Welcome to the
Digital Standards Development Council

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Driving Efficiency and Innovation in Freight Logistics

About Us

The Digital Standards Development Council (DSDC) is an industry-led initiative dedicated to fostering collaboration among Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Truckload (FTL) stakeholders, including shippers, carriers, and 3PLs. Powered by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™, our goal is to create, implement, and maintain digital standards that address critical challenges in freight transportation, from quote to cash. 

As the logistics industry rapidly evolves, standardized digital solutions are transforming how shippers, carriers, and 3PLs collaborate. The DSDC leads this change by integrating the groundbreaking of the Digital LTL Council and Digital FTL Council.

Our mission is to create unified standards that streamline integration, improve visibility, and drive efficiencies across the entire freight ecosystem. By bridging LTL and FTL operations, we’re building the foundation for seamless communication and innovation through secure, reliable APIs.

Join us in shaping a smarter, more connected future for freight logistics—and discover how you can contribute to this digital transformation.

Leaders in DSDC API Standard Adoption

The only national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the digitization of shipping documents across the motor carrier industry, from quote through payment.

Our Focus Areas

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Digital LTL Council

Pioneering digital transformation in Less-Than-Truckload freight by establishing standards for operations, data exchange, and interoperability.

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Digital Truckload Council

Advancing Truckload efficiency through technology-driven standards, including appointment scheduling and load optimization.

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DSDC

History and Mission

Founded to address the increasing need for standardization in freight transportation...

The DSDC brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including motor carriers, shippers, third-party logistics (3PL) companies, brokers, and technology providers. Our mission is to develop and publish comprehensive application programming interface (API) guidelines, along with related documentation and processes, to enable a fully digital logistical process for freight movements. By eliminating paper-driven documentation and processes, we strive to streamline operations and enhance efficiency across the industry.

Together, the Digital LTL and Full Truckload Councils are at the forefront of shaping the future of motor freight transportation, ensuring a more efficient, accurate, and connected industry for all stakeholders.

Innovations in Action

The DSDC continue to push the motor freight transportation industry forward with new API Standard innovations just for you.

eBOL

The Electronic Bill of Lading (eBOL) API Version 2.1 is a unified framework developed by the DSDC's Digital LTL Council to digitize and standardize the creation, transmission, and management of Bills of Lading within the Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) industry.

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Pickup Request and Visibility

The Pickup Request and Visibility API is a standardized communication tool designed to enable digital scheduling and real-time tracking of shipment pickups.

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In-Transit

The In-Transit Visibility API is a robust system that provides detailed insights into the shipment’s journey from pickup to delivery.

In Development
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Preliminary Freight Charges

The Preliminary Freight Charges (PFC) API is a proactive notification system providing visibility into freight bill charges throughout the shipment lifecycle.

In Development
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Be Part of the Digital Freight Movement

Join an industry-wide initiative committed to advancing the standards that shape the future of freight logistics. As a member, you’ll have exclusive access to resources, discussions, and pilot programs that set the pace for innovation in the trucking industry.

Why Join? 

  • Affiliation with the only national not-for-profit organization dedicated to digitization of shipping documents across the motor carrier industry.

  • Access to working groups and other DSDC-related meetings.

  • Eligible to serve as an vote for Advisory Board candidates and officers.

To express your interest in becoming a DSDC LTL or Truckload member, please complete the contributor agreement below, or contact dsdc@nmfta.org for more information.

DSDC

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