Freight and Shipping Overview

EBMS includes the ability to calculate Freight charges within a sales order or proposal based on the shipping method, shipping destination, and weight or dimensions of the items shipped. EBMS will estimate shipping costs within the sales order window giving the user the ability to quote the entire sales order including shipping costs.   The freight and shipping tools within a sales order or quote are linked to the Ship Via setting which contains user defined Shipping Methods.  EBMS seamlessly interfaces with ShipEngine, UPS WordShip, Shipping Manager, and other shipping tools.

Scenario: A truck upfitter sells replacement truck parts within North America as well as overseas.  These special-order parts are shipped directly to the customer using USPS, FedEx, or common carrier based on the size and weight of the package.  The salesperson can conveniently determine the most cost-effective shipping option within the sales order based on the distance, time restraints, and size.  Company management has configured EBMS with the preferred shipping methods allowing the customer service staff to conveniently chose from a list of primary options.  The label is printed from EBMS by shipping department without requiring 3rd party software integrations.  This convenient shipping tool gives the staff of the company the tools to offer timely and efficient options to meet the needs of their customers.

Scenario:  A specialty food manufacturer sells product both wholesale and retail using a variety of sales platforms.  The EBMS freight tools records the standard delivery rate by the company trucks or various carriers.  Shipments from their retail sales platforms including their ecommerce site can be processed and shipped quickly using the ShipEngine tool within EBMS.  The shipping department reviews the order list to be delivered by LTL shipment and other express carriers while the dispatcher reviews the orders scheduled to be delivered by company truck.  Packing lists and bill of lading forms are printed from EBMS.  The flexible shipping process gives the company the ability to integrate delivery logistics within the EBMS order entry system.  

Scenario:  An equipment manufacturer builds made-to-order product that is shipped directly to the consumer or retailer. Orders are staged to package multiple units on the same shipment without compromising prompt delivery.  The manufacturing schedule is planed with the shipping process to get the product to the customer as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Order status and shipping methods including tracking information are conveniently displayed within the sales order.  The tight integration of the inventory, order processing, shipping, and financial tools gives this company a competitive edge in the marketplace.  

Purpose of Shipping methods

  1. Determine if the items on a sales document are being shipped or if the items are picked up at the store location (FOB).  This setting effects the following items in EBMS:

    1. The Ship To account is printed on the sales document if the item is shipped

    2. Determine the type of shipper that is being used

    3. May effect the sales tax calculation If shipping rates apply

  2. Calculate shipping costs

  3. Direct information to shipping software

Shipping rates can be calculated using the following methods:

The optional ShipEngine service facilitates the interface between shipping software such as UPS, FedEx, USPS and EBMS as well as ecommrece platforms such as Shopify, Woo commerce, and Amazon. The interface is able to calculate and compare shipping rates, print labels from EBMS, and communicate directly to various shippers. The freight cost can be determined by adding a markup to the standard shipper rates and adding optional handling fees.

Complete the following steps to interface EBMS Shipping Manager with UPS WorldShip, FedEx Shipping Manager, USPS, and other shipping software:

  1. Create Shipping Methods for each available shipping option. For example, create a separate shipping method for UPS Ground, UPS Next Day Air, UPS Next Day Air Saver, UPS 2nd Day Air, etc. Review Creating Shipping Methods for steps to create these shipping methods.

  2. Enter Weight and other package settings within the inventory item. Rates are based on the package weight or the dimensional weight within the inventory item. Review Calculating Total Weight for more details on the standard weight calculation within a sales order. The more advanced method of determining shipping costs is using dimensional weight. Review Shipping Settings within an Inventory Item for more details on setting dimensional weights, handling fees, or other shipping settings set per inventory item.

  3. Select the desired shipping method within the sales order to calculate the estimated shipping charges on the sales order. Review Calculating and Comparing Freight Charges for instruction to configure freight costs.

  4. Connect shipping options to EBMS Shipping Manager:

    1. ShipEngine to interface multiple shipping options:  Review Integrating ShipEngine for setup instructions.

    2. Alternative direct UPS WorldShip configuration: Review Interfacing UPS WorldShip with EBMS instructions.

    3. Manually enter shipping options:  Review Setup Shippers to record shipper interface information.

  5. Compare rates:  Review Calculating and Comparing Freight Charges for rate comparison options within a sales document.  The freight and shipping settings effect the sales tax calculations. Review Sales Tax > Sales Tax Overview for more details.  

  6. Review the shipping details within the EBMS sales order. See Calculating and Comparing Freight Charges for more information on the Shipping tab within the sales order.

  7. Review Shipping and Tracking Packages for steps to process a shipment, generate labels, and track packages.

EBMS can also display current shipping rates on an eCommerce website. Review the Configuring the Shopping Cart > Shipping Options within the eCommerce documentation for the shipping options within the integrated eCommerce system.