Electronic Data Interchange - Carrier

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a standard for the exchange of information between disparate systems. From a carrier perspective, this means the automation of the load tendering and appointment setup process.

CDS is flexible in terms of the both the format used (proprietary formats have been implemented to meet client systems needs) and the communications method. Secure Internet protocols such as AS2 or AS3, FTP (either via a CDS-hosted or carrier-hosted server), or a traditional EDI Value-Added Network are offered as options for communications.

Load Tendering

The Load Tender (204) document is used to tender a load (one or more orders) to a carrier; typically, this transaction is routed from CDS through a transportation management system which contains a rule set for determining the tendering sequence. The Load Tender Response (990) determines whether or not a carrier will accept a load tender.

Appointment and Load Status

CDS can update the carrier concerning the appointment date/time, load status, and carrier arrival and departure times via the Shipment Status (214) document. The carrier can also use this 214 document to transmit updated information such as appointment reference numbers back to CDS.