# Interface Standards for Freight IT Systems

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> Interface standards for freight IT systems are technical specifications – protocols, data formats, and API definitions – that govern how software applications in freight forwarding, transport, and logistics exchange data.

Interface standards for freight IT systems are technical specifications – protocols, data formats, and API definitions – that govern how software applications in freight forwarding, transport, and logistics exchange data. They are the foundation of interoperability: a forwarder's ERP can connect reliably with a warehouse management system, a carrier booking platform, or a customs portal without resorting to manual data entry. Established standards include EDIFACT for structured EDI messaging and UN/CEFACT message specifications; more recent integrations increasingly rely on REST APIs or platform-specific interface definitions. Shared standards substantially reduce integration effort, which benefits small and mid-sized forwarders in particular. Not to be confused with data quality standards: interface standards govern the transport channel and format, not the accuracy of the underlying content.

**Source:** [https://www.unece.org/trade/uncefact/](https://www.unece.org/trade/uncefact/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Interface Standards for Freight IT Systems |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 122 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://www.unece.org/trade/uncefact/ |

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