Shipping & Logistics Dashboard

The Shipping & Logistics Dashboard provides a centralized view for managing orders from completion through delivery. Access it via Shop → Shipping in the main navigation.

Dashboard Overview

The Shipping Dashboard tracks orders through three stages:

Header Section

Location Selector

At the top right, filter by fulfillment location:

• All Locations - View combined shipping data across all shops
• Specific Location - Filter to orders from a single fulfillment center

Location selection persists across all tabs.

Live Clock

A real-time clock displays the current time, useful for time-sensitive shipping cutoffs.

Date Display

Current date shown in format: "Day, Month Date, Year • Company Name"

Metrics Cards

Four key metrics display at the top:

These metrics update in real-time and respect your location filter.

Packaging Tab

The first tab shows orders with "Completed" status that need packaging configuration.

What Appears Here

Orders that have:

• Passed Quality Control
• Been marked "Completed"
• Not yet been configured for shipping

Packaging Workflow

1. Select an order from the list
2. Review packages - System auto-calculates optimal packaging
3. Adjust if needed - Modify dimensions, weights, quantities
4. Save configuration - Mark ready for shipping

Package Configuration

For each order, configure:

Smart Packaging System

TimberCloud's algorithm automatically:

• Extracts product dimensions and weights
• Groups similar items efficiently
• Determines box vs. pallet based on size/weight
• Separates hazardous materials
• Applies consolidation rules

Example:
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% ✓

Package Type Rules

Ready to Ship Tab

The second tab shows packaged orders ready for shipping.

Order List

Displays orders that have:

• Completed packaging configuration
• Status "Ready to Ship" or similar
• Not yet been booked with a carrier

Actions Available

Rate Shopping

Click "Shop Rates" to open the Carrier Services Modal:

1. Select shipping mode:

   • Auto (recommended) - System determines based on package type
   • Small Parcel - FedEx, UPS, USPS
   • LTL Freight - Freight carriers

2. Configure shipping options:

   • Liftgate Required
   • Residential Delivery
   • Inside Delivery
   • Appointment Required
   • Insurance

3. Fetch rates from selected carriers

4. Compare and select the best rate

5. Save to order for booking

Booking Shipments

Once a rate is selected:

1. Click "Book Shipment"
2. Confirm package details
3. Authorize payment (if applicable)
4. Shipment booked with carrier
5. Labels generated automatically
6. Tracking numbers assigned
7. Order status updates to "Shipped"

Label Printing

After booking:

• Download label as PDF
• Print directly from browser
• Send to thermal printer
• Email to shipping station

Deliveries Tab

The third tab tracks shipped orders through delivery.

Order Statuses

Tracking Information

For each shipped order:

• Tracking number(s)
• Current status
• Estimated delivery date
• Carrier and service level
• Link to carrier tracking page

Automatic Updates

TimberCloud updates tracking via:

• Webhooks - Real-time updates from carriers
• Polling - Backup every 15 minutes

When all packages are delivered:

• Order status automatically updates to "Delivered"
• Delivery date recorded
• Customer notifications sent (if configured)

Carrier Services Integration

Supported Parcel Carriers

Supported Freight Carriers (LTL)

Shipping Options

Delivery Options

Coverage Options

Rate Staleness

Shipping rates expire after 24 hours to ensure accurate pricing.

Visual Indicators

• Yellow warning when rates are outdated
• "Regenerate Rates" button with pulse animation
• "Outdated" badge on stale rate cards

When Rates Become Stale

• 24 hours since rate selection
• Order items modified
• Shipping address changed
• Estimated ship date changed

Always regenerate rates before booking if stale.

Configuration

Packaging Settings

Configure in Settings → Orders → Packaging:

Packaging Mode:

• Auto (Recommended)
• Boxes Only
• Pallets Only

Default Shipping Mode:

• Auto
• Small Parcel Only
• LTL Freight Only

Consolidation Rules:

• Max boxes before converting to pallet
• Prefer fewer packages option

Custom Box Sizes:

• Define your actual box inventory
• Set dimensions and max weights

Pallet Configuration:

• Default pallet dimensions
• Max stack height
• Max weight capacity

Shipping Markup

Add your markup to carrier rates:

• Percentage - Add X% to rates
• Fixed Amount - Add flat fee

Configure in Settings → Orders → Shipping

Location Settings

Each fulfillment location can have:

• Default LTL services (liftgate, dock availability)
• Carrier account preferences
• Shipping origin address

Workflow Summary

Complete Order Flow

1. Order Completed (QC passed)
   ↓
2. Packaging Tab → Configure packages
   ↓
3. Ready to Ship Tab → Shop rates, select carrier
   ↓
4. Book Shipment → Generate labels
   ↓
5. Deliveries Tab → Track to delivery
   ↓
6. Delivered → Order complete

Quick Reference

Troubleshooting

No Orders in Packaging

Check:

• Orders have passed QC
• Order status is "Completed"
• Location filter matches order's fulfillment location

No Rates Returned

Check:

• Carrier accounts are configured
• Shipping address is complete
• Products have weight/dimensions
• Destination is serviceable

Booking Fails

Check:

• Payment method is valid
• Carrier account is active
• Address validation passed
• Package dimensions are within limits

Tracking Not Updating

Check:

• Parcels API key is configured
• Tracking number format is valid
• Webhook URL is accessible
• Try manual sync

Related Documentation

• Package Tracking - Detailed tracking documentation
• Shipping Configuration - Full shipping settings
• Rate Shopping - Carrier rate comparison
• Booking & Labels - Label generation guide