Pacejet

ERP-Integrated 3PL Freight Quoting

ERP-Integrated 3PL Freight Quoting

In the How Descartes Pacejet™ Uses 3PL Services for Freight Quoting and Integrated Shipping Workflows article, we explained how 3PL services integrate into a connected shipping workflow using Descartes Pacejet™. This article takes a closer look at how 3PL freight quoting works directly for sales orders in an example ERP.

Freight quoting can be performed on multiple order types inside the ERP, including sales orders, transfer orders, return authorizations, and other shipment-triggering transactions. In this example, we will focus specifically on quoting 3PL freight during sales order entry, where pricing decisions directly affect margin and customer commitments.


Why ERP-Level Freight Quoting Matters

Freight costs influence:

  • Customer pricing

  • Gross margin

  • Delivery commitments

  • Revenue forecasting

If freight is estimated outside the ERP or calculated manually, pricing decisions can vary from user to user. Quotes may not reflect contracted 3PL rates. Markups may be applied inconsistently.

By embedding 3PL freight quoting directly into ERP orders, your organization can standardize how freight is calculated before the order is approved.


Supported ERP Order Types

Descartes Pacejet™ enables 3PL freight quoting for multiple ERP order types, such as:

  • Sales orders

  • Transfer orders between facilities

  • Replacement or warranty shipments

  • Drop-ship transactions

  • Other shipment-based transactions defined in your ERP

Regardless of order type, the system retrieves real-time 3PL rates using the order’s shipment data. The workflow remains consistent. The difference is how the quoted freight is used within your operational and financial processes.

Your specific ERP integration may support freight quoting for specific order types only).

In the remainder of this article, we will walk through a sales order example.


Using 3PL Freight Quoting for a Sales Order


Sales Order Creation

When a sales order is entered or reviewed in the ERP, some shipment data is already present, including:

  • Ship-from address

  • Ship-to address

  • Item details

  • Customer-specific shipping terms

There is no need to export or re-enter this information.

Generate the 3PL Freight Quote

From within the sales order screen, users initiate a freight quote. The system communicates directly with configured 3PL providers and retrieves:

  • Available carrier options within the 3PL network

  • Transit times

  • Accessorial charges

  • Total freight cost

Rates are displayed side by side, allowing for clear comparison.

Apply Automated Pricing and Service Rules

Business rules can be applied automatically during quoting. These rules may:

  • Enforce minimum freight markups

  • Apply customer-specific pricing agreements

  • Restrict service levels

  • Recommend the most cost-effective option

This ensures freight pricing decisions are consistent and aligned with company policy.

Write the Approved Freight to the Order

Once a 3PL service is selected, the approved freight amount is written directly into the sales order. This provides:

  • Accurate customer invoicing

  • Clean financial reporting

  • Alignment between sales, operations, and accounting

The carrier, service, and price attached to the order can carry forward in fulfillment (depending on your ERP and workflow configuration) without re-rating, unless conditions change.

Video Demonstration: 3PL Freight Quoting in a Sales Order

The following video demonstrates exactly how 3PL freight quoting works within a sales order inside a sample ERP (Oracle NetSuite).

This demonstration shows:

  • How to generate a 3PL freight quote directly from a sales order

  • How multiple 3PL rate options are displayed

  • How automated pricing and margin rules are applied

  • How the approved freight amount updates the ERP order record

While this example focuses on a sales order, the same quoting framework applies to other supported ERP order types.


Key Features of ERP-Integrated 3PL Quoting

  • ERP-Native Quoting Across Order Types - Generate freight quotes directly from ERP transaction screens.

  • Configurable Freight Pricing Controls - Apply standardized markup logic and service rules to protect profitability.

  • Multi-3PL Rate Visibility - Compare contracted 3PL options and carrier services in real time.

  • Quote Reuse at Shipment - Use the approved freight amount during shipment execution to reduce discrepancies between quoted and actual charges.

  • Centralized Governance - Ensure freight pricing follows defined company policy rather than individual discretion.

Business Benefits

  • Protect Margin at the Point of Order - Freight pricing is calculated accurately before customer commitments are finalized.

  • Improve Pricing Consistency - Standardized rules reduce variability across users, departments, and locations.

  • Increase Sales Responsiveness - Teams can generate accurate 3PL freight quotes instantly during order review.

  • Strengthen Financial Alignment - Approved freight amounts are stored within the ERP, improving reporting and reducing reconciliation effort.