A Shipping Container Barcode (also known as a Shipping Container Code, Shipping Container Symbol or a GTIN-14) is used on the outside of your master cartons and recommended or required by many mid-to large retailers who are automating their incoming inventory processes
The UPC Shipping Container Symbol is very similar to the Universal Product Code. This symbology is called interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF). The major difference between this barcode and a UPC barcode is the lines at the top and bottom of the barcode. These are called Bearer Bars.
The Barcode is comprised of 4 groups.
1) – Packaging Indicator. We recommend that you assign a number ranging from 1 to 7 for the first digit. If you have a container that has 12 and another container that has 36, you assign different numbers to each. This is very flexible.
2) The next number is a ZERO. This is required.
3) The next 11 digits are the first 11 digits from the UPC barcode used for the item inside.
4) The final (14th digit) is a check digit.
In order to determine the 14th digit, you can create an Excel spreadsheet, put the first 13 numbers in cell A1 and cut and paste the following formula in Cell A2
=A1 & MOD(10 – MOD( SUMPRODUCT(MID(A1, {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13}, 1) * {3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3,1,3}), 10), 10)
To purchase barcode graphics: http://www.nationwidebarcode.com/other-services/shipping-container-barcodes/