Table of contents
Overview
The EDI ANSI X12 940 – Warehouse Shipping Order transaction is used by manufacturers, brand owners, or distribution centers to instruct a third-party logistics provider (3PL) or warehouse to ship product to a customer or another location. It includes detailed shipping instructions, item quantities, packaging, and routing information to ensure accurate and timely fulfillment.
With TraceLink’s Opus Platform and B2N Integrate-Once™ architecture, the EDI 940 transaction automates warehouse shipping processes, improves inventory control, and enhances supply chain visibility by delivering real-time, structured communication between internal systems and external logistics partners.
Key Use Cases
- Instruct a 3PL or external warehouse to ship products to customers, retail locations, or other facilities.
- Support drop-shipment, direct-to-customer, or replenishment orders.
- Communicate shipping quantities, packaging requirements, and carrier preferences.
- Trigger pick, pack, and ship workflows at the warehouse.
- Enable integration with downstream transactions like ASN (EDI 856) and Invoice (EDI 810).
- Improve fulfillment accuracy and reduce manual coordination with warehouse partners.
Data Elements Included
An EDI ANSI X12 940 – Warehouse Shipping Order transaction includes:
- Shipping Order Number: Unique identifier for the warehouse shipment instruction.
- Purchase Order or Sales Order Reference: Links the shipment to the original customer order.
- Ship-To and Ship-From Locations: Warehouse and delivery destination details.
- Item Identifiers: GTIN, SKU, NDC, or internal product codes.
- Quantities to Ship: Number of units for each item.
- Packaging Instructions: Pallet, case, or unit-level packing specifications.
- Carrier and Routing Information: SCAC codes, shipping method, and freight terms.
- Requested Ship and Delivery Dates: Timing expectations for warehouse execution.
- Special Handling Instructions: Temperature control, hazardous materials, or labeling.
- Contact Information: For warehouse or transportation coordination.
Benefits of EDI ANSI X12 940 – Warehouse Shipping Order
- Automates warehouse shipping instructions, reducing manual communication.
- Improves fulfillment accuracy with structured, item-level shipping data.
- Integrates seamlessly with warehouse and ERP systems for real-time execution.
- Reduces shipping delays and errors by eliminating paper-based processes.
- Ensures compliance with packaging, labeling, and routing requirements.
How TraceLink Supports EDI ANSI X12 940 – Warehouse Shipping Order
TraceLink’s Opus Platform, powered by B2N Integrate-Once™, delivers a secure and scalable solution for warehouse shipping coordination:
- Integrates with ERP, OMS, and WMS systems to automate outbound shipping instructions.
- Transmits real-time shipping orders to 3PLs, contract packagers, and distribution centers.
- Provides dashboards and alerts to track shipping status, execution timelines, and exceptions.
- Supports serialized and lot-controlled product shipping for regulated industries.
- Enables global warehouse collaboration through a single integration point for all partners.
Explore More EDI ANSI X12 Capabilities
- EDI ANSI X12 850 – Purchase Orders: Automate order placement and reduce procurement errors.
- EDI ANSI X12 856 – Advance Ship Notice: Provide shipment and packaging details after warehouse execution.
- EDI ANSI X12 810 – Invoices: Streamline billing and reduce disputes with electronic invoicing.
- EDI ANSI X12 861 – Receiving Advice: Confirm receipt and condition of delivered goods.
- EDI ANSI X12 853 – Routing and Carrier Instructions: Provide logistics routing details to suppliers or 3PLs.
Need Help Implementing EDI ANSI X12?
Contact Us to learn how our Opus Platform and B2N Integrate-Once™ model can help you automate warehouse shipping instructions, improve fulfillment accuracy, and enhance visibility across your global logistics network.
