EDI 204: Motor Carrier Load Tender
EDI 204 Definition
The EDI 204 transaction set is used within the transportation and logistics industry by shippers to tender an offer for a shipment to a motor carrier. It serves as a formal invitation to transport goods and includes details such as pickup and delivery locations, shipment dates, equipment requirements, and descriptions of the goods to be transported. The EDI 204 enables efficient communication between shippers and carriers, facilitating the planning and execution of freight transportation.
What is EDI 204 Used for?
Shippers use the EDI 204 to communicate their shipping requirements and tender a load to a motor carrier. The carrier reviews the tender to determine their ability to meet the shipper’s needs and may respond with an EDI 990 Response to a Load Tender, indicating acceptance or rejection of the tender. This exchange of information helps to ensure that both parties agree on the terms of the shipment before it is executed.
Key Elements of EDI 204
An EDI 204 document typically includes key elements to effectively convey load tender information:
- Transaction Set Header and Trailer: Marks the beginning and end of the EDI 204 document, encapsulating the load tender details.
- Shipment Identification: Information about the shipment, including tender number, shipment date, and reference identification numbers.
- Shipper and Consignee Information: Identifies the shipper and consignee, including names, addresses, and contact details.
- Carrier Information: Specifies the requested carrier and any alternate carriers, including SCAC codes.
- Equipment and Shipment Details: Details about the required equipment for the shipment and descriptions of the goods, including weight, dimensions, and special handling requirements.
- Pickup and Delivery Information: Specifies pickup and delivery locations, dates, and times, as well as any special instructions.
Benefits of EDI 204
Utilizing the EDI 204 document offers several advantages:
- Efficient Carrier Selection: Streamlines the process of tendering loads to carriers, allowing for quick carrier selection based on capabilities and availability.
- Improved Accuracy: Reduces errors in shipment information by providing detailed and standardized data on shipping requirements.
- Enhanced Visibility: Increases visibility into the transportation planning process, enabling better coordination and scheduling of shipments.
- Cost Management: Facilitates competitive carrier selection and negotiation, potentially leading to cost savings in freight transportation.
EDI 204 Document Example
Here’s a simplified example of what an EDI 204 might look like in raw data format:
ST*204*0001
B2*123456*CarrierCode*20241130*Standard*12345
B2A*00
N1*SH*Shipper Name*1*123 Shipper Street*City*ST*12345
N1*CN*Consignee Name*2*456 Consignee Avenue*City*ST*67890
L11*Reference123*PO
G62*64*20241130
S5*1*LD*123*PLT*Pickup Location*20241130
LAD*1000*LB*Freight Description*NMFC123
SE*9*0001
Guide to EDI 204 Terms and Elements:
- ST (Transaction Set Header): Initiates the EDI 204 document, identified by a unique control number.
- B2 (Beginning Segment for Shipment Information): Provides basic shipment information, including tender number and requested carrier SCAC code.
- B2A (Set Purpose): Indicates the purpose of the transaction set, such as a new shipment tender.
- N1 (Name): Identifies the shipper (SH) and consignee (CN), including address information.
- L11 (Business Instructions and Reference Number): Provides additional reference numbers related to the shipment.
- G62 (Date/Time): Specifies relevant dates, such as the shipment date.
- S5 (Stop Off Details): Details about pickup or delivery stops, including stop sequence, function, and location.
- LAD (Load Detail): Provides details about the goods being shipped, including weight and freight classification.
- SE (Transaction Set Trailer): Concludes the EDI 204 document, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
This example is designed to give a basic understanding of how an EDI 204 document might look, including the types of information it conveys. Remember, the actual implementation might vary based on specific business needs and partnerships.
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