Transparent Links allows shippers to incorporate data from ABF's Internet site directly into their own. As a result, you can provide information and support directly to your own customers. This type of application of the eCenter Online Tools does require some minimal work on the part of your MIS/IT department or Web development group. Transparent Links can work via two methods. The first is based on a direct call from your Web page's form to the ABF server. For example, your customer fills out a track form on your web site and submits the information. The action of this form is directed to the ABF web site where the track results are displayed. On the track results page, a link can be provided to return to your Web site. Click here for an example diagram of this method. The second type of Transparent Link is a direct call from your web server to the ABF server. This type of communication is achieved via XML, a metalanguage that enables two parties to communicate using defined data tags. For example, your customer completes an order for merchandise on your web site and submits this information to your server. A program or script on your server processes the order. As part of the order fulfillment process, this program also submits a pickup request directly to the ABF server. As a result, an ABF program enters the pickup request and returns a confirmation or list of errors (via an XML document) back to the calling program on your server. Using an XML parser, your server uses this information to respond back to the customer or adds the pickup request to the orders database. Click here for an example diagram of this method. You must register to use these Transparent Links from your site. Look to this page for more Transparent Links in the near future. ABF plans to include this type of functionality for all eCenter Online Tools. Need an ABF shipping quote calculator for your online auction page or web site? ABF's new Shipping Charges Calculator is an easy-to-use form built into your site, so your customers can get a quote without leaving your page. ABF also supports batch and real-time EDI applications with a variety of servers capable of handling electronic data interchanges directly or via third-party networks.

Register to use Transparent Links Documentation for  available Transparent Links:  Bill of Lading  Pickup Request  Bill of Lading and Pickup Request  Document Retrieval  Rate Quotation  Tracking  Transit Times XML Resources:  Web Developer's Virtual Library  Microsoft's XML Home Page