You know that satisfying moment when you receive a notification saying your package is out for delivery? That tracking update happens thanks to behind-the-scenes tech that businesses rely on to move goods efficiently and keep customers in the loop. And making it all possible is a digital document called the EDI 214.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the EDI 214 is, how it works, and why it matters in commercial transportation and logistics. We’ll also share practical tips for using it more effectively in your daily operations.
EDI 214: Definition and Real-World Applications
The EDI 214 — also known as the Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message — is one of many Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transactions that trading partners use to exchange information in a standardized digital format. This particular transaction allows transportation providers, such as motor carriers and freight companies, to communicate the real-time status of shipments to both shippers (senders) and consignees (receivers).
Each EDI 214 message includes important shipment details like pickup and delivery confirmations, delay notifications, and overall delivery status. It also contains key data points like timestamps, status codes, bill of lading numbers, purchase order references, and Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCACs) that identify the carrier. These updates follow standardized EDI 214 status code lists so different systems can interpret and process them easily and consistently.
Because all 214s follow the same format, different platforms and partners can read and process them the same way. Shippers, carriers, 3PLs, and receivers can share real-time updates reliably — no matter which internal systems they use.
And because the EDI 214 is fully digitized and automated, it eliminates the need for phone calls or emails to confirm delivery details. That automation improves visibility, reduces errors, and streamlines operations across the supply chain.
The EDI 214 Specification, Format, and Elements
The EDI 214 follows the ANSI X12 specification, a widely used North American standard for formatting and exchanging EDI documents. In logistics, it ensures shipment status updates — like location, timing, and delivery details — follow a consistent format so carriers, shippers, and receivers can process them without compatibility issues.
All EDI 214 files include segments, which act like building blocks. In each segment are data elements with specific details, such as shipment ID numbers, event timestamps, and location codes. Together, these segments and elements create a structured message that EDI systems can interpret and respond to automatically.
Sample EDI 214 Document
Here’s an example of an EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message. While it may appear technical, every element plays an important role in building a clear, complete update about a shipment’s progress:
ISA*00* *00* *ZZ*SENDERID *ZZ*RECEIVERID *240429*1200*U*00401*000000905*0*T*>~
GS*QM*SENDERID*RECEIVERID*20250429*1200*905*X*004010~
ST*214*0001~
B10*1234567890*SHIP12345*SCAC~
L11*PO12345*PO~
N1*CN*Consignee Name*92*12345~
N1*SH*Shipper Name*92*67890~
AT7*X1*NS***20250428*0800*LT~
MS1*City Name*ST*12345*US~
MS2*SCAC*123456*Truck~
SE*10*0001~
GE*1*905~
IEA*1*000000905~
Key Data Elements and Segments
Using the above sample, here’s a breakdown of the elements of a typical EDI 214 Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message:
ISA (Interchange Control)
The Interchange Control header segment initiates the message and includes routing details like sender and receiver IDs and the transmission date and time. It ensures that systems receiving the file can interpret the data using the correct X12 formatting rules.
GS (Functional Group)
The Functional Group header segments define the group of related transactions. In this case, the group contains shipment status updates. It includes sender and receiver IDs, timestamps, and a control number that pairs with the closing GE segment (more on that below).
ST (Transaction Set)
The Transaction Set header marks the start of an individual 214 transaction. It identifies the transaction type and assigns a control number that verifies the structure at the end of the set.
B10 (Beginning Segment for Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message)
This is the Beginning Segment for Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message segment. It ties the message to a specific shipment using tracking identifiers such as the bill of lading number and shipper-assigned reference codes.
L11 (Business Instructions and Reference Number)
The Business Instructions and Reference Number segment includes references like purchase order numbers or other supplemental IDs that help shippers and consignees align the update with internal records.
N1, N3, N4 (Party Identification and Address Details)
These segments identify the key parties involved in the shipment and their addresses. The N1 segment names the organization — typically the shipper or consignee — and uses qualifier codes (like SH for shipper or CN for consignee) to specify their roles. The N3 segment includes the street address, and the N4 segment provides the city, state, postal code, and country. They give carriers the precise location data needed for pickups, deliveries, and status updates.
AT7 (Shipment Status Details)
The Shipment Status Details segment conveys the status of the shipment—such as in transit, delivered, or delayed. It may also include a reason or exception code when applicable.
G62 (Date/Time Information)
The Date/Time Information segment logs critical timestamps, such as pickup time, estimated delivery windows, or when the shipment was last scanned at a terminal or checkpoint.
MS1 / MS2 (Location and Transport Details)
The 214 contains two (Location and Transport Details segments, one for physical location information, including city, state, and postal code (MS1), and another for equipment and carrier identifiers, such as SCAC codes and vehicle numbers (MS2).
SE (Transaction Set Trailer)
The Transaction Set trailer closes out the 214 transaction and includes the number of segments contained within it. It pairs with the ST segment to verify the integrity of the transaction set.
GE (Functional Group Trailer)
The Functional Group trailer finalizes the transaction group that the GS segment initiated. It includes a control number and the count of transaction sets within the group.
IEA (Interchange Control Trailer)
IEA ends the overall EDI file and references the initial ISA segment. It confirms that the entire transmission was completed and helps validate that all included transactions were delivered.
Benefits of the EDI 214
Using EDI 214 in your shipping and logistics operations offers several practical benefits. Here are some of the most significant:
Improved Invoice Validation
Because the EDI 214 reports shipment details, timestamps, and delivery conditions automatically, it’s easier to match invoices with actual delivery data. This reduces the need for manual checks and lowers the chance of disputes.
Carrier Performance Evaluation
Wondering which carriers are the most reliable? Consistent EDI 214 data allows businesses to track how often shipments are late, damaged, or delayed. This helps evaluate carrier performance over time.
Reduced Invoicing Errors
Manually entering shipping data often causes errors. Automated status updates reduce those mistakes, making the invoicing process more accurate.
Streamlined Payments
Faster, more accurate delivery updates lead to quicker invoice processing. Businesses can issue payments with confidence, knowing the shipment arrived as expected.
Improved Logistics Process Visibility
The EDI 214 provides real-time visibility into shipment location and status, which allows you to adjust routes or schedules when needed.
Enhanced Communication
No more chasing updates through emails or phone calls. The EDI 214 creates a consistent communication channel between the shipper, carrier, and consignee.
Better Planning
With up-to-date status reports and delivery windows, warehouse teams can better prepare for incoming goods, reducing congestion, minimizing wait times, and keeping supply chain operations on track.
Common EDI 214 Issues
While EDI 214 improves visibility and coordination in shipping, companies may encounter a few challenges when setting it up or relying on it for updates. Here are the most common problems — and practical ways to address them:
Data Inaccuracies
A carrier sending the wrong date, time, or status code can cause confusion or even lead to invoice rejections. Make sure you and all your trading partners regularly test your EDI systems and pull tracking data from accurate, reliable sources like vehicle GPS or dispatch software.
Timeliness of Updates
Sometimes, shipment updates go out late — or they don’t go out at all. That creates planning issues, delays payments, and makes it harder to track carrier performance. Set clear service level agreements (SLAs) with all trading partners to avoid these gaps. Define exactly how and when each party should send information so nothing falls through the cracks.
Incorrect Reason Codes
The AT7 segment lists status codes that explain delays. If any code is incorrect, it can give the wrong reason or timing for the shipment delay — and that can throw off reports, create billing or compliance issues, and cause confusion all around. Training your staff and regularly auditing your EDI transactions allows you to catch these issues early, while using an EDI-managed service like Orderful helps prevent them altogether.
Shipper Workflow Discrepancies
If your warehouse management system (WMS) isn’t in sync with how your EDI platform logs shipment updates, it can throw off your internal records. A delivery might show as complete in EDI, even though nothing has arrived. Linking both systems helps ensure data is accurate and makes it easier to catch errors before they lead to bigger problems.
Talk to an EDI Expert
If you’re a shipper, carrier, or consignee looking to optimize your operations, using the 214 and other EDI documents as part of a modern EDI solution is a great place to start. It’s reliable, widely adopted, and designed to save resources.
Want to make the EDI 214 part of your workflow — or improve how you’re already using it? Connect with an EDI expert to see how choosing the right platform can make your shipping process faster, smarter, and more transparent from start to finish.