The movement of goods across the supply chain relies on digital identifiers that ensure accuracy and visibility. One such identifier is the PRO number, a fundamental concept in freight shipping that links physical cargo to its corresponding digital record. This article will clarify the function of the Progressive Routing Order number within logistics.
Defining the PRO Number
The PRO number, which stands for Progressive Routing Order, is a unique 7- to 10-digit numeric identifier assigned by a freight carrier to a single shipment. This number serves as the carrier’s internal tracking reference, distinguishing one consignment from all others moving through their network. It is the standard tracking mechanism used specifically within the Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) sector, where multiple shipments are consolidated onto a single trailer. The PRO number allows the carrier to manage the cargo as it is transferred between terminals and linehaul movements throughout its journey.
The Primary Functions of a PRO Number
The PRO number serves two primary operational needs: tracking the physical location of the freight and providing a clear reference for financial documentation. For shippers and consignees, the number allows for granular monitoring of the cargo’s movement and visibility into its current status. Every time the freight is scanned at a terminal, loaded onto a trailer, or designated for delivery, the status update is logged against this number. This system provides a timeline of events, enabling all parties to anticipate arrival times and manage potential delays.
The PRO number is also the definitive financial reference for the shipment. It directly links the physical goods to the freight bill, which details the charges and services rendered by the carrier. This connection ensures the correct party is billed for transportation services and any associated accessorial charges, such as liftgate service or reweigh fees. The number acts as an audit trail, connecting the rate quote, the service performed, and the final invoice to facilitate accurate payment processing.
How PRO Numbers Are Generated and Assigned
PRO numbers are generated within the carrier’s or third-party logistics provider’s (3PL) internal software system, created sequentially as a pool of available identifiers. The official assignment occurs when the freight is physically picked up by the carrier’s driver. At pickup, the driver affixes a scannable label containing the PRO number directly to the freight. This label is often paired with the carrier’s Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) to create a comprehensive barcode for efficient scanning. The application of the label marks the point at which the shipment enters the carrier’s network and the PRO number becomes active for tracking and billing.
PRO Numbers vs. Other Logistics Identifiers
Bill of Lading (BOL) Number
The PRO number and the Bill of Lading (BOL) number serve different functions and are created by different parties. The BOL number is generated by the shipper or freight broker when the legal contract for carriage is created. This number represents the legal document detailing the goods, origin, destination, and terms of the agreement. The PRO number, in contrast, is the carrier’s internal, operational tracking number assigned at or after pickup. While both numbers appear on the BOL document, the BOL number is the legal reference, and the PRO number tracks physical movement.
Purchase Order (PO) Number
The Purchase Order (PO) number is a financial identifier with no direct connection to the physical transportation of the goods. A buyer generates the PO number to confirm a purchase and track the transaction internally for inventory and accounting. This number is often included on the BOL to provide a cross-reference, allowing the receiver to match the incoming freight to their original order. The PO number is a pre-shipment financial reference, entirely distinct from the PRO number, which is a post-pickup operational reference.
Booking Number
The booking number is used to reserve space or schedule a shipment with a carrier or 3PL. This number is generated during the initial planning phase, well before the freight is ready for transport. The booking number confirms the intent to ship and secures the pickup appointment time. The PRO number, however, is not created until the carrier’s system is ready to accept the freight, usually at the point of pickup or processing. The booking number is a temporary scheduling tool, while the PRO number is the permanent tracking identifier for the shipment’s life in transit.
Where to Find and Use Your PRO Number
The PRO number is accessible to both shipping and receiving parties as it appears on various documents associated with the freight shipment. It is printed prominently on the Bill of Lading, especially the copy the carrier provides back to the shipper upon pickup. The number is also present on the final delivery receipt, the carrier’s manifest, and the freight bill used for invoicing.
The most common use of the PRO number is for tracking the shipment in real time using the carrier’s dedicated online portal. By entering the 7- to 10-digit number, users gain access to status updates, terminal locations, and estimated delivery windows. In some systems, the PRO number is preceded by the carrier’s four-letter SCAC code, which acts as a prefix to ensure the identifier is unique across the freight industry. This process enables efficient planning for receiving staff and warehouse operations.