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UN number, Incoterm and container number in one email

An email to a carrier contains references that must not change by one character. A translation that rewrites any of them causes a wrong booking.

Case Studies / Case 8 · Logistics Translator

Status: Illustrative scenario — a typical situation with invented details. Last reviewed 8 October 2026.
What’s at stake

One changed digit in a container, UN or HS number can mean a wrong booking or a misdeclared dangerous-goods load.

Case 8 · 2 min read · Last reviewed 8 October 2026

Problem

An email to a carrier contains references that must not change by one character. A translation that rewrites any of them causes a wrong booking.

Input

Source (English): “Please book 2 × 20' FCL, FCA Milano (Incoterms 2020), UN 1993, class 3, PG III, container MSCU1234567, HS 3208.90. VGM and cut-off to be confirmed by Friday.”

What I did

  1. Translate with context Dangerous goods and mode Email.
  2. Compare every reference character by character with the source.
  3. Check the terms VGM, cut-off, FCL, PG.

Result

Pass criteria: UN 1993, class 3, PG III, MSCU1234567, 3208.90, FCA Milano (Incoterms 2020), 2 × 20' and the date must be identical to the source. Terms: VGM = doğrulanmış brüt kütle; cut-off = son kabul zamanı; FCL = tam konteyner yükü. If any of these changes in the translation, do not send the email.

Where it can go wrong

This case is the edge test for the protection claim. In the new translator version, protected items (UN, packing group, HS/CN, container numbers, dates, amounts, Incoterms) are checked after translation and a warning lists any that the engine changed. Run it on the live site before publishing.

Human verification

  • Compare every identifier with the source.
  • Run the test with 10 different strings and keep the log.
  • Send dangerous-goods data only after a DGSA confirms it.
Next step

Check your own shipment with the same steps.

Open the Logistics Translator →
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Stuck on a similar case?

Send the details (without customer names) to contact@supply.training. Written by a logistics professional with 20+ years on the floor — about the author.

Cases are anonymised and practical. They are not legal, customs, tax or dangerous-goods advice. Verify the current rule and the carrier or authority requirement for every real shipment. Last reviewed: 8 October 2026.