GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026
API interface
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a technical specification that defines how two software systems exchange data and invoke each other's functions automatically.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.logisticsmanagement.com/technology/what-api
Category
Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
Reading time
1 min
Words
105
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
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.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
⚖️ ICC Incoterms 2020
Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
Analyze all 11 Incoterms 2020: cost matrix, risk timeline, insurance gap detector and customs responsibility – free, no login required.
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.