Glossary


Terms & Glossaries of Shipping and Trading

Label

Label is a fundamental term in the freight industry, referring to a physical or digital identifier attached to cargo, packaging, or containers to communicate essential information about contents, handling instructions, hazards, and regulatory compliance. Labels ensure traceability, safety, and adherence to global shipping standards.

What is Label?

Purpose of Labels in Freight


1. Labels serve three primary functions:

① Identification: Track cargo ownership, destination (e.g., "Bill of Lading No."), and consignee details.

Safety: Warn handlers of hazards (e.g., flammable, corrosive, or fragile goods).

③​Regulatory Compliance: Meet legal requirements for international transport (e.g., customs declarations, dangerous goods codes).



2. Common Label Types in Freight

Label Type

​Application

​Key Standards

​Shipping Label

Displays consignee, origin, tracking number

ISO 15394 (package labeling)

​Hazardous Goods

Classifies dangerous cargo (e.g., explosives)

IMDG Code (sea), IATA (air), DOT (road)

​Weight & Handling

Indicates gross weight, "Fragile," "This Side Up"

IMO SOLAS VI/2 (container weight)

​Customs Declaration

Lists contents, value, HS codes for import/export

WCO SAFE Framework

​RFID/Barcode

Enables automated tracking and inventory

GS1-128, ISO/IEC 15418


3. Regulatory Requirements

Dangerous Goods: Labels must include UN number, hazard class, and pictograms per ​IMDG Code Chapter 5.2.

Food & Pharma: Temperature-controlled labels (e.g., "Keep Frozen") under ​FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU GDP Guidelines.

Sustainability: Recyclable or reusable packaging labels compliant with ​ISO 14021.



4. Labeling Technology

Smart Labels: RFID tags or QR codes for real-time tracking (e.g., Maersk’s Remote Container Management).

Blockchain: Tamper-proof digital labels for supply chain transparency (IBM Food Trust).

Thermal Printing: Weather-resistant labels for harsh environments (Zebra Technologies).




Case Study:
In 2019, a mislabeled lithium battery shipment caused a cargo plane fire in Dubai. Post-incident, IATA mandated dual-language hazard labels (English + local language) and stricter verification processes.