EDI 211: Bill of Lading
EDI 211 Definition
The EDI 211 transaction set is used within the transportation and logistics industry to electronically transmit bill of lading information. This document serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier for the transportation of goods. It provides detailed information about the shipment, including descriptions of the items being shipped, quantities, packaging types, weights, and destination addresses. The EDI 211 is crucial for documenting the terms and conditions of the shipment, as well as for the receipt and handling of goods by the carrier.
What is EDI 211 Used for?
Shippers use the EDI 211 to provide carriers with all necessary details for the transportation of goods. The carrier, in turn, uses this information to plan and execute the shipment, including the preparation of physical bills of lading, if required. The EDI 211 ensures that both parties have a clear and accurate record of the shipment’s details and terms, facilitating efficient and compliant transportation processes.
Key Elements of EDI 211
An EDI 211 document typically includes key elements to effectively convey bill of lading information:
- Transaction Set Header and Trailer: Marks the beginning and end of the EDI 211 document, encapsulating the bill of lading details.
- Bill of Lading Header: Provides general information about the bill of lading, including bill of lading number, date, and origin.
- Shipper and Consignee Information: Identifies the shipper and consignee, including names, addresses, and contact details.
- Carrier Information: Specifies the carrier handling the shipment, including SCAC codes and carrier equipment.
- Shipment Details: Detailed information about the shipment, such as item descriptions, quantities, packaging types, and weights.
- Freight Details: Information on freight charges, terms of payment, and any special instructions for the carrier.
Benefits of EDI 211
Utilizing the EDI 211 document offers several advantages:
- Streamlined Operations: Reduces paperwork and manual data entry, streamlining the shipping process.
- Accuracy: Enhances the accuracy of shipment information, reducing errors and discrepancies.
- Compliance: Ensures compliance with shipping regulations by providing a detailed and standardized format for shipment documentation.
- Visibility: Increases visibility into the shipping process, allowing shippers and carriers to track and manage shipments more effectively.
EDI 211 Document Example
Here’s a simplified example of what an EDI 211 might look like in raw data format:
ST*211*0001
BOL*123456789*20241130*Origin Name*Destination Name
N1*SH*Shipper Name*1*123 Shipper Street*City*ST*12345
N1*CN*Consignee Name*2*456 Consignee Avenue*City*ST*67890
N1*CA*Carrier Name*SCAC*Carrier ID
G62*64*20241130
L5*1*Description of Goods*NMFC*Class*1000*LB
L3*15000*LB*150*CF*Freight Charges
SE*8*0001
Guide to EDI 211 Terms and Elements:
- ST (Transaction Set Header): Initiates the EDI 211 document, identified by a unique control number.
- BOL (Bill of Lading): Provides the bill of lading number, date, and origin and destination information.
- N1 (Name): Identifies the shipper (SH), consignee (CN), and carrier (CA), including address and identification information.
- G62 (Date/Time): Specifies relevant dates, such as the shipment date.
- L5 (Description, Marks and Numbers): Provides a description of the goods being shipped, including freight classification details.
- L3 (Total Weight and Charges): Summarizes the total weight of the shipment and associated freight charges.
- SE (Transaction Set Trailer): Concludes the EDI 211 document, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
This example is designed to give a basic understanding of how an EDI 211 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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Ready to enhance your shipping documentation accuracy with EDI 211? Contact Comparatio today to discover how our EDI solutions can streamline your Bill of Lading process, improve logistical efficiency, and enhance compliance with shipping regulations.
