As part of our series on preventing frustrated freight and ensuring items’ arrival to those who need them, the MIL-129 standard is a very important subject to us. We spoke directly to Elsie Noriega, Supervisory General Supply Specialist for GSA’s management team, about the importance of MIL-129 and how it addresses GSA concerns.
MIL-129 is designed to help get packages to where they are going, and increase your security of mind when sending packages through the military shipping system. So many factors can lead to a package never arriving. Not only does it leave the recipient responsible for reordering, but it can leave those waiting for the item, especially those who protect and serve our country awaiting supplies, in dire need.
MIL-129 works to prevent the loss of these precious shipments. It must address the factors that can lead to a package being halted or lost, so it requires a uniform marking system for labeling all packages before their transport.
This standard is primarily used by the United States Department of Defense (referred to as the DoD), but it is approved for use by all government agencies. It enables the DoD to track shipping containers using a standardized label format, a list of data items, and a requirement to transmit the relevant data back to the DoD upon shipment.
MIL-129 is intended for the protection of GSA internal use and shipping. Its main purpose is to prevent common issues such as frustrated freight, labeling errors, and co-mingling. The standard also aids with better security of mailing to and from bases, so that necessary items are received when they are needed. These protections can increase the chances of the safe arrival of items for GSA mailing and to the people needing them as quickly as possible.
Marking Packages
MIL-129’s new requirements for marking identification of supplies is intended to make shipment and storage easier. It assists personnel in sorting shipments. Markings help pinpoint discrepant items and keep stock inspections efficient.
Marking helps packaging teams, and you, to identify the items received. If an item has a discrepancy, it can be traced back by its markings, even if the original paperwork is missing.
Marking must be located on at least one side of the package.
Marking must all be legible, permanent and in English.
Labels and tags should be securely attached to the item or package when the surface will not support the necessary marking.
Container Categories
As per MIL-129, shipping containers carrying military items are categorized into 3 types:
A TCN number be present and clearly visible on all containers
Labels on unit & intermediate containers must contain all of the following details:
NSN/NATO stock number
CAGE code
Part number
Item description/nomenclature example : Quantity and UI
Contract # or purchase order # (PIIN)
Military presercation method and date of unit preservation
Shelf life
Serial number(s)
Hazardous materials
Exterior containers & palletized loads must be labeled with the following:
NSN/NATO stock number
CAGE code
Part number
Item description/nomenclature Example: Quantity and UI
Contract # or purchase number # (PIIN)
Military preservation method
Proper shipping name (PSN) & North American (NA) or United Nations (UN) HAZMAT identification number
Shelf life
Serial number(s)
For all types of containers, the basic format, such as National Stock Number (NSN), item description, and part number, are mandatory. For exterior containers, some additional labels, Military Shipment Label (MSL) or a Direct-Vendor Delivery label (DVD) can be required.
Packaging Multiple Items
One major concern of the GSA, which MIL-129 is meant to address, is the issue of co-mingling. Co-mingling is when a package containing more than one item only has one label for one TCN (an item’s transportation control number). A TCN for each item is needed to process the entire package’s contents. If a parcel contains several items when weighed at processing but only has one TCN, then the parcel must be opened and checked, often getting delayed in the shipping process.
Elsie Noriega of GSA identifies this as one of the most common GSA issues, and a continual cause of frustrated freight. Processing relies upon items having correct TCN numbers to keep packages moving.
When sending multiple items together, always ensure that each item has its own TCN, to prevent later delay in the supply chain. If your label only has space for one TCN, then take care that your package has a packing list with all TCNS listed, with a visible marking for multiple items. This helps ensure that packages containing multiple important supplies like socks, boots, vests and more will not be halted when needed!
Shipping Supplies With Confidence
MIL-129 is meant to increase security for GSA vendors shipping overseas, often to those serving our country, who need supplies to arrive right on time. Correct labeling and handling of packages on their journey is absolutely imperative to ensure their safe and timely arrival to the people who need them. This standard is another important safeguard in place to protect necessary shipments for the GSA and for our military. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us for further information about MIL-129. Share your stories and experiences below!
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