EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender
EDI 204 is essential for the communication between shippers and carriers, ensuring that all necessary information about the shipment is accurately and efficiently transmitted. In this guide, you'll learn about EDI 204 transaction sets.
What is an EDI 204?
The EDI 204 transaction set, also known as the Motor Carrier Load Tender. It communicates a request to a full truckload carrier for the movement of a shipment. The Tender is usually sent from a retailer, a manufacturer, or a distribution center. However, it can be used by any company that is interested in having goods shipped. It's essentially a digital request for transportation services.
The 204 is typically used for creating a new shipment request, but it can also be used for updating shipment information or canceling a shipment. The Motor Carrier Load Tender will provide sufficient information for the carrier to understand the requirements of the shipment and their associated costs. The carrier can then determine whether they want to accept the load. The tender provides specifics such as ship-to location, receiver contact information, scheduling, description of the goods to be shipped, and size of the trailer or other equipment requirements.
What are the Key Elements of EDI 204?
Here's what an EDI 204 typically includes:
- Shipper and consignee details
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Shipment details (weight, dimensions, commodity)
- Equipment requirements (truck type, trailer size)
- Rate and payment terms
By providing this information, the shipper invites the carrier to submit a rate quote and potentially accept the shipment.
How is EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender used?
The EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender is a crucial document in the logistics and transportation industry, used to streamline the process of scheduling and managing shipments.
When a shipper needs to transport goods, they use the EDI 204 to formally request a carrier to pick up and deliver the shipment. This electronic document provides detailed information about the shipment, including reference numbers, item descriptions, pickup and delivery locations, and any special handling instructions. The shipper sends this tender to the carrier via an EDI system, ensuring standardized and accurate communication.
A carrier will respond to the 204 by issuing a 990 EDI transaction, which is a response to the load tender. The EDI 990 will indicate whether the carrier is accepting or declining the shipment. If the carrier accepts the shipment, then in most cases the carrier will also provide status updates using a EDI 214 Shipment Status EDI message.
Benefits of EDI 204
The EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender offers significant benefits for both shippers and carriers in the transportation industry. By utilizing this electronic document, shippers and carriers can streamline communication and reduce errors associated with manual processes. The EDI 204 ensures that all shipment details are conveyed accurately and consistently, which helps in minimizing misunderstandings and discrepancies. It accelerates the tendering process, allowing for quicker responses and more efficient scheduling.
Additionally, the electronic format of the EDI 204 reduces paperwork, leading to lower administrative costs and faster processing times. This automation enhances overall operational efficiency, improves visibility into shipment statuses, and facilitates better planning and coordination between shippers and carriers. Ultimately, the EDI 204 contributes to a more seamless and responsive logistics operation, benefiting all parties involved.
EDI 204 Format
EDI 204 adheres to the X12 standard, a widely accepted format for electronic data interchange in the United States. This standard outlines the structure and content of the Motor Carrier Load Tender transaction set. Key Components of an EDI 204
ISA (Interchange Control Header): This segment marks the start of an interchange.
GS (Functional Group Header): Indicates the beginning of a functional group of related transaction sets.
ST (Transaction Set Header): Marks the beginning of a transaction set.
B2 Segment: Beginning Segment for Shipment Information
B2A Segment: Set Purpose
L11 Segment: Reference Numbers
G62 Segment: Date/Time
L5 Segment: Commodity Description
L3 Segment: Total Weight and Charges
N1 Segment: Name (Shipper, Consignee, etc.)
GE/IEA Segments: Functional Group and Interchange Control Trailers
Example of an EDI 204 Document
Here’s a simplified example of what an EDI 204 document might look like:
ISA*00* *00* *ZZ*SENDERID *ZZ*RECEIVERID *210724*1430*U*00401*000000001*0*P*>~
GS*SM*SENDERID*RECEIVERID*20240724*1430*1*X*004010~
ST*204*0001~
B2**1234567890*SCAC*PP**20240724~
B2A*00~
L11*LOAD12345*BM~
L11*ORDER98765*OQ~
G62*64*20240725~
G62*10*20240726~
L5*1*50 BOXES OF ELECTRONICS*PLT~
L3*1000*G*2200*N*4500~
N7*53*F*LOAD12345*2*X***IN~
N1*SH*SHIPPER COMPANY*93*123456789~
N3*123 SHIPPER STREET~
N4*SHIPPER CITY*ST*12345*US~
N1*CN*CONSIGNEE COMPANY*93*987654321~
N3*456 CONSIGNEE AVENUE~
N4*CONSIGNEE CITY*ST*54321*US~
S5*1*LD~
G62*68*20240725~
N1*ST*STOP LOCATION*93*654321987~
N3*789 STOP STREET~
N4*STOP CITY*ST*67890*US~
SE*21*0001~
GE*1*1~
IEA*1*000000001~
EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender from the Inofocn Systems Experts
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