Table of contents
The Motor Carrier Bill of Lading is a standardized EDI transaction that communicates Bill of Lading information for truck shipments. Shippers, brokers, or third-party logistics providers (3L) send this transaction to motor carriers before shipment pickup to provide shipment information and transportation instructions. The transaction serves as the operational instruction for the carrier, the legal contract of carriage, and the financial reference for freight billing and audit.
For more information about Motor carrier bills of lading guidelines, see Motor carrier bills of lading transactions.
Create and submit motor carrier bills of lading
Perform this task to create and submit new motor carrier bills of lading. Additionally, carrier can begin work on a motor carrier bills of lading and save it for completion at a later time.
- Select the Main Menu
icon. - Select in the header.
- Select a [MPL Network] from the drop-down in the header.
- Select a (e.g. your entire company or a Link to a specific Partner or internal location) in the header.
- Select the button.
- Select from the left menu.
Partners must have the correct roles assigned if using the Owner's instance of Multienterprise Information Network Tower. -
Select .
- Select the button.
- On the New Motor Carrier Bill Of Lading screen, fill in the following fields:
- field – The unique identifier assigned to the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The date when the transaction set has been created or being sent.
-
Select the button.
The screen refreshes with the saved ocean bill of lading in the draft state and with the required sections populated.
-
Select the button.
- In the Transaction Information section, select Submitted from the drop drown.
- In the Motor Carrier Bill Of Lading Details section fill in the following fields:
- field – The unique identifier assigned to the motor carrier bills of lading.
This field auto populates the value entered New Ocean Bill Of Lading screen. - field – The date when the transaction set has been created or being sent.
This field auto populates the value entered New Ocean Bill Of Lading screen. - drop-down – A code that identifies the business or operational context in which the transaction is processed.
- field – The standard carrier identification code, typically SCAC.
- drop-down – Indicates how shipment delivery charges are to be paid.
- field – A unique identifier that identifies a related business document or transaction.
- switch – Indicates whether the record is part of Section 7.
- drop-down – A brief description stating the purpose of the transaction.
- field – The unique identifier assigned to the motor carrier bills of lading.
- In the Reference Transactions section, select the Add
icon.- In the New Reference Transaction panel, fill in the following fields under Reference Transaction Information section:
- drop-down – The type of transaction.
- type-ahead field – The unique identifier of the transaction.
If the value does not match the available options, the value must be entered manually.
- field - The transaction date.
- In the New Reference Transaction panel, fill in the following fields under Reference Transaction Information section:
- Select .
The new reference transaction line item is added to the transaction reference table.
icon and fill in the following fields:- drop-down – The date type related to shipment events at port.
- field – The date defined by referenced date type in date format YYYY-MM-DD.
- field – The time zone associated with a date and time recorded for a transportation event or transaction.
- field – The type of time associated with a transportation event.
icon and fill in the following fields:- field – A standardized two- to four-letter code that uniquely identifies a transportation carrier.
- drop-down – The code identifying sequence of carriers in shipment, beginning with the original carrier.
- drop-down – The type of transportation method used.
- field – The city for this location.
- field – The state or region for this location.
icon and fill in the following fields:- In the New Equipment And Container Information panel, fill in the following fields under Equipment And Container Information section:
- drop-down – The code handling instructions or requirements for a shipment or product.
- field - Specifies perishable protective service - rail carriers only
- field - A brief explanation or details describing the handling instruction.
- drop-down - The unit of measurement used for the minimum and maximum allowable temperature values.
- field - The lowest temperature value allowed or required for storing or transporting goods.
- field - The highest temperature value allowed or required for storing or transporting goods.
- drop-down - The specific kind or category of transportation equipment used to move goods.
- field - A unique alphanumeric code assigned to a specific piece of transport equipment.
- field - The equipment check digit number.
- field - The standard carrier identification code, typically SCAC.
- Select .
The new equipment and container information line item is added to the table.
- type-ahead field – The name of the company receiving the motor carrier bills of lading. This company is customer of goods. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
The remaining Shipper fields are auto populated with the values from the company or location's master data entry. If the name of the company is not present in the Owners master data, the company name must be entered manually.
- field – The address of the particular location.
- field – Any additional address information.
- drop-down – The two-letter country code with country name for this location.
- field – The state or region for this location.
- field – The city for this location.
- field – The postal code for this location's main address.
- field – The company or location's phone number.
- field – The company or location's fax number
- field – The type of the contact handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The name of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The phone number of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The email address of the person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- drop-down – The identifier type used for this company or location. For more information, see Identifier and Item Code Types.
- field – The value associated with the identifier type.
- type-ahead field – The name of the company sending the motor carrier bills of lading. This company is supplier of goods. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
The remaining Carrier fields are auto populated with the values from the company or location's master data entry. If the name of the company is not present in the Owners master data, the company name must be entered manually.
- field – The address of the particular location.
- field – Any additional address information.
- drop-down – The two-letter country code with country name for this location.
- field – The state or region for this location.
- field – The city for this location.
- field – The postal code for this location's main address.
- field – The company or location's phone number.
- field – The company or location's fax number
- field – The type of the contact handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The name of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The phone number of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The email address of the person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- drop-down – The identifier type used for this company or location. For more information, see Identifier and Item Code Types.
- field – The value associated with the identifier type.
- type-ahead field – The name of the company receiving the motor carrier bills of lading. This company is customer of goods. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
The remaining Consignee fields are auto populated with the values from the company or location's master data entry. If the name of the company is not present in the Owners master data, the company name must be entered manually.
- field – The address of the particular location.
- field – Any additional address information.
- drop-down – The two-letter country code with country name for this location.
- field – The state or region for this location.
- field – The city for this location.
- field – The postal code for this location's main address.
- field – The company or location's phone number.
- field – The company or location's fax number
- field – The type of the contact handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The name of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The phone number of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The email address of the person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- drop-down – The identifier type used for this company or location. For more information, see Identifier and Item Code Types.
- field – The value associated with the identifier type.
- type-ahead field – The name of the company sending the motor carrier bills of lading. This company is supplier of goods. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
The remaining Bill to Entity fields are auto populated with the values from the company or location's master data entry. If the name of the company is not present in the Owners master data, the company name must be entered manually.
- field – The address of the particular location.
- field – Any additional address information.
- drop-down – The two-letter country code with country name for this location.
- field – The state or region for this location.
- field – The city for this location.
- field – The postal code for this location's main address.
- field – The company or location's phone number.
- field – The company or location's fax number
- field – The type of the contact handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The name of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The phone number of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The email address of the person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- drop-down – The identifier type used for this company or location. For more information, see Identifier and Item Code Types.
- field – The value associated with the identifier type.
icon and fill in the following fields:- type-ahead field – The name of the company sending the motor carrier bills of lading. This company is supplier of goods. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
The remaining Bill to Entity fields are auto populated with the values from the company or location's master data entry. If the name of the company is not present in the Owners master data, the company name must be entered manually.
- field – The address of the particular location.
- field – Any additional address information.
- drop-down – The two-letter country code with country name for this location.
- field – The state or region for this location.
- field – The city for this location.
- field – The postal code for this location's main address.
- field – The company or location's phone number.
- field – The company or location's fax number
- field – The type of the contact handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The name of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The phone number of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The email address of the person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- drop-down – The identifier type used for this company or location. For more information, see Identifier and Item Code Types.
- field – The value associated with the identifier type.
- Select the Add
icon. - In the Add Line Item panel, fill in the following fields under Line Item Information section:
- field – The number to identify the line item by (e.g. 50).
- field – Identifies an individual freight charge associated with a transportation transaction.
- field – A unique identifier assigned to an individual freight charge.
- field – The rate applied for freight calculation purposes.
- drop-down – The type of rate associated with a referenced freight charge, tariff, or transportation agreement.
- field – The code identifying the specific freight charge category.
- field – The total amount charged for transporting the shipment, including all applicable freight charges.
- drop-down – The two-letter ISO currency code for the monetary amount.
- field – The amount of charges paid in advance on behalf of the shipment before delivery or final settlement.
- field – The amount of freight charges that have been paid before the shipment is transported or delivered.
- drop-down – The code that identifies an additional or non-standard charge applied to the shipment.
- field – The party that is entitled to receive payment for a freight charge.
- field – The method used to settle the freight charge.
- drop-down – The code identifying the quantity basis for billing.
- field – The numeric quantity used as basis for charge calculation.
- field – The numeric quantity used as basis for charge calculation.
- Select .
The new motor carrier bill of lading item details line item is added.
- Select the Add
icon. - In the New Dangerous Goods Contact And Reference Detail panel, fill in the following fields under Dangerous Goods Contact & Reference Information section:
- field – The number to identify the line item by (e.g. 50).
- drop-down – The type of the contact handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The name of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The job title or position of the contact person associated with the transportation transaction.
- field – The phone number of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The email address of the person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- drop-down – The type of referenced transaction.
- field – The value of the referenced transaction.
- field – The transaction reference date.
- Select .
The new dangerous goods contact & reference information line item is added.
- Select a dangerous goods contact & reference information line row and then select the branch
icon and fill in the following fields under Dangerous Goods Information section:- field – A line item that provides details for a specific dangerous goods or hazardous materials item included in a shipment.
- field – The name of the person or organization approved the certificate.
- field – The form of the hazardous certification.
- field – An additional description of special handling instructions to appear on printed bill if special handling code is not adequate
- field – The quantity of product at delivery.
- drop-down – The unit in which the line item is measured.
- field – The United Nations page number as required for the international transport of hazardous materials.
- field – A code that identifies the hazardous material or dangerous goods being transported.
- field – The quantity of product at line item level for dangerous goods.
- field – Indicates whether the packaging or transport equipment contains residue of a hazardous material after its contents have been removed.
- field – Identifies the current regulatory version number used for hazardous materials shipments
- field – Dangerous goods packaging group in terms of Roman number I, II or III
- Select .
The dangerous goods information line item is added. - Select the dangerous goods contact & reference information line row drop down to view the dangerous goods information in a table.
- Select a dangerous goods information line row and then select the branch
icon and fill in the following fields under Dangerous Goods Regulatory & Endorsement Information section:- field – A code that identifies the hazard classification of the dangerous goods being transported.
- field – Describes the hazardous material class.
- field – The presence of hazardous substance quantity code for quick action in case of emergency.
- drop-down – The unit in which the line item is measured.
- field – Specifies the temperature at which the material can ignite.
- field – Specifies the maximum allowable transport temperature.
- field – The temperature at which emergency procedures must be initiated if the substance's temperature rises.
- field – Specifies the type of hazardous material identification being provided (e.g., UN Number, NA Number).
- field – A brief description of hazardous material.
- field – An additional description of dangerous goods materials.
- field – an additional description of the hazardous material class.
- Select .
The dangerous goods regulatory & endorsement information line item is added. - Select the dangerous goods information line row drop down to view the dangerous goods regulatory & endorsement information in a table.
- Select the Add
icon - In the New Consignment Commodity Detail panel fill in the following fields under Consignment Commodity Information section:
- field – The number to identify the line item by (e.g. 50).
- field – A line item that represents a specific commodity or product included in a shipment.
- field – The actual numeric measurement of the weight for the pallet, equipment, or shipment.
- drop-down – The type of weight recorded in shipment.
- field – The quantity of product at delivery.
- drop-down – The type of packaging used to contain and transport a commodity or shipment.
- field – The description of the commodity being transported.
- field – The code identifying the specific commodity classification.
- field – A code that classifies a commodity for freight rating and pricing purposes.
- drop-down - The unit of measure used to express the weight of a commodity, package, container, or shipment.
- drop-down - The mode or level of transportation service used to move goods.
- field - The number of individual inner packages contained within an outer package.
- drop-down - The type of packaging used for the individual packages contained within an outer package.
- drop-down - The type of handling instruction to be performed, such as move, block, or scrap.
- field - A unique identifier assigned to the specific instruction within the handling document.
- field - The code representing the agency or standard governing the packaging type definition.
- switch - Indicates whether verification of the product, shipment, or transaction is mandatory before further processing can occur.
- Select .
The consignment commodity information line item is added. - Select the consignment commodity information line row and fill in the following fields under Consignment Commodity Reference Information section:
- field – The type of identifier used to uniquely identify a package within a shipment.
- field – A unique identifier assigned to a package within a shipment.
- field – A unique number assigned to a purchase order authorizing the purchase of goods or services associated with the shipment.
- field – A unique identifier that identifies a related business document or transaction.
- drop-down – The unit in which the line item is measured.
- field – The type or form of packaging (e.g., container, barrel) used for the goods associated with the purchase order.
- field – The quantity of items ordered for the associated purchase order.
- field –The actual numeric measurement of the weight for the pallet, equipment, or shipment.
- drop-down – The unit of measure used to express the weight associated with the purchase order.
- field – The type of physical dimension recorded, such as length or height.
- drop-down – The unit of measure used for the dimension value.
- field – The numeric value of a physical dimension associated with a shipment, package, container, or transportation equipment.
- Select .
The consignment commodity reference Information line item is added. - Select the consignment commodity information line row drop down to view the consignment commodity reference Information in a table.
- Select the Add
icon. - In the New Dangerous Goods Contact Information panel, fill in the following fields under Dangerous Goods Contact Detail section:
- field – The name of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The job title or position of the contact person associated with the transportation transaction.
- field – The phone number of the contact person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
- field – The email address of the person handling the motor carrier bills of lading.
Select .
The new dangerous goods contact detail line is added.
- Select the Add
icon. - In the New Motor Carrier Bill Of Lading Summary panel, fill in the following fields under Summary Detail section:
- drop-down – The type of summary applicable to the Grocery Products Purchase Order.
- field – The value corresponding to the selected Summary Type for the Purchase Order.
- drop-down – The unit of measure for summary value as defined by summary type.
Select .
The new summary details line is added.
icon to enter any additional comments or instructions.
To save the motor carrier bills of lading in a Draft state and finish it later, ensure the button is not selected and then select the button in the draft state.
Select the button at the top of the screen.
The submit status indicator circle is filled in with green to indicate the desired action upon selecting save.
Select the button.
The motor carrier bills of lading is submitted.
Tips
-
Select the Add
icon, to add a new line item, where available. -
Select the Delete
icon, to remove an individual line item, where available. -
Select the branch
icon, to add a new line item in the inserted table, where available. - New motor carrier bills of ladings can also be created by selecting the button on the Motor Carrier Bills Of Lading Details screen for an existing motor carrier bills of lading.
Complete and submit a saved motor carrier bills of lading in the draft state.
- Select the Main Menu
icon. - Select in the header.
- Select a [MPL Network] from the drop-down in the header.
- Select a (e.g. your entire company or a Link to a specific Partner or internal location) in the header.
- Select the button.
- Select from the left menu.
Partners must have the correct roles assigned if using the Owner's instance of Multienterprise Information Network Tower. -
Select .
- Select the Filter button to find the motor carrier bill of lading in Draft state.
-
Select the link in the results table.
-
Select the button.
- In the Transaction Information section, select Submitted from the drop drown.
- Confirm the motor carrier bill of lading details and select the Edit
icon associated with that line item to modify the fields if required. -
Select the button at the top of the screen.
The submit status indicator circle is filled in with green to indicate the desired action upon selecting save.
-
Select the button.
The motor carrier bills of lading is submitted.
Tips
- Select the motor carrier bill of lading number row and then select the Delete
icon on the top of the Search Ocean Bill Of Lading screen, to delete the motor carrier bill of lading in draft state.
A deleted transaction cannot be retrieved.
Create new discussions and add comments to existing discussions
Owner and Partner can start discussions or add comments directly from a subtype view page. This allows authorized users from owner and partner companies to collaborate in the context of the transaction they are viewing.
Perform this task to add new discussion directly from the subtype record being viewed.
- Select the Main Menu
icon. - Select in the header.
- Select a [MPL Network] from the drop-down in the header.
- Select a (e.g. your entire company or a Link to a specific Partner or internal location) in the header.
- Select the button.
-
Navigate to the subtype record you want to discuss.
-
Open the subtype record to display its view page.
-
Select the button.
The new discussion page opens in a new tab. -
Start the discussion using one of the following options:
-
In the Transaction section, select the transaction ID link to review and update the related transaction automatically referenced from the subtype record.
-
Select the button to initiate a new discussion for the transaction, if required.
This creates a new, independent discussion thread for the transaction. The new discussion will not be a continuation of any existing discussion associated with the subtype record, and prior discussion details from the subtype record will not automatically carry forward into the new thread.
-
-
Enter the discussion details. For detailed field descriptions, see Create and Submit a Discussion.
-
Select the button.
The new discussion is now associated with the transaction from the originating subtype view page.
Perform this task to add a comment to an existing discussion associated with transaction being viewed.
- Select the Main Menu
icon. - Select in the header.
- Select a [MPL Network] from the drop-down in the header.
- Select a (e.g. your entire company or a Link to a specific Partner or internal location) in the header.
- Select the button.
-
Navigate to the subtype record related to the discussion you want to comment on.
- Open the subtype record to display its view page.
- Select the button.
The Discussion Search page opens in a new tab within the context of the selected transaction. -
Find the discussion to update using one of the following options.
-
Review and update the discussions already associated with the transaction.
-
Select the Filter button, enter the search criteria, and apply the filter. From the filtered results, select the discussion to review and update. For detailed field descriptions, see Search and View All Discussions.
-
If the existing discussion is not appropriate, select the button to start a new discussion for the associated transaction. For detailed field descriptions, see Create and Submit a Discussion.
-
-
Select the discussion to update.
- Enter comment.
- Select the button.
The comment is added to the selected discussion and remains associated with the related transaction.
Search and view motor carrier bill of lading
Perform this task to search for and view the details of the motor carrier bill of lading sent or received by shippers and carriers. Viewing the details of a motor carrier bill of lading enable shippers and carriers to quickly access order information (e.g. the quantity for each line item in an order) in TraceLink without having to search through the actual B2B message.
- Select the Main Menu
icon. - Select in the header.
- Select a [MPL Network] from the drop-down in the header.
- Select a (e.g. your entire company or a Link to a specific Partner or internal location) in the header.
- Select the button.
-
Select or from the left menu.
Partners must have the correct roles assigned if using the Owner's instance of Multienterprise Information Network Tower. - Select .
- Select the button.
- Fill in one or more of the following fields to filter the results:
- field - Searches across multiple indexed fields using a single keyword, including Text, Text Area, Email, URL, and Lookup fields.
- field – The unique identifier assigned to the ocean bill of lading document.
- field – The date when the ocean bill of lading was issued.
drop-down – The state of the motor carrier bills of lading:
- Draft – The transaction is in the draft state.
- Submit – The transaction has been created.
- Processing – The application is getting ready to handle incoming transactions by doing some initial tasks, such as copying the files it receives.
- Processed – The application changes the standard information into a format that is easy to use and specific to your transaction.
- Preparing to Send – The application is getting ready to send out a transaction and is doing some initial tasks, like copying the necessary information for the process.
- Sending –The application sends out business transactions to the buyer or supplier.
- Sent – The transaction is successfully completed and shared with the receiving party.
- type-ahead – Displays only if the menu item is Sent Motor Carrier Bills Of Lading in Transportation - Shipper. The name of the company the motor carrier bill of lading was sent to.
If the name of the company is not present in the Owners master data then the company's name must be entered manually. - type-ahead – Displays only if the menu item is Received Motor Carrier Bills Of Lading in Transportation - Carrier. The name of the company the motor carrier bill of lading was received from.
If the name of the company is not present in the Owner's master data then the company's name must be entered manually. - drop-down – The period of time in which the motor carrier bills of lading was last updated:
- Today – The transaction was modified within the last few hours.
- Yesterday – The transaction was updated within the past 24 hours.
- Last Week – The transaction was modified in the last 7 days.
- Last Month – The transaction was modified in the last 30 days.
- Last 3 Months – The transaction was modified in the last 90 days.
- Last 6 Months – The transaction was modified in the last 180 days.
- Custom Range – Select a specific period of time that the transaction was modified in from the calendar.
-
Select .
A list of motor carrier bills of ladings displays based on the filter results.
-
Select the link for the motor carrier bills of lading from the results table.
The View Motor Carrier Bills Of Lading screen displays.
-
To view all fields for each line item, select the View
icon on the Details screen.
Reprocess and Resubmit motor carrier bills of lading
After the motor carrier bill of lading is submitted, the user might encounter an error and the processed status will be set to Paused With Error. Use the following procedure to resolve any error messages encountered while submitting a motor carrier bill of lading.
- Select the Main Menu
icon. - Select in the header.
- Select a [MPL Network] from the drop-down in the header.
- Select a (e.g. your entire company or a Link to a specific Partner or internal location) in the header.
- Select the button.
- Select from the left menu.
Partners must have the correct roles assigned if using the Owner's instance of Multienterprise Information Network Tower. -
Select .
- Select the Filter button to find the motor carrier bill of lading in Processing, Processed, Preparing to Send, or Sending state.
- Select the link in the results table.
- View the following fields for error in the Transaction Information section:
- Process Status - Displays the status of the submitted transaction.
- Last Transaction Error - Displays the error message.
- Select the button..
- In the Transaction Information section, select Submitted from the drop drown.
- Select the button.
The motor carrier bill of lading request is moved from Processing state to Sending state indicating that the motor carrier bill of lading is submitted successfully.
Do not select the button, as it will cause the transaction to skip a workflow state, preventing successful delivery.
If a transaction is successfully sent to a partner but an issue occurs on the partner's side (e.g. in their ERP system), the sender can avoid re-entering all the details by rolling back to a previous workflow state and resending the transaction, thus saving time and effort for both parties.
- Select the Main Menu
icon. - Select in the header.
- Select a [MPL Network] from the drop-down in the header.
- Select a (e.g. your entire company or a Link to a specific Partner or internal location) in the header.
- Select the button.
- Select from the left menu.
Partners must have the correct roles assigned if using the Owner's instance of Multienterprise Information Network Tower. -
Select .
- Select a in Sent state.
-
Select the button.
The state of the motor carrier bill of lading is automatically moved to Sending state. -
Select the button at the top of the screen.
The submit status indicator circle is filled in with green to indicate the desired action upon selecting save.
-
Select the button.
The motor carrier bills of lading is submitted.
The statues of the motor carrier bill of lading moves to Sent state.
