Side-by-Side Comparison
Shipping, Boxes & Logistics
Barcode Types & Symbologies vs. Intermodal Shipping Containers
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Barcode Types & Symbologies
Intermodal Shipping Containers
Machine-readable barcodes encode data in optical patterns regulated by GS1 and ISO/IEC into linear 1D barcodes (UPC-A, EAN-13, ITF-14, Code 128) and 2D matrix symbologies (QR Code, Data Matrix) for automated point-of-sale checkout and warehouse inventory tracking.
Standard ISO ocean freight containers are engineered under ISO 668 and ISO 1496 into 20-foot and 40-foot standardized modular lengths with 8-foot widths and 8'6" standard or 9'6" High Cube heights. Equipped with ISO corner castings, they enable seamless transfer across cargo ships, trains, and semi-trucks.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
GS1 Global Standards / ISO/IEC 15420 (EAN/UPC) / ISO/IEC 15417 (Code 128) / ISO/IEC 18004 (QR) | ISO 668 (Classification & Dimensions) / ISO 1496 (Testing) / CSC Convention |
|
UPC-A (North American Retail)
|
12-digit fixed numeric (1 digit prefix + 5 digit company + 5 digit item + 1 check digit) | — |
|
EAN-13 (International Retail)
|
13-digit fixed numeric (3 digit country code + company/item + check digit) | Superset of UPC-A | — |
|
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
|
14-digit master carton shipping barcode printed with thick protective bearer bars | — |
|
Code 128 (High-Density Logistics)
|
Variable-length high-density alphanumeric (encodes all 128 ASCII characters) | Used in GS1-128 shipping labels | — |
|
QR Code (ISO/IEC 18004)
|
2D matrix (up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric characters) with 4 Reed-Solomon error correction levels | — |
|
Data Matrix (ISO/IEC 16022)
|
2D matrix ideal for tiny direct-part marking (DPM) on electronics, PCB traces, and pharmaceuticals | — |
|
Quiet Zone Requirement
|
Minimum 10× X-dimension (narrowest bar width) white space buffer on left and right borders | — |
|
20ft Standard (1 TEU)
|
— | External: 20'0" × 8'0" × 8'6" (6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m) | Internal: 19'4" × 7'8" × 7'10" (5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m) |
|
20ft Tare & Payload
|
— | Tare Weight: ~2,300 kg (5,070 lbs) | Max Payload: 28,180 kg (62,130 lbs) | Volume: 33.2 m³ (1,172 cu ft) |
|
40ft Standard (2 TEU)
|
— | External: 40'0" × 8'0" × 8'6" (12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m) | Internal: 39'5" × 7'8" × 7'10" (12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m) |
|
40ft Tare & Payload
|
— | Tare Weight: ~3,750 kg (8,268 lbs) | Max Payload: 26,730 kg (58,930 lbs) | Volume: 67.7 m³ (2,390 cu ft) |
|
40ft High Cube (HQ)
|
— | External Height: 9'6" (2.89 m) | Internal Height: 8'10" (2.69 m) | Volume: 76.4 m³ (2,700 cu ft) |
|
Door Opening Dimensions
|
— | Width: 7'8" (2.34 m) | Standard Height: 7'6" (2.28 m) | High Cube Height: 8'6" (2.58 m) |
|
Pallet Capacity
|
— | 20ft: 11 Euro pallets / 10 GMA pallets | 40ft: 25 Euro pallets / 20–21 GMA pallets |
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