To identify the equipment.

To specify the cargo location on board the vessel.

To specify pertinent dates and times

To record seal numbers used and the organization that applied the seals.

To relate equipment type and required temperatures

To identify equipment and the commodity being carried

To cross-reference additional equipment to a primary piece of equipment.

To provide loading details for equipment

To assign a priority to a booking which would increase the possibility that this cargo would be booked on said voyage and not be shut out

To provide vessel details and voyage number

To specify special handling instructions in coded or free-form format

To transmit information in a free-form format, if necessary, for comment or special instruction.

To transmit identifying numbers and descriptive information as specified by the reference number qualifier

To specify the total shipment in terms of weight, volume, rates, charges, advances, and prepaid amounts applicable to one or more line items