The computer-to-computer exchange of standardized business documents between railroads, shippers, and logistics providers using ANSI X12 transaction sets. Common rail EDI transactions include the 404 (rail shipment), 410 (freight invoice), 417 (rate inquiry), and 418 (rate reply). EDI is the foundational data exchange standard for the North American rail industry.
The ANSI X12 EDI transaction set used to transmit a rail shipment (bill of lading) from a shipper or agent to a railroad. The 404 contains all information needed to create a waybill including origin, destination, commodity, car number, routing, and billing instructions. It is the primary method by which rail shipments are tendered electronically.
The ANSI X12 EDI transaction set used by railroads to send freight invoices (freight bills) to shippers and payers. The 410 contains itemized charges including linehaul, fuel surcharge, and accessorials. Electronic invoice processing via EDI 410 enables automated freight bill auditing and payment.
The ANSI X12 EDI transaction set used by shippers or their agents to request a freight rate from a railroad. The 417 specifies the origin, destination, commodity, car type, and other parameters needed to generate a rate quote. It is paired with the EDI 418 rate reply.
The ANSI X12 EDI transaction set used by a railroad to respond to an EDI 417 rate inquiry, providing the applicable rate, routing, and validity period. The 418 enables automated rate shopping and contract management in shipper TMS platforms. It is the electronic equivalent of a rate quote.
The AAR-affiliated technology company that provides information technology services and data standards for the North American rail industry, including the UMLER equipment registry, the Centralized Station Master location database, Jettison EDI translation, and the car location network. Railinc is the central data utility connecting railroads, shippers, and service providers. It maintains the authoritative registry of rail equipment and industry codes.
Enterprise software used by shippers, logistics providers, and railroads to plan, execute, track, and optimize freight transportation. In the rail context, a TMS manages rate procurement, shipment tendering, car ordering, tracking, freight bill auditing, and performance analytics. Modern TMS platforms integrate with railroad EDI systems and provide real-time visibility.