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Version: 2.1

📄 Creating Shipments

LogisticsLink's native freight management system streamlines shipment creation with automated address validation, intelligent carrier selection, and integrated label printing - all within a single interface.

Accessing Shipment Creation​

Navigate to Freight Management from the main dashboard, then click Create New Shipment to open the integrated shipment creation interface.

Shipment Creation Workflow​

Step 1: Order Integration​

The system automatically populates shipment details from existing orders, or you can create standalone shipments:

  • From Order: Select an existing order to auto-populate customer and product details
  • Manual Entry: Create shipments independently with full address and product entry
  • Bulk Processing: Create multiple shipments from selected orders
Smart Integration

When creating from orders, the system automatically calculates dimensions based on product specifications and suggests optimal packaging.

Step 2: Address Management​

Pickup Address​

The pickup address is automatically populated from your warehouse settings and can be modified if shipping from alternate locations:

  • Primary Warehouse: Default pickup location
  • Alternate Locations: Select from configured warehouse locations
  • Custom Address: Enter specific pickup details for one-off shipments

Delivery Address​

Enter or validate delivery information with real-time address verification:

Required Fields:

  1. Contact Name: Business name or recipient name
  2. Address Line 1: Primary street address
  3. Address Line 2: Unit, suite, or apartment details (optional)
  4. Suburb/City: Automatically validated against postal database
  5. State & Postcode: Auto-populated based on suburb selection
Address Validation

LogisticsLink provides real-time address validation and suggests corrections for invalid addresses, reducing delivery failures.

Residential Delivery Settings:

  • Residential Flag: Automatically detected and can be manually adjusted
  • Delivery Instructions: Special handling or access instructions
  • Authority to Leave: Configure safe drop options

Step 3: Package Configuration​

The system provides intelligent package dimensioning with multiple input methods:

Automated Dimensioning​

  • Product-Based: Calculates dimensions from product specifications
  • Order Volume: Suggests packaging based on total order volume
  • Template Selection: Choose from predefined packaging templates

Manual Configuration​

For precise control, manually enter package details:

  • Package Type: Select from carton, satchel, pallet, or custom
  • Dimensions: Length × Width × Height (cm)
  • Weight: Actual weight (kg) - automatically rounded up
  • Quantity: Number of identical packages
Weight and Dimension Rules
  • All dimensions in centimeters
  • Weight in kilograms, rounded to nearest 0.5kg
  • System validates against carrier constraints
  • Automatic packaging optimization suggestions

Multiple Package Handling​

  • Identical Packages: Use quantity field for same-size items
  • Mixed Packages: Add individual packages with different specifications
  • Package Grouping: Combine related items for optimal shipping

Step 4: Service Selection​

LogisticsLink's intelligent carrier selection provides optimal shipping options:

Automatic Recommendations​

The system analyzes your requirements and suggests the best carriers based on:

  • Delivery Location: Optimal carriers for specific regions
  • Package Specifications: Weight and dimension compatibility
  • Cost Optimization: Best value for delivery requirements
  • Service Level: Express, standard, or economy options

Manual Carrier Selection​

Override automatic suggestions by selecting specific carriers:

  • Rate Comparison: Side-by-side comparison of all available options
  • Service Features: Delivery timeframes, tracking, and insurance
  • Special Services: Signature required, authority to leave, tail-lift
Service Restrictions

The system automatically filters carriers based on delivery address and package constraints, showing only valid options.

Step 5: Shipment Options​

Configure additional shipment requirements:

  • Reference Numbers: Order numbers, customer references, or internal codes
  • Insurance: Automatic coverage calculation or custom values
  • Special Instructions: Handling requirements or delivery preferences
  • Tracking Preferences: SMS, email, or in-app notifications

Label Generation and Printing​

Once shipment details are confirmed, LogisticsLink generates carrier-compliant labels:

Integrated Label Printing​

  • Direct Printing: Send labels directly to configured printers
  • PDF Download: Generate PDF labels for manual printing
  • Email Labels: Send labels to specified email addresses
  • Bulk Processing: Print multiple labels simultaneously

Label Validation​

The system validates all labels before printing:

  • Address Verification: Ensures delivery address accuracy
  • Carrier Compliance: Validates against carrier-specific requirements
  • Barcode Generation: Creates trackable barcodes for all shipments

Shipment Modifications​

Edit shipments before manifesting:

  • Address Changes: Update pickup or delivery addresses
  • Package Adjustments: Modify dimensions, weight, or quantity
  • Service Upgrades: Change carriers or service levels
  • Cancel Shipments: Remove shipments before processing
Modification Limits

Shipments can be modified until they are manifested with the carrier. After manifesting, changes require cancellation and recreation.

Error Handling and Validation​

LogisticsLink provides comprehensive validation and error prevention:

  • Real-time Validation: Address, weight, and dimension checking
  • Carrier Constraints: Automatic validation against carrier limits
  • Cost Estimation: Accurate pricing before commitment
  • Delivery Validation: Postcode and service area verification

The integrated system ensures accurate, cost-effective shipments without external platform dependencies or manual data entry errors.