EDIFACT IFTMIN: The Transport Instruction, Explained

IFTMIN is the UN/EDIFACT Transport Instruction message. A party with goods to move - a shipper or freight forwarder - uses it to instruct a carrier to transport a consignment, specifying what is being shipped, from where to where, and how. It belongs to the broader IFTM family of transport messages used throughout international logistics.

The IFTM family

Transport in EDIFACT is handled by a set of related messages, all beginning with IFTM:

• IFTMIN - the instruction to transport (the focus of this guide).
• IFTMBF - a firm booking request to reserve transport capacity.
• IFTMCS - the carrier's confirmation of a booking.
• IFTSTA - a status report tracking the consignment in transit.

Together they cover the lifecycle of moving freight: book it, confirm it, instruct it, and track it. IFTMIN is the operational instruction at the center of that flow.

The key segments of an IFTMIN

BGM - Beginning of Message

Identifies the message as a transport instruction and carries its reference number.

TDT - Transport Information

Describes the transport stage: the mode (road, sea, air, rail), the means of transport, and the carrier. TDT+20+++3 indicates a main-carriage stage by a given mode.

LOC - Place/Location

The geographic points of the journey: place of loading, place of discharge, and final destination, each by qualifier. These define the route the carrier must follow.

NAD - Parties

Identifies the consignor (sender of the goods), the consignee (receiver), the carrier, and any forwarders.

GID and related - Goods details

Describe the consignment: number of packages, goods description, weights, volumes, and any dangerous-goods information.

A simplified worked example

UNH+1+IFTMIN:D:96A:UN'
BGM+610+TRN-5521+9'
TDT+20+++3'
LOC+9+DEHAM'
LOC+11+USNYC'
NAD+CZ+4012345000094::9'
NAD+CN+5412345000013::9'
GID+1+10:PK'
UNT+9+1'

In plain English: transport instruction TRN-5521 asks the carrier to move a consignment of 10 packages from Hamburg (DEHAM) to New York (USNYC) on behalf of the consignor, to be delivered to the consignee.

Common pitfalls when reading an IFTMIN

• Misreading LOC qualifiers. The qualifier distinguishes place of loading, discharge, and destination. The same LOC segment means different things depending on it.
• Confusing consignor and shipper roles. Logistics uses several party roles (consignor, consignee, carrier, forwarder, notify party) that must be read by their NAD qualifiers.
• Overlooking dangerous-goods detail. Hazardous consignments carry additional mandatory information that must not be ignored.

Frequently asked questions