🗂️ Navigation
🔧 Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA)

Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA)

Driving standardization, digitalization and interoperability in container shipping.

Visit Website →

Overview

The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) is a neutral, non-profit group founded by major ocean carriers to create common information technology standards. Its goal is to make the industry more efficient, transparent, and environmentally friendly by enabling seamless data exchange and interoperability among all stakeholders, including carriers, shippers, and ports.

✨ Key Features

  • Open-Source Digital Standards Development
  • Track & Trace (T&T) API Standards
  • Electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) Standards
  • Just-in-Time (JIT) Port Call Standards
  • Operational Vessel Schedule (OVS) Standards
  • Arrival Notice API Standard
  • API Definitions on SwaggerHub and GitHub

🎯 Key Differentiators

  • Carrier-led initiative ensures relevance and adoption
  • Focus on open-source, non-proprietary standards
  • Collaboration with international standards bodies like UN/CEFACT

Unique Value: Creates a common digital foundation for the container shipping industry, enabling interoperability and efficiency for all stakeholders.

🎯 Use Cases (4)

Carriers implementing standardized APIs for customer communication Software providers building solutions compliant with industry standards Shippers and forwarders receiving consistent, cross-carrier data Ports and terminals optimizing vessel calls with JIT standards

✅ Best For

  • Enabling cross-carrier shipment tracking through a unified API
  • Facilitating the adoption of electronic bills of lading
  • Standardizing the exchange of vessel schedule information

💡 Check With Vendor

Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:

  • Companies looking for a ready-to-use software application (DCSA provides standards, not software)
  • End-users seeking a single platform to manage their shipments

🏆 Alternatives

NA (DCSA is a standards body, not a commercial entity)

Provides a collaborative, industry-wide alternative to proprietary, siloed systems that hinder communication and data sharing.

💻 Platforms

API

🔌 Integrations

NA

🛟 Support Options

  • ✓ Email Support
  • ✓ Dedicated Support (NA tier)

🔒 Compliance & Security

✓ Aligned with UN/CEFACT standards

💰 Pricing

Contact for pricing
Free Tier Available

Free tier: All standards and APIs are open-source and free to use.

Visit Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) Website →