> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.chrt.com/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.chrt.com/_mcp/server.

# About chrt for Shippers

> Overview of chrt's shipper-facing capabilities — orders, connections, tracking, notifications, billing — and common use cases.

Whether you're shipping medical devices across the country or delivering spare
parts to a factory floor, chrt gives you a single platform to create
shipments, connect with trusted couriers, track everything in real time, and
manage billing — all without phone calls and spreadsheets.

## What chrt does for shippers

### Create and manage orders

chrt's order system is built around a flexible draft builder. You compose an
order step by step — defining where cargo needs to go, what it is, and what
documentation you need at each stop — then submit it when you're ready.

An order in chrt is structured around a few core concepts:

* **Task groups** — logical segments of work, each assignable to a different
  courier (e.g., "pickup leg" and "delivery leg").
* **Tasks** — individual stops or actions within a group (pickup, deliver,
  hold, transfer to airline, etc.).
* **Cargo** — the physical items being shipped, with dimensions, weight, and
  type classification.
* **Task artifacts** — required proof-of-service documentation at each step
  (photos, signatures).

You can create and manage orders through the web UI at
[chrt.com](https://chrt.com), or programmatically through our
[API](/api-reference) and [SDKs](/sdk). See
[Creating shipments](/shippers/creating-shipments) for the full draft builder
flow.

### Connect with couriers and forwarders

chrt maintains a network of provider organizations. As a shipper, you can
browse available providers, review their capabilities and service areas, and
establish connections with the ones that fit your needs. Once connected, you
can assign orders directly to them.

This means you can build out a reliable provider network over time — or work
with freight forwarders who manage courier relationships on your behalf. See
[Connecting with providers](/shippers/connecting-providers) for the connection
flow.

### Track shipments in real time

Once an order is in progress, chrt provides full visibility:

* **Driver location** — live GPS updates as your cargo moves.
* **Task progress** — see which stops have been completed and what's next.
* **Proof of delivery** — photos, signatures, and other documentation
  captured at each step.
* **Device tracking** — attach [chrt tracker devices](/trackers) to cargo for
  independent, hardware-based location and condition monitoring.
* **Public links** — share a customer-facing view of any order via a
  [public tracking link](/shippers/public-tracking).

### Stay informed with notifications

chrt's [notification system](/shippers/notifications) lets you configure
exactly who gets notified, about what, and how:

* **Notification groups** — set up groups at the org level with specific
  events (order staged, task completed, invoice opened) and channels (email,
  SMS, push).
* **Ad-hoc notifications** — send tracking updates for specific orders to
  external contacts like end recipients.
* **Webhooks** — receive real-time event payloads for system-to-system
  integrations.

### Cargo type-aware

chrt classifies cargo for proper handling, routing, and pricing. When you
create an order, you specify the cargo type for each item. See
[Cargo types](/docs/concepts/cargo-types) for the full list and how it
affects routing, handling, and pricing.

### Billing transparency

Every delivery comes with a clear billing trail:

* **Rate sheets** define pricing structures — per-mile, per-minute, base
  rates, cargo-type surcharges. See [Rate sheets](/shippers/rate-sheets).
* **Line item groups** break down the charges for each task group in an
  order.
* **Statements** aggregate deliveries into invoiceable units.
* **Stripe Connect** powers payment processing, so you can manage everything
  from a single dashboard. See [Billing](/shippers/billing).

## Common use cases

#### Medical supply chain

Ship pharmaceuticals, lab specimens, medical devices, and organs with
full chain-of-custody tracking. chrt supports cold-chain monitoring
through tracker devices, requires photo and signature documentation at
each handoff, and provides real-time alerts if anything goes wrong.
Ideal for hospital networks, diagnostic labs, and medical device
manufacturers.

#### Manufacturing & industrial

Get spare parts, equipment, and components where they need to be with
precise scheduling. chrt handles dimensional cargo specifications,
just-in-time delivery windows, and multi-stop routes. Works well for
factories, maintenance operations, and aviation MRO.

#### E-commerce & retail

Manage last-mile delivery with proof of delivery, customer
notifications, and real-time tracking. chrt supports multi-destination
routing, automated delivery confirmations, and exception handling — all
visible through your dashboard or integrated via API.

## Getting started

Start with the [Getting Started as a Shipper](/shippers) guide for the
end-to-end onboarding path, or jump straight to the topic you need:

* [Connecting with providers](/shippers/connecting-providers)
* [Creating shipments](/shippers/creating-shipments)
* [Tracking shipments](/shippers/tracking)
* [Billing](/shippers/billing)

For API integration, our base URL is `https://api.chrt.com`. We offer SDKs in
[TypeScript, Java, and Swift](/sdk), and full endpoint documentation in our
[API Reference](/api-reference).

Need help? [Contact support](/support).