A Cartage Work Assignment is a transaction used in freight and logistics operations to assign equipment and specify transportation details for cartage services. The motor carrier, freight broker, or transportation coordinator sends this document to the cartage service provider (the receiving party) to authorize and direct the movement of freight. The transaction assigns specific equipment, designates stop-off points with associated party information, and provides billing and handling instructions. Key segments include the SCN (Beginning Segment for Cartage Work Assignment), which initiates the assignment; the PLC (Equipment Placement Information) loop, which specifies which equipment will be used; and the S5 (Stop Off Details) loop, which defines each pickup or delivery location with its associated party information, dates, and special handling requirements.

For example, ABC Logistics receives a Cartage Work Assignment from XYZ Freight Broker directing ABC to use a specific dry van (identified in the N7 segment) to pick up shipment from Smith Manufacturing in Chicago, then deliver to Johnson Distributors in Milwaukee. The S5 loop identifies Chicago as the first stop with pickup instructions, while a second S5 loop specifies Milwaukee as the delivery stop. Each stop includes contact information (via the N1/N4 segments within the 2210 loop) and any special handling requirements. If the shipment includes hazardous materials, the LH1 and related segments in the 2415 loop capture all required hazmat classification and certification data, ensuring the carrier has complete information before executing the assignment.