# Advance Ship Notice (ASN)


An Advance Ship Notice (ASN) is an electronic notification a supplier sends before a shipment arrives, detailing its contents, packing structure, and carrier. In EDI it is the 856 transaction. It tells the buyer exactly what is coming, how it is packed, and when, so receiving can be scanned and verified at the dock.

## What an ASN contains

An ASN describes the shipment hierarchy: shipment, order, pack (carton or pallet), and item. Each pack is identified by an SSCC-18 barcode encoded in a GS1-128 label. The buyer scans that label at receiving and the ASN tells their system every item inside without opening the box. It also carries the carrier, tracking number, ship date, and expected delivery.

## Why retailers require it

Large retailers mandate an accurate ASN before the truck arrives. It lets them plan dock labor, cross-dock to stores, and reconcile receipts automatically. An ASN that is late, missing, or does not match the physical shipment is one of the most common sources of vendor chargebacks. Walmart, Target, and Amazon all publish strict 856 timing and accuracy rules.

## FAQ

### What is an ASN in shipping?

An ASN, or Advance Ship Notice, is an electronic message a supplier sends before goods arrive. It lists the shipment contents, packing structure, SSCC carton labels, and carrier details so the buyer can receive by scanning.

### What EDI document is an ASN?

The ASN is the EDI 856 transaction set in ASC X12. It is sent after the 850 purchase order and before or with the physical shipment.

### What happens if an ASN is wrong?

An inaccurate or late ASN is a leading cause of retail chargebacks. If the physical shipment does not match the 856, the retailer may fine the supplier and slow the receiving process.

## Sources

- [GS1 US logistics labels](https://www.gs1us.org)