EDI 990
Response to a Load Tender
What is an EDI 990?
EDI 990 is a type of EDI transaction set used by a motor carrier to accept or reject a shipment offer from a shipper. This document is usually triggered by the receipt of an EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender transaction.
EDI 990 documents follow the x12 format set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a not-for-profit organization that regulates EDI formats in the U.S.
What are the Essential Components of EDI 990?
An EDI 990 document must contain both a specific response, along with identification details for a specific shipment. Important parts of EDI 990 include:
- Shipment Identification Number
- Shipper and Carrier Contact Information
- Indication of Acceptance, Rejection, or Acceptance with Conditions
- A Reason for Declining (Where Applicable)
How do I Use EDI 990?
As its name suggests, EDI 990 serves as a response to another electronic data interchange document, the EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender. In the 990 Response, a carrier can decide whether they want to take on a particular shipment, as outlined in the tender (offer). Additionally, the carrier can indicate the reasons for their decision, as well as any adjustments they may require in order to accept the shipment.
A shipper will usually confirm the receipt of EDI 990 with an EDI 997 Functional Acknowledgement. They often will also respond with an EDI 211 Motor Carrier Bill of Lading, which “locks in” the shipment agreement.
What are the Benefits of EDI 990?
EDI 990 benefits both shippers and carriers by enabling them to increase their operational efficiencies, while streamlining partner communications. Unlike a paper, emailed or PDF Response to a Load Tender, EDI 990 does not need to be filled out manually. The fully automated capability of this document enables management by exception, where an EDI manager only needs to look at documents that are flagged. This saves significant time, giving team members the ability to shift their focus to more important business priorities.
Automating EDI 990 helps increase fulfillment speed, leading to a better customer experience for end consumers. This, in turn, increases profitability for the shipper, and increases their inclination to choose that carrier for future shipments. Finally, security measures often used by EDI service providers make EDI documents more secure than paper, email or fax equivalents, which can help trading partners protect sensitive information.