> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL. > For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.chrt.com/prod/creating-orders/llms.txt. > For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.chrt.com/_mcp/server. # Creating Orders You can build orders on behalf of shippers or off-CHRT connections, or you can receive orders from connected shippers and freight forwarders through CHRT—whether they use the web app or the API. This page explains **how creating orders works in CHRT** so you can confidently build orders for your shippers and off-platform connections. ## 1. Open the draft builder Go to [chrt.com/orders/drafts/new](https://chrt.com/orders/drafts/new). ## 2. External reference (optional) If you have an external reference number (for example, an order ID from a freight forwarder), enter it in **External reference ID**, then click **Create draft order**. ## 3. AI-assisted build or manual setup * **Email or unstructured text:** Paste the message into **AI order builder**. CHRT builds a draft and takes you to a **preview** so you can confirm everything before you submit. * **Manual build:** On the **Order setup** tab, choose the organization the order is for. You will see your on-platform and off-platform connections and can select the right one. ## 4. Add cargo Cargo is **required** before an order can be placed. If you do not yet know what is moving, choose **Other** or **Unspecified** and you can leave the remaining fields blank for now. ### Cargo considerations * Each cargo line should represent item(s) that share the same **pickup** and **delivery** pattern. If three identical trays use the same pickup and delivery, enter one line with **quantity: 3** and the shared dimensions. * If different items use **different** pickup/delivery pairs (for example, A→D, B→E, C→F), create **separate** cargo lines for each. * To move faster, create and save one cargo card, then use **Duplicate** in the top-right of the card to copy it before editing details. ![Cargo card showing duplicate and delete actions in the top-right corner](/_fern-img/fb5f4a2a9cfe9b25679dd0cfe6e3f7d91abebb393fdda6ef422ceaa4e27b7931.webp) ## 5. Add segments Couriers usually add **ground** segments only. Freight forwarders may add **flight** or **OBC** (on-board courier) segments—if you run NFO or air charter workflows and need help, email [hi@chrt.com](mailto:hi@chrt.com). Add a **flight** segment only when your operation actually handles that leg. Each segment can include **unlimited stops**. ## 6. Add stops and stop details For each segment, add stops and specify what happens at each stop. Associate **which cargo** is picked up or delivered there. Segments support unlimited stops. You can **collapse** segments for a simpler view, **drag and drop** to reorder stops, or use **route optimization** when available. ### Addresses * If a contact exists on an on- or off-platform connection, select them and click the **map pin** on their card to fill the stop address from their saved address. ![Stop form with directory contact and map pin to use the contact's address](/_fern-img/b2f2cc09f85342e4f4b9bcb0eac66c382d7280bab23c5388330a8457da9ec384.webp) * Otherwise, type in the **address** field and choose a result from autocomplete. ![Stop form with address field filled from search or directory](/_fern-img/a3d7ff9c4e22ec07af0a5a5ddcb6c9b2c6a5945db15d3db41d5f8fbbbc24c9e0.webp) * Always add **second-line** address detail when needed (unit, suite, floor, building, and so on). ### Point of contact Add contacts on the stop so drivers and dispatch see the right people and context in the **driver app**: * A person with phone or email * General location notes your drivers rely on (for example, hospital parking, room number, navigation tips) * A combination of location guidance and a named contact ### Ad hoc notifications Add contacts to the stop, then use the **bell** icon on their card to opt them into **email** notifications for this order’s pickup and delivery events. ### Cargo at each stop You **must** choose which cargo lines apply at this stop—for a pickup, a delivery, or both when multiple pieces move. If several lines apply, select all of them. > **Note** > > **Warning:** Forgetting to select cargo at a stop is the most common mistake when placing orders. ### Time windows Use time windows to constrain when the driver should arrive. You can add **multiple** windows (for example, 9:00–11:00 or 12:00–14:00), a single window, or an exact instant (for example, arrive between 9:00 and 9:00 for a precise appointment). ### Special instructions Free-text guidance for the driver specific to this stop. ### Proof and artifacts Add requirements the driver must complete—photos, signatures, barcode scans, or other proof tied to this stop. ## 7. Preview and submit The final step summarizes the order and shows **quoted earnings** (revenue and cost from your rate sheets). **Submit** the draft to turn it into an order you can dispatch and act on. * **Validate** runs checks for the most common configuration issues. * If you do not submit, the draft stays in **Drafts**. Review and resume anytime at [chrt.com/orders/drafts](https://chrt.com/orders/drafts). --- ## Drafts, ownership, and order states * **Who can edit:** Only the user who created a draft can **modify** and **submit** it. Teammates in your organization can still **see** drafts others have started—this reduces two people building the same order at once. * **After submit (staged):** A submitted draft becomes a **staged** order: it is ready for action, but no driver has started driving to pickup yet. * **In progress:** After a driver **accepts** the order and marks that they have **started driving** in the driver app, the order moves to **in progress** and driver tracking applies. > Build drafts for your shippers and off-platform connections