Your Guide to Smarter Shipments

This section allows you to define more complex shipment details to support multi-step logistics and specific handling requirements.

• Fill Extra Cargo: If your cargo quantity fits within the capacity of a single container, and if you check this box, the system will suggest additional quantities of your cargo to fill the container to its maximum space utilization, answering the question, "How many quantities would fit in?"
• Allow Overhang: This option should be checked if you want your stacked cartons to hang in the air with a minimum of 75% base support. Uncheck this option to get 100% base support for your stacked cartons.
• Keep Orders Together: Use this checkbox to ensure that all items from a single purchase order are packed into the same container. This prevents an order from being split across multiple containers, simplifying inventory management and unloading.
• Mandatory Cargo Id: This option enforces a rule that an ERP ID must be included in the load plan, ensuring it is synced correctly with your ERP. If supplied, this ID will be sent back to your ERP to trigger actions like order revisions.

This section allows you to define technical specifications that impact how your container is loaded. You can control:

• Door Latch Margin: Define the empty space to be reserved near the container doors to allow for latches and other fixtures. This ensures your load plan is physically accurate.
• Refrigerated Container: Check this box if the container is refrigerated. The algorithm will account for any internal equipment and space constraints required for refrigerated cargo.
• Single-Use Container: Indicate if a container should be used only once. The LoadViewer algorithm will not plan more than one instance of this container type, even in a multi-container shipment.
• LCL CBM: Use this field to define the cubic meter (CBM) threshold below which it is more economical to ship via LCL (Less than Container Load) rather than FCL (Full Container Load). The Sensible Loading feature will use this threshold to evenly distribute cargo among all containers, creating simpler load plans.

This section provides powerful controls to customize how your cargo is packed, accommodating any handling constraints.

• Pallet Height: Define the height of an empty pallet. This value is added to the cargo's height for a more accurate volume calculation.
• Top Cap / Bottom Tray: Specify the height of protective caps (like corrugated cardboard) on the top or bottom of your cartons. These don't increase the overall volume but ensure proper spacing and protection.
• Perceived Deviations: Accommodate for slight imperfections in your cartons' dimensions. Define margin values for length, width, and height to account for any bulges or inaccuracies, ensuring a more realistic and reliable load plan.
• Destination (LIFO): Define a destination for each item. The system uses a **Last-In, First-Out (LIFO)** rule to generate a plan that avoids unnecessary handling and movement of goods. This is crucial for:
  • Multi-Stop Routes: The cargo for the last stop is loaded first, so items can be easily unloaded in sequence at each destination.
  • Multiple Loading Departments: Items from the same department are grouped together, preventing them from being shuffled around and making the loading process more efficient.
• Items per Carton / SKU: For your inventory records, define the number of individual items or Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) contained within each carton.
• PO Number & Shipper: Identify the Purchase Order and the Shipper (loading bay) for each item. This allows your team to easily sort and load cargo from specific locations.
• Proportionate Packing: Use a Set Name and Set Quantity to ensure certain cartons are packed together in specific ratios. This is useful for kits or multi-part orders.