A freight forwarding software with an OMS (Order Management System) is a computerized system that streamlines and combines every aspect of handling shipping orders. It accelerates, improves accuracy, and provides visibility to freight forwarding by placing each aspect of a shipment’s life under order in the form of booking through delivery.
What Are an OMS in Freight Forwarding?
OMS in freight management software tracks, processes, and fulfills customer shipping orders. It streamlines the order processing for freight forwarders—no more stacks of paper or email ping-pong. Instead, all order data and documents are entered, tracked, and stored in one system.
Step-by-Step OMS Process in Freight Forwarding
Here’s how OMS processes work for freight software, detailed in easy steps:
- Order Entry
The process starts when a client places an order for a shipment, either through a website, phone, or email.
Shipper, receiver, description of cargo, destination, and terms are input into freight forwarder software.
The OMS checks all the information to ensure that there are no errors that might delay the shipment.
- Quotation and Booking
OMS can offer a customer price quote based on shipment information—weight, volume, route, and mode of transport.
Once the quote is approved, the order is held within the freight software.
- Document Management
OMS also creates documents needed such as bills of lading, airway bills, and customs forms automatically.
All records are kept electronically, easy to retrieve, and shared between agents, carriers, and customs authorities when needed.
- Shipment Planning and Coordination
The system assigns the best carrier and route plans.
When consolidation is needed, OMS checks if shipments can be consolidated for better cost and efficiency.
The system is also able to schedule warehousing operation if storage of cargo is necessary prior to shipping.
- Inventory and Cargo Tracking
OMS monitors the cargo location and status in transit—pickup, transit, customs, delivery.
Shippers can get real-time status, and freight agents can see all milestones at a glance, minimizing unnecessary phone calls and emails.
- Billing and Accounting
The application links each order with invoices and financial data.
Freight charges, surcharges, customs, and other fees are automatically calculated.
Invoices are automatically created and sent to the client.
- Delivery and Confirmation
When the shipment arrives at its destination, the delivery is confirmed and the OMS indicates that the order has been completed.
Delivery feedback can be requested from customers, and all problems (such as loss or damage) are entered into the system for resolution.
- Reporting and Analytics
The OMS prepares reports of order histories, delivery dates, revenue, customer patterns, and compliance status.
The data enables freight forwarders to enhance their services and predict demand in the future.
Main Benefits for Freight Forwarders
Efficiency: OMS eliminates the need for repetitive tasks, saves time, and minimizes manual data entry.
Accuracy: All stages of the order are confirmed, avoiding errors and omitted documentation.
Real-Time Updates: Real-time monitoring and alerts inform customers, which maximizes customer satisfaction.
Integration: Combines with other systems (warehousing, CRM, accounting), consolidating all freight forward functions.
Compliance: All regulatory papers and customs documentation are correct and filed on time.
Why OMS Is Crucial to Freight Forwarding
Freight forwarding means handling hundreds of shipments, multiple regulatory requirements, and constant updates. OMS brings all these components together to enable freight forwarders to handle more orders, run smoother operations, and satisfy clients without stress.
Conclusion
An Order Management System within freight forwarding software is the backbone of logistics today. It assists freight forwarders with booking shipments, generating documents, scheduling transport, tracking cargo, billing customers, and monitoring business performance—all within one platform. This automated sequential process equals fewer errors, faster deliveries, and more satisfied customers—making OMS a total requirement for any business freight forwarding organization.
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