Joint Shipment
A joint shipment refers to a logistics arrangement where multiple customers share space on the same transport unit, such as a truck, container, or airfreight pallet. Common in LCL (Less-than-Container Load) or consolidated forwarding scenarios, joint shipments optimize capacity and reduce costs for all parties. ERP systems support this by linking multiple customer records to a single shipment job and intelligently splitting costs, documents, and status updates across accounts.
How Joint Shipment Works in Logistics?
When a joint shipment is created in the ERP, it groups multiple consignments under a parent job or master reference. Each customer’s cargo is assigned a sub-job or linked record that tracks their portion of the load. The ERP manages billing splits, document customization (e.g., HAWBs, invoices), and real-time updates for all participants, ensuring smooth coordination and transparency from dispatch to delivery.
Operational Impact in Logistics ERP
Process Optimization
The ERP consolidates cargoes from different clients into one operational workflow, reducing duplication in routing, handling, and resource allocation.
User Accessibility
Logistics staff can access individual customer views or the overall shipment profile, ensuring smooth operations without cross-data confusion.
Cost Efficiency
Shared transport lowers per-unit freight cost, while the ERP automates charge splits based on weight, volume, or value, eliminating manual billing.
Visibility & Transparency
Each customer receives status updates, PODs, and invoices specific to their cargo, even though it moves as part of a larger consolidated load.
Decision Support
Joint shipment data helps logistics managers identify high-demand routes for consolidation and refine pricing or service options for grouped freight.
Conclusion
Joint shipment management in ERP brings together the efficiency of consolidation with the clarity of individual customer handling. It reduces operational costs, improves container utilization, and ensures fair billing and communication across all parties. For freight forwarders, it’s a smart way to balance volume with personalization in a competitive logistics environment.