Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: /docs/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

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.

Prerequisites

Before making API calls, you need:

Base URL

https://api.terminal49.com/v2

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"

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

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"
    }
  }
}

Rate limits

Detail Value
Limit 100 requests per minute
Scope Per API key
Window Rolling 60 seconds
Over-limit response 429 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.

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.

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.