Shipping Instructions (304) is a transaction set used to communicate detailed instructions for preparing and moving a shipment from origin to destination. Shippers, freight forwarders, or supply chain coordinators send these instructions to carriers, warehouse operators, or logistics service providers. The transaction set carries information in the mandatory B2 (Beginning Segment for Shipment Information Transaction) segment and uses the N1 loop to identify parties involved (such as shipper, consignee, and notify parties) and the R4 loop to specify routing details, ports, and special handling requirements across multiple legs of the journey.

For example, Precision Electronics might send a 304 transaction to GlobalLogistics Inc. to instruct them on shipping a container of circuit boards from their manufacturing facility in Taiwan to a distribution center in Los Angeles. The transmission specifies that the shipment comprises hazardous materials requiring certification, includes the consignee’s address through N1 segments, defines the port of origin and destination in R4 segments, and outlines special handling and marking instructions. The detailed equipment and container information in the N7 loop identifies the specific container number and seal numbers, while the L5 segments provide description and marking details, ensuring the carrier has complete instructions before the goods arrive for pickup.