How to Create a Transportation Control Number (TCN)

General Information The TCN is a 17-character data element assigned to control and manage every shipment unit throughout the transportation pipeline and payment processing. The TCN for each shipment is unique and MUST NOT be duplicated.

Creating a TCN: Step One (1) Characters 1- 6, enter the DODAAC of the shipping activity or MSC assigning the TCN. MSC DODAAC MFR M26381 DIV M26383 MLG M29410 MAW M01129 FHG M20143

Creating a TCN: Step Two (2) Enter the last digit of the calendar year for character 7. Example: This Calendar Year is 2018; therefore, the creator of the TCN will utilize the number 8 of the calendar year for the TCN

Creating a TCN: Step Three (3) Enter the three (3) digit Julian Date for characters 8 - 10. Example: December 13, 2018 three digital characters for the Julian date are 347

Creating a TCN: Step Four (4) Enter a TCN serial number without any duplication for characters 11 – 14. Use the last 4 numbers of the TOT Request tracking number within the T3 database to complete the serial number. Example: The TOT tracking number is 025192. Utilize the sequence numbers 5192 for characters 11 – 14.

Final Step Creating a TCN: Step Five (5) Characters 15 – 17 of a TCN consist of three (3) Xs. Example: XXX

Last 4 of T3 Tracking Number Completed TCN M26381 8 338 5192 XXX Last 3 Characters DODDAC Julian Date Calendar Year Last 4 of T3 Tracking Number Final Product: M2638183385192XXX

Completed TCN is located in Block 6 of the DD Form 1149 M2001683385192XXX M2638183385192XXX