These are the basic steps to process a new shipment that is initiated from the source interface. Log into StarShip before starting the process. The Rate/Ship screen will look like this:
Generate the Shipment
In your source interface, enter or open an order, invoice, packed order, etc. Then, process it and generate the shipment. For example, create a pick ticket to generate the shipment or whatever method is used in your application.
You can either pack your shipment in your source interface or you can pack it in StarShip. Note that if you pack the shipment in your source interface, once the shipment is in StarShip, modifications or deletions to line items or packaging that came from your source interface is not possible.
Press the StarShip button or link used to access StarShip from within your application. The Ship screen comes into focus and is populated with the shipment details.
Select the Shipping Method
If the Carrier and Service are not populated, select the shipping method – Carrier and Service – in the Transportation section. The default field maps should import the Ship Via automatically with the order or other document. If not, you can set up field maps to automatically import the correct carrier and service with the document from your source application.You can also Rate Shop to select a carrier and service based on the best rate.
For more information about automating Carrier and Service import, see Ship Via in the Developer Interface Field Mapping topic.
Packaging
You must have at least one package in order to process a shipment in StarShip.
If Packing in StarShip
Edit the Packaging section to view the loose items and any packaging you sent in from your source interface. By default, StarShip will pack loose items into one default package. You can also pack line items (if not packed) by dragging loose items into packaging and/or packages onto pallets. For more information, see Packing the Shipment in StarShip below.
If Packing in your Source Interface
Pack the shipment as you normally would. Choose the packaging, pack the items, set the Freight Class (for Freight shipments), etc. When the shipment launches in StarShip, you’ll see your items and packaging in the Packaging section of the Ship screen. See Packing the Shipment in the Source Interface below for more information.
The next step is to enter the weight of the first box or use an electronic scale to read the weight. Click Next to navigate to the next package and repeat the weighing process for all packaging in the shipment.
StarShip populates the bill of lading using line item and packing information. Bill of Lading settings in Freight Preferences allow you some flexibility regarding how StarShip converts item packaging information into the bill of lading body. Typically, similar items with the same class are grouped under one general description. The commodity description may be edited on the BOL tab. You can also manually enter the BOL.
Enter Shipment Details
Enter or select any Shipment Details, such as Shipment Options, and any other shipment information that wasn’t populated.
Finalize the Shipment
Rate
The shipment should be automatically rated but if you change shipment details or the Carrier/Service, you can also rate the shipment with the currently selected carrier by clicking Rate from the menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + R. To rate shop, select Rate Shop from the menu or press Ctrl + Alt + S and select a carrier from the Rate Quotes section.
Process or Save
Click the Ship/Process button to process the shipment. You can also select Shipment > Ship/Process or hit F3. If you set up the bill of lading and/or labels to print automatically, they are now generated. StarShip also performs write-back of Freight and Notes to your source interface.
To save a shipment without processing it, select Shipment > Save or press Ctrl + S. This action saves the shipment as a draft, but does not process the shipment, request pickup from the carrier, automatically print shipping documentation, or write back any information to your source interface. The shipment is essentially saved as a draft so you may open it and make changes.
More About Packing Shipments
Packing the Shipment in StarShip
StarShip will automatically pack loose items into default packaging based on the Preferences setting, “When importing orders, pack all loose items into a default package.” This is the default setting; if you want to change this default, uncheck this setting in Parcel Packing Preferences or Freight Packing Preferences setup under Shipment Processing. Note that this setting is worded differently for Freight Preferences because it takes pallets into account.
Note: StarShip supports mixed items in one box. However, StarShip can only learn packaging scenarios for future shipments when you have one type of item in one package. The auto-learning of packaging scenarios is optional and can be disabled.
Loose items imported from the source shipment can be packed automatically into a default box
StarShip will pack loose items into default packaging based on the Preferences setting, “When importing orders, pack all loose items into a default package.” This is the default setting; if you want to change this default, uncheck this setting in Parcel or Freight Preferences setup under Shipment Processing. Note that this setting is worded differently for Freight Preferences because it takes pallets into account.
If you add items from StarShip inventory, these can be automatically packed into the first, currently selected, or a new default box
They can also be left loose. This is based on the Preferences setting, “When adding items from StarShip inventory, place loose items in …” The default setting is first package. Note that items added from StarShip inventory will not be written back to the source interface, though freight and tracking information will be correct.
Packing the Shipment in the Source Interface
Pack the shipment as you normally would. Choose the packaging, pack the items, and set the Freight Class (for Freight shipments).
Line item and Package Detail Write-back
New packages that are added in StarShip will be written back to the application, but they won’t match any packages in your system. It is up to the developer of your application to manage the synchronization of packages. Line items that came from your source interface cannot be moved from packages (if packed in your source interface), modified, or deleted. If the package count differs between StarShip and your source interface, StarShip will write the shipment back exactly as it is packed on the Ship screen, including new packages. However, the integrated application may or may not handle new packages.
Write-back of freight charges and tracking information is updated correctly after you process the shipment in StarShip, and is reflected in the your source interface shipment. Additional package tracking numbers will be written to the Package Comments field in your source interface. Shipment freight charges will be written to the shipment freight field and to the package freight field in your source interface.
The easiest way to pack in StarShip for correct package detail write-back to your source interface is to initiate the shipment from StarShip.
Updates and Write-Back to the Source Interface
- The Package Contents field from StarShip may be written back to the source interface.
- For line items added in StarShip to packages imported from the source interface, the line item description may be written back to the Package Comment for that package.
- Tracking number(s), insurance amount, and package weight(s) are written back to the source interface shipment.