To create facilities in our shipper account, we will access the Shipper account, go to the Facilities tab, and click on Add.
A window will open where you can enter the key information about the installation to be registered:
Some of the key fields in the Installation form are as follows:
Number
We must assign a name to the installation that is easily recognizable.
Type
In terms of installation types, we can choose from the following:
- Origin
- Destination
- All, in the event that a location can serve as both the origin and destination of shipments.
This classification is important because when creating loads, the pickup locations that will be displayed in the drop-down menu will correspond to the registered facilities of type Origin or All, and the delivery locations that will be displayed in the drop-down menu will correspond to the registered facilities of the type Destination or All.
Consignee
We will enter the consignee's details here.
Google Maps Address vs. Manual Address
The next thing we are asked for is the installation location, and we can choose between:
- Google Maps pin, if the exact location already exists as a pin on Google Maps. To use this feature, simply enter the name or keywords in the integrated search engine and select the desired address from the drop-down list.
- If the pin does not exist in Google Maps, it can be filled in manually. When selecting manual location entry, we are offered three possibilities:
- Address.
- Country, State, and City.
- Coordinates. This is the most recommended manual option, as it is the most accurate and has the lowest margin of error for those who need to deal with shipping and appointments. When selecting this option, the coordinates must be entered in longitude-latitude format. Both fields can be obtained from Google Maps. Search Google Maps for the exact point on the map of the exact location (even if there is no specific Google Maps pin created at that address) and when you right-click, Google Maps will provide both pieces of information.
It should be noted that addresses included in text format in the address fields (such as street, municipality, neighborhood, etc.) are not verified by the system; only the country field is validated.
It is really important that you pay attention to the location of your facilities and enter verified data as accurately as possible, as this affects different aspects of the platform related to shipping, such as automatic status changes by geofences.
Once you have created an installation, we recommend opening the details and checking the Google Maps view to ensure that the pin on the map is correct and as accurate as possible:
Installation Details
Below are several fields in which to record the operation of this installation:
- Reference. Open text field in which additional instructions for identifying the installation or general requirements can be entered.
- Admission requirements.
- Schedules.
- Miscellaneous notes.
We strongly recommend taking a few minutes to fill in these fields, as this will save you a lot of manual work later on and ensure that all relevant information about your facilities is easily shared automatically with all parties involved in your shipments and conveniently transferred to the rate confirmations generated.
Identifier / ID
Here you have the option of including internal references or shipper codes to identify the installation.
Once all the information has been completed, click Add.
Once added, you will be redirected to the main Facilities tab where you can check that the new facility has been correctly created on the platform.