How to use the Trailer Loading feature on Flexe mobile devices for freight shipments.
| IN THIS TOPIC |
Trailer loading is the final step of the outbound fulfillment process. It ensures that movement of shipments can be systematically tracked through staging and pickup by the carrier.
As part of this process, you'll pick and load shipments onto a trailer via Flexe mobile devices. You can then review the load details and ship the trailer from the Flexe web platform. The load details provide a summary of all shipments on the trailer, as well as information you can use to track delivery.
Before you start
If Freight Trailer Loading was just enabled for your reservation(s), keep in mind that any shipments you haven't started working on yet (i.e. shipments still in the "Not Started" status) will need to be cancelled and regenerated.
Your Flexe Logistics Analyst will help you coordinate this prior to getting started with Freight Trailer Loading; you can also reach out to your Logistics Analyst if you have any additional questions.
Trailer Loading on Flexe Mobile Devices
To load trailers on Flexe mobile devices:
1. Select Trailer Loading from the home screen.
2. Select the load type.
Select Start Freight Load for freight shipments.
3. Scan the door.
Scan the dock or door where the trailer will be staged prior to pickup by the carrier.
Note: If you scan a door/dock that already has a load in progress, you’ll be resuming that existing load. You can check the corresponding load ID # in the bottom menu. If you want to start a new load, scan an alternate door/dock without any open trailers associated with it.
4. Add the SCAC, PRO # and Trailer Number, then select Start Load.
The SCAC, PRO # and Trailer Number are all required to start the load. If available, add the Seal Number as well.
Note: You can typically find this information in shipping documents or paperwork. If you need help with this step, reach out to your floor supervisor or warehouse management.
- Add Carrier (SCAC) - Use to enter the SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) for the carrier. Make sure to enter the valid code. SCAC codes are 2-4 letters long, and are different for each carrier. SCAC information is typically listed on the shipping label.
- Add Trailer Number - Use to enter the trailer number. To avoid discrepancies within a load, make sure to enter the correct number.
- Add PRO # - Use to add the PRO number. This is used by carriers to organize and track progress of shipments.
Once you've entered all required information, select Start Load.
9. Scan the Flexe LPN labels.
Scan the LPN label for each pallet that will be loaded onto the trailer, one at a time.
Keep in mind that all LPNs loaded onto the trailer must share the same destination ID. If you try to scan an LPN with a different destination ID, you’ll get an error message and will not be able to load it.
As you scan, the menu at the bottom of the screen tracks your progress. You can expand the menu to review everything--just swipe up or tap the arrow.
Note: To find additional information about an LPN, you can select the "search" icon at the top right of the screen to launch the Lookup Details feature. Scan the related barcode to view available information, then use the "back" arrow to return to where you left off.
10. Select Done.
Once you've scanned all pallets to be loaded on the trailer, select Done. Then select Stop Loading to confirm.
Important Note: Shipments are NOT complete in the system until after the trailer is closed from the Flexe web platform. To learn more about these remaining steps, go to Closing Trailers in Flexe.
Common Errors
Here's how to troubleshoot common issues or errors during the trailer loading process:
| Issue or Error | How to Troubleshoot |
|
This error occurs if you attempt to add a shipment that has a different end destination/destination ID than the other shipments on the trailer. You’ll need to start a new trailer for this shipment, or add it to an existing trailer with the same destination ID. You can review the destination ID designated for a shipment from the Shipments page on the Flexe web platform. To learn more, go Managing Loads by Destination ID. |
|
This error occurs when the system cannot find a known LPN associated with the barcode you scanned. This typically happens if you scan the wrong barcode (SKU, location, etc.) by mistake. Check the LPN barcode, then try scanning again. |
|
This error occurs when you scan an LPN that has not yet been picked for a shipment. Make sure the mobile picking process has been completed for the LPN you’re scanning. You can track the picking and loading progress for shipments from the Flexe web platform. |
Managing Loads by Destination ID
You can add multiple shipments to the same load as long as those shipments share the same destination ID.
Note: The destination ID is a short numerical code used to designate the end destination for a shipment. Destination IDs are automatically sent to the Flexe system for each shipment as part of order generation.
Once the trailer loading process is started on a Flexe mobile device, the destination ID for the first shipment scanned is automatically assigned. This means that the system will only allow other shipments with the same destination ID to be loaded onto that trailer.
You can review destination ID details from the Shipments page in Flexe.
To filter shipments by destination ID, open the Filter by dropdown and select the Destination ID option. Then, enter the ID(s) you want to review and select Add.
Removing Shipments from a Load
There are a few different options for removing an LPN and/or shipment from a load:
Option 1: Removing LPNs from a Load in Flexe
You can remove an LPN from a load on the Flexe web platform. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to use the Move Items feature on a Flexe mobile device to physically move that LPN out of the staging location for the trailer.
Note: If an LPN is scanned to the wrong load on an open trailer, you can quickly remove it using Move Items on a Flexe mobile device. To learn more, go to Using Move Items to Remove Shipments from a Load.
To remove an LPN from a load in Flexe:
1. Select Loads from the left menu.
This opens the Loads page. The In Progress tab shows load details for all open trailers.
2. Select the load you want to remove the LPN(s) from.
Find the Load ID click it to go to the load details, where you can view all LPNs currently in the load.
3. Select Remove LPN from Load.
Go to the Contents section toward the bottom of the page and find the LPN you want to remove.
Then, open the menu (three dots) next to it and select Unload LPN from Load.
4. Move the LPN out of the staging location on a Flexe mobile device.
On a Flexe mobile device, select Move Items from the home screen.
Scan the LPN you’re removing from the load, then select Put Away. Next, scan an alternate location for the LPN. It’s best to use another outbound staging location for this.
Scan the LPN again to complete the move.
Option 2: Using Move Items to Remove Shipments from a Load
You can remove shipments from a load by moving them out of the dock or door location associated with the load. Use the Move Items feature on a Flexe mobile device to move the shipments to an alternate location.
Note: It’s typically best to use an outbound staging location for this. Also make sure to physically move the shipment(s) to the alternate location, to maintain location accuracy within the Flexe system.
First, select Move Items from the device home screen.
Then, scan the LPN and select Put Away. Scan the alternate staging or storage location, then scan the LPN again to complete the move.
Option 3: Removing LPNs from a Shipment
To remove an LPN from a shipment in Flexe:
1. Go to Shipments in the left menu, then select the shipment.
This opens the shipment details, where you can make changes as needed.
2. Go to the Contents section and select the LPNs tab.
3. Open the menu and select Remove LPN from Shipment.
Open the menu (three dots) next to the LPN you want to remove, then select Remove LPN from Shipment.
Once you select Remove LPN, a confirmation window opens. It shows the LPN you’re removing, as well as the staging location for the shipment. It also explains that before you can complete the shipment, you’ll need to move the LPN out of that staging location on a Flexe mobile device.
Select Remove LPN again to confirm.
4. Move the LPN out of the staging location on a Flexe mobile device.
On a Flexe mobile device, select Move Items from the home screen.
Scan the LPN you’re removing from the shipment, then select Put Away. Next, scan the alternate staging or storage location. Scan the LPN again to complete the move.
You can now return to the Flexe web platform to complete the shipping process.
Closing Trailers in Flexe
To close a trailer, you’ll need to review and complete the load from the Flexe web platform.
Before you start
Make sure all LPNs for all outbound shipments on the trailer have been loaded. Then, confirm the trailer has been picked up by the carrier.
To submit and close a trailer in Flexe:
1. Select Loads from the left menu.
This opens the Loads page. The In Progress tab shows load details for all open trailers.
2. Select the load.
Find the load from the Status tab. Then, select the blue Load ID.
3. Review the load details, and make changes as needed.
Check the load details section at the top of the page to make sure everything is correct.
Note: Confirm that the SCAC (Carrier), PRO #, Trailer # and Seal fields are entered and accurate. These are all required to complete the load and ship the trailer.
Click the Edit button on the top right. A pop up will appear for the user to correct details if necessary.
Once done, click Edit Load to save changes.
4. Review load contents, and make changes as needed.
Go to the Contents section toward the bottom of the page to review all LPNs/pallets loaded onto the trailer.
Note: If you need to remove an shipment/LPN from a load, use the Move Items feature on a Flexe mobile device to move it to a different staging location. To learn more, go to Using Move Items to Remove Shipments from a Load. You can also remove LPNs from the load details page in Flexe; however you’ll still need to physically move the LPNs out of the staging location using a Flexe mobile device. To learn more, go to Removing LPNs from a Load in Flexe.
5. After the trailer has been picked up, select Ship.
In the confirmation window that opens, make sure to review all the shipping information for the trailer to confirm it’s still correct. Then select, Ship to complete the load and ship the trailer.
Once you select Ship, the trailer is closed and cannot be reopened.
Required information (SCAC, PRO #, Trailer # and Seal #) is highlighted in yellow. If any of this information is missing, you’ll be prompted to enter it before you can select Ship. You can do this directly from the confirmation window–just select the blue text, make changes as needed and select Save.
Short Shipping
If you need to complete a shipment without all of the requested or expected items (due to inventory shortages or other known issues) you can use the Ship Short option on the shipment details page.
Before you start
If there are any picked LPNs associated with the shipment, you’ll first need to remove those LPNs from the shipment.
Check the progress tracker in the shipment details. If the tracker shows the LPN as Picked but not Loaded, you'll need to remove it. To learn more, go to Removing LPNs from a Shipment.
To complete the short ship process in Flexe:
1. Open Shipments from the left menu, then select the shipment.
2. Select Ship Short.
3. Review and check all shipment details, then select Ship Short to confirm.
In the confirmation window that opens, make sure all required fields highlighted in yellow (Carrier/SCAC, PRO #) are complete.
Also check the automated warning message toward the bottom of the window; it provides a breakdown of the quantity and units that the order will be short by.
To proceed with shipping the order, select Ship Short.
Note: If you haven’t already removed any picked LPNs from the shipment, a warning message will show at the bottom of the window, with guidance on which LPNs need to be removed before you can proceed. To learn more, go to Removing LPNs from a Shipment.
Reviewing Closed Loads & Printing the BOL
To review closed trailers, go to the Loads page in Flexe and select the Load ID that is completed.
After a load has been completed, you can access the auto-generated Bill of Lading (BOL) from the Documents section in the load details. Select Print to view and/or print the BOL or Master BOL file.
Note: The load details are also emailed to the shipper and any other relevant contacts. You'll be copied on this message, via the email address associated with your Flexe username.
Terminology
SCAC - Refers to the Standard Carrier Alpha Code for a carrier. This is a 2-4 letter, privately controlled US code used to identify vessel operating common carriers (VOCC). For example, Pilot’s SCAC is "PAGD" and YRC’s SCAC is "RDWY."
SSCC - Refers to the Serial Shipping Container Code, which is an 18-digit number used to identify logistics units.
Load - A shipping summary made up of one or more groups of shipments. It can include information used by the carrier to invoice you for shipping services, as well as information you can use to track delivery of shipments. Also referred to as a manifest.
Master Bill of Lading (BOL) - Master BOL documents are used when a truckload of goods will be delivered at several different locations. The Master BOL document shows the full shipment details. You will then receive a child BOL for all unique addresses on a load specific to the goods going to each delivery destination. Your primary Logistics Analyst will need to configure Multiple Destination BOLs for your reservation. The standard GS-1 template will be used for all Master and child BOL documents after the configuration is complete.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.