The question of whether a shipping label can wrap around a package is a common concern for shippers dealing with non-standard box sizes or cylindrical containers. Carriers generally prefer labels to be placed entirely on a single flat surface for optimal processing. However, wrapping is occasionally necessary and permissible under specific, carefully executed conditions. This permissibility hinges entirely on maintaining the integrity of the scannable data, which forms the basis for how packages move through the delivery network.
The Critical Role of Scannability
The primary function of the shipping label is to provide machine-readable data for automated sorting and tracking. Carriers rely heavily on high-speed Automated Sorting and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) that process tens of thousands of packages per hour using sophisticated optical scanners. These scanners must capture the barcode symbology quickly, often in a fraction of a second.
A label that wraps around an edge or has a significant curve introduces distortion to the barcode’s linear structure. Even a slight wrinkle or fold can prevent the scanner from correctly interpreting the printed lines, known as “symbology distortion.” If the AS/RS cannot read the barcode instantly, the package is rerouted for manual scanning, which adds time and labor costs and leads to potential delivery delays.
General Carrier Guidelines on Label Placement
Standard carrier policy across major providers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx mandates that the shipping label be affixed to the largest, flattest surface of the package. The non-negotiable requirement is that the entire barcode and the main address block must remain completely flat and smooth. Labels should never be placed in a way that causes the barcode to fold over itself or cross a sharp edge. Shippers must also ensure that secondary labels, such as customs declarations, do not overlap or obscure any part of the main shipping label. Overlapping can confuse scanners by introducing unexpected visual noise, leading to processing errors.
Proper Techniques for Wrapping Labels
When shipping items that do not allow the label to fit entirely on one flat side, such as tubes or small boxes, specific techniques must be employed to ensure scannability. The guiding principle remains that the barcode section of the label must reside on a single, continuous flat plane. If the label must wrap, orient the label so that only non-barcode text wraps over a rounded or slightly curved surface.
For cylindrical packages like mailing tubes, the label should be placed lengthwise down the tube to minimize the severity of the curve across the label’s width. Utilize the largest possible label size that fits entirely within the flattest segment of the tube, ensuring the entire barcode is visible without extreme curvature. If wrapping is necessary, ensure it is minimal and the critical barcode area is positioned on the flattest available surface.
In cases involving extremely small or irregularly shaped packages, use smaller, carrier-approved labels designed for non-standard items. Some carrier software allows the address and tracking information to be printed separately to avoid wrapping the barcode. When securing the label, only apply clear, non-glare adhesive tape along the edges to protect it from abrasion. Tape should never be placed directly over the barcode or the address information, as this interferes with scanning technology.
Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid
Several common labeling errors can immediately trigger a manual handling exception or result in the package being rejected outright by the carrier.
Mistakes Involving Tape and Coverage
The most frequent mistake is covering the barcode with glossy packing tape. This tape creates a reflective glare that scrambles the light used by automated scanners, making the barcode unreadable. Any protective covering over the barcode must be non-glare and applied only to the label’s edges to secure it.
Placement and Condition Errors
A shipping label must never cover a package seam, an opening, or any closure point of the box. Placing the label over a flap or seam compromises the label’s integrity and can cause it to tear or peel off during transit. Placing a label on a sharp corner or an extremely tight bend guarantees distortion, as sharp folds severely warp the linear quality of the barcode. Shippers must also avoid using labels that are already wrinkled, smudged, or printed with low-quality, faded ink, as a clear, high-resolution print is necessary for reliable machine reading.