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Mil-Std-129 labeling can be
a rigorous exercise, but for most situations the requirements can be boiled
down to a few basic sets of labels and rules on when to use them. One
set of labels is required for unit and intermediate containers, and another
for exterior containers. The illustration below shows a basic example
of unit and intermediate container labeling. Items requiring shelf-life
markings and serial numbers are just a little more complicated.
The Mil-Std-129 requirements for standard items can be summarized as follows:
Unit Containers - should be marked as follows (see example). If the exterior container serves as the unit container, then exterior container rules apply.
- National Stock Number (NSN)
Barcode
- NSN, CAGE, part number,
item description, quantity, unit
of issue, contract number, lot number (if used), method of preservation
code, date of preservation, should be listed in plain text (in-the-clear).
- Shelf
Life Markings - indicate the start of shelf life and the date an
item needs to be tested or disposed of. Shelf
life markings are necessary only for deteriorative items - as indicated
by the preparation for delivery Special Markings contract requirement.
- Serial Number Barcode(s) - the serial numbers of each item in the container must appear in barcode format and in-the-clear. Serial numbers are listed only when assigned by the manufacturer or the Government for identification or control, not when assigned by the manufacturer solely for indicating the quantity produced. See example of serialized unit container label.
Intermediate Containers - are marked the same as unit containers, except:
- Serial Numbers - when more than five serial-numbered items are in an intermediate container, the serial number rules below for exterior containers apply.
Exterior
Containers - use the same basic label format as unit containers,
but without the item description. Besides the NSN, Contract Number
and CAGE Code must also be barcoded. This can be done on one large label,
or two smaller labels placed side-by-side, as shown below. When
multiple serial numbers are included, a total of three 2x4-inch labels
can be used (see
example).
Exterior Containers may require
additional labels:
- Serial
Number Barcode(s) - the serial numbers of each item in the container
must appear in barcode format and in-the-clear. When more than five
bar codes are required on an exterior container, two serial number lists
shall be provided. The first list, is to be placed inside the container
and shall contain a
bar code for each serialized item. Barcoding of the second serial
number list, which must be included with the packing list, is optional.
The words "SERIAL NUMBER LIST INSIDE" shall be marked on the identification-marked
side of the container.
- Military
Shipment Label (MSL) -
a modernized version of the DD1387, the MSL includes the To, From and
Mark-For address information, the transportation control number (TCN)
and other data necessary to properly route shipments to defense users
(see data
requirements). It includes barcodes for the TCN, Mark For
DODAAC and Piece Number. It also includes a 2D-barcode that encodes
all of the data on the label, making it easier to automatically process.
When is the MSL required? "Unless specifically exempted in the contract or solicitation, DoD and contractor- or vendor shipping activities will apply address markings using a bar coded MSL. This includes shipments moving within CONUS, between CONUS and OCONUS, or conversely between OCONUS and CONUS." (MS-129-P-1). Foreign Military Sales (FMS) require marking with the MSL.
-
Direct-Vendor Delivery (DVD) Label - has three barcodes only; the
Requisition / Document / Transportation Control Number (TCN), the NSN
and a composite barcode, made up of Quantity, Unit of Issue, Routing
ID Code, Condition Code, Distribution Code and Unit Price.
Unless otherwise specified in the contract or solicitation, contractor- or vendor-originated DVD shipments require identification and address marking with bar codes in accordance with this standard.
