How many characters are in a Transportation Control Number (TCN)?

A Transportation Control Number (TCN) consists of 17 characters. This unique identifier is used within the logistics and transportation management system to track and manage the movement of cargo throughout the supply chain. The structure of the TCN allows for detailed categorization and tracking of shipments, accommodating various necessary data elements that represent routing, destination, and cargo specifics.

In many logistics operations, having a 17-character TCN ensures sufficient variations to handle numerous shipments simultaneously while avoiding confusion between similarly named or coded shipments. Proper formatting and adherence to these standards are crucial for efficient transportation management and coordination within military and civilian operations alike.