Scheduling Standards Consortium Achieves Landmark Milestone: API Standards Published

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Oct 02, 2023, 08:00 ET

Industry Momentum Accelerates with New Badging System to Identify Integrations and Members; Consortium Grows with Collaborator Additions

CHICAGO, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Scheduling Standards Consortium (SSC) today announced the achievement of a landmark milestone — the publication of its Technical Standard for developing scheduling application programming interface (API) for transportation management systems (TMS). Now accessible on the open source community, GitHub, the Technical Standard will bring more cohesion and resiliency to the movement of goods, making it easier to book and manage appointments, optimize processes for carriers, shippers and receivers, and drive operational efficiencies for the industry at large.

Scheduling system and interface fragmentation is a significant point of friction amongst carriers, brokers, and shippers. As the industry relies increasingly on an integrated network of providers and solutions to manage the end-to-end lifecycle of each shipment, it's vital to define and share a consistent data architecture and API standard for the distribution of scheduling information. The SSC was formed in December 2022 to establish the industry's first formal set of scheduling API standards.

Today, the Technical Standard is available for TMS developers on GitHub, encapsulating eight months of rigorous technical and strategic collaboration. The work ushers in an era where scheduling systems work seamlessly, transcending the barriers that have long hindered efficient data sharing among shippers, carriers, and brokers. The SSC's API-based approach will allow companies to access the latest data and make smart decisions to increase efficiency, reduce empty miles and waste, lower costs, and improve service outcomes. As each company aligns with these standards, the industry can better orchestrate freight needs with data-informed systems.

"This moment is the culmination of everything the SSC has been working toward to date. Our objective was to develop a technical standard that would allow scheduling systems across the freight industry to consistently and efficiently communicate with one another, and that's exactly what we've achieved," according to the SSC's integrated product leads from Uber Freight, J.B. Hunt and Convoy; Chris Chmielewski, Greg Granata and Brian Holley respectively. "The logistics industry is modernizing at an incredible rate, continually improving conditions for seamless digital communication between systems. Standardizing this communication now promises substantial future benefits. Our aspiration is for all stakeholders — brokers, carriers, shippers, and receivers —to recognize the value that these standards provide and embrace them so all parties can save time, money, and ultimately, deliver value for their customers."

TMS Leaders Invest In Adoption and Integration Efforts
As industry leaders adopt these standards, a significant transformation is set in motion. Shippers stand to benefit from collaborating with these forward-thinking TMS providers, whose investments in integration translate to increased efficiency and cost savings in their operations. This harmonization signifies more than just technical progress; it underscores a dedication to innovative solutions that enhance the logistics ecosystem as a whole.

"At One Network, we're not just embracing the publication of the SSC Technical Standard; we're committing to implementing and utilizing these standards to enable greater efficiency across the logistics landscape in 2024," said Greg Brady, Founder and Executive Chairman of One Network Enterprises. "Our dedication to these guidelines goes beyond rhetoric; it's a strategic move that will empower shippers and carriers with streamlined operations and enhanced data sharing. As we weave these standards into our systems, we're driving transformative efficiencies, and ultimately, fostering a more connected and agile logistics ecosystem."

"At BlueYonder, the unveiling of the SSC Technical Standard marks a significant stride towards establishing more efficient supply chain systems," said Chirag Modi, Corporate Vice President, Industry Strategy. "Embracing these standards is not just an affirmation; it's a commitment to bring additional API capabilities to the industry's landscape. We will weave these standards into the fabric of our operations to improve data sharing, foster operational fluidity, and unlock new dimensions of scheduling efficiency. As we march through the latter part of this year, our resolve to embrace and implement these standards echoes our dedication to delivering value to our customers and the entire logistics ecosystem."

"We're actively implementing these standards at Oracle and charting a course toward enhanced data sharing," said Srini Rajagopal, Vice President of Logistics Product Strategy at Oracle. "We encourage shippers to engage with their software providers to urge progress on SSC Technical Standard integration. Together, we're spearheading an era of innovation that will benefit the entire logistics community."

Further Industry Momentum Supports the SSC: New Collaborators Join the Ranks
Embracing the momentum, the SSC welcomes several additional distinguished collaborators, including:

DHL Supply Chain, the Americas leader in contract logistics and part of DHL Group.
Lineage Logistics, a global leader in the temperature-controlled logistics industry.
Mastery Logistics Systems, a comprehensive cloud-based SaaS transportation management system designed to manage complex transportation needs for shippers, carriers and logistics service providers.
Transportation Insight & Nolan Transportation Group, part of TI Holding Company, bring over two decades of multi-modal expertise and technology to the logistics industry and rank amongst North America's top 10 largest logistics companies.
Ryder System, Inc., the leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions.
Worldwide Express, a full-service, non-asset-based logistics provider offering more than 115,000 customers access to industry-leading small package, truckload and less-than-truckload shipping solutions.

These organizations join existing players Convoy, J.B. Hunt, Uber Freight, Arrive Logistics, Blue Yonder, Coyote Logistics, E2open, Echo, One Network Enterprises, and Oracle.

The SSC continues to invite industry collaborators and advocates to support the Technical Standard across the industry. For more information or to learn how to get involved and contribute to the SSC, please visit www.FreightAPIs.org.

Introducing the SSC Badging System
In addition to this milestone, the SSC is excited to introduce its new badging system designed to recognize and differentiate industry participants actively contributing to the development and adoption of scheduling API standards.

Innovator Badge: This badge is awarded to companies that actively support or contribute to the creation of the scheduling API standards or the SSC itself. Innovators play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry by sharing their expertise, insights, and resources.

Early Adopter Badge: TMS companies that verbally commit to integrating the SSC Standards into their products by mid 2024 are eligible for the Early Adopter badge. These forward-thinking organizations demonstrate their dedication to driving industry-wide improvements and efficiencies.

The SSC's badging program will provide clarity and transparency within the industry, helping businesses choose partners that are actively advancing scheduling standards. It will also promote collaboration and innovation among industry players, driving further progress in the development and implementation of API standards.

To learn more about the SSC, visit www.FreightAPIs.org.

About the Scheduling Standards Consortium (SSC)
Founded in 2022 by Convoy, J.B. Hunt and Uber Freight, the Scheduling Standards Consortium (SSC) was established to create freight appointment scheduling standards that provide consistent visibility into the supply chain. Together with shippers, carriers and intermediaries, the SSC aims to simplify the integration of systems across the fragmented ecosystem and generate efficiency across the freight industry. To learn more, visit www.FreightAPIs.org.

DHL – Excellence. Simply delivered.
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivaled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world". DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world.

DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

About Lineage Logistics
Lineage is one of the world's leading temperature-controlled industrial REITs and integrated solutions providers with a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities, totaling nearly 2 billion cubic feet of capacity across countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Coupling industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions and innovative technology, Lineage partners with the world's largest food and beverage companies to increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and, most importantly, help feed the world. In recognition of the company's leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage has been named a CNBC Disruptor 50 Company for three consecutive years, twice named a US Best Managed Company, named the No. 1 Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company's list of The World's Most Innovative Companies, and was included on Fortune's Change the World list. (www.lineagelogistics.com)

About Mastery Logistics Systems
Mastery Logistics Systems was established in 2019 and is led by founder Jeff Silver, whose previous systems and teams have powered some of the largest logistics companies in North America for over four decades. Mastery's MasterMind® TMS is a comprehensive cloud-based SaaS transportation management system, designed to be the World's First Lovable TMS™. MasterMind® TMS is built for size, stability, speed, and automation, providing unprecedented visibility and control by embracing the complexity that is the reality of the supply chain world. To learn more about Mastery Logistics Systems, visit https://www.mastery.net/

About Ryder System, Inc.
Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) is a leading logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, full-service leasing, maintenance, commercial truck rental, and used vehicle sales to some of the world's most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 260,000 commercial vehicles and operates approximately 300 warehouses encompassing more than 95 million square feet. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices in third-party logistics, technology-driven innovations, commercial vehicle maintenance, environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, world-class safety and security programs, military veteran recruitment initiatives, and the hiring of a diverse workforce. www.ryder.com

About Transportation Insight Holding Company
TIHC is a combination of Transportation Insight (TI) and Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) and brings people and technology together to make world-class logistics accessible to any business. Together with the support of 2,500 nationwide experts, our highly intelligent, intuitive platform gathers 80,000 carriers to bring on-demand logistics and the capacity to scale as needed, when needed. Whether outsourcing their entire logistics operation to us, booking a single load, or something in between, more than 15,000 shippers trust TIHC to successfully guide their products from port to porch. To learn more about Transportation Insight and Nolan Transportation Group, visit www.transportationinsight.com and www.ntgfreight.com.

Worldwide Express
Worldwide Express, LLC is a full-service, non-asset-based logistics provider offering more than 115,000 customers access to industry-leading small package, truckload and less-than-truckload shipping solutions. With an annual systemwide revenue approaching $5 billion through a network of company-owned, franchise and agent locations, Worldwide Express, combined with its sister brands GlobalTranz and Unishippers, is the second-largest privately held freight brokerage in the country. As the largest non-retail UPS^® Authorized Reseller in the US, the company is a local partner for the global supply chains for shippers of all sizes, from small- to medium-sized businesses to enterprise organizations. This, coupled with a selective portfolio of more than 65 LTL and tens of thousands of truckload carriers, provides clients with an unmatched range of options and flexibility to meet their shipping needs. To learn more about the Worldwide Express, visit wwex.com.

SOURCE Uber Freight