Consolidation Document
Introduction
The Consolidation Document in the 3PL FMS module allows freight forwarders to effectively manage and track Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) consolidations. This document enables you to combine multiple shipments into a single consolidated shipment. Consolidation is particularly beneficial for LCL shipments where cargo from multiple customers is combined into a single container.
Consolidation Document Types
In the 3PL FMS system, consolidation typically involves the following document types:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Consolidation | Master document that groups related shipments |
| Shipment | Individual shipping documents that can be consolidated |
Consolidation Concepts
LCL Consolidation
LCL (Less-than-Container-Load) consolidation is a process where multiple smaller shipments from different customers or sources are combined into a single container for shipping. This approach is used when individual shipments don't require a full container.
Equipment Activities
Equipment Activities are used to plan and track the movement and handling of containers or equipment involved in the consolidation process. For LCL consolidation, Equipment Activities help freight forwarders plan the required equipment capacity by specifying the types and quantities of containers needed at Container Freight Stations (CFS). This planning ensures optimal use of container space and efficient cargo stuffing operations. Equipment Activities allow users to:
- Plan container requirements based on cargo volume and specifications
- Schedule container availability at CFS locations
- Track container movements and stuffing operations
Equipment and Cargo Events
Events related to equipment and cargo are tracked throughout the consolidation process:
| Event Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Stuffed | Cargo has been loaded into the equipment. |
| Stripped | Cargo has been unloaded from the equipment. |
| Gated In | Equipment has entered a terminal or depot. Applicable when the consolidation proess is outside the terminal. |
| Gated Out | Equipment has left a terminal or depot. Applicable when the consolidation proess is outside the terminal. |
Working with Consolidation Documents
Creating a Consolidation Document
A Consolidation Document is typically created in one of two ways:
- Automatic creation: Through the Equipment Activity process when an LCL Consolidation activity is processed
- Manual creation / Consolidation worksheet: By selecting shipments to consolidate
When a Consolidation Document is created, it establishes relationships with the original shipment documents and maintains equipment details and goods line information.
Consolidation Document Structure
The Consolidation Document contains:
Header Information:
- Port of Loading
- Port of Discharge
- Order Type
- Movement Scope
Equipment Lines:
- Container size and type
- Equipment identification numbers
- Reefer information (for temperature-controlled cargo)
Goods Lines:
- Cargo information
- Package details
- Weight information
Split Goods Lines:
- Distribution of goods across equipment
Synchronization Features
The Consolidation Document maintains synchronization between:
- Equipment details (such as seal numbers)
- Voyage schedule information
- Shipment sections
- Port information
This ensures that any changes to the consolidated shipment are properly reflected in related documents.
Handling Equipment Details
Equipment Details in a Consolidation Document track specific container information:
- Equipment Identification Number
- Size Code
- Seal Numbers
- Temperature requirements (for reefer containers)
When equipment details are updated in the Consolidation Document, these changes can be synchronized across related shipment documents.
Voyage and Schedule Information
The Consolidation Document can be linked to voyage schedules, allowing you to:
- Track vessel schedules
- Monitor arrival and departure information
- Synchronize voyage information with related shipments