Understanding Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCC)

A Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is an 18-digit number used to uniquely identify a logistics unit, such as a carton or pallet. Goflow uses SSCCs for vendor channels that require it.

The SSCC is used in both digital and print formats:

• Digital - The EDI Advance Shipping Notice (ASN) sent to the channel when an order is shipped provides hierarchical shipment details. It specifies the SKU contents of each box inside each pallet. Each pallet and box in the ASN is uniquely identified by its SSCC number.
• Print - The SSCC is printed at the bottom of each carton and pallet label.

Upon delivery to the channel facility, the staff scan the SSCC on the box or pallet. Since the channel has already received the electronic ASN with detailed shipment information, they can identify the contents of each box without opening it. This streamlines operations in the receiving warehouse.

An SSCC is composed of two main parts:

• Company Identifier - The first part is the company identifier, which is consistent across all SSCC numbers generated for a single Goflow account. It is based on the GS1 company prefix, a unique numeric code assigned to your business for product identification. To obtain a GS1 prefix, visit the GS1 website for your region, such as gs1us.org for the United States. The length of the GS1 prefix determines the available range of serial identifiers; shorter prefixes allow for more serial numbers, but also incur a higher cost of maintaining the prefix through GS1.
• Serial Identifier - The second part is the serial identifier is a unique number generated by Goflow each time a box or pallet requiring an SSCC is created. This ensures that every logistics unit is uniquely identified.

Generating SSCC Numbers in Goflow

When packing orders and creating shipment boxes in Goflow, unique SSCC numbers are automatically generated and printed on the carton labels. Similarly, when creating shipment pallets, unique SSCC numbers are generated and printed on the pallet labels. These SSCC numbers are also included in the ASN sent to the channel, ensuring the physical labels and electronic shipment data match.

If the order is later unpacked, the shipment boxes are discarded, and the corresponding carton labels with their SSCC numbers are invalidated. When the order is repacked, new labels with newly generated SSCC numbers are created. The updated set of SSCC numbers is then included in the ASN when the order is shipped. It is important to ensure that all shipment boxes carry the most recent labels so that the SSCC numbers on the physical labels match those in the electronic ASN.

Failure to align the SSCC numbers on the carton labels with those in the ASN can result in channel chargebacks. Exercise discretion when unpacking an order, and consider the time and effort involved in relabeling shipment boxes.

Managing SSCC Numbers

SSCC numbers must remain unique for a minimum of 12 months. After this period, previously used SSCC numbers can be regenerated and assigned to new shipping boxes and pallets.

The rate at which the serial number sequence is exhausted depends on the number of boxes generated and the length of the GS1 prefix. A longer prefix provides a smaller range of serial numbers, causing the sequence to be exhausted more quickly, while a shorter prefix allows for a larger range, extending the time before the limit is reached.

However, the sequence will eventually reach its capacity and run out of new serial numbers to generate. When this occurs, Goflow will be unable to create shipping boxes for orders until the sequencer is reset. You will get an error message stating that SSCC number sequences were exhausted. Contact Goflow support for assistance in resetting the sequencer.

Importing SSCC Numbers

When creating shipments outside of Goflow for channels that require SSCCs, be sure to include the SSCC number for each box in the shipment details. Goflow will use the provided SSCC numbers to create carton labels, rather than generating new SSCC numbers.

SSCC numbers can be provided as part of the shipment details through the Goflow API or by importing shipment data with a CSV file. If you are working with an integrated 3PL warehouse, the warehouse may also include the SSCC numbers in the shipment details.