Electronic data interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer transfer of data between XPO and its customers. Any standard business document one company would exchange with another (such as a purchase order, invoice or shipping schedule) can be exchanged via EDI between two parties or trading partners, as long as both have made the technical preparations.

EDI bridges the information gap that exists between companies using different computer systems. It essentially removes the limitations that can exist when two different systems try to communicate.

Benefits of EDI

  • Reduces paperwork
  • Reduces telephone calls
  • Reduces manual data entry
  • Improves data accuracy
  • Increases speed of communication
  • Improves customer service
  • Reduces postage and administrative handling costs
  • Reduces accounts receivable days outstanding

Transaction Sets

XPO supports these ANSI X12 transaction sets. We are able to trade documents in any EDI version up to and including version 4010.

To begin please fill out this form and submit to LTLITEDIOnboarding@xpo.com.

Trans­action Set Description PDF Start Setup

204/211

Customer -> XPO

Pickup Requests/Bills of Lading (used interchangeably)

The customer initiates the pickup request via EDI.

The pickup request can also be used as an electronic BOL with the customer’s special reference numbers (SRNs).

Some customers prefer to send 204s over 211s, but LTL uses these interchangeably to create pickup requests and electronic BOLs.

Map Sample data

210

XPO -> Customer

Invoice

XPO creates an electronic invoice and sends it to the customer for any LTL shipment.

Map Sample data

214

XPO -> Customer

Status Messages

XPO provides status messages about items such as pickup, estimated delivery date, and delivery.

Map Sample data

820

Customer -> XPO

Payment Remittance

The customer sends a message on how to apply funds to the invoices they are paying.

Map Sample data

990

XPO -> Customer

Response to Pickup Request

XPO sends this out to the customer to let them know whether we accept or decline the pickup request. If we decline it, we also let them know why we declined it.

Map Sample data

997

Customer -> XPO

or

XPO -> Customer

Functional Acknowledgement

This occurs when the customer acknowledges that they have received our invoices (our 210 file).

This also can occur when XPO acknowledge the receipt of the customer’s pickup request/Bill of Lading (their 204/211 file).

Map Sample data

EFT/ACH

Electronic funds transfer/automated clearinghouse (EFT/ACH) is a powerful tool that can be very efficient for you. We welcome the opportunity to work with you so that your EFT/ACH payments will be processed rapidly and accurately. Please contact LTL_AR_CashApplications@xpo.com to review the setup for your EFT/ACH.

EDI Requirements

Customers can realize even greater efficiency by combining the EDI SET820 with EFT/ACH. Sample data and mappings are available; data sent in accordance with the mappings will ensure that XPO correctly and automatically applies your payment to the correct invoice.

Data should be sent in ANSI X12 version 4010 or higher. XPO requests that our customers provide:

  • Account name
  • Reference identification
  • PRO/Invoice number
  • Amount paid or check amount

When paying multiple freight bills on a single check, the accumulated totals of all freight charges must equal the amount of the total check amount. When adjusting your payment, supply the appropriate adjustment reason code.

Not Currently EDI-Capable?

Please contact your financial institution and have them provide XPO with the relevant EDI SET820. If your financial institution is not able to provide this service, a VAN (value-added network) provider or EDI broker may be able to assist you with an EDI SET820.

Communication Protocol

FTP

File transfer protocol is a very common method of moving files between two Internet sites. FTP is a special way to log in to another Internet site for the purposes of retrieving and/or sending files. There are many Internet sites that have established publicly accessible repositories of material that can be obtained using FTP. XPO uses privacy-protection software that enables secure transmission and authentication.

Once FTP communications are established, there are no costs incurred by you or XPO.

AS2

Applicability statement 2 is the current specifications developed by EDI over the Internet (EDIINT) for transporting data between organizations.

Once AS2 communications are established, there are no costs incurred by you or XPO.

SMTP

Simple mail transfer protocol is a TCP/IP protocol governing electronic mail transmission and reception.

VAN

Value-added network is a third-party network that transmits data between trading partners. There are costs associated with the use of a VAN. XPO will be responsible for the charges of picking up or sending its data and the customer will be responsible for the charges of sending or picking up its data.

Our primary VAN is Descartes. 1-800-432-6428.

Once We Get Your EDI Request

Once we receive the request form, an analyst will be assigned and respond within 24 hours. The assigned analyst will review your requirements, arrange testing, and be in contact with you to ensure the testing is acceptable. Once both sides are happy with the testing data, we will move to production.

Will I get paper invoices while we are testing EDI invoices?

Yes. During the EDI invoicing testing process, customers receive both paper and EDI invoices. You pay from the paper invoices during testing and use the EDI data to ensure EDI invoicing will work for you.

Questions? LTLITEDIOnboarding@xpo.com