Military Shipment Label (MSL)

The MSL is 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. 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 process automatically.

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.

Mil-Std-129P section 4.2.2.5 summarizes the data content of the MSL:

(1) TCN. Enter the 17-character (alphanumeric) TCN using a 1/2-inch-high linear (Code 39) bar code with HRI as the uppermost bar code on the top of the label. For consolidated shipments, place a lead TCN in this block. The lead TCN shall not duplicate any internally packed TCNs.

(2) Transportation Account Code (TAC)/Postage. Enter the TAC or the postage data. For other than mail shipments, enter the TAC applicable to shipments moving from POE to POD, otherwise leave blank. For mail shipments, use one of the following:

• (a) For metered mail, attach the stick-on metered postage values to or near this block.
  
• (b) For permit imprint mail, enter the appropriate service/agency mail authorization. Example: First Class Mail Postage and Fees Paid Defense Logistics Agency Permit No. G-53
  

(3) From. Enter the Consignor DoDAAC/CAGE and in-the-clear address (up to 3 lines of 35 characters) of the shipping activity. For mail include the ZIP code.

(4) Type Service. In-the-clear text (for example, Frt LTL, Air Expss, Expss Mail, TGBL UB, DPM HHG) for the type of transportation service to the “Ship To” address. The in-the-clear text may be derived from the TCMD Mode/Method code for the Generic Cargo MSL. Should be blank for unit move shipments.

(5) Ship to/POE. Enter the three digit air/water Port of Embarkation (POE) code, if applicable, and an in-the-clear address (three characters and 5 lines of up to 35 characters).

(6) Priority. Enter the applicable transportation priority (TP). TP 1, 2, 3, or 4 (deferred air freight) should be clearly identified in the priority block of the MSL using bold text that is 3/4 inch high. Should be blank for unit move shipments.

(7) POD. Enter three-digit air/water Port of Debarkation (POD) port designator, if applicable. In-the-clear location name may be included. Blank for classified unit move shipments. Blank for mail shipments.

(8) Project Code. Enter project code, if applicable.

(9) Ultimate Consignee/Mark For Consignee. Enter the in-the-clear complete address(s) (up to 5 lines of 35 characters) and the ˝-inch-high linear (Code 39) bar code DoDAAC with HRI. Blank for classified unit move.

(10) Weight (lbs). Enter actual gross weight (numeric value of this piece). Round to next whole digit and do not zero fill.

(11) RDD. Enter the Required Delivery Date (RDD) code specified by the requisitioner, if appropriate. Blank for classified unit move.

(12) CUBE (ft). Enter the actual cube (numeric value of this piece). Round to next whole digit and do not zero fill.

(13) Charges. No known requirement. Leave Blank.

(14) Date Shipped. Enter an in-the-clear date (for example YDDD, YYYYDDD, DD/MM/YY, or DD-MMM-YYYY. Blank for unit move. Do not use the Date Shipped Code from DoD 4500.9-R, Part II, Appendix RR.

(15) FMS Case Number. Enter as FMS case identifier as appropriate.

(16) Piece Number. Enter the piece number (numeric value assigned to this piece) of the cargo documented by the TCN for this shipment unit and a ˝-inch-high linear (Code 39) bar code. Do not zero fill. Piece Number may be expressed as "Piece Number of Total Pieces" to save space on the label -- only the Piece Number has a linear (Code 39) bar code; the word “of” and the total number of pieces are not shown in the linear (Code 39) bar code.

(17) Total Pieces. Total number (numeric value) of pieces documented by the TCN for this shipment unit. Total Pieces may be expressed as "Piece Number of Total Pieces" to save space on the label -- the Total Pieces value is not shown in the Piece Number linear (Code 39) bar code. Do not zero fill.

(18) 2D (PDF417) symbol. Includes MSL in-the-clear text data, selected TCMD data, and selected supply/unit information.