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 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 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 primary shipping document that serves as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the railroad, a receipt for the goods tendered, and sometimes a document of title. The bill of lading describes the commodity, weight, origin, destination, routing, and any special terms. It is issued by the railroad or its agent when freight is accepted for transportation.
An internal railroad document derived from the bill of lading that travels with or ahead of a car and contains all information needed to route, classify, and deliver the shipment. The waybill is the operational document used by railroad employees to handle a car through the system. It may be electronic in modern railroad IT systems.