Freight carriers submit the 859 transaction set to bill customers for transportation services. The sender is typically a carrier or freight forwarder, while receivers are shippers, consignees, or their representatives. The 859 serves as the formal invoice following completion of a freight movement and is often sent in response to shipment completion or receipt of goods. The B3 (Beginning Segment for Carrier’s Invoice) segment establishes the invoice number and date, while the N1 loop identifies parties involved in the transaction such as shipper and consignee. Line-item details are organized within the LX loop, which can repeat up to 999 times to itemize multiple shipments or services within a single invoice.

For example, TransContinental Logistics receives a freight shipment from Midwest Manufacturing and delivers goods to East Coast Retailers. After completing delivery, TransContinental generates an 859 invoice documenting the shipment details. The B3 segment records invoice number 12459 dated January 15. Within the N1 loop, the carrier identifies Midwest Manufacturing as the shipper and East Coast Retailers as the consignee, each with their address information. In the Detail section, an LX loop entry documents the shipment with the L0 segment noting 150 pallets weighing 18,000 pounds, while L1 segments specify line charges for base transportation, fuel surcharge, and handling fees. The L3 summary segment totals all weight and charges, providing East Coast Retailers with a complete invoice for the transportation service.