Table of contents
The Ocean Shipment Booking Request, also known as a Reservation Request, is an electronic transaction used to initiate the process of securing transportation space with an ocean carrier, freight forwarder, or inter-modal provider. It serves as the digital equivalent of a booking form, allowing shippers and their logistics partners to request vessel or transport space for upcoming shipments. This transaction belongs to the ANSI ASC X12 EDI standard and is widely implemented across the maritime and intermodal logistics industry, particularly for containerized freight operations.
For more information about Ocean shipment booking request guidelines, see Ocean shipment booking request transactions.
Create and submit ocean shipment booking requests
Perform this task to create and submit new ocean shipment booking request. Additionally, carrier can begin work on a booking requests 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 New
button. - Enter the ocean shipment booking request number in the field.
-
Select the Save
button.The screen refreshes with the saved ocean shipment booking request in the draft state and with the required sections populated.
-
Select the Edit
button. - In the Transaction Information section, select Submitted from the drop drown.
- In the Booking Request Information section fill in the following fields:
- field – The unique identifier for the ocean shipment booking request.
This field auto populates the value entered New Ocean Shipment Booking Request screen. - field – The date when the transaction set has been created or being sent.
- field – A unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a transportation company (carrier) that moves goods via ocean, air, rail, or road.
- drop-down – Specifies how the freight charges for a shipment are paid.
- drop-down – The code specifying status of the booking request.
- field – The estimated date and time when the ship is expected to leave.
- field – The specific date by which a shipment must leave the shipping location to meet the expected delivery time line.
- drop-down – The type of transportation method used.
- field – The types of services rendered and respective charges billed by the carrier.
- switch – Indicates whether shipment should be prioritized or not. . Valid values are:
true - Yes, it is priority
false - No, not required to be prioritized
- field – The level of priority assigned to the shipment. The value ranges from 1 to 9, where 1 indicates the highest priority and 9 indicates the lowest.
- switch –Indicates the code specifying partial load allowed. . Valid values are:
true - Partial load allowed
false - Partial load not allowed
- drop-down – The reference number assigned by a shipper, while booking a shipment.
- drop-down – A brief description stating the purpose of the transaction.
- field – The unique identifier for the ocean shipment booking request.
- In the Contacts and Authorization Information section, select the Add
icon:In the New Contacts And Authorization Details panel, fill in the following fields under Contacts And Authorization Details:
- drop-down – The type of the contact.
- field – The name of the contact.
- field – The title of the contact.
- field – The phone number of the contact.
- field – The email id of the contact.
- drop-down – The personal authorized for shipment booking.
- field - Name or code of authority for authorizing action or reservation.
- field - The date when the shipment is officially approved to move forward.
- Select .
The new contacts and authorization details line item is added.
- In the Reference Transactions section, select the Add
icon.- In the New Reference Transaction panel, fill in the following fields under Reference Transactions:
- 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.
- Select .
The new reference transaction line item is added to the transaction reference table.
- In the New Reference Transaction panel, fill in the following fields under Reference Transactions:
- In the Container Booking Details section, select the Add
icon.- In the New Container Booking Details panel, fill in the following fields under Container Booking Details:
- field – A unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a transportation company (carrier) that moves goods via ocean, air, rail, or road.
- drop-down – The type of transportation method used.
- drop-down – The mode or level of transportation service used to move goods.
- drop-down – The specific kind or category of transportation equipment used to move goods.
- drop-down – The type of container equipment requested.
- field – The number of shipping containers.
- field - The code indicating container terms reference.
- drop-down - The properties related to equipment required while booking a shipment.
- drop-down - The equipment vent adjustment code.
- field - The humidity percent.
- field - The descriptive information about environment required for item.
- drop-down - The type of temperature follow while shipment.
- field - The temperature value setting expressed in degrees.
- drop-down - The temperature unit of measure.
- Select .
The new reference transaction line item is added to the transaction reference table.
- In the New Container Booking Details panel, fill in the following fields under Container Booking Details:
- In the Transport Leg Details section, select the Add
icon.- In the New Carrier Transport Leg Details panel, fill in the following fields under Carrier Transport Leg Details:
- drop-down – The code identifying sequence of carriers in shipment, beginning with the original carrier.
- drop-down – The type of transportation method used.
- field – A unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a transportation company (carrier) that moves goods via ocean, air, rail, or road.
- field – The current status or step of the shipment in the carrier’s process or work flow.
- field – The station or city name at which carriers interchange shipments.
- drop-down – The type of transport service requested and respective charges billed by the carrier.
- field – The sender preference code.
- field – The official name of the vessel as registered with maritime authorities.
- drop-down – The country in which a shipping vessel is officially registered.
- field – The code assigned to a specific vessel journey that transports goods between ports.
- field – The means of transport identifier given by code list agency, in this case Lloyd's number.
- drop-down – The code handling instructions or requirements for a shipment or product.
- field – A brief description that provides detailed handling instructions for a shipment or product.
- field – Specifies perishable protective service - rail carriers only
- field – A code that defines container vent settings during transport to ensure airflow and protect cargo.
- drop-down – A code that defines the tariff or rate category assigned to a product or service for trade, billing, or customs.
- Select .
The carrier transport leg details line item is added. - Select a carrier transport leg details line row and then select the branch
icon and fill in the following fields under Cargo Movement Port Details:- drop-down – A standardized code that specifies the role or function of a port or terminal.
- drop-down – A standardized code that identifies a specific location related to the ocean shipment.
- field – The unique code or number used to identify a specific location associated with the ocean shipment.
- field – The official name of the port where the shipment is loaded, unloaded, or transferred.
- drop-down – The name of the country in which a physical port—such as a seaport, airport, or land border terminal—is located.
- field – The official name of the terminal where the shipment is handled.
- field – The designated pier or dock location at the port where the shipment is to be delivered or received.
- field – The state or region for this location.
- field – A code that tells which list or standard the location code comes from.
- field – A code that identifies the organization or agency responsible for creating or maintaining the location code list.
- field – The expected date and time when the shipment is planned to leave its origin.
- field – The expected date and time when the shipment is planned to reach its destination.
- drop-down – The type of referenced transaction.
- field – The value of the referenced transaction.
- Select .
The cargo movement port details line item is added.
- In the New Carrier Transport Leg Details panel, fill in the following fields under Carrier Transport Leg Details:
- In the Shipper and Carrier section, fill in the following fields under Shipper group:
- type-ahead field – The name of the company sending the ocean shipment booking request. 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
- drop-down – The identifier type used for this company or location.
- field – The value associated with the identifier type.
- type-ahead field – The name of the company sending the ocean shipment booking request. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
- In the Shipper and Carrier section, fill in the following fields under Carrier group:
- type-ahead field – The name of the company receiving the ocean shipment booking request.. 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
- drop-down – The identifier type used for this company or location.
- field – The value associated with the identifier type.
- type-ahead field – The name of the company receiving the ocean shipment booking request.. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
- In the Consignee and Notify Party section, fill in the following fields under Consignee group:
- type-ahead field – The name of the company receiving the ocean shipment booking request. 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
- drop-down – The identifier type used for this company or location.
- field – The value associated with the identifier type.
- type-ahead field – The name of the company receiving the ocean shipment booking request. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
- In the Consignee and Notify Party section, fill in the following fields under Notify Party group:
- type-ahead field – The name of the company sending the ocean shipment booking request. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
The remaining Notify Party 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
- drop-down – The identifier type used for this company or location.
- field – The value associated with the identifier type.
- type-ahead field – The name of the company sending the ocean shipment booking request. This field pulls from the Owner's company and location master data.
- In the Equipment Details section, select the Add
icon. - In the New Equipment Item Details panel, fill in the following fields under Equipment Item Details:
- field – The number to identify the line item by (e.g. 50).
- field – A unique set of letters that identifies the owner or operator of shipping equipment.
- field – A unique alphanumeric code assigned to a specific piece of transport equipment.
- field – A numerical digit used to validate the accuracy of an identification number.
- field – A standardized code, used to identify the type and size of inter-modal containers and other transport equipment.
- field – A unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a transportation company (carrier) that moves goods via ocean, air, rail, or road.
- drop-down – The specific kind or category of transportation equipment used to move goods.
- drop-down – The type of weight recorded in shipment.
- drop-down – The unit type of weight value at delivery.
- field – The value of weight at delivery.
- drop-down – The type of volume recorded in shipment.
- field – The value of volume recorded in shipment.
- field – Additional information about the line item being added.
- drop-down – The category of temperature condition applied to a product, package, or shipment.
- field – Descriptive information about environment required in refrigerated container when other then normal air required.
- field – The specific temperature value at which storage or transportation equipment is configured to maintain goods.
- drop-down – The unit of measurement used to express temperature values.
- drop-down – The configuration of a container’s ventilation system that controls airflow during transportation.
- field – The percentage of relative humidity required or recorded for storing or transporting goods.
- Select .
The equipment item details line item is added. - Select a equipment item details line row and then select the branch
icon and fill in the following fields under Equipment Additional Details:- drop-down – The category or format of the reference used to identify a related transaction.
- field – The unique value used to identify a related transaction based on the specified transaction reference type.
- drop-down – Specifies the dates associated with shipment events recorded at the port.
- field – Specifies the actual date associated with the selected Date Type.
- drop-down – The classification of the physical packaging level for the product or shipment object.
- field – The numerical measurement associated with the selected dimension type.
- drop-down – The unit of measure used for the corresponding dimension value.
- Select .
The equipment additional details line item is added. - Select the equipment item details line row drop down to view the equipment additional details information in a table.
-
In the Item Details section, select the Add
icon.-
In the New Special Handling Item Details panel, fill in the following fields under Special Handling Item Details:
-
field – The number to identify the line item by (e.g. 50).
- field – The sequential line number for freight invoice item.
- field – A brief description of an item as required for rating and billing purposes.
- field – The unique code used to classify goods for trade, customs, and regulatory purposes.
- drop-down – The type of system used to assign a commodity code to goods for trade, customs, or regulatory purposes.
- field – The total number of packages included in the shipment.
- drop-down – The unit used to quantify the contents of a package.
- field – The weight (mass) of goods including packing but excluding the carrier's equipment.
- drop-down – The unit of measure for the measurement type and value recorded.
- field – The total space occupied by the shipment.
- drop-down – The unit used to measure the shipment volume (for example, cubic meters or cubic feet).
- field – The length of the shipment package or container.
- field – The width of the shipment package or container.
- field – The height of the shipment package or container.
- drop-down – The unit used to measure the shipment’s dimensions.
- field – The numerical measurement associated with a particular dimension of a physical object, such as length, width, or height.
- drop-down – The code handling instructions or requirements for a shipment or product.
- field – A brief description that provides detailed handling instructions for a shipment or product.
- field – A code that defines the protective service required for a shipment to ensure security, safety, or special handling.
- field – A code that defines container vent settings during transport to ensure airflow and protect cargo.
- drop-down – A code that defines the tariff or rate category assigned to a product or service for trade, billing, or customs.
- field – Additional information about the line item being added.
-
-
Select .
The special handling item details is added.
-
-
In the Item Temperature And Dangerous Goods Details section, select the Add
icon. Select a item line row and then select the branch
icon and fill in the following fields under Item Temperature And Dangerous Goods Details:-
In the New Item Temperature And Dangerous Goods Details panel, fill in the following fields under Item Temperature And Dangerous Goods Details:
-
field – The number to identify the line item by (e.g. 50).
- field – The code or value used to classify a material as hazardous or regulated under applicable transportation or safety regulations.
- field – Specifies the kind of hazard can be generated by a material.
- field – Indicates the degree of danger presented by hazardous materials, as defined by regulatory authorities
- field – The UN proper shipping name derived from the mandatory UN code. If supplied, this value shall correspond to the proper shipping name stored for the provided UN code.
- field – The phone number and name of person or department to contact in case of emergency
- field – Temperature value indicating the flashpoint of the goods, expressed in the unit of measure defined for temperature. Applicable only for dangerous goods of type “IMDG.”
- drop-down – The specific classification of hazardous material based on internationally recognized standards such as the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
- drop-down – The category of temperature condition applied to a product, package, or shipment.
- field – The specific temperature value at which storage or transportation equipment is configured to maintain goods.
- drop-down – The unit of measurement used to express temperature values.
- field – The percentage of relative humidity required or recorded for storing or transporting goods.
- drop-down – The unit in which the line item is measured.
-
- Select .
The item temperature and dangerous goods details line item is added. - Select the item temperature and dangerous goods details row drop down to view the item temperature and dangerous goods details information in a table.
- Select a item temperature and dangerous goods details line row and then select the branch
icon and fill in the following fields under Dangerous Goods Additional Details:- field – A brief description including material name, special instructions, and phone number if any.
- field – A description of hazardous material classification or division or label requirements.
- drop-down – The type of quantity recorded.
- field – The quantity of product at line item level.
- drop-down – The quantity unit of measure in master data for dangerous goods.
- Select .
The dangerous goods additional details line item is added. - Select the item temperature and dangerous goods details information line row drop down to view the dangerous goods additional details information in a table.
-
- In the Notes section, select the Add
icon to enter any additional comments or instructions. - To submit the ocean shipment booking request:
To save the ocean shipment booking request in a Draft state and finish it later, ensure the button is not selected and then select the Save
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 Save
button.The ocean shipment booking request 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 ocean shipment booking requests can also be created by selecting the New
button on the Ocean Shipment Booking Requests Details screen for an existing ocean shipment booking request.
Complete and submit a saved ocean shipment booking request 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 ocean shipment booking requests in Draft state. -
Select the link in the results table.
-
Select the Edit
button. - In the Transaction Information section, select Submitted from the drop drown.
- Confirm the ocean shipment booking request 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 Save
button.The ocean shipment booking request is submitted.
Tips
- Select the ocean shipment booking request number row and then select the Delete
icon on the top of the Search Ocean Shipment Booking Request screen, to delete the ocean shipment booking request in draft state.
A deleted transaction cannot be retrieved.
Search and view ocean shipment booking requests
Perform this task to search for and view the details of the ocean shipment booking requests sent or received by shippers and carriers. Viewing the details of a ocean shipment booking requests 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 Filter
button. - Fill in one or more of the following fields to filter the results:
- field – The unique identifier for the ocean shipment booking request.
- field – The date when the transaction set has been created or being sent.
drop-down – The state of the ocean shipment booking request:
- 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 Ocean Shipment Booking Requests in Transportation - Carrier. The name of the company the ocean shipment booking request 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 Ocean Shipment Booking Requests in Transportation - Shipper. The name of the company the ocean shipment booking request 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 ocean shipment booking request 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 ocean shipment booking requests displays based on the filter results.
-
Select the link for the ocean shipment booking request from the results table.
The View Ocean Shipment Booking Requests screen displays.
-
To view all fields for each line item, select the View
icon on the Details screen.
Reprocess and Resubmit ocean shipment booking requests
After the ocean shipment booking request 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 ocean shipment booking request.
- 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 ocean shipment booking request 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 Edit
button.. - In the Transaction Information section, select Submitted from the drop drown.
- Select the Save
button.
The ocean shipment booking request request is moved from Processing state to Sending state indicating that the ocean shipment booking request 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 Edit
button.
The state of the ocean shipment booking request 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 Save
button.The ocean shipment booking request is submitted.
The statues of the ocean shipment booking request moves to Sent state.