This transaction set communicates detailed information about the contents and status of a vessel. It is typically sent by ocean carriers, freight forwarders, or port authorities to shippers, consignees, customs brokers, and other supply chain partners in response to inquiries about vessel operations or shipment status. The B4 (Beginning Segment for Inquiry or Reply) segment establishes whether the transmission is a request or response, while the R4 (Port or Terminal) segment identifies specific port locations associated with the vessel, and the V9 (Event Detail) segment captures operational events affecting the vessel or its cargo.

For example, Port Authority of Singapore might send an X12 109 to DHL Supply Chain detailing the contents and current status of the container ship Pacific Express. The transmission includes multiple R4 segments identifying Singapore’s berth location and subsequent discharge ports in Hong Kong and Shanghai, with DTM (Date/Time Reference) segments marking estimated arrival times at each port. Within the N9 Loop, individual container and bill of lading reference identifications are linked to shipment status via the SG (Shipment Status) segment, allowing DHL to track specific consignments and manage their warehouse receiving operations accordingly.