Consolidated Shipments - simplifying bulk exports with Shipmate

Introducing Consolidated Shipments

Shipmate’s new Consolidated Shipments functionality makes bulk exporting more efficient and cost-effective by leveraging containerised shipping methods like FedEx International Priority Distribution (IPD) and DHL Breakbulk Express (BBX). Here's how it works and why it’s a game-changer for businesses shipping large volumes of parcels.

What Are Consolidated Shipments?

Consolidated Shipments group multiple parcels into a single container for streamlined international shipping. The container is sent to a distribution centre, where individual parcels are dispatched locally. This “Door to Multiple Door” service reduces export costs and simplifies documentation.

Consolidated Shipments group multiple parcels into a single container, optimising international logistics through streamlined handling and documentation. The container is assigned a unique identifier and is routed to an international distribution centre, where its contents are broken down and distributed to individual destinations.

By treating multiple shipments as a single export entity, this method reduces per-parcel shipping costs and simplifies customs processes, including generating consolidated export documentation and automated manifests for carriers.

Flexible Modes: Manual or Automatic

Shipmate empowers businesses to customise their shipping workflows with two flexible modes for managing Consolidated Shipments: Manual and Automatic. Whether you need precise control over container management or prefer a hands-off approach with intelligent automation, Shipmate provides the tools to adapt to your unique shipping requirements.

• Manual Mode
  Provides complete control. Open containers via API, manage multiple containers, and assign custom destinations. Ideal for businesses needing granular control over shipments.

• Automatic Mode
  Simplifies operations. Shipmate automatically opens containers based on shipment details, carrier settings, and configured schedules. Cut-off times ensure same-day or next-day dispatch, with shipments automatically added to containers until they close.

How It Works

1. Opening a Container
   Containers open automatically or programmatically via API. For automatic mode, labels are provided to identify and manage containers during parcel loading.

2. Adding Shipments
   Shipments are added via API, automatically based on service and location, or manually through Shipmate’s interface.

3. Tracking and Viewing Containers
   Quickly access container details through:

   • Searching by reference or barcode

   • Shipment lists (yellow container icon)

   • Shipment details (linked container reference)

4. Closing a Container
   Closing containers finalises the manifest for export documentation and label generation. This must be done manually via API or through the Shipmate dashboard.

Why Use Consolidated Shipments?

• Cost Savings: Consolidate multiple parcels into a single container for reduced shipping rates.

• Efficiency: Automate workflows and minimise paperwork for bulk exports.

• Flexibility: Choose between manual control or automatic operations tailored to your shipping needs.

Streamline your export process with Shipmate’s Consolidated Shipments - making global shipping simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.

Learn more about using Consolidated Shipments in Shipmate