Warehouse Labels Explained: A Complete Guide for Ecommerce Fulfillment
Labels Used in Ecommerce Fulfillment
In the world of ecommerce fulfillment, labels are more than just stickers—they’re the language of the warehouse. They tell employees how to handle items, carriers how to ship them, and systems how to track them. Without labels, warehouses would be slower, less accurate, and far less safe.
At Rogue Fulfillment, we use dozens of label types to protect our clients’ products and streamline operations. Below is a detailed guide to the most common warehouse labels and why they matter for ecommerce brands.
1. Barcode Labels
The backbone of modern fulfillment.
Use Case: Identify SKUs, pallets, and shipments.
Why It Matters: Enables scanning, real-time tracking, and error reduction.
Examples: UPCs, QR codes, 2D barcodes for inventory.
2. Hazmat Labels
Required for hazardous products like batteries, aerosols, or chemicals.
Use Case: Compliance with DOT/OSHA regulations.
Why It Matters: Keeps employees, carriers, and customers safe.
Examples: “Flammable,” “Corrosive,” “Lithium Battery.”
3. Team Lift Labels
For heavy packages requiring two people.
Use Case: Workplace safety.
Why It Matters: Prevents injuries and workers’ comp claims.
4. Fragile / Handle With Care Labels
Protects breakable products during transit.
Use Case: Glassware, ceramics, electronics.
Why It Matters: Reduces damage claims and returns.
5. Lot and Expiration Labels
Critical for regulated industries like food, supplements, and cosmetics.
Use Case: Tracks manufacturing batches and shelf life.
Why It Matters: Enables FIFO/LIFO inventory systems and ensures compliance.
6. Shipping Labels
The label your customer sees.
Use Case: Carrier routing, tracking numbers.
Why It Matters: Accuracy in final delivery.
7. Return Labels
Simplifies ecommerce returns.
Use Case: Customer-friendly returns process.
Why It Matters: Improves retention and customer trust.
8. Pallet Labels / Cross-Dock Labels
Identifies shipments at scale.
Use Case: B2B shipments, inbound freight, cross-docking.
Why It Matters: Ensures correct routing without repacking.
9. Custom Branding Labels
Marketing baked into packaging.
Use Case: Branded “Thank You” or seasonal stickers.
Why It Matters: Elevates unboxing and brand recognition.
10. Quality Control (QC) Labels
Indicates that a product or order has passed inspection.
Use Case: Outbound quality checks.
Why It Matters: Reduces errors, increases accuracy.
11. Putaway / Location Labels
Tells warehouse staff where products belong.
Use Case: Shelf, bin, and rack labeling.
Why It Matters: Optimizes picking efficiency.
12. Inventory Control Labels
Used during cycle counts, audits, and physical inventory.
Use Case: Temporary or permanent markers.
Why It Matters: Helps maintain accuracy in warehouse management systems (WMS).
13. Do Not Stack Labels
Prevents damage from improper storage or stacking.
Use Case: Fragile or oddly shaped cartons.
Why It Matters: Protects goods in warehouses and during transit.
14. Temperature-Sensitive Labels
Required for perishable or climate-controlled products.
Use Case: Cold chain logistics (food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics).
Why It Matters: Protects compliance and product integrity.
Examples: “Keep Refrigerated,” “Do Not Freeze.”
15. Security / Tamper-Evident Labels
Adds product security and authenticity.
Use Case: High-value or regulated items.
Why It Matters: Prevents theft, counterfeiting, and tampering.
16. Dangerous Goods (IATA / IMO) Labels
For international or air shipments with hazardous goods.
Use Case: Compliance with IATA/IMO shipping requirements.
Why It Matters: Avoids fines and ensures safe transport.
17. Instructional Labels
Provide handling guidance beyond “fragile.”
Use Case: “This Side Up,” “Keep Dry,” “Do Not Crush.”
Why It Matters: Prevents damage from mishandling.
18. Work-in-Progress (WIP) Labels
Used in light manufacturing or kitting operations.
Use Case: Tracking partially completed orders.
Why It Matters: Keeps multi-step workflows accurate.
19. ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice) Labels
Ties shipments to electronic data interchange (EDI).
Use Case: Retail compliance, B2B shipments.
Why It Matters: Prevents chargebacks and speeds up receiving.
20. Ecommerce Compliance Labels
Some marketplaces (like Amazon or Walmart) require specific labeling.
Use Case: Amazon FBA labels, carton compliance stickers.
Why It Matters: Keeps inventory flowing into partner networks.
Why Warehouse Labels Matter for Your Brand
Every label in a warehouse has a purpose: safety, compliance, speed, accuracy, or customer experience. Integrating all major label types into your workflows ensures every order ships correctly and represents your brand with care.