QR Code for Logistics
Innovative Use Cases of a QR Code for Logistics: Streamline Your Supply Chain and Operations

A logistics QR code is a smart and effective solution for monitoring parcels, shipments, packages, and assets across the entire supply chain, helping ensure a more seamless product journey.
This simple yet powerful digital tool allows logistics service providers (LSPs) to make sure that customers receive their orders in excellent condition.
Modern businesses can greatly benefit from using QR code technology, as it enhances security, maintains product quality, and improves customer satisfaction from the warehouse all the way to the final delivery.
Discover eight powerful ways QR codes can be leveraged to streamline your logistics operations and gain a competitive edge.
How Logistics Companies Leverage QR Codes: Applications for Supply Chain and Operations Management
How COVID-19 Affected the Logistics Industry
The logistics sector took a major hit when COVID-19 rapidly spread across the globe.
According to Thomson Reuters, top global logistics service providers (LSPs) experienced a -15% drop in total shareholder returns during the first quarter of 2020.
Government lockdowns, health protocols, and travel bans made it difficult for employees to report to work. Many also chose to stay home out of fear of infection.
With few couriers and handlers available, shipments were left unmanaged and delayed. Although some LSPs kept running, many companies avoided using their services due to soaring costs.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, transportation of goods via trucks and trains in the U.S. alone rose by nearly 23%.
Fortunately, with the rise in global vaccination rates, many countries began easing restrictions. As borders reopened, the logistics industry started to bounce back.
8 Ways to Use QR Codes in Logistics
We've put together eleven creative and practical ways QR codes can improve logistics operations and services.
1. Protecting Customer Information
Parcel packaging often includes the recipient's name, address, and phone number to help couriers reach the customer more easily during delivery.
However, this also exposes private data, leaving customers vulnerable to security risks like phishing scams or identity theft if someone unauthorized sees the label.
To prevent this, logistics companies can use a file QR code on the shipping label. When scanned, it directs the user to a secure location containing the customer's contact information.
This approach keeps sensitive details hidden and reduces the chance of data breaches. For extra protection, file QR codes can even be password-protected.
2. Product Verification and Info Access
Large companies with their own logistics teams often face the challenge of counterfeit products.
By using QR codes, these businesses can add verification details such as a product's serial number allowing customers to confirm authenticity on the brand's official website.
Logistics providers can also place a PDF QR code on a package label. When scanned by couriers or warehouse staff, it opens a file containing detailed product information.
This ensures that handlers know exactly what the item is and how to treat it properly, helping maintain quality until it reaches the customer.
3. Tracking Parcels
Businesses can track packages by adding a dynamic QR code to each shipment. This type of QR code is ideal for monitoring production and delivery progress.
When the package reaches a warehouse or storage location, staff can scan the QR code, and the scan information such as time, location, device used, and total scans will appear on the QR code platform's dashboard.
This makes dynamic QR codes much more powerful than static ones, allowing both companies and customers to follow the shipment in real time.
4. Directions to Drop-Off Points
Customers are always eager to receive their deliveries, but delays sometimes happen when couriers struggle to find the exact drop off address.
A logistics QR code can solve this issue by storing the customer's address and linking directly to map apps like Google Maps. This is especially helpful for couriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
The QR code helps guide the courier to the destination, saving time and avoiding traffic or detours along the way leading to faster and smoother deliveries.
5. Easy Access to Customer Support
Sometimes, a customer receives the wrong product, or the item doesn't fit properly. In these cases, they need to return the order or get assistance.
Logistics companies can place a QR code on packages or receipts that connects customers directly to a support page or representative.
With just one scan, customers can start the return process or ask questions about their delivery, making the experience faster and more convenient.
6. Quick and Simple Customer Feedback
Listening to customer feedback is essential for improving service and building trust.
By placing a feedback QR code on packaging, companies can encourage buyers to share their thoughts.
When scanned, the code can take them to a short survey or your business's website where they can leave a review helping boost your reputation and attract more customers.
7. Link Customers to Your Official Website
A website QR code can direct users to your company's official site, where they can find key information like shipping rates, special offers, or policy updates.
Driving more visitors to your website also helps improve your search engine ranking.
The higher your site ranks, the more likely it is to appear at the top when people search for courier or delivery services boosting your visibility and credibility.
8. Promote Your Brand on Social Media
Social media marketing can significantly boost your business if done right.
By tapping into trending content, you can quickly reach large audiences and increase brand awareness.
A social media QR code can store links to all your profiles in one place.
When customers scan the code, they'll see a list of your social accounts and can instantly follow you or tag your business when they've had a good delivery experience giving you free exposure.
They can also leave positive reviews, share suggestions, or message your team directly with any questions.
Logistics Companies Using QR Code Technology
1. DHL Express
DHL, a leading global logistics provider, employs QR codes in multiple parts of its workflow. One key use is label-free shipping: customers who pre-book shipments via DHL's app or website receive a QR code instead of printing a label.
At drop-off, this QR code is scanned by DHL staff, and a shipping label is automatically printed on the spot. DHL manages this system in-house through its MyDHL platform.
DHL is also piloting "smart" QR code data loggers in shipments,small sensors that display a changing QR code reflecting real time conditions like temperature and shock, which can be scanned by a smartphone to get up-to-date data.
These innovations are developed by DHL's SmartSolutions IoT team in partnership with device vendors, showcasing how major logistics companies are leveraging QR technology for operational efficiency.
2. UPS
United Parcel Service (UPS) is a global logistics leader serving customers in over 200 countries.
To enhance delivery transparency, UPS uses the UPS InfoNotice system. If a recipient misses their delivery, they receive a notice with an InfoNotice number and a QR code.
By scanning the QR code, customers can easily track their package and find out where and when to pick it up.
3. FedEx
FedEx, another major name in global logistics, launched FedEx Returns Technology in 2018—an efficient, QR code-powered system for handling returns.
Retailers and businesses can send a return QR code to customers who want to send items back.
Once the customer receives the code, they can either show it to a FedEx staff member (who will print the shipping label for free) or print it at home.
The label is then attached to the return package, making the process easy and smooth for both the buyer and the seller.
4. Yamato Transport (Regional – Japan)
Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato), Japan's leading delivery company, actively uses QR codes to digitalize shipping and delivery processes. Through an in house system called "Rakuraku Waybill", individual senders can fill out shipment details via the Yamato app or website and receive a 2D QR code on their phone.
At drop-off points (Yamato service centers, convenience stores, parcel lockers), the QR code is scanned and a shipping label (waybill) is automatically printed with the encoded details.
Yamato manages this system internally and also integrates it with partner outlets like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart for widespread accessibility.
Additionally, Yamato includes QR codes on missed delivery notices, which customers can scan to easily schedule redelivery using their smartphone, a common practice in Japan that demonstrates the versatility of QR code applications in logistics.
QR codes in logistics offer a versatile, cost-effective way to modernize supply chain operations and improve operational efficiency. They bridge physical and digital logistics processes, provide instant access to critical information, and offer valuable insights into operational performance.
Ready to transform your logistics operations with QR code technology? QRKit is the industry's leading QR code generator, trusted by logistics companies worldwide to create professional, reliable QR codes for inventory management, shipment tracking, and supply chain optimization.
With QRKit's advanced features including bulk QR code generation, dynamic tracking capabilities, password protection, and comprehensive analytics, you can implement any of the 11 logistics strategies outlined above with ease. Our platform offers the reliability and scalability that modern logistics operations demand.