> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.owlery.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Choose a Carrier Integration Option

> Compare the Carrier Portal, API, and EDI for quotes, tenders, tracking, documents, and invoices.

Owlery can meet your team where it already works. Start with the Carrier Portal, connect an API, use EDI, or combine them by workflow.

## Compare Your Options

| Workflow                        | Carrier Portal                           | API                                              | EDI                                       |
| ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------- |
| Submit quotes                   | Enter quotes in Owlery                   | Send structured quote responses                  | Not part of the standard carrier EDI flow |
| Accept or reject tenders        | Respond in **Quotes & Tenders**          | Respond to the current tender revision           | Respond through your EDI connection       |
| Respond to load changes         | Compare and respond on the existing load | Respond to the new revision on the existing load | Process the revision on the existing load |
| Update tracking                 | Enter stop times and in-transit updates  | Send tracking events                             | Send shipment status updates              |
| Upload PODs and other documents | Upload from the load                     | Upload a file to the load                        | Use the Portal or API                     |
| Submit invoices                 | Create one invoice or upload a CSV       | Send structured invoice data                     | Send freight invoices                     |
| Book dock appointments          | Book in Owlery Dock Scheduling           | Not part of the carrier API onboarding flow      | Not part of the standard carrier EDI flow |

## Carrier Portal

The Carrier Portal has no technical implementation. Your team signs in with a work email and handles each workflow in Owlery.

Choose the Portal when you:

* Manage a lower shipment volume.
* Want operations or billing teams to start immediately.
* Need a fallback when an automated connection is unavailable.
* Need to upload PODs or book dock appointments alongside an EDI connection.

Start with the [Carrier Portal overview](/carriers/overview).

## API

The API connects Owlery to your TMS or another internal system. Owlery provides credentials and endpoint documentation. Your team maps the data and handles requests and responses.

Choose the API when you:

* Already integrate with customers through REST APIs.
* Need structured quote, tender, tracking, document, or invoice automation.
* Want to keep users in your TMS.
* Prefer real-time requests over file exchange.

Review the [Owlery API reference](https://owlery.ai/open/api), then email [support@owlery.ai](mailto:support@owlery.ai) for credentials and connection setup.

## EDI

Choose EDI when you already operate an X12 translator and want a standard file-based connection. Your team configures its carrier ISA ID, generates SFTP credentials, and completes guided certification in `Dashboard → EDI Test`.

Continue with [EDI Onboarding](/carriers/edi-onboarding). Use the [EDI Guidelines](https://owlery.ai/open/edi-guidelines) for transaction structure and field-level requirements.

## Combine Options Safely

You do not need to automate every workflow at once. For example, you can use EDI for tenders, tracking, and invoices while your billing team uploads PODs in the Carrier Portal.

<Warning>
  Assign one system of record to each workflow. Do not accept the same tender or submit the same invoice through two channels. For load changes and invoice corrections, reuse the original load and invoice identifiers so Owlery updates the existing record.
</Warning>

If you are unsure which option fits, email [support@owlery.ai](mailto:support@owlery.ai) with the workflows you want to automate.