The transport and logistics sector is shaped by distributed transport chains, subcontractor structures, and international shipments. Here, the industry-neutral EN 16931 meets highly dynamic operational workflows and gives rise to concrete implementation challenges when rolling out e-invoicing. Particularly demanding are complex role models involving changing clients, service recipients, and invoice recipients, along with subcontractor chains. Inconsistent identifiers for shipments, routes, or locations complicate automated processing, while surcharges, deviations, or multi-stop deliveries entail dynamic pricing and service models that can be represented in structured form only to a limited extent. At the same time, time-critical processes call for near-real-time processing, while cross-border transports add a further layer of regulatory complexity.

At the Industry Center, users from various segments of the transport and logistics sector—from shippers and freight forwarders to carriers—contribute typical challenges drawn from their day-to-day operations. Together with the industry association and solution providers, these are captured systematically and consolidated into a unified catalog of requirements. Building on this, concrete, industry-specific implementation recommendations for e-invoicing are developed. Participating companies ensure that their operational needs are addressed in a targeted way. At the same time, the work produces robust results that are available to the entire sector.

Key Focus Areas

Developing consistent role and billing models

Establishing end-to-end identification logic

Deriving structured data requirements for pricing and service models

Harmonizing process-critical interfaces for real-time processing

Standardizing validation and transformation logic