Define codes for loading and unloading locations

Global Trade  •  Article  •  9/23/2026  • 

Use the Un/LoCodes page to define the codes for loading and unloading locations. These location are a component of freight distribution as they support export and import activities. Goods can reach the ports through direct transportation via road or indirectly via inland or feeder ports.

To set up a location

  1. Select the Search icon , enter Un/LoCodes, and then choose the related link.
    The Un/LoCodes page opens.
  2. On the action bar, click New to create a new record.

  3. In the Code field, enter the code (the length of the string should be five characters). For example, if you want to register the city of Chennai in India as a port: - enter INMAA.

    Ensure that the code adheres to the United Nations Code for Trade and Transport location codes, if not, an error message appears.

    Based on the code entered, the country code and name are populated in the Country/Region and Country Name fields.

  4. Select the checkbox corresponding to the type of port mainly utilized for the shipment and receipt of goods.
  5. In the Receipt Location field, select the required code. This location serves as the destination where the received items are stored during the loading process of containers into the vessel.
  6. In the Receipt Bin field, select the required code. This bin is used to store the received items during the loading of containers into the vessel.

ISO Types

You can set up the standard dimensions, weight, and characteristics of a shipping container type on the ISO Types page. These values are copied to a container or container load when the matching ISO Type Code is selected, and remain editable afterward.

To set up an ISO Type

  1. Select the Search icon , enter ISO Types, and then choose the related link.
    The ISO Types page opens.
  2. On the action bar, click New.
  3. In the Code field, enter the code of the ISO type.
  4. In the Description field, enter the short description for the code.

  5. Fill in the fields as follows:

    FieldDescription
    LengthEnter the standard length of containers of this ISO type. This value has a direct impact on the Volume Capacity field value.
    WidthEnter the standard width of containers of this ISO type. This value has a direct impact on the Volume Capacity field value.
    HeightEnter the standard height of containers of this ISO type. This value has a direct impact on the Volume Capacity field value.
    Tare WeightEnter the standard weight of an empty container of this ISO type, without any cargo or goods inside.
    Gross WeightEnter the standard gross weight of a container of this ISO type, including the combined weight of the container and its contents.
    Volume CapacitySpecifies the volume that containers of this ISO type can hold. This value is automatically calculated from the Length, Width, and Height field values whenever one of those fields changes, but can be manually overridden.
    Characteristic TypeSelect the classification that describes the physical and functional characteristics of containers of this ISO type. Options:
    • Blank (default)
    • General Purpose
    • Ventilated
    • Open Top
    • Hard Top
    • Flat
    • Refrigerated
    • Tank Dangerous Liquids
    • Tank Non Dangerous Liquids
    • High Cube General Purpose
    • High Cube Open Top
    • High Cube Hardtop

Container

You can set up the different types of containers by providing a detailed description of each type of container to ensure that the cargo can be properly loaded and transported. The descriptions include the width, height, length, weight, mode of arrival (e.g., ocean, land, or air), and any special features or requirements.

To set up Container

  1. Select the Search icon , enter Containers, and then choose the related link.
    The Containers page opens.
  2. On the action bar, click New.
  3. In the Code field, enter the code of the container.
  4. In the Description field, enter the short description for the code.

  5. In the ISO Type Code field, select the ISO code used as the standard identification of a shipping container.
    The Length, Width, Height, Tare Weight, Gross Weight, Volume Capacity, and Characteristic Type field values are copied from the selected ISO type, and can still be changed afterward.

    If the ISO Type Code field is cleared or set to a code that does not exist, the Length, Width, Height, Tare Weight, Gross Weight, Volume Capacity, and Characteristic Type field values are reset to blank.

  6. In the Characteristic Type field, select the classification that describes the physical and functional characteristics of this container, such as whether it is refrigerated, open top, or ventilated. See the Characteristic Type field options under ISO Types.
  7. Fill in the fields as necessary.

Vessels

Vessels play an important role in the freight industry, serving as a popular transportation mode for shipping goods over long distances. To facilitate the movement of goods through vessels, codes and descriptions of vessels can be defined. These records uniquely identify each vessel by registration mark and are used in the setup of freight movements and included in manifest records for tracking and documentation purposes.

To setup Vessels

  1. Select the Search icon , enter Vessels, and then choose the related link.
    The Vessels page opens.
  2. On the action bar, click New.
  3. In the Code field, enter the code of the vessels. Each vessel record is identified by a unique code.
  4. In the Description field, enter the short description for the vessel.
  5. In the Transport Type field, select the mode of transportation through which the goods in this vessel should be delivered.

Set Shipping Agents

You can differentiate the shipping companies used for transporting goods by defining them on the Shipping Agents page. This will allow you to specify the shipping companies for each purchase order.

To set the Shipping Agents:

  1. Select the Search icon , enter Shipping Agents, and then choose the related link.
    The Shipping Agents page opens.
  2. Select the Shipping Company check box to differentiate the shipping agents that are actual shipping companies from those that are not. If this field is set, the record will be shown on the Purchase Order page.

  3. In the SCAC field, enter the unique standard carrier alpha code which helps you to identify the shipping agent.

    In this field, the length of the string should be two to four characters.