Which marking is NOT permitted on the top of the package to indicate proper orientation?

• A. This end up
• B. This is the top
• C. This side up
• D. This side on top

Answer: (B)

Orientation marks tell handlers exactly which way to keep a package upright so the contents stay safe during handling and transport. The instruction should give a clear, actionable direction that remains valid no matter how the package is moved. Saying “This is the top” designates a specific face as the top, but in transit the package can be rotated and reoriented, so this wording doesn’t provide a reliable, universal instruction. It can be misread or ignored, leading to the wrong orientation being used. In contrast, phrases like “This end up” or “This side up” clearly instructs the handler to keep a particular end or side facing upward, which is a consistent, enforceable requirement. “This side on top” conveys the same idea in a less common phrasing, but still communicates the needed orientation. So the reason the first option isn’t permitted is that it fails to offer a standard, actionable orientation instruction, while the others provide clear guidance for maintaining the correct orientation.