ASN

An Advanced Shipment Notice (ASN) is the electronic message a shipper sends to a receiver before the goods physically arrive, listing every line item with quantities, SKUs, packaging units, container/pallet numbers, expected delivery, and routing. ASN allows the receiver to plan dock space, labour, and inventory updates before the truck arrives.

ASN is foundational to modern supply chains and is standardised in EDI: EDI 856 (ANSI X12) and DESADV (UN/EDIFACT). Retailers and large 3PLs typically require ASN compliance from suppliers — non-compliance can trigger chargebacks.