DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.

2
Customer-facing Track & Trace

October 2021

Purpose
This document provides additional
depth and content to the Event
Naming Convention, introducing
definitions for elements within the
structure. All definitions should be
read in the context of customer-
facing Track & Trace events. Some
terms defined in this document could
have a different meaning in another
context, such as operational or
financial purposes.
Table of
contents

Change history __________________________________________________ 5

Terms, acronyms, and abbreviations ____________________________________ 5

1 Introduction _________________________________________________ 6

2 Structure ___________________________________________________ 6

2.1 Journey _______________________________________________________ 6

2.2 Parameter _____________________________________________________ 6

2.2.1 Value _____________________________________________________ 6

2.3 Syntax ________________________________________________________ 6

3 Equipment Journey _____________________________________________ 6

3.1 Event Classifier __________________________________________________ 7

3.1.1 Planned ___________________________________________________ 7

3.1.2 Estimated __________________________________________________ 7

3.1.3 Actual ____________________________________________________ 7

3.2 Event type _____________________________________________________ 7

3.2.1 Load _____________________________________________________ 7

3.2.2 Discharge __________________________________________________ 7

3.2.3 Gate-in ___________________________________________________ 7

3.2.4 Gate-out __________________________________________________ 8

3.2.5 Stuffing ___________________________________________________ 8

3.2.6 Stripping __________________________________________________ 8

3.2.7 Pick-up ___________________________________________________ 8

3.2.8 Drop-off ___________________________________________________ 8

3.2.9 Inspected __________________________________________________ 8

3.2.10 Resealed __________________________________________________ 8

2 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

 3.2.11 Removed __________________________________________________ 8

3.3 Empty indicator _________________________________________________ 8

3.3.1 Laden ____________________________________________________ 8

3.3.2 Empty ____________________________________________________ 9

3.4 Transport Mode _________________________________________________ 9

3.4.1 Vessel ____________________________________________________ 9

3.4.2 Barge ____________________________________________________ 9

3.4.3 Truck _____________________________________________________ 9

3.4.4 Rail ______________________________________________________ 9

3.5 Facility Type ____________________________________________________ 9

3.5.1 Depot ____________________________________________________ 9

3.5.2 Customer location ___________________________________________ 10

3.5.3 Port terminal _______________________________________________ 10

3.5.4 Inland terminal _____________________________________________ 10

3.5.5 Container yard _____________________________________________ 10

3.5.6 Container freight station _______________________________________ 10

3.5.7 Border crossing _____________________________________________ 10

3.5.8 Ramp ___________________________________________________ 10

4 Transport Journey ______________________________________________ 10

4.1 Event Type _____________________________________________________ 11

4.1.1 Arrival ____________________________________________________ 11

4.1.2 Departure __________________________________________________ 11

5 Shipment Journey ______________________________________________ 11

5.1 Document Type Code _____________________________________________ 11

5.1.1 Booking __________________________________________________ 12

5.1.2 Shipping instruction __________________________________________ 12

5.1.3 Shipment release message _____________________________________ 12

5.1.4 Transport document _________________________________________ 12

5.1.5 Arrival notice _______________________________________________ 12

5.1.6 VGM (Verified Gross Mass) _____________________________________ 12

5.1.7 Dangerous Goods Declaration ___________________________________ 12

5.1.8 Out-of-Gauge Declaration _____________________________________ 12

5.1.9 Customs Inspection __________________________________________ 12

3 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

 5.1.10 Cargo Survey ______________________________________________ 13

5.2 Event Type ____________________________________________________ 13

5.2.1 Received _________________________________________________ 13

5.2.2 Confirmed ________________________________________________ 13

5.2.3 Issued ___________________________________________________ 13

5.2.4 Approved _________________________________________________ 13

5.2.5 Submitted ________________________________________________ 13

5.2.6 Surrendered _______________________________________________ 13

5.2.7 Rejected __________________________________________________ 14

5.2.8 Pending approval ___________________________________________ 14

5.2.9 Requested ________________________________________________ 14

5.2.10 Completed ________________________________________________ 14

5.2.11 On Hold __________________________________________________ 14

5.2.12 Released _________________________________________________ 14

Tables
Table 1: Change history _________________________________________________ 5

Table 2: Terms, acronyms, and abbreviations ___________________________________ 5

4 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

Change history

Rev Issue Contributors Description

1.0 27 January 2020 DCSA, SME

2.1 02 August 2021 DCSA, SME Updated elements matching DCSA Interface
Standard for Track and Trace 2.1
-Addition of Ramp in Facility type
-Addition of Inspected, Resealed, Removed,
Pickup and Drop Off in Equipment events

2.2 October 2021 DCSA, SME Updated elements matching DCSA Interface
Standard for Track and Trace 2.2
-Addition of On Hold and Released in
Equipment Event Type
-Addition of VGM, Dangerous Goods
Declaration, Out-of-Gauge Declaration,
Customs Inspection and Cargo Survey in
Shipment Document Type Code.
-Addition of Requested and Completed in
Shipment Event Type.

Table 1: Change history

Terms, acronyms, and abbreviations

Term Definition

IMO International Maritime Association

AIS Automatic Identification System

MMSI Maritime Mobile Service Identity

UN/LOCODE United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations

FCL Full Container Load

LCL Less Than Container Load

Table 2: Terms, acronyms, and abbreviations

5 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

1 Introduction
This document provides additional depth and content to the Event Naming Convention. In the
following sections definitions for each element (Journey, Parameter and Value) within the structure
will be introduced.

All definitions should be read in the context of customer-facing Track & Trace events. Some terms
defined in this document could have a different meaning in another context, such as for
operational or financial purposes.

An extensive glossary of definitions can be found in DCSA web glossary of terms:

https://knowledge.dcsa.org/s/glossary

2 Structure
The naming convention consists of the element types, i.e., Journey, Parameter and Value.

2.1 Journey
Journey defines the entity being tracked as well as the syntax used for specific events within the
journey.

2.2 Parameter
Parameter defines every type of information included in an event. Most parameters enable a clear
understanding of the context. Each journey includes one parameter identifying the occurrence,
which is the driving action within each event. This parameter is called Event Type.

2.2.1 Value
Each parameter within the structure can have a number of values. Value is what is being inserted
into the syntax specified for each journey to create a unique event.

2.3 Syntax
For each journey, a Syntax is specified. Syntax governs the way values can be combined to create
unique events.

3 Equipment Journey

The structure of the Equipment Journey governs the naming and understanding of events, which
are driven by physical occurrences related to the equipment in question.

The structure of events within the Equipment Journey follows the syntax below:

6 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

(EventClassifier)_(EventType)_of_(EmptyIndicator)_equipment_onto/from/by_(TransportMode
)_at_(FacilityType)

Transport mode is optional for Stuffing and Stripping.

3.1 Event Classifier

The Event Classifier parameter is the notation for different time stamps that may be associated
with a single event.

3.1.1 Planned
is the point in time, where completion is planned to be completed in accordance with
the original route or transportation plan. The time of the planned event will not change after the
confirmation has been sent to the customer regardless of operational execution. The
transportation plan is generated when the carrier sends the booking confirmation to the customer
and will not change afterwards unless a revised plan is agreed by stakeholders.

3.1.2 Estimated
forecasted completion time of an Event that is covered by a confirmed
booking but has not yet been completed. The estimated event is a dynamic value, which can
change based on the running forecast of the completion time. .

3.1.3 Actual
a time stamp that indicates the point at which an event was actually completed in
accordance with the definition of the relevant Event Type.

3.2 Event type

Event Type in the Equipment Journey is the active occurrence which is being reported on. For the
Equipment Journey, the event is identifying what physical activity is executed to cause a change
in the state or status of the equipment.

3.2.1 Load
Load is the action of lifting cargo or a container on board of the mode of transportation. Load is
complete once the cargo or container has been lifted on board the mode of transport and secured.

3.2.2 Discharge
Discharge is the action of lifting cargo or containers off a mode of transport. Discharge is the
opposite of load.

3.2.3 Gate-in

7 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

 he action when a container is introduced into a controlled area like a port - or inland
terminal. Gate in has been completed once the operator of the area is legally in possession of the
container.

3.2.4 Gate-out
he action when a container is removed from a controlled area like a port or inland
terminal. Gate-out has been completed once the possession of the container has been transferred
from the operator of the terminal to the entity, who is picking up the container.

3.2.5 Stuffing
he process of loading the cargo in a container or in/onto another piece of equipment.

3.2.6 Stripping
he act of unloading cargo from containers or equipment.

3.2.7 Pick-up
n Event Type that identifies a plan or request has been made to collect a container or
shipment at a Customer Location. This Event Type may be accompanied by an Estimated, Planned
or Actual time to indicate when the moment when the collection from Customer Location is
estimated or planned to take place, or has already taken place.

3.2.8 Drop-off
Event Type that identifies a plan or request has been made to deliver a container
or shipment to a Customer Location. This Event Type may be accompanied by an Estimated,
Planned or Actual time to indicate when the delivery to Customer Location is estimated or planned
to take place, or has already taken place.

3.2.9 Inspected
n indicator that the Seal on the equipment has been inspected.

3.2.10 Resealed
n indicator that the equipment has been re-sealed after inspection.

3.2.11 Removed
n indicator that a Seal has been removed from the equipment for inspection

3.3 Empty indicator

the parameter that indicates whether the container has cargo inside at any
given time. In the context of the DCSA event structure, Empty Indicator is a binary parameter.

3.3.1 Laden

8 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

 n indicator that stuffing of container is complete, and a valid seal has been applied to
the container doors. Containers are considered Laden regardless of whether the equipment has
room for additional cargo. This means the container is considered Laden even if it is only stuffed
with partial load. Synonym with Full (container)

3.3.2 Empty
Containers are considered empty once all cargo have been removed and cleaning has been
performed according to carrier standards, this includes the period before stuffing occurs.

3.4 Transport Mode

This parameter is the identifier for the mode of transportation.

3.4.1 Vessel
floating, sea going structure (mother vessels and feeder vessels) with either an internal
or external mode of propulsion designed for the transport of cargo and/or passengers. Ocean
vessels are uniquely identified by an IMO number consisting of 7 digits, or alternatively by their AIS
signal with an MMSI number.

3.4.2 Barge
lat-bottomed floating structure built mainly for transport of cargo/equipment at
coastal areas, rivers, canals or on open sea. A barge may or may not be self-propelled.

3.4.3 Truck
ruck is a road going vehicle designed for the movement of goods or people. In the context of the
event naming structure this is limited to trucks designed for containerized cargo and delimited
from trucks and vans carrying parcels or other cargo.

3.4.4 Rail
Rail is a transport designed for the movement of goods or people. In the context of the event
naming structure, this is limited to rail transport designed for containerized cargo.

3.5 Facility Type

Facility Type provides the locational context of the event being reported on. Facility Types are
defined as unique types of areas where equipment can be located for a specified period of time.
The location identifier will be based on UN-LOCODES at country, city, and subarea levels.

3.5.1 Depot
Depot is a designated area where empty equipment is stored between use.

9 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

3.5.2 Customer location
The premises of the customer. This can be the premises of either the shipper or the consignee.

3.5.3 Port terminal

Port terminal is a facility located adjacent to a waterway where containers are loaded, moved, or
discharged onto/from sea-going vessels and barges.

3.5.4 Inland terminal

Inland terminal is a facility where containers are loaded, moved, or discharged. The inland
terminal can be serviced by trucks, rail, and barges (at river terminals).

3.5.5 Container yard

Container yard is a place where containers are stored on the terminal or dry port (rail ramp)
before they are loaded or offloaded from a ship. Containers are either stored for loading to be
transported elsewhere or offloaded as they arrive into the port, terminal or rail ramp.

3.5.6 Container freight station

Container freight station is a facility where LCL (Less Than Container Load) shipments are
consolidated or dispersed, cargo is stuffed into containers prior to shipment, or cargo is stripped
from containers prior to release to the consignee.

3.5.7 Border crossing

Border crossing is the point at a border between two countries where people, transports or goods
can cross. This may or may not include a customs checkpoint.

3.5.8 Ramp
n inland container terminal location (storing both full and empty containers) that is
connected directly to a rail ramp where containers are loaded/discharged to/from a train. In cases
where the inland container terminal does not have a rail-ramp, the alternative location term
"Inland Terminal" should be used.

4 Transport Journey
The structure of the Transport Journey governs the naming and understanding of events which are
driven by occurrences in the general transport of a shipment. A Transport Journey includes all
customer-relevant events carried out by one or more modes of transport.

The structure of events within the Transport Journey follows the syntax below:

(EventClassifier)_(TransportMode)_(EventType)_at/from_(FacilityType)

For Event Classifier, Transport Mode and Facility Type please reference the previous chapter.

10 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

4.1 Event Type
Event Type in the Transport Journey is the active occurrence being reported on. For the Transport

4.1.1 Arrival
Arrival is the event which occurs, when a mode of transport reaches its final or intermediate
destination, and the mode of transport is ready for load/discharge operations to begin at the
specified location. Depending on the mode of transport arrival will have different definitions:

- Vessel/Barge: A vessel/barge has arrived once the vessel is berthed at the port terminal.
- Rail: A rail transport has arrived once the transport is stationary at the intended platform or rail
head.
- Truck: A truck has arrived once the truck is stationary in front of the loading dock or other
loading facility.

4.1.2 Departure
Departure is the event which occurs when a mode of transport leaves a place of operations.
Depending on the mode of transport departure will have different definitions:

- Vessel/barge: Departure has been completed once the last mooring has been released.
- Rail: Departure has been completed once the rail transport is no longer stationary in front of
the platform or rail head.
- Truck: Departure has been completed once the truck is no longer stationary in front of the
loading dock or loading facility.

5 Shipment Journey
The structure of the Shipment Journey governs the naming and understanding of events which are
driven by occurrences in the customer-facing information flow tied to a shipment. A shipment can
consist of FCL/LCL (plus carrier/merchant haulage).

The structure of events within the Shipment Journey follows the syntax below:

(EventClassifier)_(DocumentTypeCode)_(EventType)

5.1 Document Type Code

This parameter is an identifier for a specific information type in an event. Information Types in the
structure follow the shipment and/or the equipment associated with a shipment, and they all have
dependencies on the shipper or consignee.

11 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

5.1.1 Booking
Booking is a reservation of space and/or equipment for a vessel/voyage and possibly inland
transport with a specific origin/destination/equipment type and commodity.

5.1.2 Shipping instruction

Shipping Instruction is an enrichment to the original booking shared by the shipper to the carrier.
The shipping instruction includes volume/weight, shipping dates, origin, destination, and other
special instructions. The information given by the shipper through the shipping instructions is the
information which is required to create the Bill of Lading.

5.1.3 Shipment release message

Shipment Release Message is document sent to the consignee informing, that the shipment can
now be released from its current location and transferred to the consignee on gate-out.

5.1.4 Transport document

Transportation Document is a document that governs the terms of carriage between shipper and
carrier for maritime transportation. 2 distinct types of transport documents exist:

- Original Bill of Lading

- Sea Waybill

5.1.5 Arrival notice

Arrival Notice is a notification to the notifying party (often the consignee and/or notify party) on
the estimated arrival time of the shipment.

5.1.6 VGM (Verified Gross Mass)

s a notification of reception of the declaration informing the carrier of the weight of the
container, verified by an authorized person from the shipper or on behalf of said shipper. This
includes cargo weight, bracing, dunnage and container tare weight.

5.1.7 Dangerous Goods Declaration

s a notification of reception of the Document issued by a shipper
(consignor) in accordance with applicable conventions or regulations, describing hazardous
goods or materials for transport purposes, and stating that the latter have been packed and
labelled in accordance with the provisions of the relevant conventions or regulations.

5.1.8 Out-of-Gauge Declaration

-of- Is a notification of reception of the declaration for Cargo that has been loaded
into special equipment, that exceed the dimensions of a standard 20', 40', or high cube container
e.g., Out-of-gauge cargo is over length, over width, over height, or combinations thereof.

5.1.9 Customs Inspection

12 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

"Customs Inspection" is an activity identifier that is used to denote the status of a shipment and/
or container regarding inspection by the respective customs authorities. It can have a status of "On
Hold" or "Released".

5.1.10 Cargo Survey

an activity identifier of the act of documenting details on the cargo on behalf of
the carrier, customer, or authorities. This could be the measurement of an out of gauge shipment,
packing of dangerous goods or any element which requires specific documentation of the physical
condition of the cargo. It can have Requested or Completed status.

5.2 Event Type

Event Type in the Shipment Journey is the active occurrence being reported on. For a Shipment
Journey, several event types exist. Some have a similar meaning but different ties to the associated
document.

5.2.1 Received
Received is the event associated with receiving a document or a set of information constituting
a document type. A document is deemed received when it is registered by the receiving party.

5.2.2 Confirmed
n indicator that a document or request issued to a third party has been registered
by the third party and that an affirmative message has been sent by the third party (the confirming
party).

5.2.3 Issued
A document is issued once it has been released or made available to the receiving party by the
issuing party.

5.2.4 Approved
A document is approved once the approving party has sent an affirmative message to the party
requesting the approval.

5.2.5 Submitted
A document is submitted once the document is sent from the submitting party to the receiving
party.

5.2.6 Surrendered
A transportation document is surrendered once the possession/ownership of the document has
been transferred from the customer to the carrier (normally in return for cargo release).

13 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2

5.2.7 Rejected
an indicator that a document, request or other information type sent or submitted to
a carrier has been rejected/not admitted by the carrier. This is often due to commercial limitations,
or because the document or request contained missing or incorrect information.

5.2.8 Pending approval

n indicator that a document issued to a third party is awaiting the approval

5.2.9 Requested

certain activity, service or document has been requested by the carrier, customer, or authorities.
This status remains constant until the requested a

5.2.10 Completed
activity identifiers to denote
that a certain activity, service or document has been completed.

5.2.11 On Hold

a container or shipment has been placed on hold i.e. can not progress in the process.

5.2.12 Released

that a container or shipment has been released i.e. allowed to move from depot or terminal (by
authorities or service provider).

14 DCSA Event Structure Definitions 2.2