terminalsnummer

Terminalsnummer is a German term used to designate a unique identifier assigned to a terminal, facility, or connection point within a logistics, transportation, or computer network. In practice, the term is most common in freight, port, and intermodal contexts, where it helps distinguish between multiple terminals within a location such as a port complex, a rail yard, or an inland terminal. The identifier supports routing, planning, inventory control, and documentation, including shipping instructions, freight orders, and electronic data interchange (EDI).

Format and assignment of a terminsnummer vary by operator and system. It is typically numeric or alphanumeric and is issued by the terminal operator, port authority, or the network administrator responsible for the relevant logistics or IT system. In many organisations the number is stored in enterprise systems such as ERP, transportation management systems (TMS), or terminal operating systems (TOS) to enable automated matching of orders with the correct facility and to streamline handover, loading, and discharge processes. Because practices differ between regions and industries, there is no universal standard for the exact structure of a terminsnummer.

In computing contexts, the term can also refer to the identifier of a terminal device or session within a multi-user or networked environment. However, in logistics and transport, the primary use of the term is to identify a physical terminal within a network to ensure accurate communication and asset tracking. Related concepts include terminal identifiers, terminal codes, and location-based codes such as UN/LOCODE used for broader identification of places.