APM Terminals expands API offer and terminal coverage

Following the successful launch of APM Terminals API (application programming interface) and Data Services store earlier this year, APM  Terminals has increased the number of terminals providing data via its APIs. The company has also added new APIs for Export Booking Inquiries and Container Event history.

Meeting customer’s expectations for fast and reliable delivery in today’s challenging logistics industry, while keeping costs low, requires constant innovation. “Reliable, real-time data is the key to meeting all of these requirements,” shares David Francis, APM Terminals Head of Digital Customer Solutions.

“APM Terminals’ modern, industry-leading APIs enable our customers to pull real-time container status data from its Terminal Operating Systems, into their own internal ones - a Transport Management System for example,” he explains.

Improved Planning, Time Saving and Cost Reduction

APIs remove the need to look up information manually via the company’s existing Track & Trace channels, making this the ideal solution for shipping lines, inland transporters, cargo owners and managers, as well as data aggregators who process higher volumes. Removing the need for manual intervention not only saves man hours and speeds up the process, but also increases accuracy. “Most importantly, access to the latest data available in the supply chain improves planning and helps meet customer expectations,” says Francis.

New APIs

The company’s new Container Event History API provides a detailed log of ‘events’ from the moment a container is entered in APM Terminals’ system to the moment it exits the terminal via rail, road or vessel. For example, this could include container damage being recorded, customs holds being applied or released, VGM (verified gross mass) being assigned or the container being available in the yard for collection.

The new Export Booking Enquiry API includes data feeds for:

• Shipping Line and vessel information: Vessel name, Estimated Time of Departure (ETD)

• Begin receiving and cargo cut off dates

• Cargo status: pre-advised, appointment, gate in, stuffing date, ready for load, load date

• Cargo data: ISO code, size, VGM, quantity

Increased terminal coverage

Data is currently available for terminals in the following locations and will be made available for most of the company’s terminals during 2020.

• Gothenburg (Sweden)

• Vado (Italy)

• Los Angeles (USA)

• Port Elizabeth (USA)

• Mobile (USA)

• Apapa (Nigeria)

• Moin (Costa Rica)