Modern supply processes for automotive parts require efficient communication between all parties. One crucial part of this is the usage of standardized HU labels.
Labels are used to identify product and shipping packages in the internal material flow and along their route from the shipper of the goods (supplier) to the freight forwarder and eventually to the recipient of the goods (ZF plant). Labels allow for the unique identification of packages around the globe. In addition to the clear-text information, labels also contain machine-readable data in the form of 1D and 2D barcodes for automated handling.
Supplier will label all packages and containers only with correct labels/tags. Containers shall be free of obsolete labels. Self-adhesive labels for reusable packaging are to be used only if requested by the respective ZF plant. The labels shall be electronically readable.
Below you can find the ZF standard label (GTL VDA 4994). If ZF plants do not yet use this standard, the content and format of the label shall be described in the General Forwarding Instructions Annex 5 (Location Specific Forwarding Instructions) or mutually agreed between supplier and the respective ZF plant.
1) Global Transport Label (GTL) VDA 4994
The Global Transport Label (GTL) VDA 4994 has been defined as the future global label standard for the ZF Group, wherever applicable. This is also anchored in the ZF Global Logistics Directive (GLD) 2022.
In the documents below you can find the official VDA guideline (12/2023). The label has been implemented in SupplyOn and can be utilized by ZF WebEDI suppliers. How to set this up, please review with your plant contacts.
2) VDA 4902 V4
The 'old' label standard VDA 4902 V4 is still commonly used by ZF locations. Below you find the guideline as of 2012.