This transaction set enables ocean carriers to communicate the arrival of shipments to their trading partners. Typically sent by an ocean freight carrier or terminal operator to shippers, consignees, freight forwarders, or customs brokers, the Arrival Notice (Ocean) provides comprehensive details about a vessel’s arrival and the cargo it carries. The transmission is typically sent following or concurrent with a vessel’s actual arrival at port. Key segments include the B3 (Beginning Segment for Carrier’s Invoice), which establishes the shipment reference and carrier information; the Q3 (Arrival Details), which documents the arrival date and related port event specifics; and the V1 (Vessel Identification), which identifies the ship and voyage carrying the cargo.

Consider an example where CMA CGM, a major ocean carrier, sends an Arrival Notice to ABC Logistics after the vessel Antoine completes its trans-Pacific crossing. The transmission includes vessel details via the V1 segment, port information through the R4 loop (specifying the Port of Los Angeles and arrival date/time via DTM), and an itemized list of containers in the LX loop, each with equipment details (N7 segment showing container numbers and types), seal information (M7 segment), and any associated cargo descriptions (L5 segment). ABC Logistics receives this notice and uses it to prepare for cargo pickup, coordinate with customs brokers for clearance, and arrange onward transportation—all before the physical cargo documentation arrives.