Shipment Labelling
Shipment Labelling
A label the scanner cannot read is a lost parcel
Last reviewed 28 Oct 2026
Standard 4x6
Thermal 4x6 Standard
203+ DPI direct thermal label paper
Zero Edge Folds
Top Flat Surface
Paste flat; never wrap over box corners
Auto-Sort
Barcode ≥ 8 mm
Crisp black height for laser sorting
Glare Block
Zero Clear Cellotape
Shiny tape causes barcode laser reflection
Labelling Do's & Don'ts (Barcode Health)
Why thermal labels fail at airport scanners and how to ensure 100% scan pass.
DO THIS (Carrier Approved)
- Paste label 100% flat on the largest surface of the parcel.
- Use direct thermal paper with sharp contrast and ≥ 8mm barcode height.
- Keep clear white space around barcode lines so scanners lock on instantly.
AVOID THIS (Rejection Risk)
- Never fold the shipping label or barcode over a box corner or seam.
- Never put transparent cellotape over barcodes (laser glare blinds scanner).
- Never use faded inkjet prints with streaked or missing barcode lines.
What the label must contain
- Waybill (AWB) number and barcode — minimum height 8 mm
- Barcode print resolution of at least 8 MIL (1 MIL = 0.0254 mm)
- Order number and its barcode at 8 MIL or better
- Consignee address in at least 8 pt Calibri or equivalent
- Return address in at least 8 pt, with return pincode
- Retail or tax invoice inside the parcel, not on the outside
Where to paste it
The scanner reads the label at an angle, at speed, through plastic. A flat, unbroken surface is the whole game.
- Paste on a seamless flat face of the box or flyer
- Keep the label away from edges, seams, and corners
- On a flyer, place the label flat and fully visible through the plastic
- Tape the label pocket shut so it cannot peel off in the hub
- Always prefer a thermal-printed label over a laser or inkjet print
What not to do
- Do not paste the label over a box seam — the barcode cracks when the box flexes
- Do not paste the label at the edge or wrapped around a corner
- Do not use torn, cut, or partially printed labels
- Do not stick a label on top of an old label or old barcode
- Do not cover the barcode with transparent tape at an angle — reflections break the scan
A non-scannable label is treated as an unlabelled parcel and can be held at the origin hub until you arrange re-labelling.
Special handling symbols
Use these symbols when the contents need physical handling, not just a correct address.
- Fragile — glassware, crockery, decor, electronics with screens
- This side up — liquids and anything with a preferred orientation
- Keep dry — paper goods, apparel in fabric packaging, food
- Handle with care — food products, medicines, cosmetics
Category-specific packing notes
| Category | Extra step |
|---|---|
| Electronics | Anti-static wrap plus rigid box |
| Fragile items | Double box with 5-ply outer |
| Liquids & cosmetics | Leak-proof pouch, surface only |
| Jewellery & watches | Tamper-evident pack, insured value declared |
| Apparel | Flyer is enough when not fragile |
| Books & stationery | Rigid box, keep dry symbol |
Let the booking screen enforce this for you
Every rule on this page runs inside the rate calculation. Carriers that cannot legally move your cargo are removed from the quote list, with the reason written next to them.