1. How to Create a Transportation Control Number (TCN)

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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 Utilize the sequence numbers 5192 for characters 11 – 14.

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

8. Last 4 of T3 Tracking Number
Completed TCN
M XXX
Last 3 Characters
DODDAC
Julian Date
Calendar Year
Last 4 of T3 Tracking Number
Final Product:
M XXX

9. Completed TCN is located in Block 6 of the DD Form 1149
M XXX
M XXX