Adding TMS capabilities to ERP system - Realtime freight quotations

When we receive large orders from a customer, the OPS team must identify the most suitable shipping carrier for the shipping requirements.

Typically, they are seeking an LTL (Less-Than-Load) carrier.

Previously, the process involved accessing the TMS portal of our logistics partner and entering the order details to obtain the best freight quotes.

This was quite a tedious task because we had to re-enter all the relevant order information.

Data such as item name, dimensions, weights, and shipping address, along with special assessorial needs.

Not anymore!

We have integrated a special bundle that handles all this directly from the sales order transaction.

With a click of a button, NetSuite calls the C.H. Robinson TMS system and retrieves dozens of freight quotations based on the data in the sales order.

Users can then select the best option for them, and with a second button click, create a purchase order from the chosen carrier.

All from NetSuite.

See two examples.

The first example illustrates a small customer order of one item, shipped in a box.

The second order is substantial, with numerous lines and dozens of units to be shipped.

In this situation, the OPS team arranged it onto 5 pallets of varying sizes and then sought quotes.