General
Q: What is ShipForma?
A: ShipForma is a cloud-based Bill of Lading (BOL) software platform that helps companies create, manage, store, and digitally sign shipping documents. It can operate as a standalone solution or integrate with popular ERP, WMS, and TMS platforms.
Q: Who is ShipForma designed for?
A: ShipForma is designed for manufacturers, distributors, warehouses, logistics providers, and shipping teams that need accurate shipping documentation and streamlined warehouse operations.
Q: Is ShipForma cloud-based?
A: Yes. ShipForma is a cloud-based solution that allows users to create, access, sign, and retain shipping documents electronically.
Features and Functionality
Q: Does ShipForma maintain shipment records?
A: Yes. ShipForma provides searchable shipment history, making it easy to find previous shipments and retrieve documentation when needed.
Q: Does ShipForma support electronic signatures?
A: Yes. Users can electronically sign shipping documents and retain them for future reference in a single workflow.
Q: Can drivers check in electronically?
A: Yes. ShipForma includes a driver check-in feature that allows drivers to check in using a tablet, eliminating paper-based processes.
Q: Does ShipForma provide electronic Proof of Delivery (POD)?
A: Yes. ShipForma supports electronic Proof of Delivery, enabling document signing without requiring a dedicated mobile app.
Q: How does ShipForma help reduce shipping errors?
A: By reducing manual data entry and digitizing shipping workflows, ShipForma helps eliminate common shipment documentation errors.
Bill of Lading
Q: What types of Bills of Lading can ShipForma create?
A: ShipForma supports Straight Bills of Lading, VICS Bills of Lading, and Master Bills of Lading. Each document includes a unique 17-digit BOL number and can include supplemental information.
Q: What is VICS bill of lading form?
A: A VICS BOL is a retail-specific bill of lading that contains standardized fields such as purchase order numbers, shipment details, carrier information, and a unique 17-digit BOL number. It helps retailers receive and track shipments efficiently.
Q: What is a Straight Bill of Lading?
A: A Straight Bill of Lading is a non-transferable shipping document that directs delivery to one specific recipient.
Q: What is 17 digit bill of lading number?
A: The 17-digit BOL number is the shipment's unique ID used to track and manage cargo throughout the shipping process.
Q: What is a Master Bill of Lading?
A: A Master Bill of Lading (MBL) is the main bill of lading issued by the carrier for the overall shipment. When a freight forwarder consolidates cargo from multiple customers, the one MBL may cover multiple House Bills of Lading (HBLs) underneath it.
Q: Can I reuse previous Bills of Lading?
A: Yes. ShipForma maintains shipment history and allows users to reuse old Bills of Lading as templates when creating new shipments.
Q: Can I save Bills of Lading as PDFs?
A: Yes. Bills of Lading and related shipping documents can be saved as PDF files for sharing, printing, or storage
QuickBooks Online Integration
Q: How does ShipForma integrate with QuickBooks Online?
A: ShipForma connects with QuickBooks Online to automatically retrieve customer, item, and shipment-related information, reducing manual data entry and helping maintain accurate shipping documents.
Q: What are the benefits of integrating ShipForma with QuickBooks Online?
A: The integration helps streamline order fulfillment, improve data accuracy, reduce duplicate entry, and accelerate the creation of Bills of Lading and shipping paperwork.
Q: Will changes made to QuickBooks Online be reflected in ShipForma?
A: Yes. Data synchronization can keep shipping information aligned with the latest records maintained in QuickBooks Online.
Q: Is QuickBooks Online integration included in the Basic plan?
A: Yes. QuickBooks Online integration is included with ShipForma's Basic plan.
QuickBooks Desktop Integration
Q: Can ShipForma integrate with QuickBooks Desktop?
A: Yes. ShipForma supports QuickBooks Desktop integration for organizations that continue to use on-premises accounting systems.
Q: What data can be imported from QuickBooks Desktop?
A: Customer information, order details, item records, and other relevant shipping data can be used to create shipping documents.
Q: Does QuickBooks Desktop integration require additional setup?
A: Yes. Initial configuration is required to establish a secure connection between ShipForma and QuickBooks Desktop.
Q: Who benefits most from QuickBooks Desktop integration?
A: Manufacturers, distributors, and warehouses that rely on QuickBooks Desktop and want to automate shipping documentation processes.
NetSuite Integration
Q: Does ShipForma integrate with NetSuite?
A: Yes. ShipForma integrates with NetSuite to streamline shipping documentation and warehouse operations.
Q: What information can ShipForma retrieve from NetSuite?
A: The integration can access customer records, sales orders, shipment details, and item information needed to generate Bills of Lading.
Q: How does integration improve efficiency?
A: By eliminating duplicate data entry and allowing warehouse teams to generate shipping documents directly from NetSuite order information.
Q: Can ShipForma support multi-location NetSuite environments?
A: Yes. ShipForma can be configured to support businesses operating multiple warehouses or distribution centers.
Dynamic 365 Business Central Integration
Q: Is ShipForma compatible with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
A: Yes. ShipForma integrates with Dynamics 365 Business Central to simplify shipping and logistics processes.
Q: What business data can be used within ShipForma?
A: Sales orders, customer information, shipment records, items, and inventory-related data can be used to generate shipping documents.
Q: Does the integration require custom development?
A: Most implementations use standard integration capabilities. Additional customization may be available based on specific business requirements.
Q: What are the primary benefits of the Busness Central integration?
A: Improved accuracy reduced manual processing, faster shipment creation, and enhanced document management.
Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Q: Can ShipForma integrate with Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management?
A: Yes. ShipForma supports integration with Dynamics 365 Finance & SCM environments.
Q: What processes can be automated?
A: Shipping document generation, shipment validation, customer data retrieval, and document retention processes.
Q: Does ShipForma support enterprise-scale operations?
A: Yes. The Finance & SCM integration is designed to support large-scale distribution, manufacturing, and logistics operations.
Q: How does ShipForma help warehouse teams using Dynamics 365?
A: It provides automated document generation and digital workflows that reduce paperwork and improve operational efficiency.
Extensiv Integration
Q: Does ShipForma integrate with Extensiv?
A: Yes. ShipForma integrates with Extensiv to help third-party logistics (3PL) providers and warehouse operators manage shipping documentation.
Q: What are the key benefits of the Extensiv integration?
A: Faster document creation, reduced manual entry, improved record keeping, and more efficient warehouse workflows.
Q: Can ShipForma generate Bills of Lading from Extensiv shipment data?
A: Yes. Shipment information stored in Extensiv can be used to automatically produce compliant Bills of Lading.
Q: Is this integration suitable for 3PL providers?
A: Absolutely. It is designed to support the operational needs of modern 3PL organizations.
ShipHawk Integration
Q: How does ShipForma work with ShipHawk?
A: ShipForma uses shipment and order data from ShipHawk to create shipping documents and streamline warehouse processes.
Q: What advantages does the ShipHawk integration provide?
A: The integration reduces manual processing, improves shipping accuracy, and speeds up documentation workflows.
Q: Can ShipForma generate documents automatically from ShipHawk shipments?
A: Yes. Shipping data can be leveraged to automatically create Bills of Lading and related documents
Q: Who should use the ShipHawk integration?
A: Organizations looking to combine transportation management, shipping automation, and digital documentation.
OnPrem ERP Integration using ODBC
Q: Can ShipForma connect to on-premise ERP systems?
A: Yes. ShipForma supports integrations with many on-premise ERP systems through ODBC connections.
Q: What does ODBC integration mean?
A: ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) allows ShipForma to securely access data from compatible ERP databases to automate shipping documentation.
Q: Which ERP systems can be integrated using ODBC?
A: Many legacy and custom ERP systems can be connected as long as they support ODBC-compatible database access.
Q: What are the benefits of ODBC integration?
A: Organizations can continue using their existing ERP systems while gaining modern Bill of Lading automation, digital signatures, document retention, and shipping workflow improvements.
Q: Is custom mapping available for ODBC integrations?
A: Yes. Data fields can typically be mapped to meet specific business and operational requirements.
Security & Compliance
Q: How does ShipForma help with compliance?
A: ShipForma helps reduce chargebacks and compliance issues by providing professional shipping documentation, electronic record retention, and document management capabilities.
Q: Are signed documents stored electronically?
A: Yes. Electronically signed documents can be retained securely for future access and audit purposes.
Q: Does ShipForma offer fraud prevention features?
A: Yes. ShipForma includes a built-in document verification feature designed to help eliminate document fraud.
Support
Q: How can I contact ShipForma?
A: You can contact the ShipForma team through the Request Information page or by emailing
support@shipforma.com.
Q: Can I request a demo?
A: Yes. Prospective customers can submit a request through the ShipForma website to learn more about the platform and discuss integration options.
Billing FAQ
Subscription Changes
Q: Can I add users to my subscription?
A: Yes. Users can be added at any time.
Charges and transaction quotas are prorated based on the amount of time remaining in the current billing period. For example, if a user is added halfway through the month, approximately 50% of the monthly user fee and 50% of the monthly transaction quota will apply.
Q: Can I reduce the number of users on my subscription?
A: Yes. User reductions take effect at your next subscription renewal.
Your subscription must maintain at least:
Two users, or
A number of users equal to your shipping location count,
whichever is greater.
Q: What happens if I cancel my monthly subscription?
A: Monthly subscription fees are non-refundable.
Q: What happens if I cancel my annual subscription?
A: Upon cancellation, annual subscription charges will be recalculated based on the full and partial months used.
Any remaining balance will be refunded to your original payment method within 10 business days.
Shipping Locations
Q: Can I reduce the number of shipping locations?
A: Yes. When reducing your shipping location count, you will be asked to select the location(s) to be removed.
Q: Are there any restrictions on reducing users or locations?
A: Yes. The number of shipping locations cannot exceed the number of users on your subscription.
If you want to reduce your user count, you may need to reduce your shipping location count first.
Data Retention
Q: What is your data retention policy?
A: All accounts and associated data are permanently deleted 60 days after subscription cancellation.
Q: Will I receive a notification before my data is deleted?
A: No. Additional email notifications are not sent prior to account and data deletion.
Customers are responsible for exporting any data they wish to retain before the deletion date.