What is an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)?

When it comes to shipping and receiving goods, accuracy and timing are everything. One tool that keeps supply chains running smoothly is the Advanced Shipping Notice, or ASN. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important?

Understanding the ASN

An Advanced Shipping Notice is an electronic document sent from a supplier to a buyer to let them know what’s being shipped, how it’s packed, and when it will arrive. It’s usually shared via EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and includes detailed information such as:

Purchase order number


Carrier details


Estimated arrival date and time


Shipment contents (SKUs, quantities, packaging types)


Pallet or carton configuration


Tracking information

Simply put, it gives the receiving party a heads-up to prepare for incoming shipments.

What Triggers an ASN?

An ASN is typically generated once a shipment has been picked, packed, and labeled. It’s transmitted electronically—often as an EDI 856 document—so the receiver knows exactly what’s on the way and can begin preparing their receiving process before the shipment arrives.

What Happens After an ASN is Received?

Once received, the ASN enables the receiving team to:

Schedule dock appointments and assign labor

Compare shipment data to the original purchase order

Preload inventory into the WMS

Prepare for faster putaway or cross-docking

This significantly speeds up receiving and reduces manual errors.

Why ASNs Matter in Logistics

ASNs help bridge the gap between order fulfillment and delivery. Here’s why they’re a game-changer in the logistics world:

Faster Receiving: With ASNs, warehouses know exactly what’s arriving and when. This speeds up the check-in receiving process and reduces receiving errors.


Improved Accuracy: ASNs serve as a checklist, helping your team match what they expect with what actually arrives.


Inventory Planning: Knowing what's on the way helps businesses update inventory systems in real time and plan future sales.


Reduced Labor Costs: Pre-labeled and pre-notified shipments require less manual handling and data entry.


Retailer Compliance: Many big-box retailers and eCommerce platforms require ASNs to meet strict receiving and EDI standards. Sending accurate ASNs helps you avoid chargebacks, delays, and non-compliance penalties.

ASN vs. Packing Slip: What's the Difference?

While both documents provide shipment details:

Real-World Example

Imagine a health supplement brand shipping a large order to a national retailer. Without an ASN, the retailer’s distribution center might not have enough staff or space ready to receive the order. But when you send an ASN in advance, the retailer routes the shipment correctly, processes it faster, and stocks it efficiently—saving time and money on both sides.

How 3PL Center Supports ASN Workflows

At 3PL Center, we make managing ASNs easy for our customers by offering:

Full EDI Integration: We connect with major retailers like Walmart, Nordstrom, and Macy’s through EDI to send your ASNs automatically and accurately.


Detailed Receiving Visibility: Our WMS gives you real-time updates on inbound shipments and lets you track ASN statuses from dock to shelf.


Labeling & Compliance: We handle label generation and scanning based on ASN data, making receiving seamless and accurate.


Retail-Ready Shipments: We tailor fulfillment processes to meet strict retailer compliance requirements, helping you avoid delays, penalties, and chargebacks.

Whether you're shipping to retailers or B2B customers, we help you stay compliant and efficient with every shipment.

The Role of ASNs in Smarter Logistics

At first glance, ASNs may seem simple, but they play a vital role in keeping your supply chain efficient. By automating communication between senders and receivers, ASNs reduce delays, errors, and costs. And with a trusted 3PL partner like 3PL Center, your shipments arrive with the right information—every time.