There’s nothing fun about a driver showing up only to find the shipment isn’t ready — or worse, no one knows what they came for. It creates headaches for everyone involved, including the shipper, the carrier, and the team waiting at the destination.
The EDI 215 takes the guesswork out of shipment coordination. Also known as the Motor Carrier Pickup Manifest, the EDI 215 is an electronic document that gives carriers all the information they need to complete a pickup without confusion. It’s a simple yet effective way to share key details — what the driver is picking up, where, and when — so drivers aren’t left guessing — and operations stay on schedule.
With the EDI 215, everything’s streamlined: less back-and-forth, fewer errors, and a faster, more reliable shipment process.
What’s the EDI 215?
The EDI 215, or Motor Carrier Pickup Manifest, is an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) document used to communicate detailed shipment information to a motor carrier. It’s part of the X12 EDI standard and is specifically designed to provide carriers with a digital manifest so that they have clear instructions about the shipment details, timing, and pickup location.
This transaction set includes pickup addresses, consignee locations, carton counts, weights, and special handling instructions. It also provides reference numbers, freight details, and contact information to reduce confusion and streamline logistics.
As part of a suite of transportation-related EDI transactions, the EDI 215 specification organizes this data into structured segments. This format reduces manual entry, minimizes the risk of errors, and supports better integration with 3PL EDI platforms and vendors.
Unlike the EDI 211, which provides the carrier with detailed shipment information and serves as the Motor Carrier Bill of Lading (more on how the EDI 215 and EDI 211 differ below), the EDI 215 focuses on readiness. It essentially tells the carrier, “Here’s what’s ready to go,” giving everyone a clear picture and making it easier to automate communication across the supply chain.
The EDI 215 Specification, Format, and Elements
Logistics runs on timing and clarity, and the EDI 215 delivers both. As part of the ANSI X12 standard for Electronic Data Interchange, the EDI 215 Motor Carrier Pickup Manifest brings structure and speed to the pickup process. Instead of juggling phone calls and emails, shippers and carriers can rely on a standardized digital document to communicate all the important shipment details.
Each EDI 215 transaction is organized into segments and data elements that collectively tell the story of a load. The goal is to simplify coordination and make pickups more efficient.
Sample EDI 215 Document
ISA*00* *00* *ZZ*SENDERID *ZZ*RECEIVERID *240415*1500*U*00401*000000123*0*P*>
GS*SM*SENDERID*RECEIVERID*20250415*1500*123*X*004010
ST*215*0001
B2*XYZC*123456*20250415*PP**TL
L11*PO123456*PO
N1*SH*ABC DISTRIBUTION CENTER
N3*123 SHIPPER AVE
N4*DALLAS*TX*75201
N1*CN*XYZ RETAIL STORES
N3*789 RECEIVER BLVD
N4*HOUSTON*TX*77002
LX*1
L5*Widgets - Model X
AT7*AF*NS***20250416*0830*CT
N7*TRLR123456*53*FT
L3*1000*LB*10*CT
LH1*FRAGILE GOODS
LH2*Handle with care
SE*15*0001
GE*1*123
IEA*1*000000123
Key Data Elements and Segments
Using the above sample EDI 215 document, let’s break down some of the most pertinent sections in the EDI 215 format:
ST (Transaction Set Header)
This segment begins the EDI 215 transaction and includes the control number, which is used to identify and track the document through internal systems.
B2 (Beginning Segment for Shipping Information)
B2 provides the core shipment details — including the carrier ID, shipment dates, and bill of lading number — establishing the foundation for the pickup manifest.
L11 (Reference Information)
The L11 segment contains important reference numbers, such as purchase orders or shipment identifiers. These help link the pickup manifest to broader order and logistics systems.
N1, N3, N4 (Pickup Details)
These segments work together to identify the involved party and provide complete address details. The N1 segment names the entity — such as the shipper, consignee, or carrier — while N3 includes the street address, and N4 supplies the city, state, ZIP code, and country. Together, they ensure the carrier has accurate location data and knows exactly where to go and who to coordinate with.
LX, L5, AT7 (Cargo and Status Information)
These segments collectively describe the shipment and its current status.
The LX segment initiates a new loop of load-specific data, with each loop representing an individual handling unit or shipment.
L5 follows with a plain-language description of the cargo — whether it’s cartons, pallets, or other goods.
Finally, AT7 provides real-time status details, indicating whether the freight has been picked up, is en route, or has encountered a delay.
N7 (Equipment Details)
N7 tells the carrier what equipment, such as the trailer type or container, they need to move the freight.
L3 (Weight and Charges)
L3 provides critical shipment metrics like total weight, volume, and quantity, which are essential for load planning and cost calculation.
LH1, LH2 (Special Handling Instructions)
These segments provide critical information about shipments that require special care. LH1 identifies whether the freight is hazardous, fragile, or needs special handling, while LH2 adds further classification details — including regulatory codes or additional handling instructions — to ensure proper and compliant transport.
SE, GE, IEA (Footer Segment)
These segments wrap up the EDI 215 transaction at different structural levels.
The SE segment closes the individual transaction set by confirming the total number of segments and signaling completion.
GE ends the functional group that may contain multiple related transactions, helping systems process them as a unit.
Finally, IEA finalizes the entire EDI interchange, confirming that all data has been transmitted and is ready for system-level validation.
Benefits of the EDI 215
Whether you’re a shipper, carrier, or working with a 3PL, adopting this Electronic Data Interchange document delivers benefits that ripple throughout your supply chain.
Improved Coordination
A clear manifest sent via EDI communication ensures that everyone — from the warehouse to the motor carrier — is aligned. The EDI 215 transaction set includes all the critical details about the shipment, reducing confusion and helping prevent missed or delayed pickups.
Enhanced Accuracy
Manual entry errors are one of the leading causes of shipping issues. The EDI 215 ensures consistent data formatting, minimizing the risk of mistakes that can throw off the entire process.
Increased Efficiency
Businesses that implement EDI cut down on repetitive, manual tasks. The EDI 215 document automates the flow of shipment information between systems, saving time and allowing staff to focus on more strategic tasks.
Streamlined Shipment Information
The EDI 215’s structured format captures all the essentials, including cargo, weight, pallets, equipment, and special instructions. Because it follows the X12 EDI standard, the data moves seamlessly between partners without delays or mismatches.
Better Visibility
By sending the EDI 215 before the pickup, carriers can better plan routes, avoid overbooking, and coordinate more effectively with consignees and other parties. This transparency improves overall logistics and strengthens the supply chain.
Reduced Costs
Fewer errors, faster communication, and less manual labor lead to lower operational costs. With the right EDI platform, companies can automate workflows and significantly reduce expenses related to shipping documents and corrections.
Faster Communication
With EDI communication protocols, documents don’t get stuck in inboxes or buried in paperwork. The EDI 215 transaction is transmitted in real time, ensuring that critical pickup and shipment info reaches the right people instantly.
EDI 215 vs. EDI 211
While both the EDI 215 and EDI 211 are important EDI transactions within the transportation EDI space, they serve very different purposes — and it's important not to confuse the two.
EDI 215
We’ve already covered that the EDI 215 — the Motor Carrier Pickup Manifest — is an electronic document that helps shippers share detailed pickup information with motor carriers — and that it includes data like shipment descriptions, reference numbers, pickup locations, and any special instructions for handling the load.
While it plays an important role in planning and operational alignment, the EDI 215 isn’t a legally binding document. Its purpose is to inform and prepare, not to serve as a contractual agreement. For companies working to overcome common EDI challenges, integrating documents like the EDI 215 is often part of a broader strategy to automate workflows and improve communication across the supply chain.
EDI 211
Unlike the 215, the EDI 211is a legally binding document. It’s used to officially tender a shipment to a carrier officially, complete with load details, pickup and delivery locations, cargo weights, consignee and vendor information, and more. Once accepted, the EDI 211 becomes the formal contract for the transportation service.
In EDI communication, the EDI 211 is critical for ensuring accountability and enabling accurate payment tracking. It’s often part of a larger EDI implementation strategy alongside other transportation-related documents, such as the EDI 204 (Load Tender), EDI 214 (Shipment Status), and EDI 210 (Invoice). (Note: While the EDI 810 is the standard invoice document across most industries, the EDI 210 is specific to motor carriers and used for freight invoicing.)
To stay efficient and competitive, businesses need to clearly understand the difference between these two documents — and have the right tools to manage both. That means choosing an EDI provider that understands your industry and offers tailored EDI solutions for transportation and logistics companies.
Talk to an EDI Expert
Getting the most out of the EDI 215 starts with knowing how it fits into your logistics strategy and how to make it work seamlessly across your supply chain. Whether your goal is to streamline pickups, reduce manual entry, or improve communication between shippers and carriers, the right guidance can make all the difference.
An experienced EDI expert can help you tackle common EDI implementation challenges and show you how to align with current EDI standards. They’ll help you set up the right EDI communication channels and ensure you use transaction sets like EDI 215 to their full potential.
Curious about other EDI transactions? LearnEDI offers a helpful library of straightforward guides that cover everything from the EDI 811 (Consolidated Service Invoice/Statement) to the EDI 835 (Healthcare Claim Payment/Advice). They explain each document's purpose, structure, and practical uses — helping you confidently grow your EDI capabilities.
Contact an EDI expert today to learn how the EDI 215 and other transaction sets can help you optimize operations and stay ahead in your supply chain.