Sea Freight Master Data

Overview

Master data forms the foundation of the Sea Freight module. This document describes all master data records that need to be set up before creating sea freight transactions.

Shipping Line

Purpose

Shipping Line master contains information about ocean carriers that provide vessel services for sea freight shipments.

Key Fields

Code: Unique identifier for the shipping line (auto-generated or manual)
Shipping Line Name: Full name of the shipping line
SCAC: Standard Carrier Alpha Code (4-letter code used in North America)
Is Active: Checkbox to indicate if the shipping line is currently active
Customer Link: Link to Customer master if the shipping line is also a customer
Supplier Link: Link to Supplier master if the shipping line is also a supplier

Cargo Terminal Operators Tab

In the Cargo Terminal Operators tab, you can link Cargo Terminal Operators (CTOs) associated with this shipping line. This helps in managing terminal relationships.

Usage

Shipping Line is referenced in: - Sea Shipment documents - Master Bill documents - Sea Freight Consolidation documents - Sea Freight Rate configuration

Best Practices

Use consistent naming conventions for shipping line codes
Keep shipping line records active/inactive based on current business relationships
Link to Customer/Supplier masters for integrated accounting
Maintain SCAC codes for North American operations

Container Yard

Purpose

Container Yard master stores information about container storage facilities, also known as container depots or CY locations.

Key Fields

Code: Unique identifier for the container yard
Yard Name: Full name of the container yard
Address: Physical address of the yard
Port: Associated port (UNLOCO code)
Is Active: Checkbox to indicate if the yard is currently active

Usage

Container Yard is referenced in: - Master Bill documents (Origin CY, Destination CY) - Sea Freight operations for container pickup and drop-off

Best Practices

Link container yards to their respective ports
Keep yard records updated with current addresses
Mark inactive yards to prevent selection in new shipments

Cargo Terminal Operator

Purpose

Cargo Terminal Operator (CTO) master contains information about terminal operators that handle cargo at ports and terminals.

Key Fields

Code: Unique identifier for the terminal operator
Terminal Operator Name: Full name of the terminal operator
Address: Physical address of the terminal
Port: Associated port (UNLOCO code)
Is Active: Checkbox to indicate if the operator is currently active

Usage

Cargo Terminal Operator is referenced in: - Master Bill documents (Origin CTO, Destination CTO) - Shipping Line records (linked CTOs)

Best Practices

Maintain accurate port associations
Keep terminal operator information current
Link to ports for proper routing

Other Service

Purpose

Other Service master defines additional services that can be offered with sea freight shipments, such as documentation, insurance, or special handling.

Key Fields

Service Code: Unique identifier for the service
Service Name: Full name of the service
Service Type: Category of service
Description: Detailed description of the service
Is Active: Checkbox to indicate if the service is currently available

Usage

Other Service is referenced in: - Sea Freight Services child table in Sea Shipment - Service pricing and billing

Best Practices

Create comprehensive service catalog
Use clear service names and descriptions
Maintain active/inactive status based on service availability

Ports (UNLOCO)

Purpose

Ports are typically managed through UNLOCO (United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations) master data. These codes are standard identifiers for ports worldwide.

Key Fields

UNLOCO Code: Standard 5-character UNLOCO code
Port Name: Full name of the port
Country: Country where the port is located
Port Type: Type of port (sea port, river port, etc.)

Usage

Ports are referenced in: - Sea Shipment (Origin Port, Destination Port) - Master Bill documents - Sea Freight Consolidation - Sea Freight Rate configuration

Best Practices

Always use standard UNLOCO codes
Verify port codes for accuracy
Maintain port names in local and English languages if needed

Shipper and Consignee

Purpose

Shipper and Consignee are parties involved in sea freight shipments. These are typically managed as separate master data or linked to Customer/Supplier records.

Key Fields

Code: Unique identifier
Name: Full name of the party
Address: Physical address
Contact: Contact person and details
Country: Country of origin/destination

Usage

Shipper and Consignee are referenced in: - Sea Shipment documents - Master Bill documents - Shipping documents and bills of lading

Best Practices

Maintain accurate address and contact information
Link to Customer/Supplier masters for integrated operations
Keep party information updated

Freight Agent

Purpose

Freight Agent master contains information about freight forwarding agents that may be involved in shipments.

Key Fields

Code: Unique identifier for the agent
Agent Name: Full name of the agent
Agent Type: Type of agent (customer agent, supplier agent)
Address: Physical address
Is Active: Checkbox to indicate if the agent is currently active

Usage

Freight Agent is referenced in: - Sea Shipment documents - Master Bill documents - Agency network management

Best Practices

Maintain agent relationships and commission structures
Keep agent information current
Track active/inactive agent status

Master Data Relationships

The following diagram shows how master data records relate to each other:

Shipping Line
    ├── Cargo Terminal Operators (linked)
    └── Referenced in: Sea Shipment, Master Bill, Consolidation

Container Yard
    ├── Port (UNLOCO)
    └── Referenced in: Master Bill

Cargo Terminal Operator
    ├── Port (UNLOCO)
    └── Referenced in: Master Bill, Shipping Line

Port (UNLOCO)
    └── Referenced in: Sea Shipment, Master Bill, Rates

Shipper/Consignee
    └── Referenced in: Sea Shipment, Master Bill

Freight Agent
    └── Referenced in: Sea Shipment, Master Bill

Setup Sequence

Recommended sequence for setting up master data:

Ports (UNLOCO): Set up ports first as they are referenced by other masters
Shipping Lines: Create shipping line records
Container Yards: Set up container yards linked to ports
Cargo Terminal Operators: Create CTO records linked to ports
Shippers and Consignees: Set up party masters
Freight Agents: Configure agent network if applicable
Other Services: Create service catalog

Maintenance

Regular Updates

Review and update shipping line status (active/inactive)
Verify port codes and names
Update container yard and CTO addresses
Maintain shipper and consignee contact information

Data Quality

Ensure unique codes for all master records
Maintain consistent naming conventions
Keep address and contact information current
Verify UNLOCO codes for accuracy

Next Steps

After setting up master data:

Review Setup Guide for configuration
Learn how to create a Sea Shipment
Understand Master Bill Management

For information on creating and managing transactions, refer to the respective doctype documentation.