Recommendations & FAQs¶
This guide groups all master data setup activities for the Freight Forwarder app, including routes, ports, shipping methods, cargo templates, and related terminology. Configure these records once so operational teams can work quickly and consistently on every shipment.
Use the dedicated guides below to configure each master data category:
Recommended Configuration¶
If you’re just starting, follow this order:
- Step 1: Create Ports/Locations (15 minutes)
Create commonly used ports
Create main customer warehouses/addresses
- Step 2: Create Routes (30 minutes)
Create 3-5 main frequently used routes
Fill in waypoints and legs
- Step 3: Check Shipping Methods (5 minutes)
View available methods
Add if missing
- Step 4: Create Cargo Templates (optional - 20 minutes)
Only create if have frequently repeating cargo
- Step 5: Adjust Stages (optional - 10 minutes)
Defaults are sufficient
Only adjust if company workflow different
Total time: 55 minutes - 1 hour 25 minutes (depending on needs)
Tip
No need to do everything immediately!
You can: 1. Do Steps 1-2 first → Start using system 2. Gradually supplement other configurations when needed
Frequently Asked Questions¶
Can configuration be edited after use?
Yes! Most configurations can be changed later:
Edit freely: Shipping Method, Stage, Cargo Template
Should be careful: Route (if already used in many shipments)
Doesn’t affect old shipments: Cargo Input Mode only applies to newly created shipments. Existing shipments are not affected.
Can used configuration be deleted?
Depends on type:
Route/Port: System will report error if being used - Safe
Shipping Method: Can delete, but old shipments will lose this information
Stage: Shipments at that stage will not display correctly
Recommendation: Instead of deleting, should Archive to keep old data.
Who uses Route and Shipping Method? Where used?
- Users:
Operations staff (Operations / Docs)
Customer Service staff
- When used:
Creating new shipment (from sales order or direct creation)
Changing transport plan (example: change from LCL to FCL)
- Where used:
Shipment Form - select Route and Shipping Method
Route Leg Form (if shipment has multiple legs)
- If employees often select wrong:
Train: Help employees distinguish FCL/LCL, Door-to-Door/Port-to-Port…
Create product templates: Each service (FCL, LCL…) has separate product with pre-set route/method
Permissions: Only Managers can create/edit route configuration
Can Route/Port be bulk imported?
Yes! You can use Odoo’s Import feature:
Create 1 sample record
Export to Excel file
Fill in bulk data into file
Import back into system