What Are the Different Types of EDI in Trucking?

Communication and data accuracy are essential for success in the fast-paced freight industry. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has become a cornerstone technology for trucking and freight companies that replaces traditional paper-based processes with efficient, standardized electronic communication. Understanding the different types of EDI in trucking is important to the success of trucking companies, as the digital communications streamline operations, reduce errors, speed up payments, and are often required by major shippers and brokers.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in trucking is the computer-to-computer exchange of standard business documents between trading partners — such as shippers, carriers, brokers, and 3PLs. Instead of paper, fax, or email, important freight information is transmitted electronically using a standardized format. This standardization relies on specific EDI transaction codes — typically three-digit numbers defined by standards bodies like ANSI X12 — where each code represents a specific type of business document. This ensures that the computer systems of different companies can automatically interpret and process the information accurately.

Common document types exchanged via EDI in trucking include:
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• Load Tenders and Responses
• Bills of Lading
• Shipment Status Updates
• Freight Invoices
• Functional Acknowledgments

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Top 5 Most Common EDI Transaction Codes in Trucking

There are hundreds of EDI transaction codes across many industries and there are specific transaction codes that are used in the day-to-day operations of trucking and freight logistics companies. Using the right transaction code for each communication is vital for maintaining smooth workflows, ensuring data accuracy between partners, meeting compliance requirements, and preventing potential delays in scheduling or payment.

Here are five of the most common EDI transactions in the trucking industry:

1. EDI 204: Motor Carrier Load Tender

This is the initial offer of freight from a shipper or broker to a carrier. The EDI 204 transaction includes all the essential details about the proposed shipment, including pickup and delivery locations, requested dates and times, equipment requirements, commodity information, and contact details.

2. EDI 990: Response to a Load Tender

Carriers use the EDI 990 transaction code as a reply to the EDI 204 Load Tender transaction code. This response indicates whether the carrier accepts or rejects the shipment offer and helps ensure that the shipper knows if the load has been covered.

3. EDI 214: Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message

This transaction code is sent by the carrier to the shipper and receiver. The EDI 214 code provides real-time updates on a shipment's progress with status codes. Common statuses provided by this transaction include confirmation of pickup, departure from origin, estimated time of arrival (ETA), arrival at destination, proof of delivery, and notifications of any delays or exceptions.

4. EDI 210: Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice

This transaction code serves as an electronic invoice for the carrier and sent to the shipper or designated payment party. The EDI 210 transaction code lists and highlights the services rendered and any associated charges, including line items, additional fees, mileage, weight, and the total amount due.

5. EDI 997: Functional Acknowledgment

The EDI 997 transaction acts as an electronic receipt and confirms that an EDI transaction — like EDI 204 or EDI 210 — was successfully received and processed by the trading partner's system. It confirms delivery and the validity of the form, but does not confirm agreement like accepting a load or agreeing to an invoice.

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READ MORE: Benefits of EDI Integration in Trucking

EDI is an important tech solution for modern trucking and freight companies that enables faster, more accurate, and more efficient communication between cooperating businesses. A better understanding of the different types of EDI in trucking and the most common transaction codes, helps companies streamline their workflows, reduce manual errors, improve shipment visibility, and meet the technical requirements of shippers and brokers. The integration of EDI capabilities within a robust Transportation Management System (TMS) like TransPlus TMS enhances these benefits.

Contact TransPlus today to learn more about the TransPlus TMS platform and available EDI integrations!

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