FedEx Freight names project44 as primary API provider

Supply chain software vendor project44 will provide an application programming interface (API) link connecting FedEx Freight, the less-than-truckload (LTL) unit of transport and logistics giant FedEx Corp., to shippers and third party logistics providers (3PLs), according to information on FedEx's web site.

Being named as the primary provider of the APIs that connect shippers to FedEx Freight allows project44 to access data from the largest LTL carrier in the country, greatly increasing the range of freight rate data it can provide to subscribers.

Chicago-based project44's software automates the flow of data among shippers, carriers, and 3PLs by allowing customers to get data through APIs that directly link computer databases instead of relying on third-party interfaces, such as email or electronic data interchange (EDI).

FedEx said shippers can now book through a single interface, which enables multi-carrier connections through one integration point and eliminates backlogs and costs, according to the FedEx website. Using FedEx's single integration point instead of building APIs to multiple carriers can also help users get more accurate rate quotes, automate their bills of lading, and reduce development and IT maintenance costs, the website said.

The deal also allows project44 to offer a broader range of services to its own customers. Project44 users can save time and money by connecting to project44 instead of integrating the FedEx Shipping API directly to their transportation management systems (TMS), the project44 website says.