> This page is for version Staging.
> For other versions, use one of these documentation indexes:
> - Prod (default): https://docs.chrt.com/prod/llms.txt
> - Staging: https://docs.chrt.com/staging/llms.txt
> - Dev: https://docs.chrt.com/dev/llms.txt

> 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.

# Getting Started as a Forwarder

> Practical guide to current CHRT getting started workflows and saved-record checks.

In the app, the **Get started with chrt** card shows your setup progress 1 through steps such as **Fleet** 2 and **Connections** 3, and offers an **Add customer** button 4 next to a **Guide** link.

![The Get started with chrt card with numbers 1 to 4 on the progress count, the Fleet step, the Connections step and the Add customer button.](/_fern-img/43ca1fcd793ddfa03847a32c495083669745eef59c5ea8bea2517cd9aa4d56b3.webp)

*The **Get started with chrt** card in a provider organization. **1** progress count, **2** **Fleet** step, **3** **Connections** step, **4** **Add customer** button.*

## 1. Select your organization

Sign in to [CHRT](https://chrt.com/sign-in) or use [Sign up](https://chrt.com/sign-up). Create or select the organization you will work in. Couriers and freight forwarders use **Provider** mode for logistics operations. Confirm the active organization before entering records or inviting teammates.

## 2. Set up your team

Use [Add an Organization Member](/staging/help/getting-started/add-org-member) to invite teammates with the access they need. Confirm the member’s saved role and active organization. For drivers, verify the driver profile and mobile access separately; a membership invitation alone does not confirm driving eligibility.

## 3. Connect the organizations you work with

Open [Orgs](https://chrt.com/orgs). Use **Shippers** for customers, **Executors** for couriers performing legs, and **Coordinators** for upstream providers. Create the relationship in the correct list. Search by handle where offered, choose **Connect**, and reopen the saved relationship.

## 4. Build an order

Click **Create Order** in [Orders](https://chrt.com/orders), or use [New order](https://chrt.com/orders/new). Review the customer/coordinator in the header, enter cargo, and build the route in **Timeline**. Configure stop locations, contacts, time requirements, cargo, instructions, and task artifacts. Review the shipment and use **Stage order** when ready.

## 5. Confirm and operate

Reload the order and inspect the saved status, route, and assignments. Dispatch each relevant ground segment to the intended driver or executor and verify the assignment. Follow the **Timeline** and inspect proof on the relevant tasks.

## 6. Set up notifications

Use [Organization Notifications](https://chrt.com/notifications/org) for group routing and [Personal Notifications](https://chrt.com/notifications/personal) for your own preferences. Select the events and channels your team needs, then confirm actual delivery with an approved internal test recipient.

## Create your forwarder organization

chrt routes provider sign-ups through subscription checkout before dropping
you in the app. Complete checkout to land on the activation checklist.

For billing workflows and rate configuration, see [Billing](/staging/forwarders/billing).

## Related guides

* [Getting Started](/staging/forwarders)

* [Multi-Leg Orders](/staging/forwarders/multi-leg-orders)

* [Flights and Air Cargo](/staging/forwarders/flights)

* [Courier Network](/staging/forwarders/network)

* [Trackers](/staging/forwarders/trackers)

* [Billing for forwarders](/staging/forwarders/billing)

* [Bidding and assignment requests](/staging/docs/guides/bidding)

* [Order templates](/staging/docs/guides/order-templates)

* [Operational task templates](/staging/docs/guides/operations-task-lists)

* [Compliance documents](/staging/docs/guides/compliance-documents)