Key Takeaways

• Shipping Marks are text, numbers, or symbols used to identify the packages belonging to each shipment.
• Information on the package should be consistent with the transport document and other relevant documents.
• Shipping Marks help reduce confusion when counting and separating goods and during handling in transit.
• Using package numbers such as CTN 1/10 and CTN 2/10 makes it easier to verify the number of packages.
• Shipping Marks differ from Handling Marks, which indicate how goods should be handled, such as Fragile, Keep Dry, or This Side Up.

In import and export operations, a shipment may pass through several stages, from the warehouse, truck, port, airport, and customs to cargo handling and delivery to the final consignee. When goods from multiple shipments are located in the same area, it is especially important to identify which package belongs to whom and which shipment it is part of.

One piece of information that makes goods easier to identify is Shipping Marks, or package marks and numbers. These are displayed on cartons, crates, pallets, or other packages and are linked to the information in transport documents.

Preparing Shipping Marks correctly before export can reduce confusion during counting and help prevent discrepancies between package information and documents.

What Are Shipping Marks?

Shipping Marks are text, symbols, or numbers displayed on the outer packaging or containers used for goods. They identify the shipment to which a package belongs and help link the physical goods to the information in transport documents.

A simple example of a Shipping Mark is:

ABC TRADING CO., LTD.
BANGKOK, THAILAND
PO NO. 2026-001
CTN NO. 1/10
MADE IN THAILAND

From this information, staff can determine:

• Which shipment the goods belong to
• Which buyer or consignee they are associated with
• The package's sequence number
• The total number of packages in the shipment
• The country of origin stated for the goods

The actual details do not need to be identical to the example for every shipment. However, Shipping Marks should be designed to identify and verify the goods clearly.

Why Are Shipping Marks Important for International Transportation?

An international shipment may pass through several parties, such as:

• Supplier
• Warehouse
• Trucking
• Freight Forwarder
• Carrier
• Port / Airport
• Customs
• Destination Agent
• Consignee

If a package does not have clear identifying information, checking the goods may become more difficult, especially when goods belonging to multiple owners are consolidated in the same area.

Shipping Marks therefore help with several tasks:

• Separating packages belonging to different shipments
• Counting packages
• Checking information against the Packing List
• Reducing the risk of goods being picked or delivered incorrectly
• Supporting checks during loading and unloading
• Helping with investigations when packages are lost or quantities are incomplete
• Ensuring that origin and destination teams refer to the same information

Shipping Marks are therefore not merely decorative stickers on boxes. They are information used to control a shipment throughout the logistics process.

How Are Shipping Marks Related to Customs?

For imports and exports in Thailand, Section 211 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) addresses the marking or numbering of packages or containers, including the presentation of such information in relevant documents.

Importers or exporters who fail to provide marks or numbers as required by law may be subject to a fine of up to THB 50,000.

In practice, declared Shipping Marks should match the actual goods and the bill of lading. Package information and shipping documents should therefore be checked for consistency before customs clearance procedures begin.

Which Documents Should Shipping Marks Match?

Shipping Marks should be controlled so that they correspond with documents related to the shipment, such as:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Air Waybill
• Customs Declaration, where applicable

The Packing List is particularly important because it shows how many packages make up a shipment and which goods are packed in each package.

For example, the Packing List may state:

CTN 1-5: Product A
CTN 6-10: Product B

The actual boxes should have package numbers that make it possible to verify them against this information.

If the Packing List specifies 10 cartons but the Shipping Marks on the boxes have missing or duplicate numbers, this may cause confusion during counting.

What Information Should Shipping Marks Include?

There is no single format that must be used for every type of product. The details depend on the buyer, seller, carrier, and shipment requirements.

Common information includes:

• Consignee name or code
• Exporter name or code
• Buyer Reference
• Purchase Order Number
• Product Reference
• Destination
• Package Number
• Total Number of Packages
• Country of Origin, where appropriate
• Gross Weight / Net Weight, as required
• Dimensions, as required

Example:

CPL CUSTOMER
DESTINATION: TOKYO, JAPAN
PO NO.: JP2026-015
CTN NO.: 3/20
MADE IN THAILAND

The key is to ensure that the information is clearly legible and does not conflict with the shipment documents.

What Does a Package Number Such as CTN 1/10 Mean?

Using a package number is a simple way to make counting goods easier.

Example:

CTN 1/10

This means that the box is the first box out of a total of 10 boxes.

The next boxes would be:

CTN 2/10
CTN 3/10
and so on, up to
CTN 10/10

If a shipment includes cartons, pallets, or wooden crates, terms that correspond to the packaging can be used, such as:

• CTN 1/10
• PLT 1/5
• CASE 1/3
• CRATE 1/2

Numbering packages makes it quicker to identify missing goods or packages that have not all arrived.

Must the Full Product Name Be Printed on the Shipping Mark?

It is not always necessary to include a complete, detailed product description on the package.

The following can be used instead:

• Product Name
• Product Code
• SKU
• PO Number
• Customer Reference

These should follow the system agreed upon by the buyer and seller.

However, the information must be sufficient for identification and should correspond with the Packing List or transport document.

For goods that raise security concerns or are high-value, some businesses may choose to use a reference code instead of clearly stating the product name on the outside of the box to reduce risks during transportation.

What Is the Difference Between Shipping Marks and Handling Marks?

Both often appear on the same package, but they serve different purposes.

Shipping Marks

These identify the shipment to which a package belongs, for example:

• Consignee
• Destination
• PO Number
• Package Number
• Shipment Reference

Handling Marks

These indicate how the goods should be handled, for example:

• Fragile
• This Side Up
• Keep Dry
• Do Not Stack
• Handle With Care
• Protect From Heat
• Center of Gravity

Therefore, Shipping Marks focus on identification, while Handling Marks focus on how to handle the goods.

Suggested Internal Link: What Do the Symbols on Packaging Boxes Mean?

Why Must Shipping Marks Correspond with the Packing List?

The Packing List describes the structure of a shipment, including what goods it contains, their quantities, and which packages they are packed in.

Shipping Marks therefore act as a link between the documents and the actual goods.

For example, a shipment contains 3 pallets.

The Packing List may state:

PLT 1/3 – Product A – 100 pcs
PLT 2/3 – Product B – 150 pcs
PLT 3/3 – Product C – 200 pcs

When the warehouse receives the goods, staff can immediately check the Shipping Mark on each pallet against the Packing List.

This reduces the need to open every package to find the goods and improves the efficiency of receiving and inspection.

Why Are Shipping Marks Especially Important for LCL Shipments?

LCL sea freight involves consolidating goods from multiple shipments so they can share container space.

As a result, a single container may contain:

• Multiple exporters
• Multiple consignees
• Multiple Bills of Lading
• Multiple destinations

Shipping Marks therefore play an important role in identifying which shipment each pallet or carton belongs to.

If Shipping Marks are unclear, confusion may arise during:

• Consolidation
• Warehouse Receiving
• Stuffing
• Devanning
• Sorting
• Delivery

This is particularly important when the outer boxes of different shipments look similar.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Sea Freight (LCL)? What Types of Goods Are Suitable for Less-than-Container-Load Shipping?

Are Shipping Marks Required for Air Freight?

Shipping Marks can also be used in air freight to identify packages and link them to their shipments.

Important information should be checked against:

• Air Waybill
• Packing List
• Commercial Invoice
• Cargo Label, as required by the airline or forwarder

If a shipment contains multiple packages, clearly numbering them, for example:

BOX 1/6
BOX 2/6

makes counting easier during cargo handling.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Air Cargo? What Types of Goods Are Suitable for Air Transportation?

What Should You Do If Shipping Marks Are Images or Text That the System Cannot Record?

According to the Thai Customs Department's data declaration guidelines, if Shipping Marks are images or foreign-language text that cannot be recorded as text in the system, there may be cases where the word

PICTURE

must be entered.

Shipping Marks consisting of text should be declared as they actually appear. If the text is too long, the relevant customs system's rules and procedures must be followed.

Therefore, if Shipping Marks contain a logo, symbol, or special character, the customs broker or freight forwarder should be informed before the customs declaration data is prepared.

What Does NO SHIPPING MARK Mean?

In some cases, the Thai Customs Department has guidelines allowing Shipping Marks not to be declared, with NO SHIPPING MARK entered in the import declaration data.

Examples of some cases include:

• Certain types of goods that are not packaged
• Certain types of bulk cargo
• Goods consisting of only one package
• Certain types of standard packing
• Certain goods covered by customs exemptions

However, NO SHIPPING MARK should not be used automatically for every shipment. A customs broker should check whether the goods qualify for the exemption.

Must the Country of Origin Always Be Shown on Shipping Marks?

Country of Origin is commonly shown on Shipping Marks, for example:

MADE IN THAILAND

However, requirements for displaying the country of origin on a product or package vary depending on:

• Destination country
• Product type
• Customs Regulation
• Product Regulation
• Buyer Requirement
• FTA or related supporting documents

Therefore, showing the country of origin on a Shipping Mark alone does not mean that the goods qualify for FTA benefits.

To claim preferential tariff treatment, the following must also be checked:

• HS Code
• Rules of Origin
• FTA
• Proof of Origin
• Requirements of the importing country

Suggested Internal Link: What Is a Certificate of Origin? Types of C/O and Required Documents

Where Should Shipping Marks Be Placed on a Package?

Shipping Marks should be placed where they are easy to see and read during handling.

Consider the following:

• Do not place them where straps may cover them.
• Do not place them on areas that tear easily.
• Do not place them on surfaces where stickers may come off easily.
• Avoid positions where other pallets may cover them.
• Use label materials suitable for the transit time and environmental conditions.

For wooden crates or pallets, the information may be placed on more than one side if there is a risk that one side may be blocked during storage.

The information should be printed clearly and be durable enough to withstand handling, rather than handwritten in a way that is difficult to read.

Do Shipping Marks Need to Be Waterproof?

If goods are transported by sea or may be exposed to moisture, choose labels and attachment methods suitable for the environment.

Even when a package is inside a container, it may still be exposed to:

• Moisture
• Condensation
• Outdoor cargo handling
• Rain
• Abrasion during handling

If a label comes off or the text fades, identification may become more difficult.

Consider using:

• Waterproof Label
• Smudge-resistant printing
• Protective Film
• Labels placed in more than one location, where appropriate

This is particularly important for shipments with long transit times.

Common Shipping Mark Errors

Most problems arise when the information on the goods does not match the documents, for example:

• Duplicate Package Numbers
• Incorrect number of packages
• Incorrect Consignee
• Incorrect Destination
• Incorrect PO Number
• Incorrect Country of Origin
• Shipping Marks on boxes that do not match the Packing List
• Labels coming off during transportation
• Text that is too small or illegible
• Reuse of old Shipping Marks from a previous shipment

When reusing cartons or wooden crates in particular, all labels from the previous shipment should be removed to prevent confusion.

How Should Shipping Marks Be Checked Before Export?

Before sending goods to the warehouse or handing them over to the carrier, check at least the following:

• Actual number of packages
• Package Sequence
• Consignee
• Destination
• PO / Reference
• Country of Origin, as required
• Shipping Marks against the Packing List
• Whether labels are securely attached
• Whether all Handling Marks are present
• Whether any old labels that could cause confusion have been removed

For shipments with many packages, a Package List may be prepared or photos of the Shipping Marks may be taken before pickup as evidence for later verification.

Do Shipping Marks Affect Cargo Claims?

Shipping Marks can help identify packages when a problem occurs, such as:

• Lost packages
• Incomplete package quantities
• Incorrect delivery of goods
• Damage to some boxes

For example, a shipment contains 20 boxes, but CTN 14/20 is found to be damaged. A clear Package Number helps staff cross-check the Packing List to identify the goods inside that box.

However, Shipping Marks alone do not guarantee that a claim will be approved. The transport documents, insurance, packing condition, and other relevant evidence must also be considered.

Should Shipping Marks and Packaging Be Planned Together?

Yes. They should be planned together because Shipping Marks must remain visible and legible after packing is complete.

For example, if the package is:

• Wrapped in Stretch Film
• Packed in a wooden crate
• Placed on a pallet
• Secured with straps
• Given waterproof packing

Check that the Shipping Mark information is not covered after final packing.

For goods that undergo repeated handling, positioning the labels before packing can reduce the need for corrections later.

Suggested Internal Link: How to Pack Goods Safely: 5 Ways to Reduce Damage During International Shipping

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Marks (FAQ)

Is a Shipping Mark the Label on the Front of a Box?

A Shipping Mark can take the form of a label, sticker, printed text, or other marking on a package. Its key purpose is to identify the package and link it to the shipment and related documents.

Must Shipping Marks Be the Same on Every Box?

The main shipment information should be consistent, but Package Numbers should differ according to sequence, such as CTN 1/10, CTN 2/10, and so on through CTN 10/10.

Are Shipping Marks and Shipping Labels the Same?

Not necessarily. A courier's Shipping Label may contain a Tracking Number, Barcode, and Routing Information. A Shipping Mark identifies package and shipment details according to the systems used by the sender and recipient and the relevant trade documents.

Can Goods Be Shipped Without Shipping Marks?

This depends on the nature of the shipment and any applicable exemptions. It should not be assumed automatically that marks are unnecessary. For commercial shipments in particular, check the requirements with the freight forwarder or customs broker before shipping.

Must a Shipping Mark Include the HS Code?

In general, the HS Code is not essential information that must be printed on every package's Shipping Mark unless specifically required by the buyer, carrier, or applicable regulations. The HS Code should be checked and used correctly in customs documents.

Packing and International Shipping Services with CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides international shipping by air, sea, and road, along with packing, shipping documentation, and customs clearance services.

Before shipping, businesses can prepare the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, number of packages, dimensions, weight, and intended Shipping Marks. The CPL INTER team can then help check the information related to the shipment and plan an appropriate shipping method before booking.

Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426 LINE: @cplinter

Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international shipping and customs clearance, with more than 15 years of experience and an internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.