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Shipping Mark Generator

Fill in the order details to build the main mark for the long sides of the carton and the side mark for the ends, drawn to your carton's real proportions. Download them for the carton printer or print them on A4. Nothing is uploaded.

Main mark
Frame around the code
Carton number
Side mark
Unit
kg
kg
Weight unit
Carton outer size (L × W × H)
cm
cm
cm
Handling symbols (ISO 780)
This way up
Fragile
Keep dry
Preview
Main markLong sides of the carton (length × height)
Main mark: ABC / HAMBURG / PO NO.: 2026-0815 / C/NO.: ____/200 / MADE IN CHINA
Side markEnds of the carton (width × height)
Side mark: ITEM NO.: SM-2045 / OAK DINING CHAIR / QTY: 2 PCS / N.W.: 14.5 KGS / G.W.: 16 KGS / MEAS.: 60 X 55 X 48 CM

If the letter of credit or the buyer's order specifies the marks, copy them exactly. The layout here follows trade convention and UNECE Recommendation 15, which no ISO standard fixes.

The handling symbols are simplified drawings of the ISO 780 pictograms. ISO 780 asks for black symbols, usually 100–200 mm high, used only where they are needed.

Show the buyer the carton before it ships

Carton size, gross weight, pieces per carton and the marks, labelled on a photo of your real carton, answer the questions that otherwise come by email.

Mark it on a carton photoHow it's calculated

What goes on a shipping mark

A conventional export carton carries a main mark that identifies the shipment and a side mark with the weights and size. The main mark goes on two opposite long sides so it can be read whichever way the carton is stacked; the side mark goes on the ends.

FieldPrinted asWhy it is there
Buyer codeABC, often in a diamond or triangleIdentifies the consignee without printing the full name
DestinationHAMBURGPort or place of delivery, for sorting at transhipment
Order numberPO NO.: 2026-0815Ties the carton to the order, invoice and packing list
Carton numberC/NO.: 1/200 … 200/200Running number so every carton can be checked against the packing list
Country of originMADE IN CHINARequired by customs in many importing countries
Item and quantityITEM NO.: SM-2045 · QTY: 2 PCSWhat is inside, without opening the carton
WeightsN.W.: 14.5 KGS · G.W.: 16 KGSNet weight of the goods, gross weight with packing
MeasurementMEAS.: 60 X 55 X 48 CMOuter carton size, the figure behind the CBM and freight

UNECE Recommendation 15 (Simpler Shipping Marks) suggests keeping the main mark to four elements: consignee code, reference number, destination and package number. Everything else is optional unless the contract asks for it.

The three ISO 780 symbols most cartons need

ISO 780:2015 defines 17 handling symbols. Use them only when they add information, print them in black, and keep "This way up" pointing the right way on every face.

This way up
Two arrows pointing to the top of the carton. Use it when the goods must stay upright: liquids, assembled furniture, appliances.
Fragile
A wine glass. Use it for glass, ceramics and anything that breaks on impact; it asks for careful handling, not a lighter stack.
Keep dry
An umbrella with rain. Use it for paper, textiles, electronics and anything a wet floor or rain at the port would ruin.

Getting the marks onto the carton

  1. Agree the marks with the buyer before printing, or copy them from the letter of credit word for word.
  2. Download the main and side marks as SVG for the carton printer, or PNG at 2,400 px for labels.
  3. Fill in the carton number on each carton by hand or with a numbering stamp, or let the printer run the sequence.
  4. Check one finished carton against the packing list: carton number, weights and size must match line for line.

Related: export carton shipping marks · master carton dimensions · CBM calculator · standard carton box sizes

Frequently asked questions

What is a shipping mark?

The text and symbols printed on an export carton that identify the shipment: buyer code, destination, order number, carton number and country of origin on the main mark, plus weights and size on the side mark. It lets a port or warehouse match the carton to the documents without opening it.

What is the difference between a main mark and a side mark?

The main mark identifies the shipment and goes on the two long sides. The side mark carries N.W., G.W. and MEAS. (outer size) and goes on the ends. Neither layout is fixed by an ISO standard; the contract or letter of credit decides.

What does C/NO. mean?

Carton number. Each carton gets a running number out of the total, 1/200, 2/200 and so on up to 200/200, so any carton can be found on the packing list. Some buyers accept 1-200 printed on every carton instead.

Is "Made in China" required on the carton?

For many destinations, yes. The United States, for example, requires the country of origin in English on the article or its container (19 U.S.C. §1304). Check the rules of the importing country and print the actual country of origin.

What size should the letters on a shipping mark be?

Large enough to read from a few metres in a warehouse. The generator scales the text to the carton face automatically. If the buyer's routing guide sets a minimum letter height, follow it.

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Shipping Mark Generator: Export Carton Marking Template | SizeMarker