Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for Customers
Electronic Data Interchange Upgrade Effective February 11, 2025
Effective February 11, 2025, Union Pacific will upgrade Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) requirements from version 8030 to version 8050 for all 417s, 418s, 419s, 420s and 421s.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer exchange between two companies of standard business documents in electronic format.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for Customers
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer exchange between two companies of standard business documents in electronic format.
EDI Enhancements & Expectations
The Rail Industry Guidelines are updated each year upon publication of the ASC X12 version/release. Each publication of the Rail Industry Guidelines corrects problems encountered in actual operation and/or includes new rail industry requirements, which provide for a richer exchange of information. Union Pacific supports the upgrade schedule as part of its commitment to continuous improvement. Most of Union Pacific's EDI messaging is upgraded to the latest ASC X12 version every two years (incorporating any rail industry changes from the two most recent X12 versions). Trading partners within the rail industry are expected to upgrade to one of the two most current version/releases.
EDI Data is Secure
A sender's message goes to the receiver without being "read" by anyone else. By using a Value-Added Network (VAN), a company can have all messages sent to the VAN mailbox, eliminating direct computer-to-computer contact between sender and receiver. The use of authorization codes and passwords can also limit the activity performed by any outside party.
EDI is a Modest Upfront Investment
Almost all organizations already have the necessary hardware to perform EDI. While software costs can be substantial in a full-blown implementation of EDI, off-the-shelf software packages can be purchased for many EDI applications, with minimal in-house development required.
Involve your Audit and Legal Team with EDI Implementation
Trading Partner Agreements specify the legal conditions for paperless transactions, and EDI auditability is ensured by developing EDI systems with built-in controls for proper transaction handling.
Additional EDI Details
There are several sources to learn about EDI, including: periodicals, commercially available training programs, EDI conferences and trade shows, software and network suppliers, and the experience of companies already participating in EDI. PS Technology can provide consultation or other services to meet all your EDI needs for Union Pacific and your other trading partners.
To order the Rail Industry EDI Implementation guidelines, contact the Washington Publishing Company.
EDI Specifications
EDI 404 Shipping Instructions (Bill of Lading)
Input by customer via EDI software and transmitted to the first road haul road listed in the routing. Union Pacific's EDI system creates an acknowledgment and transmits this back to the customer to confirm receipt. This first road haul is responsible for transmitting EDI to all other carriers listed in the routing.
EDI 417 Rail Carrier Waybill Interchange
Waybill created and transmitted via EDI to Railinc’s Forward & Store (F&S) System. Railinc then transmits the 417 to all additional road haul carriers listed in the route.
How to be Successful with EDI
- Create standardized integration applications with connectors and APIs.
- Work with a specialized EDI solution provider (PS Technology can provide consultation or other services to meet all your EDI needs for Union Pacific and your other trading partners).
- Establish a flexible platform that allows quick and easy adjustments.
EDI Contacts
Electronic Rail Bill Messaging/404 & 417
1400 Douglas Street, Stop 1470
Omaha, NE 68179
Email: NCSCEDITECH@up.com
Freight Invoices/410
Accounts Payable - Revenue Accounting
1400 Douglas Street, Stop 1740
Omaha, NE 68179
Email: e-invoicing@up.com
Phone: 877-712-4687
PS Technology (formerly Transentric)
Customer Support Group
Email: transentric.support@pstechnology.com