A reusable LPN (License Plate Number) keeps the same physical label and ID across multiple inventory cycles instead of retiring after one use. A standard LPN moves from Unused to In-Use, then to Used once it's emptied, and stays there. A reusable LPN skips the Used status: when it's emptied, ShipHero sets it back to Unused so you can load it again, all while keeping one continuous timeline.
Before You Begin
- Required User Role Permissions: Users must have License Plate Numbers permissions enabled to create or edit LPN types.
- Activation Required: To get started with LPNs in your account, contact your CSM or ShipHero Support to have the feature enabled.
To create custom container types or edit existing ones, see How to Create and Manage LPN Types in ShipHero. For LPN statuses and the full LPN page, see Understanding the LPN Page in ShipHero. For an overview of LPNs in ShipHero, see Overview: License Plate Numbers (LPNs) in ShipHero.
LPN Beta Feature Notice
This feature is actively being developed, processes may change and you may encounter occasional bugs. If you experience any issues or have suggestions, please reach out to our support team, your feedback is greatly appreciated as we continue to refine the ShipHero platform!
Table of Contents
Enable Reusable LPN Types in ShipHero
Reusability is a setting on the LPN type, not on an individual LPN. Every LPN you create from a reusable type follows the reusable lifecycle described in this article.
- Go to Settings > Inventory & locations > LPN and select the Types tab.
- Select Add LPN type to create a new type, or select the edit pencil icon on an existing type.
- Under Attributes, select Reusable.
- Select Save. LPNs you create from this type now follow the reusable lifecycle.
How Reusable LPNs Move Through an Inventory Cycle
Create a new LPN with a reusable LPN type the same way you create any other LPN. ShipHero tracks the LPN through the same stages every time it's used.
| Stage | LPN Status | Location | What Happens | Screenshot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN created | Unused | Not set | ShipHero starts an empty timeline beginning with the creation event. |
|
| Inventory added | In-Use | Current storage location | Add inventory using your normal receiving, putaway, or transfer workflow. ShipHero adds the action to the timeline. |
|
| LPN emptied | Unused | Not set | ShipHero clears the location but keeps the full timeline. |
|
| LPN reused | In-Use | Current storage location | ShipHero continues the same timeline instead of starting a new one. |
|
The LPN's timeline records every stage across every cycle, so you can review its complete history no matter how many times it's been reused.