This is Part 3 of the DSDC “Connected Freight Blog Series.”
You’ve explored what implementing an application programming interface (API) Standard actually means.
You’ve learned the key questions to ask before your first integration.
Now, it’s time to take action.
For many shippers, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and brokers, implementing your first API Standard can feel like standing at the edge of a digital transformation cliff—exciting but intimidating. The good news? You don’t have to jump without a map.
This final installment in our Connected Freight Series gives you a clear, practical API Implementation Checklist—a step-by-step guide designed to help those in logistics move from planning to live integration with confidence.
Step-by-Step API Implementation Checklist
Implementing a Digital Standards Development Council™ (DSDC)™ API Standard—like the Preliminary Freight Charges (PFC) API—isn’t just an IT project. It’s a business transformation. Here’s how to make sure your integration succeeds from the start. Here’s how to make sure your integration succeeds from the start. Here’s how to make sure your integration succeeds from the start.
1. Define Your Business Objective
Start by answering: What problem are we trying to solve?
Maybe you want to reduce billing disputes, speed up payment cycles, or give your customers real-time visibility into freight charges.
Clearly defining the “why” aligns every stakeholder—operations, IT, and leadership—around a shared goal.
Example: “Integrate the PFC API to proactively notify our team of billing changes like reweighs or reclassifications before the invoice is issued.”
2. Map Your Data Flows
Identify where key data lives—transportation management systems (TMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), or billing systems—and how it currently moves between partners.
Map which DSDC API endpoints align with your existing workflows. For shippers, 3PLs, and brokers, this often means connecting shipment events, billing updates, and payment records.
Tip: Start small. Focus on one use case or data flow (like pickup requests) before expanding to additional APIs.
3. Assemble the Right Team
An API implementation succeeds when both technical and business experts are aligned.
- Assign an API technical lead to handle integration and testing;
- Designate a business process owner to validate outcomes against operational goals; and
- Engage your carrier or TMS partners early to confirm compatibility.
Remember: APIs work best when everyone speaks the same language—literally and digitally.
4. Implementing and Validating Your DSDC API
Successfully deploying a DSDC API requires a structured approach that balances technical precision with operational oversight. To ensure your integration delivers value and remains secure, follow these core steps: pilot testing, event validation, security setup, and thorough documentation.
- Pilot and Test in a Controlled Environment
Before rolling out the API across your network, begin in a sandbox or test environment. Starting small allows you to troubleshoot in a safe setting and build confidence before scaling further.
- Validate Event Codes and Error Handling
A reliable API integration hinges on the consistent use of standardized event codes—the common language for system interactions. For example, the Preliminary Freight Charges API uses codes like RCL (Reclassification), RWE (Reweigh), and DET (Detention) to notify stakeholders of changes to charges. It’s essential to ensure your systems can interpret, log, and act on these codes correctly.
- Establish Security and Access Controls;
- Use authenticated API keys or tokens to verify users;
- Restrict API access to debtors and authorized personnel only; and
- Encrypt all transmissions and verify endpoints.
While DSDC API Standards are designed with security in mind, validating your internal controls is crucial to safeguard confidential data and maintain compliance.
- Document Integration Steps and Processes
Comprehensive documentation is the foundation for successful implementation and ongoing maintenance. Record every detail—from API endpoints and version numbers to business logic and mapping tables. This serves as your organization’s “source of truth” for troubleshooting, onboarding new team members, and ensuring smooth IT and operations collaboration. Consider maintaining a centralized internal wiki or shared document to track your DSDC API setup, testing outcomes, and integration notes.
By following these steps—testing in a pilot environment, validating codes and error handling, securing data access, and documenting every phase—you lay the groundwork for an effective, resilient API deployment that delivers business value and operational continuity.
5. Monitor, Measure, and Optimize
Once your API is live, track key performance metrics.
Consider indicators such as:
- Reduction in billing disputes;
- Improved invoice accuracy;
- Time saved on manual reconciliations; and
- Customer satisfaction scores.
Regularly review these metrics to identify optimization opportunities and ensure the API continues to deliver value.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Even the best teams encounter roadblocks. Here are four to avoid:
- Skipping the business alignment step—leading to unclear ROI;
- Testing without real-world data—resulting in surprises during rollout;
- Ignoring carrier differences—not all systems operate the same way; and
- Treating the API as a one-time project—rather than an evolving capability.
API implementation is an ongoing journey toward digital maturity, not a single milestone.
About the Connected Freight Series
This blog is part of the Connected Freight Series, a three-part educational guide developed by the Digital Standards Development Council (DSDC) of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.® (NMFTA)™.
The series is designed for shippers, 3PLs, carriers, and technology providers who want to modernize their operations through API connectivity and digital freight standards.
- Part 1: What Does “Implementing an API Standard” Actually Mean?
Explains how APIs connect systems, standardize data, and unlock efficiency across the supply chain. Access here.
- Part 2: Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Your First DSDC API Integration
Helps you prepare by identifying key business, technical, and partnership questions to answer before coding begins. Access here.
- Part 3: API Implementation Checklist for Shippers and 3PLs
Provides the actionable roadmap to put it all into motion.
Together, these three blogs empower industry stakeholders to move from awareness to adoption—building a smarter, more connected freight ecosystem for all.
Ready to get started?
Visit dsdc.nmfta.org to download your implementation resources, explore DSDC API standards, and join the community driving digital transformation in freight to download your implementation resources, explore DSDC API standards, and join the community driving digital transformation in freight.
