Why EDI 210 is Essential for Freight Carriers and Commercial Truckers?
In the world of business transactions, EDI 210 is referred to as Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice transaction set, used by freight carriers and commercial truckers. It replaces paper invoices and is sent by commercial carrier to a shipper, third party payment center, consignee for communicating billing details that are related to a freight shipment. EDI 210 transaction set provides an electronic replacement for mail, email invoices and fax.
On receiving EDI 210 documents, the shipper will reply back with an EDI 997 Functional Acknowledgement. It will acknowledge the receiving of the invoice sent by the shipper to the carrier. Subsequently, the shipper will send the invoice to his accounting department and will schedule payment, as per agreed terms.
EDI 210 Format
The format of the EDI 210 transaction set works on the x12 format set, which is proposed, formulated and regulated by American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The format of EDI 210 provides the following important information and they are: –
- Assigned number, Invoice Number and Invoice Date
- Information of Order which includes items, weights and quantities
- Terms of Payment
- Shipment Methods
- Name of Shipper and Address Information
- Name of Carrier and Information
- Delivery Details
- Proof of Delivery
- Details of Route
- Freight and Accessorial Charges
- Total Amount Due
Advantages of Using EDI 210
Like all EDI documents, EDI 210 documents are safeguarded by elements such as in-transit encryption, FTPs or HTTPS protocols, and multi-factor authentication, for portals that acknowledge EDI software and documents. In this way, the crucial and sensitive business information and data remain safe and secure than fax documents, email or paper.
By using the mode of EDI 210 documents, the billing process can become effective and quicker for carriers which allows them to quickly get familiar with their shipments. Similarly, for the benefit of shippers, EDI 210 provides a transparent, consistent and precise view of charges that prevents issues like invoice discrepancies and improves visibility in outstanding payables. Furthermore, the automation of sending and receiving EDI 210 can help trading partners in enhancing communications between them and restructure supply chain processes in a more efficient way.
EDI 210 Specification
EDI 210 transaction set comprises of format and creates and generates the data contents of the Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice Transaction Set (210) for use contained by the context of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) environment. This transaction set can be productively used to provide detailed information of service charges submitted by a motor carrier. EDI 210 can be used for information details concerning motor freight shipment charges or motor carrier invoices to request payment.
EDI 210 implementation guide
In business transactions, whenever freight is carried out by the receipt of Shipping of Instructions (a bill of lading), a charge for the transportation gets generated and is sent in the form of an invoice. This document will explain the ways of receiving an invoice by using the mode of EDI. It should be noted that this process does not process invoices for any ancillary or any type of ancillary charges. By using the e-bill service tool, these invoices can be made available.
Types of Invoices available in these transactions
There are three different types of invoices that are available by using this transaction and they are: –
- Normal Freight Invoice
- Balance Due Invoice (optional)
- Corrected Invoice (optional)
EDI Version & Guidelines
As per the guidelines, this document explains the implementation of EDI 210 Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice using ANSI version 4010. In addition, CN also holds the capability of sending EDI 410 Rail Carrier Freight Details and Invoice ANSI X12 Version 4010.
For each EDI 210 or 410 received, it is mandatory to send an EDI 997 Functional.
Special Format Options
Besides the information given in Mapping or Implementation Guide documents, it becomes accountability of the receiver who desires coding or mapping structure to have essential changes done in their system or through a Value Added Network (VAN).
Connection Options
CN has direct connections with three VAN’s (Value Added Networks) and they are Open Text GXS, Transentric, and Kleinschmidt (KNSX). The interconnection to other VAN’s is also readily available while exchange through secured FTP is free of charge to customers and is available at CN. The invoices which get sent through secured FTP should match EDI 210 Standards.
Message Timing
The freight invoices are created throughout the day. The technically advanced EDI process will gather and collect all invoices for the day and will send them overnight. It works seven days a week. EDI 824 Remittance Advice messages are accepted throughout the day. It helps users can to send it as soon as their process completes the preparation of the file.
Data Requirements of Users
If users have any particular or detailed data requirements then it should be on the invoice so that it can be reconciled with the systems. It is essential that this detailed information should be provided on the Shipping Instructions. It should be noted that requests for any information other than the Bill of Lading Number will not be provided. It will only be provided if the shipper of the goods provides Shipping Information using electronic means.
Implementation process of EDI 210
Do follow these steps: –
- Users should notify EDIMGR@cn.ca that they want to receive Freight Invoices using EDI. The notification message should comprise of user’s full company name and location, Accounts Payable and EDI Technical Contact.
- Next, CN will appoint any of its employees to work with you on the implementation.
- A complete walkthrough and reviewing of the Mapping Guide will be done and this Implementation Guide will make easy to understand data and requirements.
- Users are supposed to define any specific data requirements
- The technical details and issues have to be resolved efficiently. The issues can be of VAN (Value Added Network), receiver or sender ID’s etc
- CN helps and assists a fully functional test system for technological and business validation of the exchange.
If you are looking for EDI 210 implementations for your business, do visit us with your work details at Map My EDI for all the support required as and when your company needs it. Our team is efficient enough to cater to all your needs as per your project, give it a try and you will be able to recognize our expertise to the core!!!
