Are you confused with all the Military and Defense Contractors bar code shipping label requirements? Do you want a basic barcoded label that satisfies these requirements? Don't spend good money on Special Packaging houses just to make a barcoded shipping label. Save it and use ours. Its a formatted Excel spreadsheet that you fill in the blanks by using the "Tab" key to move from cell to cell. Once you move to the next cell what you typed automatically becomes a compliant Code 39 barcode. We provide you with a Free Code 39 barcode font (thanks to Matthew Welch) to install and use. The yellow areas indicate the cells that are not protected for you to enter data as required.



Comply with Military and Defense Contractor Shipping label requirements with this Kit. Scanner and Holder Included with this Microsoft Excel formatted Label maker and Free Code 39 font.

The Excel file has two labels side by side and can be printed on Avery label # 6573. We also do custom label formatting. Contact us for your specific needs.This Kit includes a Kanescan CCD Barcode Scanner and Holder so that you can check your work prior to submittal to your customers and is only $99!

OVERVIEW:

• What is a bar code?
  A bar code is an array of rectangular bars and spaces in a predetermined pattern representing coded elements of data that can be automatically read and interpreted by automatic bar code reading devices.
  [Reference: MIL-HDBK-129, paragraph 3.3]
  
  
• What is the difference between a bar code and LOGMARS?
  A bar code is governed by a commercial standard, like AIM BC-1. Whereas, LOGMARS is governed by MIL-STD-1189. However, the Military no longer uses LOGMARS and has adopted the commercial bar code standard AIM BC-1 for all their bar code requirements.
  [Reference: AIM BC-1 and MIL-STD-1189]
  
  
• When are bar codes required?
  Bar code markings are required on all containers and loose or unpacked items.
  [Reference: MIL-STD-129N, paragraph 4.2.3]
  
  
• What is the required bar code density?
  The bar code density shall be from 3.0 to 9.4 characters per inch (CPI).
  [Reference: MIL-STD-129N, paragraph 4.2.3]
  
  
• Is there a standard for bar codes?
  Bar code symbology shall comply with AIM BC-1 (Uniform Symbology Specification - Code 39).
  [Reference: MIL-STD-129N, paragraph 4.2.3]
  
  
• Is there a standard size label for bar coding?
  There is no standard size label.
  [Reference: DLA HQ Guidance]
  
  
• Is there a standard length for the bar code?
  'The physical length of a Code 39 symbol, including quiet zones, is given in Formula 1¹' of AIM BC-1. Refer to AIM BC-1 for details.
  
  NOTE: We cannot post this information to our web site, since it is copyright information. Therefore, you will need to purchase copy of this document to comply with the contractual requirements for bar coding.
  [Reference: AIM BC-1, Section 2 (Symbol Description), paragraph 2.5¹]
  
  
• What is height of a Code 39 bar code?
  'For general application the minimum bar height of Code 39 symbols should be 0.2 inch (5mm) or 15 percent of the symbol length, whichever is greater.²'
  [Reference: AIM BC-1, Section 2 (Symbol Description, paragraph 2.6²]
  
  
  

ITEMS BAR CODED:

• What items are required to be bar coded?
  The National Stock Number (NSN) shall be bar coded on all unit packs and intermediate containers. The exterior container shall be bar coded with the NSN/NATO stock number and the contract or purchase order number (including the call number) applied.
  [Reference: MIL-STD-129N, paragraph 4.2.3]
  
  
• If the unit container is too small, do I still need to bar code it?
  Yes. When space does not permit placement of all the required markings, including bar code markings, on one surface of the container, the bar code labels or markings should be either placed on the opposite side of the container or the adjacent end, or they should be placed on a tag attached to the container. Markings on unit packs shall be so located as to allow the markings to be easily read and to ensure that markings will not be destroyed when the pack or container is opened for inspection or until its contents have been used.
  [Reference: MIL-HDBK-129, paragraph 4.4.2 and MIL-STD-129, paragraph 4.2.1.1]
  
  
• Are prefixes and suffixes of a NSN required to be bar coded?
  The bar coded NSN/NATO stock number should consist of the basic 13 data characters. Prefixes and suffixes to the stock number should not be bar coded.
  [Reference: MIL-HDBK-129, paragraph 4.4.1.1]
  
  
• Are part numbers required to be bar coded?
  The part number of the item should not be bar coded.
  [Reference: MIL-HDBK-129, paragraph 4.4.1.1]
  
  
• Do I apply dashes or spaces to the National Stock Number on the bar code or Human Readable Interpretation (HRI), i.e. 5998-01-476-2024?
  No. The barcode and HRI that are applied should be the standard DoD symbology as described in AIM BC1. The HRI should be the exact interpretation of the bar code data and should not contain any spaces or dashes.
  [Reference: MIL-HDBK-129, paragraphs 4.4.1 and 4.4.1.1]
  
  
  

BAR CODE PLACEMENT:

• Where are the HRI markings applied?
  The preferred location for the HRI is below the bar code markings, while the optional location is above the bar code markings.
  [Reference: MIL-HDBK-129, paragraphs 4.4.1]
  
  
• Where shall bar code markings be applied?
  Bar code symbols on exterior containers shall be located adjacent to the identification or contract data marking (either to the right of or directly below). For boxes and crates 10 cubic feet and over, bar code markings are required on one end of the container as well as the identification marked side.
  [Reference: MIL-STD-129N, paragraph 4.2.3]
  
  
• Are serial numbers supposed to be bar coded; and if so, where are they to be placed?
  Bar coded serial numbers, when required, shall be placed directly below item identification or contract data markings on all containers.
  [Reference: MIL-STD-129N, paragraph 4.2.3]
  
  
• Are there any examples of typical bar coded fields?
  Examples of typical bar coded fields are available within MIL-HDBK-129, Figure 14.