Electronic notification sent before shipment arrival listing pallet count, SKUs, and BOL details.
Detailed Definition
An Advance Shipping Notice tells the receiver what is on a shipment before it arrives, so the dock can plan labor and the system can match goods to the purchase order. In EDI it is the ANSI X12 856 Ship Notice/Manifest transaction. A detailed ASN is structured in levels such as shipment, order, pallet, carton and item. Each pallet is often identified by an SSCC printed on a GS1-128 label, so scanning the pallet at receiving pulls up its contents.
Why ASN accuracy depends on the pallet
The ASN only helps if the physical pallet matches it. Common mismatches include a pallet label that does not match the SSCC sent in the ASN, cartons moved between pallets after the ASN was sent, and missing labels after stretch wrap is applied over them. Build and label the pallet first, then generate and send the ASN from the final data.
What retailers usually expect
- ASN sent before the truck arrives, often within a set time after shipping
- pallet count and carton count that match the bill of lading
- SSCC labels in the location the routing guide specifies
- one purchase order per pallet, or clearly labeled mixed pallets if allowed
Many retailers apply compliance chargebacks for late, missing or inaccurate ASNs. Each retailer's vendor guide sets its own rules, so read it rather than relying on general practice.
ASN in receiving workflows
With an accurate ASN, a receiver can scan the SSCC on each pallet and receive its full contents in one step, often without opening the pallet. When the ASN is missing or wrong, staff must count and check cartons by hand, which slows the dock and can delay putaway. That is why retailers treat ASN accuracy as a vendor performance measure.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ASN the same as a bill of lading?
No. The bill of lading is the transport document between shipper and carrier that covers the freight, its handling units and terms of carriage. The ASN is an electronic message from shipper to receiver describing what is in the shipment, often down to the carton and item. The two should agree on counts and references.
Do I need SSCC labels to send an ASN?
Not always, but most large retailers that use pallet-level ASNs require SSCC labels so each pallet in the ASN can be scanned and matched. The SSCC is an 18-digit GS1 number unique to that pallet or carton. You need a GS1 company prefix to create valid SSCCs. Check the receiver's requirements.