What Is the EDI 204?
The EDI 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender is sent by a shipper or broker to a carrier to request transportation services for a specific shipment. It contains all the information the carrier needs to plan and execute the pickup and delivery.
Key Data Elements
A 204 load tender includes:
- Origin and destination addresses with contact information.
- Pickup and delivery date/time windows.
- Commodity descriptions, weight, and piece counts.
- Equipment requirements (dry van, reefer, flatbed, etc.).
- Rate and payment terms.
- Special handling instructions and reference numbers.
Load Tender Workflow
After sending a 204, the carrier responds with a 990 (Response to Load Tender) to accept or decline. Accepted tenders flow into the carrier's dispatch system. Throughout transit, the carrier sends 214 status messages to track progress.