rule also applies to material having different DOT and UN PSNs.
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5.13.7 Flash point marking (see Figure 43). All unit packs and intermediate and
exterior shipping containers packed with flammable liquids (flash point of not more than 60
degrees Celsius (C) or 140 degrees Fahrenheit (F)) shall be marked with the flash point of the
material. The flash point shall be preceded by the words “FLASH POINT” and shall be
followed by the letter “C” or “F” as appropriate. The flash point marking may be shown in
degrees C, F, or both and shall be applied in a conspicuous location on the identification-marked
side of the container. If space is not available on the identification-marked side, the required
HAZMAT marking, labeling, and the flash point marking may be placed on the opposite side.
The size of the lettering shall be proportionate to the available marking space. The flash point
shall be determined by using the testing methods prescribed in Title 49 CFR.
5.13.8.1 Asbestos (see Figure 44). Containers of asbestos and products containing
asbestos which may be expected to produce dust in excess of the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration's (OSHA) exposure limits during handling, processing, storage, disposal, or
transportation shall be marked with a warning label, as specified in OSHA's Title 29 CFR.
5.13.9 Hazardous chemical warning label. Hazardous materials shall require a chemical
warning label as specified in Title 29 CFR, Part 1910.1200, Hazard Communication Standard.
When the manufacturer's warning label has been removed or obliterated, or if the product is
poured from one container into another, the DoD standard hazard warning label (DD Form 2521
or DD Form 2522 (smaller version)) shall be applied to the unit container. The warning labels
are available in the CD-ROM version of the Hazardous Materials Information System (HMIS).
If a container includes more than one unit pack, such as a container of six aerosol cans that have
a unit issue of “one each”, then the warning label shall not be applied to the individual unit packs
(each aerosol can) that comprise the container until the container itself is opened.
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5.13.10 Kits containing HAZMAT. Kits that contain hazardous components in small
quantities such as adhesives, solvents, inks, paints, and other flammable liquids, or chemical kits
as defined by Title 49 CFR, shall be marked and labeled in accordance with the requirements of
Title 49 CFR and the applicable international document (e.g., ICAO, IMO, etc.). When one or
more components in a kit are classified as a HAZMAT, the container shall be marked and
labeled as specified in 5.13.2. The UN Performance-Oriented Packaging certification marking is
not required when the individual kits meet the requirements of Title 49 CFR, Part 173.4, and the
applicable modal requirements.
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is received, the proper NRC label shall again be affixed to the container. Exceptions to the use
of the NRC interior/storage container label are contained in 5.13.11.4. These interior/storage
container labels may be either locally produced or procured. However, they shall contain all the
information required for each radioactive material. The NRC labels shall be applied to the
identification-marked side of the unit pack or intermediate container and shall bear the radiation
caution symbol and the words “CAUTION: RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL” or the words
“DANGER: RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL”, as appropriate. They shall also include relevant
information such as radiation levels, kinds of material, estimate of activity, estimated activity
date, and mass enrichment. The label size shall be at least 2 by 2 inches (50.8 by 50.8 mm) but
may be larger to accommodate larger packages.
5.13.11.4 Exceptions to the use of radioactive material labels. When determining the
appropriate radioactive material labels to be applied to containers in storage and to those being
prepared for shipment, the following exception data shall be considered. The NRC
interior/storage container label is not required when limited quantities of radioactive materials,
devices, and low specific activity radioactive devices specified in Title 49 CFR, Part 173; when
materials are processed in accordance with the general license provision of Title 10 CFR, Parts
31 and 40; when materials are exempted by the provisions of Title 10 CFR; when alternate
marking is authorized by the NRC in a specific license; or when materials are otherwise
exempted by Federal regulations. Any outer package that contains radioactive material need not
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be labeled in accordance with the provisions in Title 10 CFR, Part 20, if the package is in
transport or is ready for transport, and the packaging/labeling/marking is in accordance with the
DOT regulations (i.e., Title 49 CFR, Part 173). Radioactive hazardous warning labels are not
required for manufacturing or processing equipment such as nuclear reactors, their components,
piping, and tanks or when packages are exempt from DOT labeling under Title 49 CFR, Parts
173.421, 173.422, 173.424, or 173.425; when specific exemptions are granted by DOT; and as
specified in AFMAN 24-204(INTERSERVICE)/TM 38-250/NAVSUP PUB 505/MCO
P4030.19J/DLAI 4145.3.
a. NSN/NATO stock number. The NSN/NATO stock number shall be marked only
when applicable, for example when specified in contract drawings.
c. Quantity/unit of issue (UI). The quantity always precedes the item description
(nomenclature) on the same line. The UI is only marked when it is other than each;
abbreviations (e.g. FT, LB, etc.) may be used (see Table I).
NOTE: The quantity printed on the Ammunition/Explosives Packaging Label (see 5.14.5) may
be identified with an ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement)
code, which could be different from the UI abbreviation.
f. Lot number and serial number (when serial number is assigned). The word “LOT”
shall precede the lot number and “SER” shall precede the serial number.
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NOTE: Words such as “NSN/NATO Stock Number”, “Item Description”, and “Quantity” shall
not be included as part of the identification marking. As applicable, the NSN/NATO stock
number and DODIC/NALC marking shall be located on one long side of the pack/container/item
occupying the first line. The quantity, unit of issue (as applicable), and item description
(nomenclature) shall be marked on the next line. The MCN or part number/manufacturer
(PN/MFR), as applicable, is then marked on the next line below the item description
(nomenclature). Marking a transparent bag is not required if all marking on the unit pack(s) or
intermediate container(s) are legible through the bag. For unpacked separate-loading projectiles
or unpacked bombs in a unit load, see (5.14.4.1) for the unit load identification marking
requirements.
5.14.2 Identification marking on unpacked items (not in a unit load) and exterior
containers (see Figures 46 and 47). The identification marking shall include all the information
marked on the inner containers or unpacked items and the following additional marking:
a. Weight. The capital letters “WT” shall precede the numerical gross weight in
pounds. Fractional weights shall be rounded up to the next whole pound. The numerical
weight shall be followed with the abbreviation for pounds “LBS” in capital letters.
b. Proper shipping name (PSN) and United Nations (UN) HAZMAT identification
number (or North American (NA) numbers) shall be marked on the package in a clear area
away from any other box marking. For cylindrical containers, the PSN/UN number shall be
marked lengthwise on the container and separated from all other marking. The PSN/UN
number shall be as shown in the Joint Hazard Classification System (JHCS) for the specific
NSN being packaged or as assigned by a proper classification authority. It shall be noted that
NA numbers are not authorized for international shipments. For both domestic and
international shipments, PSNs for n.o.s. items shall be followed by a technical name in
parentheses. The PSN is required even though it may be identical to the item description
(nomenclature).
d. Lot number and serial number (marked on side of container). The lower-most
marking on the package side containing the item description (nomenclature) shall be the
ammunition lot number. The lot number shall be preceded by the word “LOT” and shall be
underlined with a solid line approximately 0.13 inch (3.18 mm) thick. If a serial number is
required for the item(s), the word “SER” and the specific number(s) shall be marked above the
lot number.
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PROJECTILE UN0328
C123
1315-00-028-4849-C123
1–CARTRIDGE 120MM TP–T M800
LOT 1A-394B018-037 WT 75 LBS
Inside the cover rim
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f. DODIC/NALC and lot number (marked on ends of container or container rims). Both
ends of rectangular containers shall be marked with the DODIC/NALC of the item being packed
and the appropriate lot number. The lot number on the box ends shall not be preceded by the
word “LOT” or underlined. The DODIC/NALC shall be marked on the inside rim of the cover
end of cylindrical containers. The lot number shall not be preceded by the word “LOT”.
g. Nose end marking is required for rocket ammunition and white phosphorus “WP”
smoke artillery ammunition. The rocket nose or artillery fuze end of the container shall be
identified with the marking “NOSE END”. For rectangular boxes, the end or edge of the box
top shall be marked “NOSE END” to indicate the ammunition position. Marking may be
placed on either end of the box to coincide with ammunition position.
i. Special marking. Other special marking that is required to be marked on the package
shall be provided for in the contract or by detailed drawings. Examples include special
orientation, temperature limit, NATO standardization, net explosive weight (NEW) for air
shipments, and center of balance marking. Unless otherwise specified, the marking shall be
placed in a conspicuous location on the identification marked side of the package where they
shall not interfere with other marking.
j. Class 1 (explosives) materials owned by DoD and packaged prior to January 1, 1990
shall be declared “Government-owned dangerous goods packaged prior to January 1, 1990” on
the shipping papers and need not be re-marked.
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the containers are being retained for reuse. Care should be taken not to obliterate the container
marking; i.e., container NSN, part number, or nomenclature. The word “EMPTY” shall be
stenciled or printed on the upper half of the container on the same side that had the old
identification of contents listed. A decal (EMPTY) may be used if space is available but not on
reusable containers since the adhesive is difficult to remove. The container NSN and
nomenclature shall be applied, if not already present. Each container shall contain a certificate
of clearance. The condition code shall be annotated on turn-in/shipping documents and the
appropriate DD Form 1500 series tags/labels (see 5.10.21) shall be attached to the outside of
containers that are in other than condition code A. Due to sheer volume and cost effectiveness,
empty containers destined for a DLA Disposition Services Office, specifically designated and
designed for containment of small arms ammunition (50 Cal and below), are not subject to the
obliteration requirement, but are subject to written certification on the disposal turn-in document
that they are empty and free of explosive/energetic material.
5.14.4 Identification marking on unit loads, to include palletized unit loads (see Figure
48). The identification marking on unit loads of ammunition shall include the following and be
applied as follows:
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a. NSN.
b. DODIC/NALC.
c. Lot number.
d. Quantity.
e. Item description.
f. Gross weight.
a. Unit loads.
(2) When a unit load is configured in such a way that the PSN and UN
HAZMAT identification number are not visible, the top layer shall be
turned to expose the PSN and identification number. When it is not
practical to turn the entire top layer, two diagonal corner boxes on the top
layer shall be turned to expose the PSN and identification number.
(3) Boxes which shall have all nose ends pointed in the same direction such as
rockets and white phosphorus (WP) rounds shall not be turned.
(5) Unit loads require additional identification marking that may not be visible
on exposed boxes. This additional marking is normally limited to quantity
and partial nomenclature such as 100 grenades or 30 cartridges, gross
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weight of the unit load, applicable mixed lot identification, and any empty /
light (lite) box data (quantity per box or number of empty boxes). Unless
otherwise specified, unit loads may have one or more boxes turned to
present a blank surface for marking additional information. Marking shall
be applied as prescribed in section 5 herein and shall be on the largest
practical lettering. Waterproof marking boards may be used when it is
impossible to obtain a blank surface for marking. Approval shall be
obtained by the procuring command prior to using marking boards. For unit
loads 10 cubic feet and over, additional identification marking shall be
placed on the end of the load adjacent to the identification marked side.
(6) Unitized or palletized break bulk shipments by cargo ship under charter to
DoD may be shipped with a single label per unit load. However, when the
logistics flow of material is unknown, general labeling requirements shall be
met.
(7) All OCONUS shipments (except those in intermodal containers) require that
at least one hazard warning label be affixed to each unit load of palletized
cargo or to each exterior package of loose cargo in accordance with Title 49
CFR and the applicable international modal document requirements.
(2) The location and content of identification marking shall be specified on the
ammunition packaging and marking drawings for separate loading
projectiles.
(1) Unit loads of cylindrical metal containers with identification marking such
as propelling charges, complete rounds, etc., shall have additional marking
applied diagonally at opposite ends of the upper layer of the load by
waterproof tag (see 4.2.3), label (see 4.2.2) or stamping in a contrasting
color (see 4.2.1.4).
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(2) Unit load identification marking shall include gross weight, quantity, mixed
lot, and empty/light container identification.
(1) Unit loads of ammunition and explosives comprised of more than one lot
shall be marked with the appropriate lot numbers.
(2) The lot number and quantity of each lot in unit loads of mixed lots shall be
listed on a plain white label or tag, as applicable, and shall be placed
adjacent to other identification marking. The maximum size of the label or
tag shall be a minimum of 4 by 4 inches (10.2 by 10.2 cm) and the lettering
shall be not less than 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) in height.
f. Empty / light (lite) box / light (lite) load marking. When a package contains less
ammunition or explosives than the package is designed to contain or when an empty package is
used to square a unit load, the box shall be specifically marked as follows:
(1) An empty / light (lite) box / light (lite) load, if applicable, shall be identified
as such by marking or stenciling the words “EMPTY” or “LIGHT BOX”
(“LITE BOX”) in a contrasting orange paint scheme, on the identification
side, space permitting, in the largest practical size letters. An additional
marking or stenciling shall be placed on the top, side, and end of the
container.
(2) Unitized loads. When the bottom, sides or end surfaces of an empty or light
(lite) box is visible within a unit load, then these surfaces shall also be
marked or stenciled with the words “EMPTY” or “LIGHT BOX” (“LITE
BOX”) in a contrasting orange paint scheme, in the largest practical size
letters. In addition, a unit load containing empty or light (lite) boxes shall
be identified by quantity per box and/or number of empty boxes, on the
pallet identification marking side.
(3) Cylindrical containers. An empty / light (lite) box / light (lite) load of
cylinders shall be identified as such by marking or stenciling the words
“EMPTY” or “LIGHT BOX” (“LITE BOX”) in a contrasting orange paint
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scheme on the bottom, opposite sides, and the cover or cover latch of the
cylinder.
(4) In a general shipping situation, there is only one light (lite) box per lot, per
condition code, per structure. However, additional light (lite) boxes may be
required for items issued to custody accounts. Light (lite) box marking is
not required for ammunition disposition request (ADR) munitions or
munitions in ready explosive facilities. Nonstandard munitions boxes do
not require light (lite) box marking.
NOTE: At the Services' discretion, an empty / light (lite) box / light (lite) load box may be
identified as such by painting the entire box in a contrasting orange paint scheme. Moreover,
regardless of container size (cube) and the Services' preferred method, the contrasting orange
paint scheme is readily identifiable to an empty / light (lite) box / light (lite) load.
b. The use of the Ammunition/Explosives Packaging Label is mandatory for all new
procurement of ammunition and explosives stocks.
c. Re-marking of all legacy stocks is not mandatory; however, they should be marked as
the need to re-mark the stock occurs. Until all legacy stocks are marked, legacy assets that enter
the transportation system shall be marked once the Service has the capability to generate the
Ammunition/Explosives Packaging Label.
5.14.5.1 Label specifications. Labels shall meet the requirements for grade A, style 2,
composition (b) labels as specified in MIL-PRF-61002. The performance requirements for
solvent and detergent resistance are not required. The label should be the pressure sensitive
adhesive type. Additional performance requirements that shall be met are as follows:
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a. The label material shall provide a minimum of 42 lbs/1 inch width tensile strength at
break when tested in accordance with ASTM D882. Material shall provide a minimum of 6600
grams (66 Newtons) of puncture – propagation tear resistance when tested in accordance with
ASTM D2582.
b. Each label shall be no greater than 4 by 4 inches (10.2 by 10.2 cm) square (see Figure
49). The size of the labels may be commensurate with the quantity of encoded data and the
human-readable information. Format is mandated and grouped by NSN or part number and
then by serial number for each lot number, if applicable. Figure 51 shows an example of a label
set.
[)>RS06GS20SPL100921052308905611GS2Q2000GS3QLBGS18Q10CFGSN1325012147311GS4RG119GS7Q8EA
GS
6WFUZE SET, BOMB FMU-139A/BGS10PDUN0409GS1TMGG87G001Y010GS7Q6EAGS1TMGG88
D003Y002GS7Q2EAGSN1325014445122GS4REA69GS7Q4EAGS6WKMU-556/B (JDAM)GS10PDUN0000GS
1TMDS99K105-001GS7Q4EAGSS158741GSS158941GSS158985GSS158990RSEOT
FIGURE 49. Ammunition/Explosives Packaging Label.
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(1) Label traceability code. The label traceability code is a 20-character unique
element for each package label and is identified with the ANSI MH10.8.2
data identifier of ‘20S’. The label traceability code is alphanumeric
characters with no special characters allowed. The label traceability code is
used to identify a specific package to prevent duplicate scanning of the same
package during receipt, inventory, internal location change, and shipping
operations. While the label traceability code may be unique within a
Service’s automated information system (AIS), the label serial number is
not considered unique within a Joint environment, as the Service AISs are
not dynamically linked.
(2) Package weight. The package weight is a data element used to document
the total gross weight of the assets and all inner and outer packing for a
given package level and is identified with the ANSI MH10.8.2 data
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(3) Package cube. The package cube is the total cube (volume) of the package
and is identified with the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier of ‘18Q’.
(4) Optional data elements. Enter the applicable data elements that pertain to
the entire package. See Table A-V for the listing of optional elements.
b. Stock item level data. The stock item level data provides information that classifies
the ammunition or explosives by characteristics for the purpose of supply chain management.
The primary method of classification is by the assigned NSN or PN if an NSN is not assigned.
The stock item level data set may be repeated within the packaging level data set. See
Appendix A and Table A-V for an explanation of data identifiers and 2D (PDF417) bar code
encoding requirements. The following elements are included within this data level.
(1) National stock number. The national stock number identifies the material in
the package if an NSN has been assigned. It is identified with the ANSI
MH10.8.2 data identifier of ‘N’. If an NSN is not assigned, the material is
tracked by PN. The following business rules apply:
(2) Part number. The PN assigned by the manufacture identifies the material
and is identified with the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier of ‘1P’. The PN
shall only be encoded when the NSN is not assigned.
(4) Hazardous material code. The hazardous material code is used to identify
the specific type of hazardous material being transported and handled. It is
identified with the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier of ‘10P’.
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(6) Quantity (unit of measure). The quantity (unit of measure) identifies the
units/amounts of materiel or number of items in a package and is identified
with the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier of ‘7Q’. The DoD 4100.39, Vol
10, Table 81, Unit of Measure Designation code or ANSI ASC X12.3 Data
Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement) code shall be printed as
human-readable information on the labels. Each Service’s AIS shall
provide for quantity conversions, if required, for unit of issue codes, unit of
measure codes, and X12.3 Data Element 355 codes.
(7) Optional data elements. Enter the applicable data elements that pertain to
the stock item level. See Table A-V for the listing of optional elements.
c. Lot number and/or serial number level data. The lot number and serial number level
provides information that identifies product life cycle information associated with the
ammunition or explosives NSN or PN. The lot number and serial number level data set may be
repeated within the stock level data set. See Appendix A and Table A-V for an explanation of
data identifiers and 2D (PDF417) bar code encoding requirements. The following elements are
included within this data set.
(1) Lot number. The lot number identifies the production batch of the materiel
in a package and is identified with the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier of
‘1T’. Material tracked by lot numbers may also have serial numbers
assigned; in this case the serial numbers would be shown within the lot
number data set. See Figure 51 example.
(c) Optional data elements. Enter the applicable data elements following
the respective lot number or a serial numbered item. See Table A-V
for the listing of optional elements.
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(2) Serial number(s). When material is not tracked by lot number(s), but is
tracked by serial number and/or UII, as applicable , this data set shall be
used. See Figure 51 example.
(b) Optional data elements. See Table A-V for the listing of optional
elements.
(2) The last two characters of the label traceability code shall be translated and
printed on each label to show the relationship, e.g., 1 of 2, 2 of 2 within a
series of labels for a package. A label series may consist of nine labels used
to identify the contents of the labeled package.
b. The human-readable information shall be printed outside the quiet zone of the 2D
(PDF417) bar code. The human-readable information text shall be no smaller than 10 lines per
1 inch (25.4 mm) (approximately a 7-point font).
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NSN, PN, or lot number data set may span across multiple labels. Extra large 2D (PDF417) bar
codes shall not be used for this purpose.
NOTE: Legacy ammo/explosives labels also allowed NSN, PN, or lot number data to span across
multiple labels; however, each label in the label series was required to show the common data
and to also show the item total for each label in the series. The revised Ammunition/Explosives
Packaging Label does not require spanned common elements on each label, except for the
traceability code, and does not require an item total for each label in the set. Applications shall
be able to handle either situation when reading the 2D (PDF417) bar code.
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flat surface along the container length as shown in Figure 47. Surfaces to be labeled shall be
clean and dry before the label is affixed.
c. For shipping containers over 10 cubic feet and all unit loads, to include palletized
unit loads, the Ammunition/Explosives Packaging Label shall be applied on the upper left
quadrant of the side having the greatest overall usable marking surface and on the upper right
quadrant end surface to the left of the identification marked side, unless otherwise directed in
specific technical drawings. (See Figure 48).
5.14.7 Address marking (see Figure 2A). Address marking shall be accomplished and
applied as specified in 5.2.
5.14.8 Order of precedence. In the event of a conflict between the ammunition and
explosives marking requirements of this standard and the requirements of product specifications,
item technical publications, or drawings, the order of precedence shall be:
6. NOTES
(This section contains information of a general or explanatory nature that may be helpful, but is
not mandatory).
6.1 Intended use. This standard practice is intended for use when guidance is required
for the application of military marking as prescribed herein or in contractual documents. The
marking shown herein may be applied either by vendors or by Government activities.
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6.4 Sizes of forms used. Descriptions of certain forms cited for use by this standard
contain specific size requirements. These forms are generally intended to be imprinted with data
by computers or generated entirely by computers. The sizes listed are those that are compatible
with the majority of printers associated with computer systems commonly used.
6.5 Unit pack desiccant label. The Method 50 label or package marking described in
5.10.10 is used to identify packages containing desiccant, a drying agent. The label is intended
to alert personnel that the package will remain unopened to prevent the degradation of
preservation of the item. The color red is used to make this marking stand out from other
marking, which is usually black.
6.6 Chemical agent resistant coatings (CARC). Certain military equipment is required to
be painted with material that resists contamination by certain chemical agents that may be used
by the enemy in wartime situations. Since no commercial equivalents are available for these
compounds, and since there is no commercial need for such protection, use of specific military
materials is required.
6.7 Changes from previous issue. Marginal notations are not used in this revision to
identify changes with respect to the previous issue due to the extent of the changes.
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Required Number of
Months/Quarters Remaining
Upon Receipt by the first
Government activity
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APPENDIX A
TECHNICAL DETAILS FOR 2D (PDF417) BAR CODE
A.1. SCOPE
A.1.1 Scope. Appendix A provides detailed printing instructions for the 2D (PDF417)
bar code and it provides explanations for the tables that follow. This Appendix is a mandatory
part of the standard. The information contained herein is intended for compliance.
A.2. PROCEDURE
a. The 2D (PDF417) bar code used for shipping and receiving shall be printed with no
more than 12 data columns in width. The use of 13 to 18 data columns is allowed for inventory
or supporting documentation applications (identification marking, ammunition/explosives
marking, packing list, etc) if a smaller 2D (PDF417) bar code cannot accommodate the increased
data requirements. A 2D (PDF417) bar code includes a start pattern, a left row indicator column,
one or more data columns, a right row indicator column, and a stop pattern. See Figure A-1.
b. The 2D (PDF417) bar code shall not exceed 2.4 inches (61 mm) in height to include
the surrounding minimum quiet zone.
c. The 2D (PDF417) bar code shall have a minimum quiet zone of 0.04 inch (1.0 mm)
above, below, to the left, and to the right.
Start Stop
P attern P attern
d. The minimum narrow element dimension (X-dimension) shall not be less than 0.010
inch (10 mils or 0.254 mm). For 2D (PDF417) bar codes up to 12 data columns, the X-
dimension shall not exceed 0.017 inch (17 mils or 0.432 mm). For 13 to 18 data columns, the X-
dimension shall not exceed 0.010 inch (10 mils or 0.254 mm).
e. The 2D (PDF417) bar code shall have a minimum row height of three times the width
of the narrow element (X-dimension).
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f. The 2D (PDF417) bar code shall use error correction level 5.
g. The start and stop pattern bars of the 2D (PDF417) bar code shall be perpendicular to
the natural bottom of the label.
h. The label should be designed so that two bar codes are not next to each other in the
same horizontal plane unless the label is wide enough to reduce the possibility of interference
with successful bar code scanning.
j. 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 15438 with a measurement
aperture of 0.010 inch (10 mils or 0.25 mm) and an inspection wavelength of 660 ± 10 nm.
k. Macro PDF417 bar codes shall be used when the encoded data message file exceeds
the capacity of a single PDF417 bar code on a label. A full size (18 data column) PDF417 or
Macro PDF417 bar code can encode approximately 1100 characters at error level 5. The
character capacity of the bar code is based on a limit of 925 codewords, the compaction
algorithm used to encode the data in a codeword, and the bar code’s error correction level.
NOTE: The Ammunition/Explosives Packaging Label(s) shall not use Macro PDF417 bar codes.
(1) Macro PDF417 bar codes shall be encoded and printed in accordance with
ISO/IEC 15438, which also provides a technical explanation for the bar
code control block information that facilitates reassembly of an encoded
message after all the applicable bar codes have been scanned at least once in
any sequence.
(2) Each Macro PDF417 bar code represents a segment of the whole data file
that is identified within the bar code control block with a file ID assigned by
the user or system. To reconstruct the whole file, the file segment encoded
in each bar code is placed in the correct order based on an encoded segment
number (n of x). There is no requirement for the file ID to be globally
unique. However, if multiple bar code sets could be present for a scanning
event, the file ID shall be unique within the context of the event.
(3) Each receiving system used to scan Macro PDF417 bar codes will need to
determine if the system scanner will operate in a buffered or unbuffered
mode. As the Macro PDF417 bar codes are scanned, the de-packetizing
function reconstructs the original message from segments with the same file
ID. If operating in buffered mode, the bar code codeword de-packetizing
function is in the scanner’s decoder; if operating in unbuffered mode, the
de-packetizing function is in the receiving system decoder.
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(4) To accommodate potentially unbuffered operations by some receiving
systems, a segment count field in the control block shall be encoded in each
Macro PDF417 bar code to facilitate checking that all segments in a set of
Macro PDF417 bar codes are received. The segment count field identifies
the total number of Macro PDF417 bar codes in the distributed file.
(6) The following is provided to describe the Macro PDF417 control block used
for the bar code in Figure 20. The codewords are encoded by software
suites using different schemes; thus, the example only shows the numeric
value of each codeword and not the actual syntax of how it is encoded by
the software.
(a) Figure 20 control block codewords within the first (top) bar code’s
segment data structure are:
(928) (111)(100) (129) (923)(001) (111)(002)
(b) Figure 20 second (bottom) bar code control block codewords are:
(928) (111)(101) (129) (923)(001) (111)(002) (922)
(c) The codewords represent the following controls:
(928) = tag identifier for the start of a macro control block
(111)(100) = modular math base 900 for the 1st segment (00000)
(111)(101) = modular base 900 for the 2nd segment (00001)
(129) = file ID assigned by the user for the set of macro bar codes
(923)(001) = tag and field designator for the segment count field
(111)(002) = modular base 900 for the segment count (00002)
(922) = the tag identifier for the end of the last macro control block
A.2.2 Table A-I information. Table A-I provides data descriptions, format, and data
sources for the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifiers (DI) used in the 2D (PDF417) bar code and for
the data element identifiers (DEI) that identify DoD unique data elements from the DTR.
a. Format 06 DIs (Column 1), as explained in ANSI MH10.8.2, and the Format 07 DEIs
(Column 1), as defined by DoD in Table A-1, contain specified characters that define the
general category and intended use of the data that follows. See the USTRANSCOM web site,
http://www.transcom.mil/ait/ (Library > Standards and Formats), for the most current list of
DoD applicable data qualifiers (DIs and DEIs).
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b. DoD usage (Column 2) displays the titles and usage adopted by DoD for the
respective DIs/DEIs.
c. Data sources (Column 3) shows the most common source for the 2D (PDF417) bar
code data. If a DI or DEI is used to encode data for multiple applications, multiple data sources
may be described.
A.2.3 Tables A-II through A-V information. Tables A-II through A-V provide the
content of the data streams for generic military shipping labels (MSL), unit move MSLs, unit
pack ID and container ID 2D (PDF417) bar codes, and ammunition and/or explosives
identification marking 2D (PDF417) bar codes, respectively.
b. Element separators (Column 2) show the separator or terminal code that is for that
particular part of the data stream. The format trailer character (RS) shall be used at the end of
the message header (before a format series) and at the end of each format series of data (before
the next series of data). The data element separator (GS) separates data elements within each
format series of the data table. The message trailer (EOT) identifies the end of the message
within the data stream. See ISO/IEC 15434. These are non-printable, single, ASCII control
characters that cannot be typed as simple text into the bar code – the control characters must be
entered as per the encoding software’s specifications.
d. Data field (Column 6) contains an abbreviated description of the data field. See
Table A-I for a full description.
e. Data format type/length (Column 7) contains indicators of whether the data is alpha
and/or numeric and the length of the actual data represented by this field (e.g. an5). A
convention of “an..25” means a variable length data string of up to 25 alphanumeric characters,
whereas “an25” means a fixed length of precisely 25 alphanumeric characters. A convention of
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APPENDIX A
“an13..15” means a minimum of 13 characters and a maximum of 15 characters. The plus
symbol (+) is used to annotate how data formats are constructed in the data field; the plus sign
is not part of the encoded data string. However, when referenced to a note in the data format
column, the plus symbol (+) becomes part of the data sub-string to separate different types of
data that are encoded within a single field (i.e., DIs 2L, 3L, and 5L). Variable length fields are
not zero-filled unless the information is extracted from an external data source that requires
leading zeros. If a DI or DEI is used to encode data for multiple applications, multiple data
formats may be described.
f. Sample data (Column 8) contains sample encode value for the ASCII element
indicated.
g. Label text. The Ammunition/Explosives Packaging Label uses this column in Table
A-V to describe the abbreviation that should be used to describe the human-readable data
printed on the label.
h. The generic MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code and the Ammunition/Explosives Packaging
Label 2D (PDF417) bar code store a repeating set of selected data at the end of the bar code
format.
(1) The repeating data set for the MSL reflects what is normally marked in the
linear (Code 39) bar codes or the 2D (PDF417) bar code on a DD Form
1348-1A. The data capacity restrictions of the MSL 2D (PDF417) bar code
will normally limit its content to ten line items depending on the amount of
MSL and transportation control movement document (TCMD) data
recorded. Each supply document series begins with a DI ‘12S’ and
terminates with a DI ‘12Q’ code – if either of these two fields is blank, the
blank field shall be encoded with the applicable DI.
(2) The repeating data set for the Ammunition/Explosives Packaging Label 2D
(PDF417) bar code reflects the quantities of stock numbered assets or part
numbered assets within each package or unit load. Each repeating data set
series begins with a DI ‘N’ or DI ‘1P’ code.
A.2.4 Data syntax graphic. Figure A-2 is an example of how ANSI MH10.8.2 DIs and
DoD DEIs are used in a 2D (PDF417) bar code to depict a single shipment unit TCMD with
multiple supply line items within the shipment unit.
a. The transportation control number (TCN) and related TCMD data are contained in
the first Format 06 block that terminates with an RS code followed by a Format 07 block that
terminates with an RS code.
b. The supply line item data for specific document numbers are contained in a Format
06 block that follows the TCMD data. Data looping is required to document a multipack
shipment when multiple line items exist within a single shipment unit. In this data looping
structure, the order in which the line items are encoded in the 2D (PDF417) bar code is critical
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APPENDIX A
to the meaning of the data. Additional Format 06 envelopes may also be used to denote the data
looping relationship. The number of supply line item documents is limited by the storage
capacity of the AIT device.
A.2.5 Encoding serial numbers. The following procedures accommodate two different
encoding schemes: 1) A legacy requirement that encoded serial numbers separate from the item’s
UII, and 2) a revised requirement that links an item’s UII to its serial number. The linked
serialization numbers allow the transfer of associated data for serialized items within the supply
chain when multiple like items (e.g. same NSN) are packaged and shipped together.
A.2.5.1 Syntax business rules for encoding linked serial numbers and UIIs. ISO/IEC
15434 Format 06/07 envelopes shall be used to signal the context of the encoded relationships of
the item data.
a. For a single item (quantity = 1), common data for the item shall be encoded in the
ISO/IEC 15434 Format 06 and Format 07 envelopes, as applicable. The Format 06 envelope
may also be used to associate item-specific data (e.g. serial number, UII, etc.) for the uniquely
identified item. A single data qualifier or paired data qualifiers (‘S’, or ‘25S’, or ‘S’ and ‘25S’)
may be used within the Format 06 envelope to identify and associate the serialized data for an
item. This procedure can link one or more serial numbers and a UII to the same single item.
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b. For multiple items (quantity greater than 1), common data for the items shall be
encoded in the ISO/IEC 15434 Format 06 and Format 07 envelopes, as applicable. An additional
Format 06 envelope (one per item) shall be used for each item to encode item-specific data (e.g.
serial number (DI ‘S’), UII (DI ‘25S’), lot/batch (DI ‘1T’), etc.) for the uniquely identified item.
Additional information may be associated to each serialized item such as condition code,
manufacturer CAGE, etc. A serial number and/or UII may or may not be encoded for each item.
NOTE: For multiple item entries (quantity greater than 1), if the 2D bar code reader decodes
multiple serialization numbers (DI ‘S’ and/or DI ‘25S’) in the first Format 06 envelope, the
system must assume there is no associated relationship between the serialization numbers.
Previous versions of MIL-STD-129 used the first Format 06 envelope to encode separate lists of
serial numbers (DI ‘S’) and UIIs (DI ‘25S’) – the serialized numbers (serial or UII) were not
linked together for any one item. A serial number and/or UII may or may not be encoded for
each item. Updated distribution systems must be able to decode the data in the legacy 2D
symbol but should not generate any 2D symbols using the legacy business rule.
A.2.5.2 Data syntax example. The below example shows an extract of the data string
syntax for encoding individual serial numbers, encoding UIIs, and linking an item’s serial
number with a UII. The first Format 06 and 07 envelopes (06GS…RS07GS…RS) contain the
common data for the item. The data string example is marked to show the data content within
each Format 06 serial number and/or UII envelope.
a. Label traceability code. The label traceability code is a mandatory data element
identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘20S’.
(1) The label traceability code shall always be 20 characters long.
(2) Each label in a label series shall contain a traceability code, which shall be
identical to all the other label serial numbers in the series, except for the last
two characters (label “N” of “X”) if multiple labels are required. The label or
label series represents the materiel contained in an ammo package. As many
as nine labels may be contained in a label series.
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APPENDIX A
(3) Format is UMYYMMDDhhmmssssRRNX.
(4) UM = ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement)
code for the package type. The package type is not generally the same as the
materiel unit of issue, and shall be chosen from the permissible package
types agreed to by the Services.
(5) Construction of the traceability code shall consist of the following sub
elements: YY=year, MM=month, DD=date, hh=hour, mm=minute,
ssss=seconds and hundredths of a second, RR=random number, NX=label N
of X labels. No more than one label should be generated during each
hundredth of a second for this traceability code format.
(6) An alternate for “ssss” in the traceability code is: ssss = a second (00 to 59)
and the label number generated during that second (00 to 99) (i.e. “ssss”
could equal 0000 to 5999). No more than 100 labels may be generated per
second using this format.
(7) When multiple labels are required to mark a single entity, the first 18
characters of the traceability code shall be common to each label series and
the final two characters identify each label, e.g., 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3. If only
a single label, use 1 of 1 (see Figure 49).
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b. Package weight (WT). Mandatory data element identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2
data identifier ‘2Q’.
(1) Shall be a positive, non-zero quantity.
(2) Shall in the range of ‘.00000001’ to ‘999999999’.
(3) May be a decimal quantity.
(4) If a decimal quantity is used, the decimal character shall be a ‘.’ period.
(5) When encoded as ASCII characters, the total maximum length of the package
weight is nine characters.
(6) Insignificant leading and trailing zeros shall be suppressed, except for a
single leading zero for decimal quantities which have only a fractional part.
For example, ‘.01’ and ‘0.01’ are permitted, but ‘00.01’, ‘123.00’, and ‘0123’
are not.
(7) Thousand separators or other digit group separators are not allowed.
(8) Only one DI ‘2Q’ may appear on a label or label series.
c. Package weight unit. Optional data element if the package weight is in pounds;
mandatory if other than pounds. Identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘3Q’.
(1) Only one DI ‘3Q’ shall be used on the lead label.
(2) Valid entries are ‘LB’ or ‘KG’ only.
d. Package cube (CU). Mandatory data element used to document the total cube
(volume) of the package and is identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘18Q’.
(1) Shall be a positive, non-zero quantity.
(2) Shall in the range of ‘.00000001’ to ‘999999999’.
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(3) May be a decimal quantity.
(4) If a decimal quantity is used, the decimal character shall be a ‘.’ period.
(5) When encoded as ASCII characters, the total maximum length of the package
weight is nine characters.
(6) Insignificant leading and trailing zeros shall be suppressed, except for a
single leading zero for decimal quantities, which have only a fractional part.
For example, ‘.01’ and ‘0.01’ are permitted, but ‘00.01’, ‘123.00’, and ‘0123’
are not.
(7) Thousand separators or other digit group separators are not allowed.
(8) Only one DI ‘18Q’ may appear on a label or label series.
(9) Only valid entries are ‘CF’ cubic feet or ‘CR’ cubic meters.
e. National stock number(s) (NSN). Mandatory data element if assigned that is used for
identification in all logistic processes and is identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘N’.
(1) If the materiel has an NSN assigned, it shall be used. If no NSN has been
assigned, then the part number shall be used to identify the materiel.
(2) One or more NSNs may occur on the same label or label series.
(3) The NSN shall be either 13 characters long or 15 characters long if it
includes the material management code (MMC).
(4) Dash characters which are sometimes used to visually identify logical
constituents of the NSN (as in “1315-01-245-4950”) shall not be contained in
the NSN encoded in the bar code.
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f. Part number(s) (PN). Mandatory data element if the materiel does not have an NSN
assigned and is identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘1P’.
(1) Used only if the materiel does not have an NSN assigned.
(2) One or more part numbers may occur on the same label or label series.
(3) The part number is 1 to 16 characters long.
h. Hazardous material code. Mandatory data element for material that has been assigned
a United Nations (UN) or North American (NA) HAZMAT identification number and is
identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘10P’.
(1) If a hazardous material code has not been assigned, it shall not be used or
encoded.
(2) A hazardous material code always applies to the NSN or PN which preceded
the hazardous material code in the bar code.
(3) At most, one hazardous material code may be encoded in the bar code for
each NSN or PN.
(4) Systems shall ensure that they maintain the ability to read the legacy MIL-
STD-129 ammo/explosives label UN HAZMAT identification number
format of an1+an..4; for example U1234.
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APPENDIX A
i. Nomenclature. Mandatory data element that provides a description of the materiel
contained in the package and is identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘6W’.
(1) Authoritative source for the nomenclature is the Federal Logistic Information
System.
(2) If the materiel does not have an assigned nomenclature, the nomenclature
field shall contain a user defined accurate description of the asset.
(3) If the nomenclature length is more than 44 characters (includes spaces), the
nomenclature shall be truncated so that the left-most 44 characters are
retained.
(4) The nomenclature always applies to the NSN or PN which preceded the
nomenclature in the bar code.
(5) At most, one nomenclature shall be encoded for each NSN or PN.
(6) Leading or trailing spaces in the nomenclature shall not be encoded.
(7) Embedded spaces separating words in the nomenclature shall be encoded.
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k. Serial number(s). Mandatory data element if assigned and is identified by the ANSI
MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘S’.
(1) Serial number is in the range ‘1’ to ‘30’ characters in length: ‘0’ through ‘9’
and ‘A’ through ‘Z’.
(2) The dash ‘-’ is the only special character allowed.
(3) If materiel does not have an assigned serial number, the serial number field
shall not be encoded.
(4) More than one serial number may be encoded in the bar code for each NSN
or PN if no lot number is assigned.
(5) When materiel has a lot number assigned, the serial number(s) are repeated
under the lot number level.
(6) Where materiel has a lot number and serial numbers assigned, the number of
serial numbers listed for each lot should equal the lot number quantity. For
example, Lot 09TL001-001 has serialized assets and four items are in the
package (LOT: 09TL001-001, QTY/UI 4 EA, SN: THL1111, THL2222,
THL3333, and THL4444).
(7) A serial number with the same lot number and stock number shall not appear
more than once on the same label.
l. Quantity (unit of measure). Mandatory data element which consists of two sub data
elements. The first nine digits identify the item count. Unit of measure information for the last
two characters is sourced from the system of record and encoded using an ANSI ASC X12.3
Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement) code for the respective unit of measure.
Identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘7Q’.
(1) Digits shall be a positive, non-zero quantity.
(2) Digits shall in the range of ‘.00000001’ to ‘999999999’.
(3) Count may be a decimal quantity.
(4) If a decimal quantity is used, the decimal character shall be a ‘.’ period
(5) When encoded as ASCII characters to accommodate decimal values, the total
maximum length of the quantity is nine characters.
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(6) For the item count, insignificant leading and trailing zeros shall be
suppressed, except for a single leading zero for decimal quantities which
have only a fractional part. For example, ‘.01’ and ‘0.01’ are permitted, but
‘00.01’, ‘123.00’, and ‘0123’ are not.
(7) Thousand separators or other digit group separators are not allowed.
(8) The quantity field is included in the stock level detail and if there is more
than one lot number, it is repeated for each lot number as well. Thus, the
label shows the total count of the NSN and count for each lot number.
(9) Valid codes to encode the information are extracted from the ANSI ASC
X12.3 Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement) codes and they are
shown in Table A-V of this standard.
(10) Printed human-readable information. The DoD 4100.39, Vol 10, Table 81,
Unit of Measure Designation code or ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355
(Unit or Basis for Measurement) code shall be printed as human-readable
information on the labels. Each Service’s AIS shall provide for quantity
conversions, if required, for unit of issue codes, unit of measure codes, and
X12.3 Data Element 355 codes.
m. Condition code. Optional data element that is used to identify the condition of
materiel in the package and is identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘2R’.
(1) Always a single alphabetic character.
(2) Valid characters are ‘A’ through ‘H’, ‘J’ through ‘N’, ‘P’ through ‘S’, or ‘V’.
(3) Empty condition code DI shall not be encoded.
(4) Condition code always consists of a single alphabetic character.
(5) A condition code always applies to the level of the data hierarchy (lot
number, or serial number) which preceded it in the bar code. If the condition
code follows a lot number, it shall apply to all the items that follow for that
lot number. If the condition code follows a serial number, it applies to only
that serial number.
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n. Container ID. Optional data element that is used to identify a package. Identified by
the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘1B’.
(1) Container ID is a 2 to 11 character alphanumeric identifier.
(2) The dash ‘-’ is the only special character allowed.
(3) If materiel does not have an assigned container ID, the container ID field
shall not be encoded in the bar code.
(4) Only one DI ‘1B’ may appear on a label or label series.
o. Document number. Optional data element that indicates the materiel release order
document number (requisition number) for the package contents. Identified by the ANSI
MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘12S’.
(1) Document number is 14 to 15 alphanumeric characters: ‘0’ through ‘9’ and
‘A’ through ‘Z’.
(2) No special characters are allowed.
(3) An empty document number DI shall not be encoded.
(4) A document number always applies to the level of the data hierarchy (lot
number, or serial number) which preceded it in the bar code. If the document
number follows a lot number, it shall apply to all the items that follow for
that lot number. If the document number follows a serial number, it applies
to only that serial number.
p. Expiration date. Optional data element that indicates maintenance, expiration, next
inspection (M.E.N.) in which the materiel shall be recertified before utilization. Identified by the
ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘14D’.
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(3) Month and day parts shall be left-padded with zeros, if needed, to ensure that
both the month and day parts are each two characters long.
(4) The month part shall be in the range ‘01’ through ‘12’.
(5) DD shall always be last day of the month.
(6) An expiration date always applies to the level of the data hierarchy (lot
number, or serial number) which preceded it in the bar code. If the
expiration date follows a lot number, it shall apply to all the items that follow
for that lot number. If the expiration date follows a serial number, it applies
to only that serial number.
(7) A line item (lot quantity or serialized item) may have only one expiration
date.
r. Location/grid. Optional data element used to record the intended or actual storage
location within a facility/building in which a package is stored. Identified by the ANSI
MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘20L’.
(1) Location/grid is a 1 to 14 character alphanumeric identifier.
(2) If the materiel does not have location assigned, then it shall not be encoded
(3) Only one DI ‘20L’ may appear on a unit load label or label series.
(4) Empty location/grids shall not be encoded.
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APPENDIX A
Type use Example
Nominal case 4047A002C001A
ABAB
s. Owner code. Optional data element used to indicate the owner of the materiel. The
owner code is used as a key field for identifying an ammunition line item and is used in all
logistics processes of some Services. Identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘7V’.
(1) Owner code is a single numeric character.
(2) No special characters are allowed.
(3) Empty owner code DI shall not be encoded.
(4) An owner code always applies to the level of the data hierarchy (NSN/PN, lot
number, or serial number) which preceded it in the bar code. If the owner
code appears after an NSN/PN, it shall apply to all the items that follow for
that NSN/PN. If the owner code follows a lot number, it shall apply to all the
items that follow for that lot number. If the owner code follows a serial
number, it applies to only that serial number.
t. Purpose code / activity classification code (ACC). Optional data element used to
indicate the reason for which the materiel is being held in inventory. Identified by the ANSI
MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘86Y’.
(1) Purpose code and ACC share the same DI but are programmatically
identified by the first alphabetic character ‘P’ for “purpose” or ‘A’ for
“activity”.
(2) The purpose code valid characters are: ‘A’ through ‘H’, ‘J’ through ‘N’, ‘P’,
‘Q’, ‘S’, ‘T’, ‘V’, ‘W’, ‘Y’, and ‘Z’.
(3) The activity classification code valid characters are: ‘A’ through ‘H’, ‘J’
through ‘N’, ‘Q’, ‘R’, ‘T’, ’V’, ‘W’, and ‘Z’.
(4) Empty purpose code / ACC DI shall not be encoded.
(5) A purpose code always applies to the level of the data hierarchy (NSN/PN,
lot number, or serial number) which preceded it in the bar code. If the
purpose code appears after an NSN/PN, it shall apply to all the items that
follow for that NSN/PN. If the purpose code follows a lot number, it shall
apply to all the items that follow for that lot number. If the purpose code
follows a serial number, it applies to only that serial number.
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APPENDIX A
Type use Example
Nominal case (purpose code ‘A’) PA
Nominal case (ACC ‘B’) AB
u. QA certification date. Optional data element used to document the date that a quality
assurance inspector certified the package integrity and item condition located within the package.
Identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘20D’.
(1) QA certification date consists of nine characters (DDMMMYYYY).
(2) Empty QA certification dates shall not be encoded.
(3) The DD (day of month) part of the QA certification date shall be consistent
with the month selected. For example 31 MAR would be acceptable,
whereas 31 APR would not.
(4) The DD (day of month) part shall be left-padded with a zero, if needed to
ensure that it is two characters long. For example, 02MAR2009 would be
correct; 2MAR2009 would not be correct.
(5) The MMM (month) part shall be one of the following: ‘JAN’, ‘FEB’,
‘MAR’, ‘APR’, ‘MAY’, ‘JUN’, ‘JUL’, ‘AUG’, ‘SEP’, ‘OCT’, ‘NOV’,
‘DEC’.
(6) A QA certification date always applies to the level of the data hierarchy (lot
number, or serial number) which preceded it in the bar code. If the QA
certification date follows a lot number, it shall apply to all the items that
follow for that lot number. If the QA certification date follows a serial
number, it applies to only that serial number.
v. QA defect code. Optional data element used to identify defects known to exist for the
materiel in or on the package. Identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data identifier ‘37Y’.
(1) The QA defect code shall always consist of six alphanumeric characters. ‘0’
through ‘9’ and ‘A’ through ‘Z’.
(2) No special characters are allowed.
(3) Empty QA defect code DI shall not be encoded.
(4) A line item (lot quantity or serialized item) may contain up to two QA defect
codes.
(5) A QA defect code always applies to the level of the data hierarchy (lot
number, or serial number) which preceded it in the bar code. If the QA
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APPENDIX A
defect code follows a lot number, it shall apply to all the items that follow for
that lot number. If the QA defect code follows a serial number, it applies to
only that serial number.
w. QA stamp. Optional data element used to identify the individual and activity
performing the most recent inspection on the asset. Identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data
identifier ‘1H’.
(1) QA stamp consists of 9 to 10 alphanumeric characters ‘0’ through ‘9’ and
‘A’ through ‘Z’.
(2) Empty QA stamp DI shall not be encoded.
(3) QA stamp is always accompanied with a QA certification date.
(4) A QA stamp always applies to the level of the data hierarchy (lot number, or
serial number) which preceded it in the bar code. If the QA stamp follows a
lot number, it shall apply to all the items that follow for that lot number. If
the QA stamp follows a serial number, it applies to only that serial number.
x. Weapon stock number (WSN). Optional data element used to associate a set of
individual components that make up a single round. Identified by the ANSI MH10.8.2 data
identifier ‘30T’.
(1) WSN is a 1 to 14 character alphanumeric identifier.
(2) If the materiel does not have a WSN assigned, then it shall not be encoded.
(3) Only one DI ‘30T’ may appear on a unit load label or label series.
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-I. 2D (PDF417) bar code data identifier descriptions (Format 06).
Format 06 Format 06
Data Data Sources
Identifier DoD Usage (See Note 1)
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-I. 2D (PDF417) bar code data identifier descriptions (Format 06) - Continued.
Format 06 Format 06
Data Data Sources
Identifier DoD Usage (See Note 1)
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-I. 2D (PDF417) bar code data identifier descriptions (Format 06) - Continued.
Format 06 Format 06
Data Data Sources
Identifier DoD Usage (See Note 1)
Lot/Batch Number or Traceability Number – for a group DTR Pt II App M (TCMD T_7)
1T
of entities. DD 1348-1A
30T Weapons Stock Number (WSN) System of Record
Routing Identifier Code (RIC) – Shipping Activity – The
V DD 1348-1A (rp 4-6)
“From” RIC for shipper.
DTR Pt II App M (TCMD T_9,
4V Ocean Carrier Code – for SEAVANs. Table M-14)
DTR Pt II App SS
7V Ownership Code DLM 4000.25-2-M, App 2.3
Distribution Cognizance Code – last 2 positions of DoD
8V distribution code used for DD Form 1348-1A linear bar DD 1348-1A (rp 55-56)
code.
Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code –
The consignor CAGE code for an MSL or the CAGE code
17V As marked.
for a container ID mark of the company awarded the
contract for the item being shipped.
6W Nomenclature System of Record
37Y QA Defect Code System of Record
86Y Purpose Code or Activity Classification Code System of Record
TABLE A-I. 2D (PDF417) bar code data identifier descriptions (Format 07).
Format 07 Format 07
Data Element Data Sources
Identifier DoD Usage (See Note 1)
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-I. 2D (PDF417) bar code data identifier descriptions (Format 07) - Continued.
Format 07 Format 07
Data Element Data Sources
Identifier DoD Usage (See Note 1)
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-I. 2D (PDF417) bar code data identifier descriptions (Format 07) - Continued.
Format 07 Format 07
Data Element Data Sources
Identifier DoD Usage (See Note 1)
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-I. 2D (PDF417) bar code data identifier descriptions (Format 07) - Continued.
Format 07 Format 07
Data Element Data Sources
Identifier DoD Usage (See Note 1)
Note 1. For an updated list of Format 06 DIs and Format 07 DEIs selected for use by DoD, refer to the
USTRANSCOM AIT web site at http://www.transcom.mil/ait/ (Library > Standards and Formats).
Note 2. In order to provide space in the 2D (PDF417) bar code for multiple supply line item data, the in-the-clear
address data is not printed in the 2D (PDF417) bar code for shipment units containing multiple supply line items
(multipack or consolidated shipment). The fifth line in the “Ship To” and “Consignee” address blocks are to
accommodate alternative addressing options. The “From” address line is structured as 3 lines of 35 characters to
accommodate DLA addressing options and to save space on the MSL.
Note 3. To accommodate current automated information systems, US default values are assumed as shown. Metric
data values may be used in the 2D (PDF417) bar code for generic MSL shipment descriptions, but the data values
shall be marked with metric units using ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement)
codes. The ANSI ASC X12.3 data elements selected for use are: KG = kilograms, CM = centimeter, CC = cubic
centimeter, MR = meter, CR = cubic meter. Decimal values are allowed in the 2D (PDF417) bar code. Human
translations of measurements printed on the DoD MSL shall be in MILSTRIP/DLMS unit of issue text and numeric
values shall be rounded to the next higher whole number with leading zeros suppressed.
Note 4. Format 07 DEI ‘41’ is the qualifier for DEI ‘42’. That is, DEI ‘41’ indicates whether the code value in DEI
‘42’ came from the UN or a North American table of values, e.g., International Maritime dangerous goods code,
Title 49 CFR, or other source publication.
Note 5. DI ‘7Q’ may be used to encode many different type of measurements (quantity, weight, cube, shape, etc.) It
may be used many times within a single 2D (PDF417) bar code; however, each instance of use shall be for the same
type of measurement (e.g., it cannot be used for both quantity and weight in the same bar code.) The encoded data
element consists of two sub data elements. The digits identify the item count. The last two characters are a
machine-readable code from ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Elements 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement) that identifies
the DoD 4100.39-M, Vol. 10, Table 53 supply item unit of issue or the Table 81 supply item unit of measure
designations.
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-II. MSL (generic) 2D (PDF417) bar code format.
Format Header
Format 07 DEI
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-II. MSL (generic) 2D (PDF417) bar code format - Continued.
Format Header
Format 07 DEI
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-II. MSL (generic) 2D (PDF417) bar code format - Continued.
Format Header
Format 07 DEI
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
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APPENDIX A
TABLE A-II. MSL (generic) 2D (PDF417) bar code format - Continued.
Format Header
Format 07 DEI
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
Note 1. In order to provide space in the 2D (PDF417) bar code for multiple supply line item data, the in-the-clear
address data is not printed in the 2D (PDF417) bar code for shipment units containing multiple supply line items
(multipack or consolidated shipment).
Note 2. The Format 06, DI ‘N’, ‘4R’, or ‘1T’ elements shall only be shown in this part of the 2D (PDF417) bar
code if TCMD T_6 data or TCMD T-7 data is available as a source. In most cases, NSN information will not be
available from TCMD T_6 data for a shipment unit of consolidated multiple line items.
Note 3. The plus symbol (+) is used as a delimiter between the data elements and is part of the data sub-string.
Note 4. To accommodate current automated information systems, US default values are assumed as shown. Metric
data values may be used in the 2D (PDF417) bar code for generic MSL shipment descriptions, but the data values
shall be marked with metric units using an ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement)
code. The ANSI ASC X12.3 data elements selected for use are: KG = kilograms, CM = centimeter, CC = cubic
centimeter, MR = meter, CR = cubic meter. Decimal values are allowed in the 2D (PDF417) bar code. Human
translations printed on the DoD MSL shall be in US standard formats and shall be rounded to the next higher whole
number with leading zeros suppressed.
Note 5. The encoded data element consists of two sub data elements. The digits identify the item count. The last
two characters are a machine-readable ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement) code
for the respective unit of issue sourced from the DD Form 1348-1. When printed as human-readable information,
the ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355 code is translated to a unit of issue code/abbreviation (see Table I)
.
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MIL-STD-129R
APPENDIX A
TABLE A-III. MSL (unit move) 2D (PDF417) bar code format.
Format Header
Format 07 DEI
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
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MIL-STD-129R
APPENDIX A
TABLE A-III. MSL (unit move) 2D (PDF417) bar code format - Continued.
Format Header
Format 07 DEI
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
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MIL-STD-129R
APPENDIX A
TABLE A-III. MSL (unit move) 2D (PDF417) bar code format - Continued.
Format Header
Format 07 DEI
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
Note 1. The plus symbol (+) is used as a delimiter between the data elements and is part of the data sub-string.
Note 2. To accommodate current automated information systems, US default values are assumed as shown. Metric
data values may be used in the 2D (PDF417) bar code for generic MSL shipment descriptions, but the data values
shall be marked with metric units using an ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement)
code. The ANSI ASC X12.3 data elements selected for use are: KG = kilograms, CM = centimeter, CC = cubic
centimeter, MR = meter, CR = cubic meter. Decimal values are allowed in the 2D (PDF417) bar code. Human-
readable values printed on the DoD MSL shall be in US standard formats and shall be rounded to the next higher
whole number with leading zeros suppressed.
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MIL-STD-129R
APPENDIX A
TABLE A-IV. Unit pack and container identification 2D (PDF417) bar code format.
Format Header
Format 07 DEI
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
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MIL-STD-129R
APPENDIX A
TABLE A-IV. Unit pack and container identification 2D (PDF417) bar
code format – Continued.
Format Header
Format 07 DEI
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
Example (new format) – 1 NSN, multiple items, serialization is based on one or more numbers per item.
An additional Format 06 envelope (one per item) shall be used for each item to encode item-specific data (e.g. serial
number (DI ‘S’), UII (DI ‘25S’), etc.) for the uniquely identified item. Additional information may be associated to
each serialized item such as condition code, manufacturer CAGE, etc. A serial number and/or UII may or may not
be encoded for each item.
The below example is for eight items with the same NSN – however, one item has no UII or serial number and is
therefore not listed.
RS 06 Data Identifier Format Header 06
GS S Serial Number or Code an..30 674A3604
RS 06 Data Identifier Format Header 06
GS S Serial Number or Code an..30 674A3605
RS 06 Data Identifier Format Header 06
GS 25S Unique Item Identifier (UII) an..50 06141411A0B9C3D5
RS 06 Data Identifier Format Header 06
GS 25S Unique Item Identifier (UII) an..50 06141411A0B9C3D6
RS 06 Data Identifier Format Header 06
GS 25S Unique Item Identifier (UII) an..50 D1AAA99B25972M
GS S Serial Number or Code an..30 9B25972M
RS 06 Data Identifier Format Header 06
GS S Serial Number or Code an..30 674A3606
GS 25S Unique Item Identifier (UII) an..50 D1AAA99B25974M
RS 06 Data Identifier Format Header 06
GS S Serial Number or Code an..30 674A3607
GS 25S Unique Item Identifier (UII) an..50 D1AAA99B25975M
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MIL-STD-129R
APPENDIX A
Format Header
Optional (O)
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
Data Format
Data Field Sample Data without DI/DEI
Type/Length
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MIL-STD-129R
APPENDIX A
Format Header
Optional (O)
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
Data Format
Data Field Sample Data without DI/DEI
Type/Length
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MIL-STD-129R
APPENDIX A
TABLE A-V. Ammunition/Explosives Packaging Label - Continued.
Mandatory (M)
Format Header
Optional (O)
Format 06 DI
Compliance
Separators
Indicator
Element
Data Format
Data Field Sample Data without DI/DEI
Type/Length
Note 1. The default unit for measurement of DI ‘2Q’ is assumed to be US pounds; if otherwise, a DI ‘3Q’ value shall
also be encoded. Decimal values are allowed in the 2D (PDF417) bar code’s quantity fields and, if encoded, the total
weight field in the 2D (PDF417) bar code should be rounded to the next whole number. Human-readable information
for the total weight shall be rounded to the next whole number.
Note 2. The legacy ammo/explosives label used DI ‘7Q’ for the cube element using meta data of n..9+an2 where an2 is
an ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355 (Unit or Basis for Measurement) code referenced in Note 3 below.
Note 3. Ammunition/explosives quantities shall be encoded with a two-character ANSI ASC X12.3 Data Element 355
(Unit or Basis for Measurement) code following the numeric value, as applicable. Metric data values may also be used.
The ANSI ASC X12.3 data elements selected for use are: PC= piece, ST=set, BX=box, CN=can, DR=drum, KT=kit,
PL=pallet/unit load, CH=container, RL=roll, EA=each, LB=pound, FT=foot, CF=cubic feet, KG=kilograms,
CM=centimeter, CC=cubic centimeter, MR=meter, CR=cubic meter. Decimal values are allowed in the 2D (PDF417)
bar code’s quantity fields and, if encoded, the total cube field in the 2D (PDF417) bar code should be rounded to the next
whole number. Human-readable information for the total cube shall be rounded to the next whole number.
Note 4. The legacy ammo/explosives label used a different meta data format for DI ‘10P’. The legacy label used DI
‘10PU+an..4’ to encode the Title 49 CFR, Part 172.101 United Nations (UN) HAZMAT identification numbers.
Note 5. The Quantity (unit of measure) element was designated for use by the Army Joint Munitions Command, Joint
Ordnance Commanders Group, AIT Steering Group published Joint Ammo Package Label Specification (JAPLS) as
amended by this standard. The Quantity (unit of measure) is a derived value of the MILSTRIP Quantity (unit of issue)
using the DoD 4100.39-M defined quantitative expression for conversion (see Table III UM and UI definitions).
Note 6. DI ‘25S’ is provided for use as an optional element to accommodate IUID marking when the requirement is
called out in a contract or policy documents for the respective ammunition or explosive. The 2D (PDF417) bar code
may contain a mix of DIs ‘S’ and ‘25S’ in the serial number level data. See A.2.5 and the examples in Table IV for the
Format 06 data structure used to associate a serial number with a UII, as applicable.
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MIL-STD-129R
CONCLUDING MATERIAL
Reviewing activities:
Army - AM, AR, AT, AV, CR, EA, GL, MI, MR, MT, PT, TE, TM
Navy - AS, CG, EC, MC, OS, SH
Air Force – 11, 13, 16, 70, 71, 84, 99
DLA - CC, CT, DM, GS3, IS, PS
OSD - SE
Miscellaneous:
USTRANSCOM – USTC
Civil agencies:
GSA - FAS
NOTE: The activities listed above were interested in this document as of the date of this
document. Since organizations and responsibilities can change, you should verify the currency
of the information above using the ASSIST Online database at https://assist.dla.mil.
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