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The Terminal49 API gives you a single integration to track Bills of Lading (BOLs), bookings, and container numbers across global ocean carriers. You get complete import milestones — from empty-out at origin to empty-return at destination, including rail data in North America.

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Prerequisites

Before making API calls, you need:

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Base URL

https://api.terminal49.com/v2

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Authentication

Include your API key in the Authorization header, prefixed with Token: 
curl https://api.terminal49.com/v2/shipments \
  -H "Authorization: Token YOUR_API_KEY"

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Request and response format

  • The API follows the JSON:API specification
  • All responses return application/vnd.api+json content type
  • Requests that include a body should set Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json
  • JSON:API client libraries are available in most languages

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Example response

{
  "data": {
    "id": "dabf9e1c-4ddc-4e4b-a701-2de1cdb38010",
    "type": "shipment",
    "attributes": {
      "status": "in_transit",
      "pod_eta": "2025-04-15T00:00:00Z",
      "shipping_line_name": "Maersk"
    }
  }
}

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Rate limits

DetailValue
Limit100 requests per minute
ScopePer API key
WindowRolling 60 seconds
Over-limit response429 Too Many Requests
See the rate limiting guide for retry strategies and best practices.
Use webhooks instead of polling to receive real-time updates. This keeps you well within rate limits and gives you faster data.

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Core resources

Tracking Requests

Create and manage tracking requests by BOL, booking, or container number.

Shipments

Retrieve shipment details, ETAs, and milestones.

Containers

Container-level statuses, transport events, and map data.

Webhooks

Subscribe to real-time push notifications when shipment data changes.

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Supporting resources

Custom Fields

Attach your own metadata to shipments and containers.

Shipping Lines

Look up supported carriers and SCACs.

Vessels

Vessel details and future position data.

Ports

Port lookups by UN/LOCODE.

Terminals

Terminal details at destination ports.

Parties

Manage customer and partner references.