Transport & Logistics
GS1 standards connect goods, locations and partners through a common language across the entire logistics chain.
Why does a common language matter in logistics?
Without standardisation, operational errors appear: seemingly small problems create bottlenecks by turning automated processes into slow, costly manual work. Every identification error acts as a hidden tax, with each delivery bringing delays and extra logistics costs.
Global transport labelling standards are widely adopted in Romania: millions of logistics units marked with GS1-128 labels move today between factories, transport companies and the major retail chains.
The common language for logistics: GS1 standards
Modern transport and logistics depend on goods and information moving in sync. For manufacturers, carriers, logistics operators, warehouses and retailers to work together efficiently, a common language is needed.
GS1 standards remove interoperability barriers between organisations and IT systems, providing full visibility of the flow of goods, from raw material suppliers through to manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
Through standardised identification, electronic data interchange and real-time traceability, companies reduce operational errors, speed up logistics processes and improve collaboration with their partners.
for products
for locations
for logistics units
for data exchange
The GS1 Logistics Label: the key to traceability
For goods to be scanned and tracked automatically, every logistic unit (e.g. a pallet) must carry the GS1 Logistic Label. Its mandatory element is the unique code SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code), which identifies each pallet or parcel and allows it to be tracked automatically throughout transport. The label has three sections.
The standard is used by thousands of companies, regardless of industry. In retail, for example, GS1 logistic labels with GS1-128 codes are required by Carrefour, LIDL, Kaufland, Profi, Mega Image, Auchan, Selgros and Metro.
Generate the label with the ETLOG applicationGeneral data known to the manufacturer (batch, expiry date).
Destination-specific information (delivery address, order no.).
Carrier-specific data (route, transit postal code).
(00) 0 5940010 0000004108
Transport scenarios and data exchange through GS1 standards
Every company organises transport differently, but whatever the model, GS1 standards provide a common language so information flows correctly between partners.
Supplier-managed transport
The supplier makes the bookings for goods collection and sends the instructions to the carrier as soon as the replenishment order is received.
Example: A retailer sends a replenishment order. The supplier receives the order, arranges transport and automatically sends the instructions to its own carrier — no phone calls or e-mails, directly through electronic data exchange.
What makes it all work: an essential precondition is the alignment of master data between partners, using the GLN (Global Location Number) to precisely identify locations and the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) to identify products, so the relevant information about them can be synchronised. Once this data is aligned, information flows automatically between partners through EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) — the electronic exchange of standardised documents.
From booking to goods receipt: every step, a standardised message
| Step | Message | Sender → Receiver | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rezervare | IFTMBF | Shipper → Carrier / freight forwarder | Firm request to book the transport service |
| Confirmare | IFTMBC | Carrier / freight forwarder → Shipper | Confirms the booking (accepted, pending or rejected) |
| Instructions | IFTMIN | Client → Furnizor de servicii de transport | Detailed loading, unloading and routing instructions |
| Expediere | DESADV | Expeditor → Destinatar | Details about the shipped goods, under the agreed terms |
| Monitorizare | IFTSTA | Carrier → Interested parties | Status of the goods (in transit, arrived, delivered), in real time |
| Receiving | RECADV | Destinatar → Expeditor | Confirmation of goods receipt |
| Manipulare | HANMOV | To the warehouse / distribution centre | Instructions for handling and moving goods between warehouses |
For the teams doing the implementation
What you need to know about GS1 standards in logistics
What do you need help with?
Choose a topic and send a request to the GS1 Romania team.
Talk to the GS1 Romania team