EDI 304 Shipping Instructions (Ocean)

Functional Group SO

X12I Transportation Subcommittee

This standard provides the format and establishes the data contents of the Shipment Instructions (Ocean) Transaction Set within the context of an Electronic Data Interchange environment. This transaction set is sent by the shipper to either a forwarder or an ocean carrier, or by a forwarder to an ocean carrier, and provides all the information necessary to prepare and distribute a contract of carriage such as an ocean bill of lading, sea waybill, and other shipping documents. When sent by the shipper to a forwarder this transaction set serves the same informational purposes as the shipper's letter of instruction.

Heading

Position
Segment
Name
Max use
  1. To indicate the start of a transaction set and to assign a control number

  2. To transmit basic data relating to shipment information.

  3. To allow for positive identification of transaction set purpose.

  4. To specify the authority for authorizing an action and the date authentication is made

  5. To specify the General Commodity (GC) code and any required special indicators for the shipment.

  6. To specify routing of a beyond point

  7. To convey brokerage, freight forwarder compensation and other compensation information related to shipments.

  8. To transmit identifying numbers and descriptive information as specified by the reference number qualifier

  9. To provide vessel details and voyage number

  10. To transmit vessel scheduling information

  11. To transmit letter of credit details

  12. To specify details related to insurance

  13. To state terms and dates

  14. To specify data required for electronic payment

  15. To specify the currency being used in the transaction set

  16. N1 Loop Mandatory
    Repeat 10
    1. To identify a party by type of organization, name and code

    2. To specify additional names or those longer than 35 characters in length

    3. To specify the location of the named party

    4. To specify the geographic place of the named party

    5. To identify a person or office to whom communications should be directed

  17. R4 Loop Mandatory
    Repeat 20
    1. Contractual or operational port or point relevant to the movement of the cargo.

    2. To specify pertinent dates and times

  18. To specify carrier and routing sequences and details

  19. To transmit information in a free-form format, if necessary, for comment or special instruction.

  20. To specify instructions in this business relationship.

  21. To specify special handling instructions in coded or free-form format

  22. To specify the line item in terms of description, quantity, packaging, and marks and numbers.

Detail

Position
Segment
Name
Max use
  1. LX Loop Mandatory
    Repeat 999
    1. To reference a line number in a transaction set.

    2. To specify container information and transportation service to be used

    3. N7 Loop Optional
      Repeat 999
      1. To identify the equipment.

      2. To specify quantity information.

      3. To describe the operating environment of the equipment.

      4. To record seal numbers used and the organization that applied the seals.

      5. To relate equipment type and required temperatures

      6. L1 Loop Optional
        Repeat 20
        1. To specify rate and charges detail relative to a line item including freight charges, advances, special charges, and entitlements

        2. To specify the currency being used in the transaction set

      7. To describe physical dimensions and quantities.

      8. To reference details of the tariff used to arrive at applicable rates or charge

      9. To transmit information contained on an export license

      10. To transmit import license number and effective dates

      11. To transmit identifying numbers and descriptive information as specified by the reference number qualifier

      12. H1 Loop Optional
        Repeat 10
        1. To specify information relative to hazardous material

        2. To specify free-form hazardous material descriptive data in addition to the information provided in segment H1

    4. To transmit information in a free-form format, if necessary, for comment or special instruction.

    5. L0 Loop Optional
      Repeat 120
      1. To specify quantity, weight, volume and type of service for a line item including applicable "quantity/rate-as" data.

      2. To specify the line item in terms of description, quantity, packaging, and marks and numbers.

      3. To provide lading description beyond what is required for rating and billing purposes.

      4. L1 Loop Optional
        Repeat 20
        1. To specify rate and charges detail relative to a line item including freight charges, advances, special charges, and entitlements

        2. To specify the currency being used in the transaction set

      5. To describe physical dimensions and quantities.

      6. To reference details of the tariff used to arrive at applicable rates or charge

      7. To transmit information contained on an export license

      8. To transmit import license number and effective dates

      9. To specify applicable certifications and clauses.

      10. H1 Loop Optional
        Repeat 10
        1. To specify information relative to hazardous material

        2. To specify free-form hazardous material descriptive data in addition to the information provided in segment H1

Summary

Position
Segment
Name
Max use
  1. To specify the total shipment in terms of weight, volume, rates, charges, advances, and prepaid amounts applicable to one or more line items

  2. To specify the type and transmission of paperwork relating to a product, order or report.

  3. L1 Loop Optional
    Repeat 20
    1. To specify rate and charges detail relative to a line item including freight charges, advances, special charges, and entitlements

    2. To specify the currency being used in the transaction set

  4. To specify information about a specific event

  5. To transmit information in a free-form format, if necessary, for comment or special instruction.

  6. To specify instructions in this business relationship.

  7. To indicate the end of the transaction set and provide the count of the transmitted segments (including the beginning (ST) and ending (SE) segments).

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