Pacejet

ERP-Integrated 3PL Shipping Execution


Overview

In the ERP-Integrated 3PL Freight Quoting article, we covered how 3PL freight quoting works within ERP orders using Descartes Pacejet™. Once freight is quoted and approved, the next step is shipment execution.

This article focuses on how 3PL shipping execution happens through ERP Fulfillments. In this example, we demonstrate the workflow using Oracle NetSuite, but the same principles apply to other supported ERP systems.


What is ERP-Integrated Shipping Execution?

ERP-integrated shipping execution ensures that what was quoted is what gets shipped, labeled, documented, and recorded, without switching systems or re-entering data.

ERP-Integrated Shipping Execution means you process shipments directly from your ERP Fulfillment transactions.

ERP-integrated shipping execution allows warehouse teams to process shipments directly from ERP Fulfillment transactions associated with:

  • Sales orders

  • Transfer orders

  • Replacement shipments

  • Drop-ship transactions

Instead of exporting order data to a separate shipping platform, users initiate shipment processing from the ERP Fulfillment record. Shipment data flows automatically to the shipping system, and execution details flow back.

The result is a connected workflow from order approval to shipment confirmation.


How 3PL Shipping Execution Works in Oracle NetSuite

In this example, we use a Sales Order Fulfillment in Oracle NetSuite to demonstrate the process.


Create the Fulfillment Record

After the sales order is approved and ready to ship, a Fulfillment record is created in NetSuite. Shipment details such as those listed below are already associated with the transaction. There is no need to re-enter shipment data.

  • Customer address

  • Line items

  • Item quantities and weights

  • Approved 3PL service (if selected in quoting previously)

  • Approved 3PL service cost (if selected in quoting previously)


Send the Fulfillment to Descartes Pacejet™

With a single action, the Fulfillment transaction is transmitted to the shipping system. If a 3PL freight quote was previously approved, that selected service and cost are retained.

Warehouse users can:

  • Confirm packaging details, or setup predictive packing to calculate packages

  • Validate weight and freight class

  • Review the selected 3PL service

This ensures the shipment reflects the approved order and pricing decisions.

Tender the Shipment and Generate Documentation and Labels

Once confirmed, the system:

  • Electronically tenders the shipment to the 3PL

  • Generates the bill of lading (BOL)

  • Produces required labels and documentation

All documentation is created based on the ERP Fulfillment data and the selected 3PL service; there is no need to manually prepare freight paperwork or re-key carrier information.

Write Back Tracking and Shipment Data

After shipment execution, the system synchronizes back to the ERP Fulfillment record:

  • Tracking numbers

  • Freight charges

  • Shipment status

  • Carrier details

This closes the loop between sales, warehouse operations, and accounting.


Video Demonstration: 3PL Shipping Execution Using Oracle NetSuite Fulfillments

The following video demonstrates ERP-integrated 3PL shipping execution using a sample Oracle NetSuite environment.

This demonstration shows:

  • How a Sales Order Fulfillment is processed for shipment

  • How Fulfillment data flows to the shipping system

  • How 3PL documentation and BOLs are generated

  • How tracking and shipment confirmation update the ERP Fulfillment record

The video illustrates how shipping execution becomes part of the ERP Fulfillment workflow rather than a separate system.

Key Features of ERP-Integrated 3PL Execution

  • ERP Fulfillment-Based Shipment Processing - Initiate and complete shipments directly from ERP Fulfillment transactions without switching platforms.

  • 3PL Electronic Tendering - Transmit shipment data electronically to configured 3PL providers for faster processing and fewer errors.

  • Automated Documentation Generation - Generate BOLs, labels, and required freight paperwork using Fulfillment data.

  • Shipment Status Synchronization - Automatically update ERP Fulfillment records with tracking numbers and carrier information.

  • Quote-to-Ship Continuity - If freight was quoted during order entry, the approved service can be carried through to Fulfillment, reducing discrepancies between quoted and actual charges.

Business Benefits

  • Reduce Manual Steps in the Warehouse - Warehouse teams do not need to re-key Fulfillment data into carrier portals or third-party tools.

  • Improve Shipment Accuracy - Because shipment data originates from the ERP Fulfillment transaction, documentation and labels reflect accurate order information.

  • Maintain Financial Alignment -Freight charges and tracking details update the ERP record automatically, improving billing accuracy and reporting.

  • Create a Connected Order-to-Ship Workflow - By integrating shipping execution into ERP Fulfillments, organizations reduce system fragmentation and improve operational visibility.

Summary

ERP-integrated freight quoting ensures pricing decisions are accurate at the time of order. ERP-integrated shipping execution ensures those decisions are carried through to Fulfillment without disruption.

Together, these workflows help organizations manage 3PL relationships with greater control, consistency, and scalability.