Tag Archive for: EDI for transportation


In this blog, we discuss about ANSI X12 EDI 211 Motor Carrier Bill of Lading Transaction Set. Whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, or freight forwarder, understanding the nuances of this electronic document is vital for optimizing your logistics operations.

What is EDI 211?

EDI 211 Motor Carrier Bill of Lading is a standard electronic document used in the transportation and logistics industry. EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange, which is the electronic exchange of business documents between different companies using a standardized format.

EDI 211 ANSI X12 Motor Carrier Bill of Lading Transaction Set is specifically used to exchange motor carrier bill of lading information between trading partners.

Understanding the Functionality of EDI 211 Motor Carrier Bill of Lading

In the exchange of the EDI 211 Motor Carrier Bill of Lading, there are typically two main parties involved: the shipper and the carrier.

Shipper: The shipper is the entity that is sending the goods or products. They generate the bill of lading document, which includes details about the shipment, such as the origin and destination of the goods, the quantity, weight, and description of the items being shipped, and any special instructions for the carrier.

The shipper may also include information about the consignee (the party receiving the goods) in the bill of lading.

Carrier: The carrier (such as FedEx, UPS, or other transportation company responsible for transporting the goods from the shipper to the consignee. The carrier receives the EDI 211 Motor Carrier Bill of Lading from the shipper.

Truck-Transportation EDI

Upon receiving the document, the carrier acknowledges receipt and may also provide updates on the status of the shipment, such as pickup, transit, and delivery information, using other EDI transaction sets like the EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message.

Shipper Company and Motor Carrier Bill of Lading (EDI 211)

In the transportation and logistics industry a variety of entities can act as shippers and initiate electronic documents such as the EDI 211.

Here are some examples:

Manufacturers: Manufacturers often ship their own products to distributors, retailers, or end customers.

Wholesalers and Distributors: Wholesalers and distributors arrange shipments from manufacturers to retailers or other businesses.

Retailers: Retailers may act as shippers when sending goods from their distribution centers to individual stores.

E-commerce Sellers: Online sellers shipping products directly to customers are also considered shippers.

Freight Forwarders: These intermediaries coordinate shipments on behalf of other businesses.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: 3PL providers offer a range of logistics services, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution, on behalf of their clients. They may act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, coordinating the movement of goods and managing supply chain operations.

The shipper’s role involves preparing goods for transport, arranging carriers, and ensuring proper documentation.

What are the Essential Components of EDI 211?

  • Unique Shipment Identifier (ID number): Unique identifier for the shipment.
  • Contact information: Details of the shipper, carrier, and receiving parties.
  • Ship-to location address: Where the goods are to be delivered.
  • Product descriptions: Depending on the nature of the goods being shipped, product information could include details about quantities, weight, and size.
  • Load information: Details like the number of pallets, total weight, and freight class.
  • Expected delivery date: When the shipment should arrive.
  • Special instructions: Any specific handling requirements.
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Motor Carrier Bill of Lading Transaction Set (EDI 211) Format Example

The EDI 211 represents a Motor Carrier Bill of Lading, which contains essential information about a shipment.

ISA*00*          *00*          *02*CN             *ZZ*GENERIC        *170710*1339*U*00501*006298415*0*P*>~

GS*IM*XYZXYZAN*XYZBORNZ*20200709*1928*111170654*X*004010~

ST*211*2430002~

BOL*SCAC*PP*155000123*20200713*085414~

B2A*00*BL~

MS3*SCAC*B*CARLSTADT~

L11*127.16*XY*Bill Total~

L11*AMAZ*ZZ~

L11*155000123*CN~

L11*ECA5910167*BM~

L11*R2098-872304797*PO~

G62*35*20200713~

G62*54*20200713~

G62*86*20200711*8*1923~

AT5***RESIDENTIAL DELIVERY~

K1*ABF Measured Cube: 25.0000 CUF~

K1*// DO NOT REMOVE FROM PALLET O*BREAK SHRINK WRAP // ALL~

K1*LIFTGATE DELIVERIES ARE*PREAPPROVED~

N1*SH*AMAZON THRESHOLD~

N3*2001 HARRISBURG PIKE~

N4*CARLISLE*PA*17015*US~

N1*CN*SUSAN PARKS~

N3*361 S COLLINGWOOD AVE~

N4*SYRACUSE*NY*13206*US~

G61*RE*Consignee Phone*TE*555-555-5555~

AT1*1~

AT4*OF 2 PC BATH TUBS NOI NMFC 158260-4 CL 150 STL SKS~

AT4*NMFC 158290-5 CL 150 FRPLCS ITEM 158290-00V~

AT2*1*PLT*B*L*170~

SE*28*2430002~

GE*1*111170654~

IEA*1*006298415~

Keep in mind that EDI 211 may include additional segments and data specific to the shipment.


Dive into the world of EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) with our insightful video explanation. Explore the video


What is the Difference Between EDI 211 and EDI 214?

EDI 211 and EDI 214 transaction sets both serve different purposes in the context of electronic data interchange (EDI) for transportation and logistics:

EDI X12 (211) – Motor Carrier Bill of Lading:

Purpose: EDI 211 serves as a legal bill of lading for a shipment.

Sender: Shippers or other parties responsible for contracting with a motor carrier use the EDI 211.

Content:

  • Provides details about the shipment, including product descriptions, quantities, and delivery instructions.
  • Not used for load tender, pick-up manifest, or appointment scheduling.

Significance: Ensures accurate documentation for the shipment.

EDI X12 (214) – Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message:

Purpose: EDI 214 provides status updates for shipments.

Sender: Transportation carriers (e.g., trucking companies) use the EDI 214.

Content:

  • Conveys information about dates, times, locations, route, and identifying numbers.
  • Accommodates multiple stops for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.

Significance: Allows shippers, consignees, and agents to track shipment progress.

In summary, while the EDI 211 focuses on providing a legal bill of lading, the EDI 214 focuses on conveying real-time shipment status information. Both play essential roles in efficient logistics and supply chain management.

Benefits of Using EDI 211

The exchange of EDI 211 Motor Carrier Bill of Lading streamlines the communication process between the shipper and the carrier, allowing for faster and more accurate transmission of shipment information. This helps both parties to efficiently manage the transportation of goods and ensures that all necessary documentation is in place for the shipment.

The Best EDI Provider to Integrate EDI 211

As part of our commitment to streamlining business processes, our company offers EDI Managed Services. As a fully managed EDI solution, we handle all aspects of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for businesses across various industries.

From initial project planning to designing custom file formats (such as XML, TXT, or CSV), our expert team ensures seamless communication with trading partners.

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USEFUL: Choosing the Right EDI Solution: A Comprehensive Comparison

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EDI 943 – Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice

EDI 943: Introduction

This article has been created by the expert team at EDI2XML, a trusted EDI provider with 20+ years of experience. Its purpose is to help companies understand the EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice better. Our goal is simple: we want to give businesses accurate information and show them how to exchange this important EDI document and improve their supply chain and inventory management.

What is EDI 943?

The EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice is an electronic data interchange (EDI) transaction set used in supply chain, logistics, and 3PL to transmit information about the shipment of goods from one warehouse or location to another.

What is EDI X12 943 Format?

The EDI 943 format refers to the structured layout or template used for creating and exchanging the EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice document electronically. It defines the specific arrangement of data elements and segments within the document.

The format typically follows a standardized EDI format, such as those established by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ASC X12 (Accredited Standards Committee X12). These formats outline the exact sequence and structure of data fields, including sender and receiver information, item description, quantities, shipping instructions, and other relevant information.

What is EDI X12 943 Specification?

Specifications for the EDI 943 outline the specific data elements, segments, and syntax rules that must be followed when creating and exchanging an EDI 943 document.

Here are some key components typically covered in an EDI X12 943 specification:

Message Structure: It defines the overall structure of the EDI 943 message

Segment Definitions: The specification lists all the segments used in the EDI 943

Data Element Definitions: For each data element within the segments, the specification provides information about the data type, length, and usage requirements (mandatory or optional).

Code Sets: It includes code lists and values for specific data elements.

Syntax Rules: The specification outlines syntax rules for delimiters, segment terminators, and other technical aspects of the X12 format to ensure proper parsing and interpretation of the message.

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Data Elements in an EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipping Advice

In an EDI Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipping Advice (EDI 943) document, several key data elements are essential for accurately conveying information about the shipment of goods between warehouses or locations within the supply chain. These data elements help trading partners understand and process the shipment effectively. Here are the key data elements typically included in an EDI 943:

Transaction Set Header (ST)

  • Transaction Set Control Number: A unique identifier for the transaction set.
  • Transaction Set Identifier Code: Indicates that it is an EDI 943.

Warehouse Information (W06)

  • Warehouse ID: A unique identifier for the warehouse or location sending the shipment.
  • Shipment Identification: A reference number or code for the shipment.
  • Shipment Date: The date when the shipment is prepared.

Name Segments (N1)

  • Ship To (ST): Information about the receiving warehouse or location.
  • Ship From (SF): Information about the sending warehouse or location.

Reference Numbers (N9)

  • Customer Order Number (CO): The customer’s order reference.
  • Location (LU): Internal location or facility code.

Date Segment (G62)

  • Requested Ship Date: The date when the shipment is requested or expected to be shipped.

Carrier Information (W27)

  • Carrier Code: Code representing the carrier or transportation mode

Item Detail (W04)

  • Quantity Shipped: The quantity of items being shipped.
  • Unit of Measure (UIT): The unit of measure for the quantity (e.g., “EA” for each).
  • Item Identification: Product identifier (e.g., UPC or SKU).
  • Product Description: Description of the item being shipped.
  • Vendor Item Number: The supplier’s item number.
  • UPC/EAN/GTIN: Global Trade Item Number or barcode.
  • Product Condition: Indication of item condition (e.g., new or used).

Return Management (N9)

  • Return Instructions (RM): Any specific instructions or information regarding returns.

Item Warehouse (W03)

  • Additional item or shipment details specific to the warehouse.

Transaction Set Trailer (SE)

  • Number of Included Segments: Total number of segments in the transaction set.
  • Transaction Set Control Number: Repeats the control number from the ST segment.

Functional Group Trailer (GE)

  • Number of Transaction Sets Included: Total number of transaction sets within the functional group.
  • Group Control Number: Repeats the control number from the GS segment.

Interchange Control Trailer (IEA)

  • Interchange Control Number: Repeats the control number from the ISA segment.
  • Number of Included Functional Groups: Total number of functional groups in the interchange.

These data elements collectively provide comprehensive information about the warehouse stock transfer shipment, including sender and receiver details, item specifics, shipment dates, and any relevant references or instructions. Trading partners rely on these elements to process, track, and manage inventory transfers efficiently within the supply chain.

EDI 943 Example Transaction

  • ISA*00**00**ZZ*SENDER ID *12*RECEIVER ID*230330*1549*|*00401*100000008*0*P*}~
  • GS*AR*SENDER ID*RECEIVER ID*20230330*1549*1008*X*004010~
  • ST*943*1080~
  • W06*1*123456789012*20220316*RA-100179**Test-12345~
  • N1*ST*Warehouse – GXO*91*MPD001~
  • N1*SF*Supplier Inc.~
  • N9*CO*US300008521~
  • N9*LU*MPD001~
  • G62*04*20220409~
  • W27*A*FED~
  • W04*1*EA*123456789***ABCD12345*******UP*689122008877~
  • N9*QA*QA Hold~
  • W03*1~
  • SE*12*1080~
  • GE*1*1008~
  • IEA*1*100000008~

Please note that this example contains generic placeholders and serves as a simplified illustration of an EDI document’s structure. In a real-world scenario, the data content would be specific to the business transaction.

Practical Applications of the EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice

The EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice is used to facilitate and streamline the transfer of stock or inventory items between different warehouses or locations within a business’s supply chain. Here’s how it is typically used:

Initiating a Stock Transfer

The process usually begins when one warehouse or distribution center (the sender) decides to transfer a specific quantity of goods to another location within the same company or to a different company (the receiver). This transfer may be due to various reasons, such as optimizing inventory levels or redistributing stock to meet demand in different regions.

Generating the EDI 943

Once the decision to transfer stock is made, the sender’s internal systems (ERP/CRM) or EDI software generate the EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice document. This document contains all the necessary information about the planned stock transfer, including item details, quantities, shipping instructions, and relevant dates.

Transmission to the Receiver

The sender electronically transmits the EDI 943 document to the receiver using a secure and standardized EDI communication method, such as AS2, FTP, or VAN (Value Added Network). Important: Both the sender and receiver must have compatible EDI systems in place to send and receive EDI transactions.

Plunge into the intricacies of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with our informative video explanation. Begin your exploration with the video

Receiver Acknowledgment

Upon receiving the EDI 943, the receiver’s system acknowledges the document, confirming its receipt with EDI 997 Functional Acknowledgment. This acknowledgment helps ensure data integrity and that both parties are aware of the upcoming stock transfer.

Preparing for Shipment

After acknowledging the EDI 943, the receiver (warehouse) prepares to receive the stock. This may involve making space, arranging for the shipment’s arrival, and ensuring that the information in the document matches their own records.

Stock Shipment

The sender ships the specified inventory items according to the details provided in the EDI 943, including the shipping method and carrier information.

Receiving and Confirmation

Once the goods arrive at the receiving location, the receiver checks the incoming inventory against the information in the EDI 943 document then, send an EDI 944 Receipt Advice as confirmation. This document includes shipment details, discrepancies, and notes about damaged or defective products.

Inventory Updates

After the successful receipt of the stock transfer, both the sender and receiver update their inventory records to reflect the changes. This ensures accurate inventory management and visibility throughout the supply chain.

Keep in mind, that the EDI 943 is not limited to a specific type of business entity and can be used by various parties within the supply chain, including manufacturers of goods when a manufacturer needs to transfer goods from its production facility to a warehouse for storage, distribution, or order fulfillment.

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What is The Difference Between EDI 943 and EDI 944?

The primary difference between EDI 943 (Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice) and EDI 944 (Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice) lies in their purpose and the direction of information flow:

EDI 943 (Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice)

Purpose: As we discussed early, the EDI 943 is used to notify a receiving warehouse or location about the impending shipment of goods from a sending warehouse or location within the supply chain.

Direction: Information flows from the sender (the warehouse or location shipping the goods) to the receiver (the warehouse or location receiving the goods). It serves as a notice of what is being sent and provides shipment details.

EDI 944 (Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice):

Purpose: The EDI 944 is used to confirm the receipt of goods at the receiving warehouse or location, acknowledge the receipt of the shipment, and provide additional information such as any discrepancies or the condition of the received goods (e.g., if there are damaged or defective products).

Direction: Information flows from the receiver (the warehouse or location receiving the goods) back to the sender (the warehouse or location that shipped the goods). It serves as a confirmation and acknowledgment of the receipt of the goods and may include quality and condition-related information.

In summary, EDI 943 is about informing the receiving warehouse of an upcoming shipment, (similar to EDI 856 ASN), while EDI 944 is about confirming the receipt of the goods and providing feedback on their condition.

Both documents are crucial for effective inventory management and supply chain operations, ensuring that all parties involved have accurate information about stock transfers.

What are the Benefits of EDI 943?

Implementing EDI 943 (Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice) offers several benefits for businesses involved in supply chain and inventory management. Some of the key advantages include:

Efficient Inventory Management: EDI 943 allows for real-time or near-real-time communication between trading partners, enabling better control over inventory levels. This leads to reduced overstocking or understocking of products, resulting in cost savings.

Improved Accuracy: Automating the exchange of stock transfer information through EDI reduces the risk of manual errors, such as data entry mistakes and misinterpretations.

Enhanced Visibility: EDI 943 provides visibility into upcoming stock transfers. Warehouses can plan and allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that they are prepared to receive and process incoming shipments.

Streamlined Processes: Automation of stock transfer notifications streamlines workflows and reduces paperwork. This leads to faster order processing, reduced administrative costs, and improved overall operational efficiency.

Cost Savings: The automation and efficiency gained through EDI 943 can lead to cost savings in terms of labor, paper handling, and reduced errors.

Environmental Benefits: EDI reduces the need for paper-based documentation, contributing to environmental sustainability by minimizing paper waste and reducing the carbon footprint associated with document printing and transportation.

Thus, EDI 943 brings operational improvements, cost savings, and better supply chain management.

EDI 943

Automate EDI 943 with EDI2XML

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Our dedicated team ensures that your EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice transactions are accurate, compliant, and delivered on time, allowing you to focus on your core business operations

With our EDI Web Service, you can easily access and exchange EDI documents securely over the web, ensuring efficient communication with your trading partners.

Our On-Premises EDI solution give you full control over your EDI processes. Our recommended hardware specs ensure optimal performance, and we support various EDI document standards.

Count on our experience to streamline your EDI 943 transactions and boost the efficiency of your supply chain and inventory management.

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We recently published a blog post on EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for Specific Industries where we took a quick look at various industries and their use of EDI.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the use of EDI in transport logistics and especially in motor carrier freight transportation companies. In this article, we will review a list of the most used EDI documents in the transportation industry. We will examine what each EDI document is used for and what benefits EDI provides to transportation and shipping companies and their clients.

EDI for Transportation and Logistics Management

Transport logistics is accompanied by a constant “paperwork” associated with the movement of goods. Many participants are involved in this process such as manufacturers of goods, warehouses, carriers, retailers, etc.

For efficient logistics, it is necessary to automate communication between all participants of the logistics process: carriers, shippers, consignees, freight customers, and a freight broker.  The use of EDI for automatic data exchange is the most effective technological solution to overcome such a challenge.

Advantages of Using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in Transportation

EDI has changed the way business partners interact and optimized the business processes of the supply chain. Using EDI, companies can effectively manage document flow at all stages of working with business partners: from ordering and receiving at the warehouse to reconciliation and returns. You can send orders, invoices, and other documents without paperwork and efforts duplication.

EDI for transportation Industry
  • Transport optimization. EDI helps to optimize and consolidate shipments from different customers.
  • Prompt document exchange. EDI allows you to instantly exchange important shipping documents with your business partners, saving both parties time and resources.
  • Labor Cost optimization. EDI allows you to automate daily routine operations related to entering data into ERP, CRM, TMS, WMS, or accounting systems, processing, sending, and archiving documents. Thus, by automating the processing of documents using EDI, there is no need to manually verify documents, enter data, and perform other repetitive actions that take a lot of time.
  • Seamless integration of EDI with other business systems within a company.
  • Synchronization of data exchange between EDI and business systems improves all stages of the supply chain in a transport company and eliminates the inefficient use of resources.

The Most Commonly used EDI Documents in the Transportation Industry

Let’s look at the most used EDI document in more detail.

EDI 204 Transaction Set: Motor Carrier Load Tender

What is a 204 Tender?

The EDI X12 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender, is an electronic document sent by the shipper (a manufacturer, a retailer, or a distribution center or wholesalers) to the freight carrier company to present an offer for an FTL shipment.

The term FTL Full Truck Load describes a mode of transportation that consists of at least one complete cargo trailer or does not allow other loads to be transported simultaneously.

Key Information of EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender

EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender contains important shipment information including:

  • Product description, including weight, size, and quantity.
  • The size of the required trailer as well as other requirements for equipment if necessary to arrange transportation.
  • delivery schedule
  • pickup and drop destination,
  • Information about consignees (delivery address and contact details)
EDI for transportation and Logistics

Why Use EDI 204 for Load Tender?

Load tendering is a bidding process where customers offer equal opportunity to transportation companies and carriers to submit their pricing and bid on the transportation of goods, based on pre-defined criteria and parameters. The carriers can accept or reject the shipper’s offer.

Using EDI 204 to tender among transport companies is a common practice. It helps ensure contract compliance and automates payments to carriers. In addition, the use of EDI provides detailed information throughout the entire delivery process from loading to delivering the goods to its final destination.


If you want to know more about EDI X12 204 read this article: EDI X12 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender – overview


EDI 990 Transaction Set: Response to a Load Tender

What is an EDI 990 Response to a Load Tender?

EDI 990 is a response to an EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender sent by transportation companies to a shipper. EDI 990 can be used to accept, accepted with conditions, or reject a load tender (EDI 204).

What is Important to Know About EDI 990

Typically, an EDI 990 is required for each incoming EDI 204 to accept or reject a load request. Therefore, most often these two EDI documents are implemented in the transport company at once.

When working with documents such as the 204 and 990, time is critical. The business partners usually agree on how long after receipt of the EDI 204, the transport company must respond with an EDI 990 before the contract is transferred to another carrier.


Useful reading: EDI for Third-Party Logistics providers (3PL)


EDI 214 Transaction Set: Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message

What is EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message?

The transportation company sends an EDI 214 to the shipper to provide information on the delivery status. Typically, an EDI 214 contains information about the status of the shipment, place of delivery, estimated time of arrival, route Information, description of shipment – weight, packaging, and quantity.

Depending on the preliminary agreements of business partners, as well as the specifics of the business, EDI 214 can be generated and transferred to the shipper from once a week to 6 times a day.

Who Uses EDI 214?

Document EDI 214 is widely used in transport logistics and especially in international deliveries.

The largest transport companies, such as FedEx Freight, Old Dominion Freight Line, DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding, and much more use the Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message (EDI 214) to convey the delivery status to the shipper.


To find out more useful information about EDI 214 and learn how to start exchanging EDI 214  in an hour or less, please read this article: EDI for transportation – EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message


EDI 210 Transaction Set: Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice

What is an EDI 210?

EDI 210 is an electronic document sent by the carrier to the shipper to provide detailed information related to the cost of transportation services. This EDI document can be used as an invoice to request payment for motor freight transportation or to provide information about the transportation fees.

What Data Does the EDI X12 210 Transmit?

The EDI 210 contains standard invoice information such as the number and date of the invoice, address of the consignee and the shipper, information about the product (name, quantity, weight, and size), billing information, as well as motor carrier expense details, delivery methods, and route information.


Useful reading: All You Need to Know about EDI 210 – Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice


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What is an EDI 210 Transaction Set?

EDI Transaction Set X12 210 Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice is an EDI document used in logistics by motor carrier companies. EDI 210 is usually sent by the carrier to the shipper (it could be a 3PL warehouse, distributor center, manufacturer, etc.) in order to provide detailed information about the fees for transportation services.

210 EDI Document Type

The formal name of this X12 transaction set is X12 210 Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice. 

EDI 210 transaction set, is maintained by a subcommittee “X12I – Transportation” operating within X12’s Accredited Standards Committee.

How is EDI 210 – Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice Used?

EDI for transportation

EDI 210 can be used by motor carriers in one of the following two scenarios:

1. as an invoice to request payment, or

2. to provide information about the cost of motor freight transportation.

Typically, the carrier sends the EDI 210 transaction, after the shipment has been delivered to the destination. The EDI 210 document, will indicate the full amount required for a shipment, as well as the terms of payment. The shipper can use the EDI 997 (functional acknowledgment) transaction, to confirm receipt of an EDI 210 transaction.

Benefits of Using EDI 210

Exchange of business documents via EDI is much more efficient and secure than using paper documents or emails. Electronic data interchange helps business partners to improve communication and optimize processes. By exchanging EDI business documents, companies have the following benefits:

– Eliminate the costs associated with the use of paper documents.

– Minimize the labor cost performing daily redundant data entry operations.

– Save time and increase of employee’s productivity.

– Reduce errors due to manual data entry.

– For motor carrier companies, using EDI 210 can speed up the billing process, allowing them to get paid much faster by their business partners.

– For shippers, EDI 210 provides a clear and accurate view of costs, helping to effectively plan a company’s finances.

What Information Does EDI 210 Contains?

The EDI Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice Transaction Set contains motor carrier expense details, billing information, and other information that a standard invoice should contain:

– Number and date of the invoice.

– The name and address of the consignee.

– Name and address of the shipper.

– Detailed information about the cargo:

  • name,
  • quantity,
  •  type of cargo,
  •  weight and size

– Delivery methods and route information.

– The total amounts to be paid.

EDI 210 – Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice Structure

ANSI ASC X12 Version 4010 of a 210 Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice, can have the following structure:

  • ISA – Interchange Control Header
  • GS – Functional Group Header
  • ST – Transaction Set Header
  • B3 – Beginning Segment for Carriers Invoice
  • C3 – Currency
  • M7 – Seal Numbers
  • S5 – Stop Off Details
  • N9 – Reference Number
  • G62 – Date / Time
  • R3 – Route Information
  • H3 – Special Handling Instructions
  • N1 – Name
  • N3 – Address Information
  • N4 – Geographic Location
  • N7 – Equipment Details
  • LX – Assigned Number
  • POD – Proof of Delivery
  • L5 – Description, Marks, and Numbers
  • L0 – Line Item – Quantity and Weight
  • L1 – Rate and Charges
  • L7 – Tariff Reference
  • K1 – Remarks
  • L3 – Total Weight and Charges
  • SE – Transaction Set Trailer
  • GE – Functional Group Trailer
  • IEA Interchange Control Trailer

EDI 210 and EDI 214

What is the difference between EDI 210 and EDI 214? Both of these documents are actively used by logistics and transportation companies, but they have completely two different purposes.

As stated previously in this post, the EDI 210 document, in most cases acts as an invoice for trucking companies. So often, trucking companies call EDI X12 210 Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice simply as EDI 210 Invoice.

EDI 214 is a Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message used by the carrier to notify the shipper and consignee about the status of their cargo.


For complete information on the EDI 214 transaction set read this article: EDI for transportation – EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message


Automate Logistics and Business Process with EDI2XML Integration Platform

To fully automate data exchange with their business partners, many companies integrate EDI 210 and other important EDI transactions into their internal business systems. Our EDI2XML integration platform provides secure and efficient EDI integration with most ERP, CRM, business, and accounting applications from leading vendors such as SAP, Oracle JD Edwards, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.

Fully managed EDI Service

Our robust and powerful EDI integration platform support different EDI standard (X12, EDIFACT, RosettaNet, etc.) and various communication protocols (e.g. AS2, VAN, FTP/SFTP, HTTP/HTTPS), thus we can connect business partners anywhere they are in the world, regardless of their industries.

Connecting business partners through EDI for over 21 years, our company has accumulated vast experience to carry out your EDI integration project quickly and efficiently.

Contact us for your first free consultation.

EDI in transportation and 3PL

You may also be interested in reading about:
– Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in the Supply Chain
– How EDI can speed the receiving of goods in a warehouse
– EDI for Third-Party Logistics providers (3PL)
– DELFOR, DELJIT, DESADV – key EDI messages in supply chain management for manufacturing


Transportation and logistics companies rely heavily on EDI to exchange information with their trading partners, including shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders. EDI provides a standardized, automated method of exchanging documents, reducing the need for manual processing and improving the speed and accuracy of information exchange.

By adopting EDI, transportation companies have been able to streamline their processes and significantly reduce the time and costs associated with manual tasks. In this article, we will take a closer look at EDI 214 – Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message and its importance in the transportation industry.

What is EDI 214?

EDI 214 is an electronic document used in the context of EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) to provide detailed shipment status information. The formal name of this EDI document is ANSI X12 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message Transaction Set.

EDI 214 Definition

EDI 214 is a delivery status message sent from the transportation company to the shipper, as well as the consignee and their agents, as an update on the status of delivery. The document provides real-time updates on the status of a shipment, from pickup to delivery, and includes details such as the carrier name, equipment type, pickup and delivery dates and times, and any exceptions or delays that may have occurred during transit.

Where Is EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message Used?

EDI 214 is used in transportation, logistics, supply chain, and international trade. As mentioned above, transport companies use EDI 214 to inform shippers and consignees about the status of their cargo.

Here are some examples of the largest transportation companies in the world using EDI. It can be based on either the X12 or EDIFACT standard (which is typical for European companies).

Some examples of the biggest Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Carriers in North America using EDI 214 document:

Why is EDI 214 Important In The Transportation Industry?

In the transportation industry, timely and accurate information about the status of a shipment is crucial. EDI 214 allows carriers and their trading partners to exchange information quickly and efficiently, enabling them to make informed decisions about the shipment and take appropriate action if necessary.

What Does EDI 214 Include?

EDI 214 transaction set may include various information related to shipments made by transport service providers. Thus, as a status document, EDI 214 provides information about the physical location of cargo at any given time and can contain information on more than twenty “events”.

However, depending on the business model of the company or its specifics, business partners determine the exact list of necessary information to be transmitted in an EDI 214 document. Typically, the Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message contains the following information:

  • Sent from – name and address
  • Place of delivery – address or coordinates
  • Shippers Purchase Order Number
  • Estimated Time of Arrival
  • Route Information
  • Delivery confirmation – location, signature
  • Information about the status of the shipment
  • Description of shipment – weight, packaging, and quantity.

Depending on the requirements of the company, EDI 214 can be produced 4 to 6 times per day up to a once per week; all depends on the business use case.

How Does EDI 214 Work?

EDI 214 works by using a standard format for exchanging information between trading partners. The document is transmitted electronically between the carrier and their trading partner, using a secure and reliable EDI network.

The information contained in the EDI 214 document is structured using a set of data elements and segments, which are defined by the ANSI X12 standard. The data elements and segments provide a standardized way to communicate information about the shipment, ensuring that all parties understand the information being shared.

EDI 214 Business Workflow

Usually, the EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message can be partnered with additional EDI transactions, such as EDI 204 Load Tender and EDI 990 – Response to a Load Tender.

Below is one of the possible workflows involving EDI 214.

To accept the EDI 204 Load Tender transportation company must send to shipper EDI 990 – Response to a Load Tender. Then, the carrier starts feeding the shipper with EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message.

EDI 214 contains information about pickup and delivery times. Moreover, EDI 214 transaction set can be sent multiple times. First EDI 214 to indicate loading time; next 214 transaction set, can be sent to indicate delivered time.

Benefits of Using EDI 214

For retailers, EDI 214 transaction serves as an important source of information when scheduling and/or adjusting the schedule of goods receipt, as well as for the efficient allocation of resources and personnel.

Besides, by receiving status updates via EDI 214 messages from carriers, retailers do not need to make verification calls to clarify delivery times.

Some of the key benefits of using EDI 214 in the transportation industry include:

Improved visibility: EDI 214 provides real-time updates on the status of a shipment, enabling carriers and their trading partners to track the shipment’s progress from pickup to delivery. This visibility allows them to proactively identify and resolve any issues that may arise during transit.

Increased efficiency: By automating the process of sharing shipment status information, EDI 214 eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors. This leads to increased efficiency and reduces the time and costs associated with manual tasks.

Better collaboration: EDI 214 enables carriers and their trading partners to collaborate more effectively by sharing information in real-time. This collaboration improves communication and helps to ensure that all parties are on the same page when it comes to the shipment.

Many shippers and consignees use the Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message as a tool to control the carrier’s transit time. To determine if the carrier has met the time schedules for transportation, they note the date and time of shipment and receipt of the goods.

EDI 214 Status Code List

The EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message uses a standardized set of status codes to indicate the status of a shipment. Here are some commonly used status codes:

AF: ACTUAL PICKUP. The shipment has been picked up

AG: ESTIMATED DELIVERY. An estimated delivery date is calculated at the time the shipment is picked up.

AB: APPOINTMENT DATE. A delivery appointment has been set up.

AI: RECONSIGNED. The consignee has changed.

A3: RETURNED TO SHIPPER. The final status for this type of shipment.

AJ: TENDERED FOR DELIVERY. The tendered date for the shipment.

CA: CANCELED. The shipment has been canceled/voided for one of numerous reasons.

D1: DELIVERED.

A7: REFUSED BY CONSIGNEE.

K1: PROCESSING THROUGH CUSTOMS.

R1: RECEIVED FROM PRIOR CARRIER.

X9: DELIVERY APPOINTMENT REQUESTED

Note that this is not an exhaustive list and some EDI trading partners may use additional status codes or custom codes. It’s important to verify the specific status codes used by your trading partners to ensure accurate communication and avoid any delays or errors in your transportation operations.

EDI For The Transportation Services Sector and Logistics

Nowadays, almost every company, whether it is a shipper, consignee or carrier, exchange information through EDI.

Below is a list of the most popular EDI transactions in the transportation industry.

  • 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender
  • 990 Response to a Load Tender
  • 210 Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice
  • 211 Motor Carrier Bill of Lading
  • 212 Motor Carrier Delivery Trailer Manifest
  • 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message
  • 215 Motor Carrier Pickup Manifest
  • 216 Motor Carrier Shipment Pickup Notification
  • 820 Payment Order/Remittance Advice
  • 997 Functional Acknowledgment

Find the Perfect EDI Service For Your Business

Do you need to use the EDI 214 transaction with your business partner? Therefore, you are looking for an efficient fully managed, EDI service. You are at the right place. We can help you.

We offer our clients fully managed EDI Services including various communication protocols such as:

  • VAN
  • AS2
  • FTP, or sFTP.

Connect EDI With Your ERP, CRM, TMS, or e-Commerce

To ensure complete automation of your logistic processes, we integrate your EDI process with almost any business system in the market such as:

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Salesforce
  • Sage
  • Oracle NetSuite
  • JD Edwards
  • SAP

We also integrate EDI with e-commerce.

Start Exchanging EDI In An Hour or Less Using our EDI Web Service

EDI web service is the easiest and fastest way to get started with EDI.

To connect to our EDI REST web service and be able to exchange EDI documents, all you need to do is have access to the Internet and know your API Token and password for access.

In less than an hour, you can start exchanging EDI messages. EDI2XML REST web service provides great benefits for your business. You do not need to have experience with EDI. There is no need to sign a contract, pay as you go by very simple and dynamic pricing.


Useful: Request EDI2XML Web Service Price List


Regardless of whether you are a large freight forwarding company with numerous trading partners or a small transport company, you can exchange EDI 214 or any other EDI messages using our EDI REST service.

You can rely on our over 20 years of experience with EDI and integration projects, whether it is consulting, technical support, or project planning: we provide your company with everything you need.

Contact us for more information and a free consultation.