The 945 is the warehouse’s answer to a warehouse shipping order (EDI 940). It references the depositor’s order number and the customer’s PO, and reports what actually left the building: the ship date, the carrier and tracking or bill of lading number, and the quantity shipped for each item, including any shortages. Some warehouses also include carton or pallet detail.
The 945 sits in the middle of the fulfillment flow. Once you receive it, your systems can update inventory and order status, send your customer an advance ship notice (EDI 856) and issue the invoice (EDI 810). From there, the carrier’s shipment status (EDI 214) messages track the freight to delivery.
A late or inaccurate 945 delays everything after it. If it shows full quantities when the warehouse short-shipped, your ASN and invoice overstate the shipment, which leads to disputes and claims and deductions. If it never arrives, the order looks unshipped, the customer receives no ASN and retail vendor compliance deadlines are missed.