Shipping & Logistics

TimberCloud provides comprehensive shipping management with intelligent packaging optimization, multi-carrier rate shopping, real-time booking, and package tracking—all integrated seamlessly into your workflow.

Overview

Our shipping system handles the complete fulfillment lifecycle:

• Smart Package Optimization - Automatically determines optimal packaging
• Multi-Carrier Rate Shopping - Compare rates across carriers in real-time
• In-App Booking - Book shipments and generate labels without leaving TimberCloud
• Package Tracking - Real-time tracking updates for you and your customers
• Flexible Configuration - Customize packaging rules to match your business

How It Works

ORDER PLACED → PACKAGE CALCULATION → RATE SHOPPING → BOOKING → TRACKING

1. Package Calculation

When you request shipping rates, TimberCloud's intelligent packaging algorithm:

1. Analyzes your products' dimensions and weights
2. Groups compatible items together
3. Determines optimal box or pallet configuration
4. Calculates total shipment weight and dimensions

2. Rate Shopping

With packages calculated:

1. Select your preferred carriers
2. Compare rates across parcel and freight options
3. View delivery times and service levels
4. Apply your shipping markup

3. Booking

Once a rate is selected:

1. Book directly with the carrier
2. Generate shipping labels
3. Receive tracking numbers
4. Update customer automatically

4. Tracking

Throughout delivery:

1. Real-time status updates
2. Customer tracking portal
3. Delivery notifications
4. Exception handling

Supported Carriers

Parcel Carriers

Freight Carriers (LTL)

Shipping Modes

TimberCloud supports three shipping modes:

Auto Mode is recommended—boxes automatically route to parcel carriers, pallets to freight carriers.

Key Features

Smart Packaging

The packaging algorithm optimizes your shipments:

ORDER: 10 cabinet doors + 5 drawer fronts + 2 hardware kits

BEFORE (No Optimization):  17 separate packages → $136 shipping
AFTER (Smart Packaging):   2 optimized packages → $48 shipping

SAVINGS: 65% ✓

Learn more about Smart Packaging →

Rate Shopping

Compare carriers in real-time:

• View all available rates
• Sort by price or delivery time
• Filter by carrier or service level
• Apply shipping markups automatically

Learn more about Rate Shopping →

Direct Booking

Book shipments without leaving TimberCloud:

• One-click booking
• Automatic label generation
• Tracking number assignment
• Payment processing

Learn more about Booking →

Package Tracking

Keep everyone informed:

• Real-time status updates
• Customer tracking portal
• Email notifications
• Delivery confirmation

Learn more about Tracking →

Quick Start

For Orders

1. Open an order with Delivery Option set to "Carrier Services"
2. Click "Shop Rates" to open the carrier services modal
3. Review auto-calculated packages (edit if needed)
4. Select shipping options (liftgate, residential, etc.)
5. Click "Get Rates" to fetch carrier rates
6. Select your preferred rate and click "Save"
7. When ready to ship, click "Book Shipment"
8. Print labels and ship!

For Quotes

1. Customer builds order in your shop
2. Selects "Carrier Services" as delivery option
3. Sees estimated shipping based on auto-calculated packages
4. Submits quote request

Product Configuration

For accurate shipping calculations, configure these fields on each product:

Parts Configuration

For products that ship unassembled, configure Parts with:

• Part dimensions (static or calculated)
• Weight per part
• Quantity per product
• Package separately flag

Shipping Workflow Summary

For Quotes

1. Customer builds order
2. Selects "Carrier Services" delivery option
3. Views estimated shipping (auto-calculated)
4. Submits quote request

For Orders

1. Admin opens order
2. Clicks "Shop Rates"
3. Reviews auto-calculated packages
4. Selects shipping options
5. Fetches rates from carriers
6. Compares and selects best rate
7. Saves order with selected rate
8. Books shipment when ready
9. Prints labels
10. Tracks delivery

Next Steps

• Smart Packaging - How the packaging algorithm works
• Rate Shopping - Comparing carrier rates
• Booking & Labels - Booking shipments
• Tracking - Package tracking
• Configuration - Settings and customization