The Smarter Way to Schedule Freight
Unlock efficiency, reduce friction, and streamline Full Truckload appointment scheduling with a universal API standard built by the industry, for the industry.
The Scheduling Standards API is an open, universal API specification developed by the Scheduling Standards Consortium (SSC) to automate and simplify full truckload (FTL) appointment scheduling across the freight ecosystem.
Instead of relying on phone calls, emails, and custom integrations, the API enables real-time, standardized communication between carriers, brokers, shippers, and TMS/dock scheduling platforms.
Download the API standard now.
Streamline the scheduling journey, from tender to delivery.
The API guides scheduling, from tender to arrival—eliminating the back and forth. Here's how it works.
Load tendered
TMS sends load information
to carrier/ receiver.
Data enters ecosystem
Appointment request sent
API standardizes request format.
No phone tag required
Appointment accepted
API confirms date/ time availability.
Calendar sync happens instantly.
Arrival notification
API can optionally support check-in.
Plan yard operations efficiently.
Delivery complete
Final scheduling event logged.
Seamless handoff to billing, rating, or visibility systems.
Tailored Benefits for Every Stakeholder
Shippers
Carriers
Fewer back and forth calls and emails. Better visibility into dock availability. Minimize wait times and improve driver satisfaction.
Brokers
Seamless scheduling across multiple shipper systems. Reduce delays, rework, and missed time windows. Improve service levels with shippers and carriers.
Tech Providers
Avoid custom code and complex one-off integrations. Simplify connectivity between platforms. Focus on enhancing core platform features, not building middleware.
Why Download Now?
Existing processes are fragmented.
Appointment scheduling is still one of the most manual, fragmented processes in freight.
APIs are the industries digital backbone.
APIs are becoming the digital backbone of modern transportation—standardizing scheduling is the next logical step.
#1 tech priority for 37% of CXOs.
82% of logistics companies have increased their tech investment. 37% of CxOs cite APIs as their #1 tech priority. The market is ready—and this standard meets the moment.
Join the industry's move toward frictionless freight operations.
Download the API Standard Now.
Important to Know
- The first release supports Full Truckload (FTL) shipments, including live, drop, and pre-load scenarios.
- Supported equipment types: Van, Reefer, and Flatbed.
- The API standard is TMS-agnostic and supports both TMS-based and standalone dock scheduling platforms.
- Future iterations may include support for LTL, intermodal, and drayage.
SSC Joins the DSDC
By the Industry, For the Industry
This API was developed by the Scheduling Standards Consortium (SSC)—a coalition of leading shippers, carriers, brokers, and technology providers working together to solve one of freight’s most persistent challenges. By aligning on a shared standard, we’re building a more efficient, automated, and collaborative future for freight.
NMFC Changes
The NMFC Changes Make This a Must Have
With the July 2025 National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®) updates triggering widespread reclassifications, freight charges are changing more frequently and unpredictably. The PFC API helps you catch changes before the invoice, reduce payment delays, eliminate avoidable disputes, and improve communications across stakeholders.
EXPLORE OUR APIs
Part of the DSDC
The Appointment Scheduling API is the first of several standards developed by the Digital FTL Council to modernize FTL freight operations. Learn more about our full roadmap of APIs via the link below.
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