GLN (Global Location Number)

A Global Location Number (GLN) is a 13-digit identifier issued under the GS1 standards system that uniquely identifies a physical location (warehouse, port, terminal, office) or a legal entity (company, subsidiary, division) within the global supply chain. GLNs are used extensively in EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) transactions, customs declarations, and supply chain systems to unambiguously identify the parties and locations involved in a shipment. When a customs declaration references a consignee, or an EDI message identifies a delivery point, the GLN provides a standardized, globally unique identifier that eliminates the ambiguity of using company names or addresses that may vary across systems and languages.

In freight forwarding, GLNs are particularly important for customs compliance and automated data exchange. Customs authorities in many countries require or prefer GLN identification for importers, exporters, and logistics facilities. EDI messages between freight forwarders, carriers, and customs systems use GLNs to identify parties consistently. When AI systems extract data from freight documents and push it into TMS platforms or customs systems, mapping the correct GLNs for all parties involved is essential for the data to be accepted and processed correctly.

FreightMynd's document intelligence and TMS integration systems maintain GLN mapping as part of the data validation pipeline. When AI extracts party information from freight documents, the system maps shipper, consignee, and facility references to their corresponding GLNs — ensuring that data pushed to CargoWise, SAP TM, or customs systems includes the correct identifiers for seamless processing. This automated GLN resolution eliminates a common source of EDI rejections and customs declaration errors.