Railroad carriers use the 453 transaction set to communicate service commitments to shippers, receivers, freight forwarders, and other rail industry partners. Typically sent in response to a service inquiry or request, this transaction advises recipients of the specific transportation services available for particular routes and commodities. The SSC (Beginning Segment for Service Commitment Advice) segment initiates the commitment details, while the DTP (Date or Time or Period) segment specifies when the commitment is effective. The R2 (Route Information) and PR (Product/Commodity) segments further define the scope of the commitment, identifying the rail route and the types of goods eligible for the described service.

For example, Union Pacific might send a 453 to automotive supplier Magna International confirming rail service availability for transporting stamped steel parts from their Indianapolis plant to a manufacturing facility in Michigan. The commitment would specify the committed schedule frequency, route details via Chicago, applicable car types (flat cars, enclosed cars), and any special handling restrictions for the shipment. By providing this formal service commitment, Union Pacific establishes clear expectations about service levels, enabling Magna International to plan production logistics and coordinate with their internal distribution network with confidence.