This document describes shipments of freight by motor carrier, transmitted by shippers, freight forwarders, or their agents to motor carriers, freight brokers, or logistics providers. It is typically sent in response to a freight pickup request or as a standalone notification to formalize a shipment arrangement. The BOL (Beginning Segment for the Motor Carrier Bill of Lading) segment establishes the core shipment identifier and dates, the AT1 (Bill of Lading Line Item Number) segment details individual shipment line items with quantities and descriptions, and the L11 (Business Instructions and Reference Number) segment captures reference numbers and special handling instructions that apply throughout the shipment.

Consider a scenario in which Acme Manufacturing ships machine components to Turner Distribution. Acme’s logistics coordinator sends a 211 to Atlas Motor Carriers via EDI, providing the BOL number, pickup date, and destination address in the heading section. In the detail section, Atlas receives multiple AT1 line items specifying pallets of components, their weights, and handling requirements. If any items are hazardous—such as lubricating fluid—the 211 includes nested hazard information through the LH1 (Hazardous Identification Information) segment and related hazard classification details, ensuring Atlas has all regulatory data before accepting the shipment. The carrier acknowledges receipt and uses this data to plan routing, assign equipment, and prepare documentation.