In plain English
This is the formal communication used to tell the receiving side about an incoming shipment. It is sent by the carrier or freight forwarder to the consignee or another party named to be informed. It states that the goods have arrived or are expected to arrive soon.
In context
Here, AN denotes the message sent at destination before release that reports the shipment has arrived or is due to arrive.
- Situation
- Coordinating freight quotes, booking, consolidation, handoff, and transport documents
- What it communicates
- labels the pre-release arrival message sent at destination.
Meaning limits
By itself, the term only identifies this notice and does not establish anything beyond that arrival status communication.
Examples
“The freight forwarder sent the AN to the consignee on Wednesday, advising that the shipment was due to arrive the next morning.”
“Before release at destination, the notified party reviewed the AN showing that the shipment had already arrived.”