Basic Concepts

The Cargo Module manages all data and workflows for cargo transportation. It is designed for shipping companies and vessel operators. Key functions include bill of lading management, freight invoice calculation and issuance, customer freight rate handling, and related document management. The module integrates cargo documents with voyages, vessels, clients, and accounting to support unified freight operations and reporting.

Cargo Module Overview

This module is primarily intended for shipping lines and vessel operators. It handles:

  • Bills of Lading: Recording cargo details for each shipment.

  • Freight Invoices: Calculating and issuing transport invoices to clients.

  • Customer Freight Rates: Managing client-specific freight pricing.

  • Document Management: Generating and managing operational documents such as manifests, sea preliminaries, and customs declarations.

Bills of Lading

A Bill of Lading is the main cargo document in the module. It contains structured shipment information needed for cargo handling and release:

  • Cargo Details: Type, quantity, weight, containers.

  • Origin & Destination: Ports of loading and discharge.

  • Participants: Shipper, consignee, notify parties.

  • Vessel/Voyage: Assigned ship and route information.

  • Packaging Data: Number and type of packages.

  • Additional Attributes: Any other cargo-specific parameters.

This information supports cargo tracking, operational control, and delivery at the destination port.

Freight Invoices

A Freight Invoice is a financial document issued by the carrier to the client for cargo transport services. It is generated from one or multiple bills of lading. Each invoice includes:

  • Freight Charges: Base transport cost calculated from cargo data.

  • Additional Fees: Surcharges such as BAF (bunker adjustment factor) and other conditions.

  • Payment Terms: Agreed payment conditions and due dates.

Freight invoices are integrated with the Accounting Module — they can be linked to payments, appear in invoice lists, and are included in financial reports and processes.

Bills of lading and freight invoices are not standalone records. They are linked to many operational references:

  • Voyage & Vessel: The specific voyage and ship for each shipment.

  • Payer/Client: The billing party and customer details.

  • Operational Period: Accounting week or period for the shipment.

  • Cargo Type & Packaging: Classifications that affect rate calculations (see the Rate Type Setting article).

These links enable the system to group shipments for freight calculation, apply customer-specific rates, incorporate BAF and other surcharges, and produce final documents in a unified workflow.

Document Management and External Exchange

The Cargo Module also handles document workflows and data exchange:

  • Linking Documents: B/Ls and freight invoices can be attached to files and emails in the system.

  • Data Export: Documents can be exported in specific formats for manifests, declarations, and other reports.

  • External Integration: Supports generating and sharing cargo manifests, customs declarations, and regulatory documents using the stored data.

Summary

The Cargo Module centralizes cargo transport data and financial processing. It manages bills of lading and freight invoices, applies customer rates and surcharges, and connects shipping operations with accounting data. The result is a unified workflow for cargo tracking, billing accuracy, and regulatory reporting across the transport lifecycle.