# API interface

*Last updated: 2026-06-18*

> An API (Application Programming Interface) is a technical specification that defines how two software systems exchange data and invoke each other's functions automatically.

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a technical specification that defines how two software systems exchange data and invoke each other's functions automatically. In freight forwarding and customs, APIs link transport management systems with customs platforms, freight marketplaces, banking systems, and customer portals – removing the need for manual re-entry of data between applications. The result is a continuous, real-time data flow: shipment details, status updates, invoices, and documents move between systems without human intervention. APIs differ from traditional EDI connections in that modern REST or SOAP APIs are more flexible and faster to implement, though both serve the same underlying purpose of system-to-system communication.

**Source:** [https://www.logisticsmanagement.com/technology/what-api](https://www.logisticsmanagement.com/technology/what-api)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | API interface |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 105 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-18 |
| Source | https://www.logisticsmanagement.com/technology/what-api |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/api-interface](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/api-interface)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/api-interface](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/api-interface)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/api-interface/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/api-interface/llm-summary?lang=en)*