0. INTRODUCTION
This specification provides the definition of the Container
announcement message (COPARN) to be used in Electronic Data
Interchange (EDI) between trading partners involved in
administration, commerce and transport.
1. SCOPE
1.1 | Functional Definition
The message contains an order to release, to make available, to
accept or to call down containers or to announce the impending
arrival of containers.
This message is part of a total set of container-related
messages. These messages serve to facilitate the intermodal
handling of containers by streamlining the information
exchange.
The business scenario for the container messages is clarified
in a separate document, called: 'Guide to the scenario of
EDIFACT container messages'.
The order may pertain to cargo related containers (full
container load and less than container load), the arrangement
of empty containers prior to loading and after stripping, as
well as the arrangements for leasing the empty containers
(on-hire and off-hire of containers).
1.2 Field of Application
The Container announcement message may be used for both
national and international trade. It is based on universal
commercial practice and is not dependent on the type of
business or industry.
1.3 | Principles
Business area:
Pre- and on-carriage transport of containers/equipment
Sending functions include:
Shipper, Freight forwarder, Shipping agent, Container freight
station, Consignee
Receiving functions include:
Freight forwarder, Shipping agent, Container terminal, Inland
terminal, Container depot, Container freight station, Container
lessor
In the context of the 'Guide to the scenario of EDIFACT
container messages' (as referred to at the start of section 1)
the following guidelines, rules and functionality apply to this
Container announcement message:
* The message contents can normally be uniquely identified by
a combination of the following data elements:
- ordering customer, coded (NAD)
- ordering customer agent, coded (NAD)
- container announcement reference number (being the container
release order reference, acceptance order reference,
disposition order reference) (RFF)
- related container announcement reference (reference to
container disposition order) (RFF)
In case the COPARN is used as an empty container notice the
identification is normally achieved by:
- carrier agent, coded (shipping agent) (EQD/NAD)
- carrier, coded (shipping line) (TDT)
- carrier agent's reference number (EQD/RFF)
In case the COPARN is used as an on-hire request or order the
identification is normally achieved by:
- message sender (NAD)
- lessee's reference (RFF)
- indication on-hire request or order (BGM)
In case the Container announcement message is used as an
off-hire request or notice the identification is normally
achieved by:
- message sender (NAD)
- return reference (RFF)
- indication off-hire request or notice (BGM)
The ordering customer agent, coded is needed to supplement the
unique identification only in the next situation: the agent
acts on behalf of several ordering customers issuing the same
range of reference numbers for each customer.
E.g. the ship's agent acts on behalf of several shipping lines
issuing for each shipping line the same range of numbers.
* One shipping line, one seagoing vessel, one sea voyage
number and one shipping agent can be specified on message top
level.
* An indicator for the transport status (i.e., export,
import, transhipment or continental) can be completed on
container level (EQD-segment).
* One message may contain several containers identified by
their prefix and number or several equipment guidelines for
groups of (empty) containers.
* If the container prefix and number is unknown (in the Empty
container disposition order or Container release order), a
supplementary container reference number (Container sequence
number) is used to identify a container group in the message to
be able to refer to this information of the container(s) in
e.g. the Container release order or the Container
gate-in/gate-out message.
* In case of an Empty container disposition order several
equipment guidelines can be specified in the message in order
to load (empty) containers that cannot be identified by their
full prefix and serial numbers.
In case of a guideline a combination of size and type and/or a
certain range of equipment serial numbers (container prefix and
numbers) can be given for a group of one or several containers.
* Inland transport details can be specified for each
individual container or can be specified on message level (for
all containers in the message); the two options must not be
used simultaneously.
* An inland transport charges reference or a sea booking
reference can be specified either on message level (related to
all containers in the message) or for each individual
container; the two options must not be used simultaneously.
* In case of an Empty container disposition order or a Call
down order the place of positioning, related reference and
date/time of positioning of the containers can be specified
either on message level (related to all goods items in the
message) or for each individual goods item (as the place where
the goods item is to be stuffed or stripped); the two options
must not be used simultaneously.
In the latter case up to 10 places of positioning for each
goods item to be stripped from or stuffed in the container(s)
can be included in the message.
* In case of an Acceptance order the date and time of
positioning of the containers at the place of positioning can
be specified for each individual container.
* The final place of positioning can be included in case of
routing via an inland terminal or several container freight
stations (for stacking purposes).
* For each container up to 3 communication addresses can be
specified to which a copy of the Container gate-in/gate-out
report message is to be sent.
* For each container details can be specified such as
container prefix and number, size/type, loading instructions,
special instructions, seals, temperature, dangerous goods and
off-dimensions details.
* In case of export the port of discharge and a port of
transhipment can be specified for each individual container.
* A goods item may be detailed, such as number and type of
packages, goods description, gross weight, dangerous goods
information and special instruction.
* Goods item information can be related to the corresponding
containers by linking the goods item group (GID) to the
container details group(s) (EQD) by means of the SGP-segment.
* In case of export for each goods item up to 9 declarant's
reference numbers can be given; in case of goods declaration
(Customs) at the place of stuffing also 9 accompanying
(Customs) documents can be given.
* The return address (in case of an off-hire notice) can be
given on message level or on container level, but not
simultaneously. The region for the empty equipment return (in
the request) can be given on message level. The reference at
the return address or region of return can be given at the same
level.
2. REFERENCES
See UNTDID, Part 4, Chapter 2.6 UN/ECE UNSM - General Introduction,
Section 1.
3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
See UNTDID, Part 4, Chapter 2.6 UN/ECE UNSM - General Introduction,
Section 2.
4. MESSAGE DEFINITION
4.1 Data Segment Clarification
This section should be read in conjunction with the Branching
Diagram and the Segment Table which indicate mandatory,
conditional and repeating requirements.
0010 UNH, Message header
A service segment starting and uniquely identifying a message.
The message type code for the Container announcement message is
COPARN.
Note: Container announcement messages conforming to this
document must contain the following data in segment UNH,
composite S009:
Data element 0065 COPARN
0052 D
0054 96B
0051 UN
0020 | BGM, Beginning of message
A segment to indicate the beginning of a message and to
transmit identifying number and the further specification of
the message type (in data element 1001: Document/message name,
coded), such as Empty container disposition order, Release
order, Pre-arrival notice, Acceptance order, Empty container
notice, Call-down order, On-hire request, On-hire order,
Off-hire request, Off-hire notice.
0030 TMD, Transport movement details
A segment to specify the haulage arrangement for the containers
in the message, such as carrier haulage or merchant haulage.
0040 + DTM, Date/time/period
A segment to indicate a date and time applying the message as a
whole:
- requested equipment positioning date and/or time
- expected on-hire date and/or time
- expected return period
0050 TSR, Transport service requirements
A segment to identify whether arrangements for the inland
transport are to be made, whether equipment guidelines are
applicable, whether Customs clearance is to be arranged and
pick-up/delivery instructions.
0060 FTX, Free text
A segment to specify free form or processable supplementary
information, such as:
- change information
- special instructions
0070 + LOC, Place/location identification
A segment to identify a location applying to the entire
message:
- region of availability
- empty equipment return region
0080 + Segment group 1: RFF-DTM
A group of segments to specify a reference relating to the
whole message, and its date and/or time.
0090 | RFF, Reference
A segment to express a reference which applies to the entire
message, such as:
- container announcement reference number
- booking reference number
- reference to previous message
- lessee's reference
- lessor's reference
- lease contract reference
- return reference (of the party returning on hire
equipment)
- collect reference (of party collecting specified leased
equipment)
- carrier's agent reference number
0100 + DTM, Date/time/period
A segment to indicate date and/or time related to the
reference.
0110 Segment group 2: TDT-RFF-LOC-DTM
A group of segments to indicate details of the movement of
containers by sea and by inland carriers, such as mode and
means of transport, and locations.
0120 | TDT, Details of transport
A segment to indicate information related to the main
carriage stage of the transport (sea), such as voyage number
or indication sea transport, vessel and carrier or liner.
Information on related inland transport stage(s) can also be
included, such as mode of inland transport, means of
transport, and inland carrier, such as:
- main-carriage transport (sea)
- pre- or on-carriage transport
- second pre- or on-carriage transport
0130 RFF, Reference
A segment to provide a reference for the liner service, such
as:
- conference
- marketing organization
- syndicate
- vessel sharing agreement
0140 LOC, Place/location identification
A segment to indicate a place/port corresponding to the
transport stage, such as final place/port of discharge or
port of loading.
0150 DTM, Date/time/period
A segment to indicate the arrival date and time of an inland
means of transport, such as:
- arrival date/time, estimated
0160 | Segment group 3: NAD-SG4-RFF-DTM
A group of segments to identify a party and/or addresses and a
related contact and references.
0170 | NAD, Name and address
A segment to identify the party's name and address, and
function, and other addresses, such as:
- ordering customer
- ordering customer agent
- message recipient
- message sender
- place of positioning
- place of collection
- final place of positioning
- carrier agent (sea)
- charges payer
- place of acceptance name and address
- invoicee
- stripping address
- return address
- on hire party direct interchange
- off hire party direct interchange
- container survey agency
0180 + Segment group 4: CTA-COM
A group of segments to identify a contact and its
communications related to the party.
0190 CTA, Contact information
A segment to identify a person or department of a message
sender and/or message recipient, such as:
- information contact
0200 + COM, Communication contact
A segment to identify a communication number of a person
or department to whom communication should be directed.
0210 | RFF, Reference
A segment to identify a reference used by a party or at an
address, such as:
- reference at place of collection
- reference at place of positioning
- related container announcement reference (reference to
Container disposition order)
- transport costs reference number
- reference at stripping address
- reference at return address
- reference at place of acceptance
0220 DTM, Date/time/period
A segment to indicate a date and time applying to the party,
such as:
- ultimate equipment positioning date/time
- requested equipment positioning date/time
0230 Segment group 5: GID-HAN-FTX-RFF-PIA-SG6-MEA-DIM-DOC-SG7-SG8
A group of segments to describe the goods items (to be) stuffed
in or (to be) stripped from the containers.
0240 GID, Goods item details
A segment to identify a goods item (to be) stuffed in or (to
be) stripped from the containers. A goods item can be
identified by a goods item number.
0250 HAN, Handling instructions
A segment to specify handling instructions relating to the
goods item, such as:
- hazardous cargo
- off-dimensions
- Customs clearance
0260 FTX, Free text
A segment to describe the goods item or to provide special
instructions.
0270 RFF, Reference
A segment to identify a reference to a goods item in case of
export, such as:
- shipowner's authorization number
- declarant's reference number
0280 PIA, Additional product id
A segment to identify a commodity code.
0290 Segment group 6: NAD-DTM-RFF
A group of segments to describe the address, reference and
date/time for the stuffing or the stripping of the goods
item in the containers.
0300 | NAD, Name and address
A segment to identify the address applicable to the
particular goods item, such as:
- place of positioning (as the stuffing or stripping
address for the goods item)
- Customs clearance place
- place of acceptance name and address
- stripping address
0310 DTM, Date/time/period
A segment to indicate a date and time when the container
is to be positioned, such as:
- requested equipment positioning date/time
- ultimate equipment positioning date/time
0320 | RFF, Reference
A segment to identify a reference used by a party or at
an address, such as:
- reference at place of positioning
- reference at place of acceptance
- reference at stripping address
0330 MEA, Measurements
A segment to specify measurements, other than dimensions,
applicable to a goods item, such as:
- gross weight
0340 DIM, Dimensions
A segment to specify dimensions applicable to a goods item,
such as:
- gross dimensions
0350 DOC, Document/message details
A segment to specify a document prepared for a goods item.
0360 Segment group 7: SGP-MEA
A group of segments to specify the distribution of a goods
item among the containers.
0370 SGP, Split goods placement
A segment to identify a container in which goods are
transported.
0380 MEA, Measurements
A segment to specify the gross weight of that portion of
the goods item in the container, such as:
- gross weight
- net net weight (dangerous goods)
0390 Segment group 8: DGS-FTX-MEA
A group of segments to specify dangerous goods details
related to the goods item. One goods item may be in
different dangerous goods classes.
0400 DGS, Dangerous goods
A segment to indicate the dangerous goods regulations for
the corresponding mode of transport, class of dangerous
goods, additional dangerous goods code, UN-number and
shipment flash point.
0410 FTX, Free text
A segment to specify supplementary details related to the
dangerous goods, such as:
- dangerous goods technical name
- dangerous goods additional information
0420 MEA, Measurements
A segment to specify measurements of the dangerous goods,
such as:
- net net weight
0430 | Segment group 9: EQD-RFF-EQN-TMD-DTM-TSR-LOC-MEA-DIM-TMP-RNG-
SEL-FTX-DGS-MOA-GOR-EQA-SG10-SG11-SG12
A group of segments to specify (groups of) containers (with
guidelines) in which goods are transported or which are taken
on-hire or off-hire.
0440 EQD, Equipment details
A segment to specify a container, container size and type,
and full/empty indication; also to specify the type of rail
car on which a related container is transported.
0450 | RFF, Reference
A segment to express a reference which applies to the
particular container, such as:
- container sequence number
- lower equipment serial number of range
- upper equipment serial number of range
- referring sequence number
- reference at place of positioning
- reference at place of collection
- related container announcement reference (reference to
Empty container disposition order)
- transport costs reference number
- carrier agent's reference number
- freight frowarder's reference
0460 EQN, Number of units
A segment to specify the number of containers of the same
size and type in case of equipment guidelines.
0470 TMD, Transport movement details
A segment to indicate a Full Container Load (FCL) or a Less
than Full Container Load (LCL).
0480 | DTM, Date/time/period
A segment to indicate a date and time relating to the
container, such as:
- estimated positioning date/time
- ultimate release date/time
- expected on-hire date and/or time
0490 TSR, Transport service requirements
A segment to specify special instructions and/or services
regarding the container, such as: fork lift holes required,
off-dimensions, ship's agent's counter by terminal, seals to
be checked, damage to be inspected, Customs clearance.
0500 LOC, Place/location identification
A segment to specify ports/locations associated with the sea
transport of a container in case of export, such as:
- place of discharge
- transhipment place
0510 MEA, Measurements
A segment to specify measurement, other than dimensions,
associated with the container, such as:
- tare weight
- gross weight
0520 DIM, Dimensions
- off-standard dimensions, general
- off-standard dimensions, front
- off-standard dimensions, rear
- off-standard dimensions, right
- off-standard dimensions, left
- off-standard dimensions, height
- external equipment dimensions
- dimensions equipment door
- net dimensions
0530 TMP, Temperature
A segment to specify the transport temperature setting of a
container.
0540 RNG, Range details
A segment to specify the transport temperature range or the
pre-tripping range of a container.
0550 SEL, Seal number
A segment to identify seal and seal issuer associated with
the container, such as shipper, consolidator, carrier (sea)
and Customs.
0560 FTX, Free text
A segment to specify processable supplementary information
associated with the container, such as:
- loading instructions (seagoing vessel)
- special instructions (related to inland transport)
- container order information (conditions to be checked)
- remarks
0570 DGS, Dangerous goods
A segment to indicate the contamination of the equipment,
e.g. by UN-number.
0580 MOA, Monetary amount
A segment to indicate a liability amount relating to the
equipment.
0590 GOR, Governmental requirements
A segment to indicate if governmental inspection is
required.
0600 EQA, Attached equipment
A segment to identify related container and means of
transport details (rail), such as:
- rail car (to relate to the 'rail-car'-qualified EQD-group)
0610 Segment group 10:DAM-COD
A group of segments to specify damage details related to the
equipment.
0620 DAM, Damage
A segment to specify equipment damages, such as the point
of the damage on the equipment, and the type of damage.
0630 COD, Component details
A segment to specify component details of the damaged
equipment.
0640 Segment group 11:TDT-LOC-DTM
A group of segments to indicate information related to the
pre- or on-carriage transport stage of the equipment.
0650 | TDT, Details of transport
A segment to specify pre- or on-carriage transport
details, such as:
* pre- or on-carriage transport
* second pre- or on-carriage transport
0660 LOC, Place/location identification
A segment to specify ports/locations associated with the
pre- or on-carriage transport, such as:
- place of departure
- place of arrival
0670 DTM, Date/time/period
A segment to specify a date/time relating to the pre- or
on-carriage transport, such as arrival or departure
date/time.
0680 | Segment group 12:NAD-DTM-CTA-COM-RFF
A group of segments to identify different parties/places,
and related dates/times.
0690 | NAD, Name and address
A segment to specify a related address or party, such as:
- charges payer
- country/place of container stuffing
- place of collection
- final place of positioning
- message to
- next destination
- release to party
- carrier agent (sea)
- return address
0700 DTM, Date/time/period
A segment to indicate a date and time relating to the
container, such as:
- earliest equipment collection date/time
0710 CTA, Contact information
A segment to identify a person or department for the
specified party.
0720 COM, Communication contact
A segment to identify the communication number on the
EDI-network (e.g. mailbox number) to whom a copy of the
Container gate-in/gate-out report message should be sent.
0730 + RFF, Reference
A segment to identify a reference used by a party or at
an address:
- reference at return address
0740 CNT, Control total
A segment to specify the number of containers in the message,
explicitly given by the sender.
0750 UNT, Message trailer
A service segment ending a message, giving the total number of
segments in the message and the control reference number of the
message.
4.2 Data segment index (Alphabetical sequence by tag)
BGM Beginning of message
CNT Control total
COD Component details
COM Communication contact
CTA Contact information
DAM Damage
DGS Dangerous goods
DIM Dimensions
DOC Document/message details
DTM Date/time/period
EQA Attached equipment
EQD Equipment details
EQN Number of units
FTX Free text
GID Goods item details
GOR Governmental requirements
HAN Handling instructions
LOC Place/location identification
MEA Measurements
MOA Monetary amount
NAD Name and address
PIA Additional product id
RFF Reference
RNG Range details
SEL Seal number
SGP Split goods placement
TDT Details of transport
TMD Transport movement details
TMP Temperature
TSR Transport service requirements
UNH Message header
UNT Message trailer
Contents of COPARN