CargoWise API Integration: REST, SOAP, and eAdaptor Explained

For IT teams scoping a CargoWise integration project, the technical question is usually: what API options actually exist, and which one fits our use case? Here's a straight answer.

Key takeaways

CargoWise exposes both REST and SOAP APIs through its eAdaptor integration engine.
REST is generally preferred for modern, lightweight, real-time integrations.
SOAP remains in use for certain legacy or enterprise system connections.
API access and scope are configured per integration, not opened wholesale.

REST vs. SOAP in CargoWise

CargoWise's eAdaptor engine supports both REST and SOAP APIs. REST is the more modern, lightweight option and is generally the default choice for new integrations — real-time milestone updates, webhook-style triggers, and lightweight data exchange. SOAP remains relevant for certain legacy enterprise systems that were built against it and haven't been modernized.

What a typical API integration involves

An integration project usually starts with defining exactly which data needs to move — shipment milestones, invoice data, customs status — then configuring eAdaptor to expose or consume that data through the appropriate endpoint, followed by mapping and testing against the receiving system's expected format.

Access and security

API access in CargoWise is scoped per integration rather than granted broadly, which matters for security and for keeping a clean audit trail of exactly what each external system can read or write.

Need a CargoWise API connector built?

YadriTrans's integration engineers build and maintain REST and SOAP eAdaptor connectors between CargoWise and your other systems.

Frequently asked questions

Does CargoWise support REST APIs?

Yes, REST is supported through the eAdaptor engine and is the typical choice for modern, real-time integrations.

Is SOAP still used with CargoWise?

Yes, primarily for legacy or enterprise systems that were originally built against SOAP interfaces.

Who typically builds CargoWise API integrations?

Most companies use a certified CargoWise partner's integration engineers rather than building connectors entirely in-house, given the platform-specific data structures involved.