A UPS shipping label looks busy, but it only has a handful of distinct sections. Here's what each part tells you.
Tracking number
The code starting with 1Z near the top of the label is the tracking number. Enter it at ups.com or our track and trace tool to follow the shipment from pickup to delivery.
Barcode and MaxiCode
Below the tracking number, the linear barcode and the round dot-pattern barcode (UPS calls this a MaxiCode) both encode the tracking number and routing details — UPS's automated sorting equipment scans these at every facility the package passes through. Keep this area flat and unobstructed; damage or smudging here is a common cause of manual handling delays.
Ship-to and ship-from addresses
The large address block is the delivery address; a smaller block elsewhere on the label (usually near the top) shows the return/shipper address. Double-check the destination address and postal code against what you booked — mismatched addresses are one of the most common causes of delivery delays or misdeliveries.
Service level
A short service name or code near the barcode — for example "UPS Ground" or "UPS Worldwide Expedited" — shows which service the package is shipped under. This determines the delivery timeline for that specific label.
Weight and reference numbers
The label also shows the billed weight and any reference numbers entered at booking, such as a PO or order number — handy for matching a label back to your own records without opening the package.
Paperless / customs codes (international shipments)
On international shipments, you may also see a short code showing how the customs paperwork for that shipment was filed:
- EDI: Paperless shipment where no paper invoice is required
- EDI-CC: Paperless International (World Ease) Global Consolidated Clearance
- EDI-DOC: Document shipment, Paperless or Non-Paperless
- EDI-IDIS: Paperless or Non-Paperless customer uploaded invoice and/or additional documents for shipment
- EDI-PULL: Paperless shipment where no paper invoice is required and the shipper intends UPS to pull other clearance related documents from the pouch and process at the origin
- INV: Non-document shipment where paper invoice is required and all information, including invoice line detail, is keyed. Pull the customs copy of the Commercial Invoice.
- INV-CC: Non-document GCC (WorldEase) shipment that contains invoice line detail from the shipping system
- KEY: Non-document shipment where paper invoice is required and shipper did not data capture invoice line detail or critical information is missing
If you're not sure why your Goorooship-generated label shows a particular code, contact us at support@goorooship.ca and we'll help you interpret it.