Motor Carrier Load Tender is a document used by shippers, freight forwarders, and brokers to offer freight to motor carriers for transport. The sending party (typically a shipper or freight broker) transmits this transaction to a motor carrier (the receiving party) to propose the movement of goods. The 204 is often sent in response to a carrier’s availability or as part of the freight matching process. Key segments include the B2 (Beginning Segment for Shipment Information) which establishes the shipment details, the S5 (Stop Off Details) segment which defines each pickup and delivery location within the load, and the L11 (Business Instructions and Reference Number) segments which carry pertinent reference numbers and handling instructions throughout the transaction.

Consider a scenario where ABC Freight Brokerage needs to tender a load to XYZ Motor Carrier. ABC sends a 204 transaction that includes shipment information in the B2 segment, specifies the pickup location (origin) and delivery location (destination) using S5 segments, and includes special handling requirements via the AT5 (Bill of Lading Handling Requirements) segment. If the shipment contains multiple stops or orders, each is represented by additional S5 loops. XYZ Motor Carrier receives the 204, reviews the load details, equipment requirements from the N7 (Equipment Details) segment, and any hazardous material information via the LH1 and related hazardous segments if applicable, then accepts or declines the tender.