Logistics automation
Automate the freight and warehouse data your logistics partners send you
Shippers and brands depend on carriers and 3PLs they do not control. ECOM connects your ERP and TMS to those partners over EDI and APIs, so tenders, responses, status, freight invoices, warehouse orders and shipping confirmations flow without phone calls and spreadsheets. Carriers and 3PLs themselves are covered on the trucking and 3PL pages.
At a glance
- Carrier connectivity
- Warehouse integration
- TMS and WMS integration
- Status visibility
- Freight document capture
What is logistics EDI?
Logistics EDI is the set of standardized documents used to plan, execute and bill transportation and warehousing. Examples include motor carrier load tenders (204) and responses (990), shipment status messages (214), freight invoices (210), and warehouse shipping orders (940) and advice (945). Increasingly, carrier APIs supplement EDI for real-time tracking and rating.
Outcomes
What you can expect
Faster tendering
Tenders and responses move electronically, which reduces back-and-forth with carriers.
Better shipment visibility
Status messages and API events feed one view of shipment progress.
Accurate freight billing
Electronic freight invoices support automated audit against rates and shipments.
Approach
How ECOM delivers it
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Carrier connectivity
Exchange 204, 990, 214 and 210 documents and connect carrier APIs.
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Warehouse integration
Exchange 940, 945, 943, 944 and 846 documents with 3PL warehouses.
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TMS and WMS integration
Connect transportation and warehouse management systems to partners.
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Status visibility
Track milestones in PRISM-SCV and alert on delays.
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Freight document capture
Extract data from emailed rate confirmations and bills of lading with SmartConvert.
Documents and standards
Common transactions
Common X12 transportation and warehousing documents.
| Code | Document | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 204 | Motor Carrier Load Tender | Offers a shipment to a carrier. |
| 990 | Response to a Load Tender | The carrier accepts or declines. |
| 214 | Shipment Status Message | Reports pickup |
| 210 | Motor Carrier Freight Invoice | Bills the shipper for freight. |
| 940 | Warehouse Shipping Order | Instructs a 3PL to ship an order. |
| 945 | Warehouse Shipping Advice | The 3PL confirms what shipped. |
Scenarios
Common scenarios
Shippers managing many carriers
Standardize tendering and status across carriers with different capabilities.
Brands using 3PL warehouses
Connect ERP orders to 3PL fulfillment and receive shipment confirmations.
Frequently asked questions
Do carriers prefer EDI or APIs?
Many large carriers support both. EDI remains common for tendering and invoicing, while APIs are often used for real-time tracking and rating.
Can you connect our TMS to carriers?
Yes. ECOM integrates TMS platforms with carriers and brokers through EDI and APIs.
What documents do 3PLs typically exchange?
3PL warehouses commonly use the 940 and 945 for outbound orders, 943 and 944 for inbound stock transfers and receipts, and 846 for inventory.
Talk to an integration expert
Tell us about your partners, systems and goals. We will show you how PRISM and our team can help.