This transaction set communicates ocean shipment status information between trading partners in maritime logistics. A carrier, freight forwarder, or port facility typically sends the 315 to shippers, consignees, or their agents to provide current status updates on ocean shipments. The transmission often responds to a shipment status inquiry, though it may also be sent proactively. The B4 (Beginning Segment for Inquiry or Reply) establishes the inquiry or response context, the Q2 (Status Details – Ocean) segment conveys specific ocean-related status information, and the repeating R4 (Port or Terminal) loops document each port or terminal location relevant to the shipment’s journey, with optional DTM (Date/Time Reference) segments anchoring each status event to specific dates and times.

For example, Pacific Shipping Lines receives a status inquiry from Acme Electronics regarding its containerized cargo shipment to Los Angeles. Pacific responds with a 315 transaction that includes a B4 segment identifying the response type, a Q2 segment indicating the container is “in transit” with current vessel and voyage details, and an R4 loop sequence documenting that the cargo departed Shanghai Port on November 3rd, transited through the Singapore terminal on November 8th, and is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Los Angeles on November 22nd. Each port segment includes DTM references for actual or expected dates, allowing Acme to track the shipment’s precise progression across the ocean supply chain.