Did you know that labels on your shipping containers don’t have an expiration date? That’s right, not even the little yellow and blue ones. However, labeling your packages properly is critically important in keeping your shipments safe. The world of shipping logistics can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first job in the industry. Knowing what label goes on what container where is a good starting point for anyone who wants to get into shipping or just needs to brush up on their knowledge about UPS labels. Fortunately, this blog post will answer all of your questions about how and when to use these labels as well as how long they last.
Do UPS Labels Expire?
No, labels do not expire. You can use labels in Google Sheets until you change or delete them. If you delete a label, it’s gone forever. You can’t get it back. If you are using the UPS Online Labels service, you can download your labels to your computer or phone and print them from there. If you are using the traditional label formats (TLI, DLI, or TLE), you can print them at a participating UPS location.
What Are The Different Types Of Labels?
- UPS labels are used in a variety of situations, such as when a shipment is leaving a warehouse or when it’s in transit between a few locations. There are labels for use for everything from packages on pallets to products in boxes, totes, and more. There are five main types of UPS labels:
- Manifest Labels: Manifest labels indicate the quantity, weight, dimensions, and other pertinent information about your shipments. They are typically applied to boxes and are used by customs agencies or shipping companies when your shipments are entering or exiting a country or being transferred from one location to another.
- Delivery Receipt Labels: Delivery receipt labels are applied after your shipments have successfully been delivered to their final destinations. – Shipper’s Labels: These are applied to your outgoing shipments, and they indicate the shipping method, quantity, and other related information about your goods.
- Pickup Labels: Pickup labels are used when you are picking up goods from a vendor. – Service Labels: Service labels are put on your containers and indicate the services performed by your warehouse.
- FedEx Labels: FedEx labels are very similar to UPS labels in that they are used for a variety of shipping situations.
Why Are Label Codes Important?
1. Inventory Management
When pieces are labeled, it makes it much easier to keep track of them in inventory. The manufacturer can document how many pieces they sent to each department, which pieces have been completed, and which have been scrapped. Having clear visibility into the inventory means they can plan accordingly and avoid costly mistakes. A good example of this is when a customer orders a product. The shop needs to know which pieces should be used to make the product, and which employees will be working on it. With all pieces clearly labeled, the manufacturer can easily track which employees will be working on which pieces.
2. Traceability And Quality Control
When all pieces are labeled, it is easy to identify which pieces are defective or have been used before. This can be especially useful in industries such as healthcare or food production, where products are especially sensitive. For example, imagine a piece of equipment breaks down during production. Instead of scrapping the piece, the manufacturer would be able to identify which piece of equipment it was and repair it. That way, no defective equipment gets shipped out. Similarly, if a product is returned by a customer, it makes it easy to identify which piece broke and how it was used. This is especially important for products that are used for medical treatment. By identifying which piece of equipment was used, it’s easy to track down which patient it was used.
3. Risk Management
When you assign labels to pieces, it ensures that your employees are handling the right products at the right time. It also makes it easier to identify any potential risks to your employees or machinery. If a label code is broken or scratched out, this indicates that the product has been switched or tampered with. If there is no identification on a product, that means it is not labeled. Therefore, employees must not use the product until it is identified. Additionally, it makes it easier to track down which product causes injury and keep track of any incidents.
4. Human Resource Efficiency
Labels make it easier for employees to identify the piece they are working on. This helps reduce confusion and makes the production line more efficient. It also makes it easier to avoid mistakes, such as producing the wrong products. When you assign labels, you are imposing a clear system of communication. It is also easier for employees to identify the parts they are working on. This helps them avoid mistakes and ensures fewer finished products are scrapped.
How Long Do Ups Labels Last?
- Labels last as long as their design life (which varies from product to product), as long as they aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures or they don’t get wet. If a label gets wet, it is recommended that you immediately remove it so that it doesn’t ruin other shipments.
- If a label is exposed to extreme temperatures, you should apply a new label to the shipment, because the old one could warp and cause damage to the product. Extreme temperatures can be caused by warm summers, cold winters, and even heat coming off of machinery in the warehouse. However, if the label is still intact and readable, it can be used again, even if it has been applied before. This information applies to the thermally printed labels that you can print off from handheld or desktop thermal label printers.
- If you are using a handheld label printer, then the labels will have a one-time application. Once these labels have been applied, they can’t be used again, so be sure to have plenty of extra labels on hand.
When Do Labels Expire?
- Labels don’t expire, but they do get used. Once they are applied to a shipment, the shipping company is expected to use that same label to track the shipment. If you are a business owner, you may remember a time when you had to label everything manually.
- While this does work, it is time-consuming and inefficient. With technology today, you can apply a label to a package with a device that prints out a label in a matter of seconds.
- This method is much more efficient, and it lets you apply multiple labels to a single shipment. When you are selecting a label printer for your business, look for one that allows you to print multiple labels with the same code. This will make your life much easier, especially when you are shipping large volumes.
What Important Things To Know About Your Shipping Containers?
- Your shipping containers are your business’s first line of defense against theft. Make sure your containers are secure and tamper-evident.
- If your business ships perishable items, make sure your shipping containers are temperature controlled.
- If your business deals with large and heavy items, make sure your shipping containers are built to withstand and accommodate the weight.
Conclusion
Labels are important, especially when shipping goods via UPS. They indicate the shipping method, quantity, and other related information about your shipments. Most importantly, they also indicate whether your shipments are perishable or temperature controlled. The world of shipping logistics can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first job in the industry. Knowing what label goes on what container where is a good starting point for anyone who wants to get into shipping or just needs to brush up on their knowledge about UPS labels. Fortunately, this blog post will answer all of your questions about how and when to use these labels as well as how long they last.
