GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026

Interface Standards for Freight IT Systems

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.

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Last updated: 25 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.unece.org/trade/uncefact/

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Definition & Explanation

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.

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – Interface Standards for Freight IT Systems (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/interface-standards-for-freight-it-systems), accessed 2026-10-27
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2025). Interface Standards for Freight IT Systems. Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/interface-standards-for-freight-it-systems
BibTeX: @misc{interfacestandardsfor2025, title = {Interface Standards for Freight IT Systems}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2025}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/interface-standards-for-freight-it-systems}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-10-27} }

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