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 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 invoice issued by a railroad to a shipper or third party for transportation services rendered, including linehaul, fuel surcharge, and any applicable accessorial charges. Freight bills may be prepaid (paid by the shipper at origin) or collect (paid by the consignee at destination). Freight bill auditing is a significant function in large shipping operations.
Additional fees charged by a railroad for services beyond the basic point-to-point transportation, such as reconsignment, storage, demurrage, special handling, or fuel surcharges. Accessorials can significantly increase the total cost of a shipment above the base linehaul rate. Shippers should review tariff schedules carefully to understand all potential accessorial exposure.