Logistics EDI: Automating Freight with 204, 214, and 210
Introduction
In the logistics industry, margin is thin and speed is everything. Relying on phone calls and emails to book trucks or track shipments is obsolete. The major Shippers (Manufacturers) and Carriers (Trucking Fleets) communicate via specific Logistics EDI transactions.
1. EDI 204: Motor Carrier Load Tender
Direction: Shipper -> Carrier This is an offer to ship goods. It says: "I need you to pick up 20 pallets from Atlanta on Friday and deliver to Miami on Monday. The price is $1200."
- Response: The Carrier responds with an EDI 990 (Response to a Load Tender) to Accept (A) or Decline (D) the load.
X12 Sample (204)
1ST*204*0001~ 2B2**SCAC**12345**123456~ (Load ID) 3B2A*00*LT~ (Original Tender) 4N7**5300*6000*G*******TV~ (53' Trailer Van requested) 5S5*1*CL*20000*L*1000*C~ (Stop 1: Pick up) 6N1*SF*WAREHOUSE A~ 7N3*123 INDUSTRIAL WAY~ 8N4*ATLANTA*GA*30303~ 9S5*2*CU*0*L*0*C~ (Stop 2: Drop off) 10SE*20*0001~
2. EDI 214: Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message
Direction: Carrier -> Shipper Every time the truck stops, breaks down, or crosses a geofence, a 214 is sent. Common Status Codes:
- AF: Departed Pick-up Location
- X1: Arrived at Delivery Location
- D1: Completed Unloading (POD)
X12 Sample (214)
1ST*214*0001~ 2B10*12345*LOAD123*SCAC~ 3LX*1~ 4AT7*AF*NS***20251006*0800*LT~ (Departed Terminal at 8:00 AM) 5MS1*ATLANTA*GA~ 6SE*10*0001~
3. EDI 210: Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice
Direction: Carrier -> Shipper Once the D1 tracking status (Delivered) is sent, the Carrier sends the 210 Invoice to get paid. It details the linehaul rate, fuel surcharges, and detention/accessorial fees.
Conclusion
By implementing these three transactions, a logistics coordinator can manage 10x the volume of freight. The system books the load (204), tracks it (214), and pays for it (210) with minimal human intervention.
