Editing Packaging (section)

===Shipping container labeling===
[[File:Print n apply ucc.jpg|left|thumb|"Print & Apply" corner wrap UCC ([[GS1-128]]) label application to a pallet load]]
Technologies related to shipping containers are identification codes, [[bar codes]], and electronic data interchange ([[Electronic Data Interchange|EDI]]).  These three core technologies serve to enable the business functions in the process of shipping containers throughout the distribution channel.  Each has an essential function: identification codes either relate product information or serve as keys to other data, bar codes allow for the automated input of identification codes and other data, and EDI moves data between trading partners within the distribution channel.

Elements of these core technologies include [[Universal Product Code|UPC]] and [[GS1|EAN]] item identification codes, the SCC-14 (UPC shipping container code), the SSCC-18 (Serial Shipping Container Codes), Interleaved 2-of-5 and UCC/EAN-128 (newly designated [[GS1-128]]) bar code [[Barcode symbology|symbologies]], and ANSI ASC X12 and UN/EDIFACT EDI standards.

Small parcel carriers often have their own formats.  For example, [[United Parcel Service]] has a [[MaxiCode]] 2-D code for parcel tracking.

[[Radio-frequency identification|RFID]] labels for shipping containers are also increasingly used.  A [[Wal-Mart]] division, [[Sam's Club]], has also moved in this direction and is putting pressure on its suppliers to comply.<ref>{{cite news |first=Beth |last=Bacheldor |title=Sam's Club Tells Suppliers to Tag or Pay |url=http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/3845/1/1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080122015618/http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/3845/1/1/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 22, 2008 |date=January 11, 2008 |access-date=January 17, 2008 }}</ref>

Shipments of [[Dangerous goods|hazardous materials]] or [[dangerous goods]] have special information and symbols (labels, placards, etc.) as required by UN, country, and specific carrier requirements. On transport packages, standardized symbols are also used to communicate handling needs. Some are defined in the [[ASTM International|ASTM]] D5445 "Standard Practice for Pictorial Markings for Handling of Goods", [[International Organization for Standardization|ISO]] 780 "Pictorial marking for handling of goods", and [[GHS hazard pictograms]].
<gallery>
File:Dangclass3.png|Flammable liquid
File:Dangclass1.svg|Explosives
Image:Thiswayup.svg|This way up
File:Fragile symbol.gif|Fragile material
Image:Keepdry.svg|Keep away from [[water]]
</gallery>{{further|List of symbols#Consumer_symbols}}