Freight forwarding¶

Ship freight too large or heavy for parcel carriers: request LTL (Less Than Truckload) rate quotes, compare them, book the shipment, generate the Bill of Lading (BOL) and labels, then track it to delivery.

Zora requests rates through freight brokers, not from carriers directly.

Supported brokers:

• TForce Worldwide
• Unishippers

Each broker returns rates from the carriers it works with — Estes Express Lines, XPO Logistics Freight, FedEx, SAIA, and others — so one request can return quotes spanning many carriers.

The freight forwarding workflow¶

graph TD
    A[Prepare Shipment Details] --> B[Request Rate Quotes]
    B --> C[Review & Compare Rates]
    C --> D[Select Best Rate]
    D --> E[Book Shipment]
    E --> F[Download BOL + Labels]
    F --> G[Schedule Pickup]
    G --> H[Track Shipment]
    H --> I[Confirm Delivery]

    style A fill:#e3f2fd
    style B fill:#e3f2fd
    style C fill:#fff3e0
    style D fill:#fff3e0
    style E fill:#e8f5e9
    style F fill:#e8f5e9
    style G fill:#e8f5e9
    style H fill:#f3e5f5
    style I fill:#f3e5f5

Step 1: Requesting rate quotes¶

Opening a rate quote¶

1. Go to Shipping → Freight Forwarding.
2. Choose Request Rate Quote.

Enter shipment information¶

Origin address¶

Enter the address you're shipping from:

1. Enter the Company Name.
2. Enter the Street Address.
3. Enter the City, State, and ZIP Code.
4. Enter a Contact Name and Phone Number.

Destination address¶

Enter the customer's (consignee's) address the same way:

1. Enter the Company Name.
2. Enter the Street Address.
3. Enter the City, State, and ZIP Code.
4. Enter a Contact Name and Phone Number.

Zora checks the address format, suggests a correction if it looks wrong, and confirms whether the delivery is residential or commercial.

Shipment items¶

Add a line for each item or pallet in the shipment:

Choose Add Item for each additional line — one per pallet or SKU. Zora totals the weight for you.

Freight class is set by density, stowability, handling, and liability:

Accessorial services¶

Select any extra service the shipment needs:

Review and submit¶

1. Check the addresses, items, and services you entered.

2. Choose Get Rate Quotes.

   Zora assigns the request a quote number and queries every carrier at once, usually in 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Quote numbers¶

Zora assigns every rate quote request a unique quote number in the form RQ-YYMMDD-NNN — for example, RQ-260911-001. It allocates the number the moment you save the request, before any carrier has responded, so it appears on the Fetching carrier quotes... overlay while the pull is still running.

One number per request, not per quote. A single request fans out to several carriers, and every rate that comes back belongs to the same number. Give the customer that one number and it covers all the rates in the pull.

The NNN sequence restarts at 001 each day, so RQ-260911-001 is the first request pulled on 11 September 2026. Numbers are never reused, and requests created before quote numbering shipped were backfilled — every request in the list has one.

The quote number appears in four places:

Step 2: Reviewing rate quotes¶

Rate quote results¶

After you submit, you see a comparison table with quotes from available carriers.

Rate quote information¶

Quotes are sorted cheapest first, and the lowest-priced quote is tagged Lowest.

Each quote card shows:

Comparing rates¶

Rate quote details¶

Choose any quote to see the full breakdown:

An expanded quote also footnotes its sourcing details: Broker, the carrier's SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code), and the lane Distance in miles.

Quotes are typically valid for 24–48 hours. Rates are subject to carrier acceptance, and the fuel surcharge can change before you book.

Finding a past rate quote¶

The rate quote list at Shipping → Freight Forwarding shows the most recent requests first, ten to a page. To pull up an older one, use the search box above the table:

1. Type any part of the quote number — RQ-260911, or just 047.
2. The list filters shortly after you stop typing and returns to page 1.
3. Click the row to open the full quote details.

Search is case-insensitive and matches anywhere in the number, so a partial sequence finds the request without the date. When nothing matches, the list shows No matching rate quotes — clear the box to get the full list back.

Step 3: Booking a shipment¶

Selecting a rate quote¶

1. Compare the rate quotes and pick the one you want.

2. Choose Book Shipment.

   The booking confirmation dialog opens.

Booking confirmation¶

Before you choose Confirm Booking, check:

You can also set:

Complete booking¶

1. Check the shipper and consignee details one more time.

2. Choose Confirm Booking.

   Zora submits the booking to the carrier and shows the booking confirmation.

The confirmation panel summarizes the booking:

Step 4: Shipment documents¶

Everything the platform produces for a booked freight shipment lives on the shipment's Documents tab: Shipping → Freight Forwarding → open the shipment → Documents. The tab label carries a count of the documents already on file.

Generating documents¶

Documents are produced on demand, not at booking time. The Documents panel shows a button for each document that has not been generated yet:

Once a document exists it is listed below with its format and generation timestamp, and two actions:

• View - opens the stored PDF in a new tab
• Download - saves the stored PDF to your device

What is a bill of lading?¶

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a legal document. It's your receipt for the goods picked up, the contract of carriage between you and the carrier, and the title document for the goods while they're in transit. Every freight shipment needs one.

It has to travel with the shipment. Sign it and hand a copy to the driver at pickup, and keep a copy for your own records — you'll need it if you ever file a claim.

Getting the BOL¶

After booking:

1. Open the shipment and select the Documents tab.

2. Choose Generate BOL (or View / Download if one's already been issued).

   The BOL PDF opens in a new tab.

3. Print the copies you need.

The Bill of Lading is issued as a numbered revision the first time you request it, and every later request streams the latest revision — so you never download a superseded copy.

The BOL carries:

Shipping labels¶

Alongside the BOL, Zora renders a shipping labels PDF for the booked freight — one label per shipping unit, sized for carrier label stock.

Label format:

• 4 x 6 inch pages, portrait — the stock carrier label printers use
• One page per unit: each rate-quote line item contributes its quantity, so a two-line quote of 3 and 2 pieces produces 5 pages
• Each page is numbered N/Total in the corner
• Your warehouse branding logo is printed on each label when one is configured

Each label prints:

Addresses come from the booking: the shipper and consignee blocks print exactly what was entered at booking time. Long names and addresses shrink to fit the label and are truncated with an ellipsis rather than overflowing.

Regenerating labels¶

If the shipment's data changes after you first generated the labels, choose Regenerate Labels on the Documents tab to re-render them from the current values.

Printing and preparing the BOL¶

Print at least 3 copies — shipper, carrier, and consignee — on standard 8.5" × 11" paper, and staple each set together.

Before pickup:

1. Print the BOL copies.
2. Sign the shipper section.
3. Place the copies in the document pouch.
4. Attach the pouch to the shipment.
5. Keep one copy for your files.

Step 5: Pickup and handoff¶

Preparing for pickup¶

Before the carrier arrives:

• Shipment palletized and stretch-wrapped
• BOL printed and signed
• Freight clearly labeled
• Loading dock area clear
• Forklift available, if needed
• Staff member designated for the handoff

The carrier arrives sometime in the pickup window you booked. Be ready for an early or late arrival, and keep the carrier's contact number on hand.

During pickup¶

When the driver arrives:

1. Confirm the carrier company and the driver match the booking.
2. Let the driver inspect the shipment.
3. Confirm the piece count matches the BOL.
4. Check for and note any existing damage.
5. Have the driver sign the BOL and give you a copy.
6. Give the driver the BOL, and keep your copy.
7. Record the carrier's PRO number if it's different from what's on file.

A driver can refuse freight that's improperly packaged, hazardous material without the right paperwork, an overweight pallet, or anything that doesn't match the BOL description.

If something goes wrong: raise it with the driver immediately, note it on the BOL before anyone signs, contact carrier customer service, and photograph the shipment if there's a dispute.

After pickup¶

1. File your BOL copy in the shipment records.
2. Mark the shipment as picked up in Zora.
3. Send the customer the tracking information.
4. Watch tracking for status updates.

Step 6: Tracking shipments¶

Accessing shipment tracking¶

Two ways in:

1. Go to Shipping → Freight Forwarding and select the Track Shipments tab to see every active shipment.
2. Or open a specific shipment and choose Track Shipment for its real-time status.

Tracking information¶

The tracking panel also shows the current location (the last scan), the full history of scans, the estimated delivery date, and — once delivered — the actual delivery date and time.

Status update notifications¶

Zora sends a notification when the shipment is picked up, goes out for delivery, is delivered, or hits an exception or delay.

Notifications go by email to the addresses you've set up, and each one includes the tracking link, the current status, and the carrier's contact information.

Step 7: Delivery and confirmation¶

Monitoring delivery¶

Watch tracking for the Out for Delivery status, confirm the consignee is ready to receive it, and make sure their receiving dock is clear.

The carrier delivers within the window you booked. The consignee should be available during that window, and should have a contact number on hand in case something comes up.

Proof of delivery (POD)¶

At delivery, the carrier gets the consignee's signature and the driver completes the delivery section of the BOL. That signed BOL is the Proof of Delivery (POD), and the carrier uploads it to their own system.

To get your copy:

1. Open the shipment in Zora.

2. Choose View POD.

   This is available 24–48 hours after delivery.

3. Download the POD PDF for your records.

The POD carries the consignee's signature, the date and time of delivery, the delivery location, any condition notes, and confirmation of the piece count.

Delivery issues¶

Common freight scenarios¶

Scenario 1: Standard LTL shipment¶

Shipping 4 pallets of machinery parts to a business with a loading dock — no accessorials needed.

1. Request a rate quote.
2. Enter the 4 pallets with total weight and freight class.
3. Leave accessorials unselected — it's dock-to-dock.
4. Compare rates and book the shipment.
5. Download and print the BOL.
6. Prepare the pallets and hand them off to the driver at pickup.

Typically: book on day 1, pickup on day 2, delivery on days 5–7.

Scenario 2: Residential delivery¶

Shipping a large item to a residential customer with no loading dock.

1. Request a rate quote and enter the item details.
2. Select Residential Delivery, Liftgate at Delivery, and Notify Before Delivery.
3. Book the shipment — expect a higher cost for these services.
4. Give the carrier the customer's phone number for the delivery notification.
5. Coordinate the delivery time with the customer.

Residential delivery and liftgate service both add cost, and a limited-access address adds more. Without a dock, the driver may need help unloading.

Scenario 3: Time-sensitive shipment¶

An urgent delivery needed for a production line.

1. Request a rate quote and filter for expedited service.
2. Compare transit times and select the fastest option — expect it to cost 30–50% more.
3. Book the shipment and set the delivery date you need.
4. Add "Time-sensitive" to the special instructions.
5. Watch tracking closely, and contact the carrier straight away if anything looks delayed.

Scenario 4: Oversized or heavy freight¶

Shipping industrial equipment over 500 lbs.

1. Measure and weigh it accurately — dense items usually get a lower freight class.
2. Request a rate quote with the accurate dimensions.
3. Note any special handling requirements, and confirm a forklift is available at both ends.
4. Book the shipment.
5. Package and secure it properly, and have a forklift operator ready at pickup.

Getting it right¶

Freight classification¶

Weigh the shipment on an accurate scale, measure length, width, and height, and work out the density (weight ÷ cubic feet) to get the freight class right. Getting it wrong risks a reclassification fee, an unexpected charge, or a dispute with the carrier once the freight is already moving.

Packaging and palletization¶

Use standard 48" × 40" pallets, stretch-wrap them, strap them if the load needs it, and label them clearly on more than one side so a forklift driver can read it from any angle. Stack evenly so nothing shifts in transit.

Protect what's inside: cushion it, secure any loose items, weatherproof it if needed, and mark Fragile or This End Up where it applies.

Documentation¶

Keep the BOL, rate quote confirmation, booking confirmation, proof of delivery, and any claim paperwork together, organized by shipment date. Keep BOLs for at least 2 years and claim records for 3 years or more — a digital copy is easier to find later than a paper one.

Communication¶

Internally, tell the warehouse the pickup schedule, assign someone to the driver handoff, and have the forklift and dock plate ready with the loading area clear.

With the customer, confirm the address before you book, send them the tracking information, set expectations on delivery timing, and follow up once it's confirmed delivered.

Troubleshooting¶

Freight forwarding costs¶

Understanding freight charges¶

Typical accessorial costs¶

Cutting the cost¶

1. Get the freight class right the first time — a reclassification fee costs more than getting it right.
2. Select only the accessorials the shipment actually needs.
3. Consolidate shipments where you can, instead of sending several small ones.
4. Take standard pickup and delivery windows over an appointment where the customer doesn't need one — appointments cost more.
5. If you ship high volume, ask your carrier about negotiated rates.
6. Always compare more than one carrier's quote.

Creating a freight shipment from an order¶

1. Open the customer order.

2. Choose Create Freight Shipment.

   Zora pre-fills the destination address, items and weights, and customer contact information from the order.

3. Complete the origin and freight details.

4. Request rate quotes and book the shipment.

   The shipment is linked back to the order automatically, so shipping costs and reporting stay tied to it and you don't retype what's already on the order.

The two brokers¶

Zora quotes through TForce Worldwide and Unishippers. Each returns rates from the carriers it works with, so one request can come back with quotes from several carriers.

Whichever broker sources the rate, Zora does the same four things with it: fetches rates, books the shipment, tracks it, and retrieves the documents. Anything else a broker offers — negotiated rates, claims handling, their own portal — is arranged with the broker directly and is not part of Zora.

Related guides¶

• Carrier management - Configure carriers and integrations
• Shipping operations - Standard parcel shipping
• Warehouse management - Warehouse setup
• Order processing - Order fulfillment

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