Logistics Module - Client User Guide
Version: 1.0.3
Audience: Clients, Shippers, and Consignees
Last Updated: August 23, 2025
Table of Contents
- Getting Started
- Client Dashboard
- Managing Your Loads
- Posting New Loads
- Tracking Shipments
- Viewing Load Details
- Account Management
- Troubleshooting
Getting Started
Accessing Your Logistics Portal
Login to your client portal using your credentials
Navigate to the "Logistics" section in the main menu
Verify your account has logistics access enabled
First-Time Setup
Complete Profile: Ensure your company information is up to date
Set Preferences: Configure your default shipping preferences
Review Permissions: Confirm you have access to logistics features
Contact Support: If you don't see logistics options, contact your account manager
Client Dashboard
Dashboard Overview
Your client dashboard provides a personalized view of your logistics operations:
- Your Loads Summary: Count of loads by status
- Active Shipments: Currently in-transit shipments
- Recent Activity: Latest load and shipment updates
- Quick Actions: Direct access to post new loads
Dashboard Sections
Load Summary
- Total Loads: All loads you've posted
- Pending Loads: Loads waiting for truck assignment
- In Transit: Loads currently being transported
- Delivered: Successfully completed loads
Active Shipments
- Current Shipments: Real-time status of active shipments
- Estimated Delivery: Expected delivery dates
- Last Updates: Most recent status changes
Navigation Tips
- Click on any summary card to view detailed information
- Use the sidebar menu to access specific features
- Status indicators use color coding for quick identification
Managing Your Loads
Viewing Your Loads
Step 1: Access Load Management
Navigate to Logistics → Your Loads
View all your loads in a comprehensive table
Use filters to find specific loads
Step 2: Load Information Display
The loads table shows:
- Load Number: Unique identifier for your load
- Load Type: TL (Truckload) or LTL (Less Than Truckload)
- Status: Current operational status
- Pickup Date: Scheduled pickup date
- Delivery Date: Expected delivery date
- Rate: Agreed upon rate
- Actions: Available operations
Step 3: Filtering and Sorting
- Status Filter: View loads by current status
- Date Range: Filter by pickup or delivery dates
- Load Type: Filter by TL or LTL
- Search: Find loads by number or description
Load Status Understanding
Status Definitions
Pending: Load posted, waiting for truck assignment
Booked: Load assigned to a truck, pickup scheduled
In Transit: Load picked up and being transported
Delivered: Load successfully delivered to destination
Cancelled: Load cancelled (if applicable)
Status Transitions
- Pending → Booked: When a truck accepts your load
- Booked → In Transit: When pickup is confirmed
- In Transit → Delivered: When delivery is completed
Load Actions
Available Operations
- View Details: Click on load number to see full details
- Edit Load: Modify load information (if status allows)
- Cancel Load: Cancel load (if not yet assigned)
- Track Shipment: View real-time tracking information
Posting New Loads
Creating a New Load Request
Step 1: Access Load Creation
Navigate to Logistics → Post New Load
Click "Post New Load" button
Fill out the comprehensive load form
Step 2: Basic Information
- Load Type: Select TL (Truckload) or LTL (Less Than Truckload)
- Status: Automatically set to "Pending"
- Shipper: Your company (automatically filled)
- Consignee: Select the delivery recipient
Step 3: Address Information
- Origin Address: Where the load should be picked up
- Destination Address: Where the load should be delivered
- Pickup Instructions: Special pickup requirements or notes
Step 4: Scheduling
- Pickup Date: When you need the load picked up
- Delivery Date: When you need the load delivered
- Urgency Level: Indicate if this is time-sensitive
Step 5: Cargo Details
- Commodity: Description of what's being shipped
- Weight: Total weight of the shipment
- Dimensions: Length × Width × Height
- Pieces: Number of individual items
- Special Requirements: Any special handling needs
Step 6: Financial Information
- Rate: Your budget or agreed rate
- Payment Terms: Payment requirements
- Additional Costs: Any extra charges or fees
Load Submission Process
Form Validation
- Required fields are marked with asterisks (*)
- Validation errors are shown in real-time
- Form cannot be submitted until all required fields are completed
Submission Confirmation
- Load number is automatically generated
- Confirmation email is sent to your registered email
- Load appears in your loads list immediately
Post-Submission Process
Load Review: Logistics team reviews your load request
Truck Assignment: Available trucks are matched to your load
Confirmation: You receive notification when truck is assigned
Pickup Scheduling: Pickup time is coordinated with you
Tracking Shipments
Real-Time Shipment Tracking
Step 1: Access Tracking
Navigate to Logistics → Track Your Shipments
View all your active shipments
Click on any shipment for detailed tracking
Step 2: Tracking Information
- Current Status: Real-time shipment status
- Location Updates: Current location of your shipment
- Estimated Delivery: Updated delivery time
- Driver Information: Contact details for the driver
Step 3: Status Updates
- Pickup Confirmed: Load has been picked up
- In Transit: Shipment is being transported
- Delivery Updates: Progress toward destination
- Exception Notifications: Any delays or issues
Tracking Features
Real-Time Updates
- Status Changes: Immediate notification of status updates
- Location Tracking: GPS-based location when available
- Delivery Estimates: Updated delivery times
- Exception Alerts: Notifications of delays or issues
Communication
- Driver Contact: Direct communication with driver
- Support Team: Access to logistics support
- Update Requests: Request status updates when needed
Viewing Load Details
Comprehensive Load Information
Load Overview
- Basic Details: Load number, type, status, dates
- Address Information: Origin and destination details
- Cargo Information: Commodity, weight, dimensions
- Financial Details: Rate, payment terms, additional costs
Operational Details
- Truck Information: Assigned truck and driver details
- Pickup Details: Confirmed pickup time and location
- Delivery Details: Expected delivery time and location
- Special Instructions: Any special handling requirements
Document Management
- Proof of Pickup: Confirmation of pickup
- In-Transit Updates: Progress documentation
- Proof of Delivery: Delivery confirmation
- Additional Documents: Any related paperwork
Load History
Status Timeline
- Creation: When the load was posted
- Assignment: When truck was assigned
- Pickup: When load was picked up
- Delivery: When load was delivered
Communication History
- Status Updates: All status change notifications
- Location Updates: Location change history
- Exception Reports: Any issues or delays reported
- Support Interactions: Communication with support team
Account Management
Profile Settings
Company Information
- Company Details: Update company name, address, contact info
- Shipping Preferences: Set default shipping parameters
- Notification Settings: Configure email and SMS preferences
- Billing Information: Update payment and billing details
User Preferences
- Dashboard Layout: Customize your dashboard view
- Notification Preferences: Choose what notifications to receive
- Language Settings: Select preferred language
- Time Zone: Set your local time zone
Security Settings
Password Management
- Change Password: Update your login password
- Security Questions: Set up security questions
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable additional security (if available)
Access Control
- User Permissions: Manage access for team members
- API Access: Configure external system access (if applicable)
- Session Management: View and manage active sessions
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Access Problems
- Can't See Logistics: Contact your account manager
- Login Issues: Reset password or contact support
- Permission Errors: Verify your account has logistics access
Load Management Issues
- Can't Post Load: Check if all required fields are completed
- Load Not Saving: Verify internet connection and try again
- Validation Errors: Review error messages and correct fields
Tracking Issues
- No Updates: Check if shipment is active
- Wrong Status: Contact support for status correction
- Missing Information: Verify load details are complete
Getting Help
Self-Service Options
Help Documentation: Review this user guide
FAQ Section: Check frequently asked questions
Video Tutorials: Watch step-by-step guides
Knowledge Base: Search for specific topics
Contact Support
- Email Support: Send detailed description of issue
- Phone Support: Call during business hours
- Live Chat: Real-time assistance (if available)
- Support Ticket: Create formal support request
Before Contacting Support
Check Documentation: Review relevant sections of this guide
Note Error Messages: Write down exact error text
Describe Steps: Document what you were doing when issue occurred
Include Screenshots: Visual evidence helps resolve issues faster
Best Practices
Load Posting
- Complete Information: Provide all required details
- Accurate Descriptions: Clear commodity and requirement descriptions
- Realistic Dates: Set achievable pickup and delivery dates
- Special Instructions: Include any special handling needs
Communication
- Regular Updates: Check load status regularly
- Prompt Responses: Respond quickly to status update requests
- Clear Communication: Provide clear instructions and requirements
- Document Everything: Keep records of all communications
Tracking
- Monitor Progress: Check tracking updates regularly
- Report Issues: Immediately report any problems or delays
- Verify Delivery: Confirm delivery completion
- Provide Feedback: Share your experience for service improvement
Note: This guide covers the current version (1.0.3) of the Logistics Module. For updates and new features, please refer to the module documentation or contact your account manager.
Need Help? Contact our support team for assistance with any logistics module questions or issues.