Transport Order

A transport order corresponds to the physical transport of goods from a loading point to an unloading point at a specific time. As at times a consignment needs to be distributed among multiple transport orders via item or route splits, several transport orders may be necessary for the complete transport of a consignment from the sender to the receiver. Transport orders are planned on a tour during transport planning.

How and when is a transport order created?

A transport order is generally created by two concurring declarations of intent. An accepted transport order represents the conclusion of a contract between the customer and the transport company. No specific form is required for the created, legally binding freight contract. The content of the contract can be decided upon in writing (by e-mail, letter or online via a freight exchange) or verbally. For reasons of proof, written agreements are customary.

An alternative for the direct assignment of transport orders to transport companies is a so-called freight exchange, which serves as an intermediary. Here, on a platform–a kind of online marketplace–, orders can be tendered as well as directly assigned to the appropriate subcontractor.

Which information does a transport order need to contain?

For a transport order to be carried out adequately, all of the information important for the order needs to be known. Online, many templates and samples regarding the scope of a transport order are available. Some of the standard table contents are listed here:

• Stamp, signature, day and city of issue
• Sender and pickup address
• Receiver and address of receipt
• Gross weight of the consignment and the individual packaging units
• Loading metres
• Loaded goods
• Packaging/packing-drum type
• Pickup and delivery times
• Transport/freight price

What is the difference between a freight contract and a forwarding contract?

This differentiation is necessary as the sender does not automatically need to be the original sender of the cargo, but can also be a forwarder/forwarding company. Thus, it is necessary to discern between the so-called freight contract and the forwarding contract.

In the freight contract, the so-called freight carrier makes a binding promise to their customer to transport a specific cargo from A to B and deliver it to the receiver. The transport company takes over the transport itself and the contract is concluded between the transport company and the sender.

A forwarding contract is concluded between the sender and the forwarder, and the forwarder organises the transport/delivery. Thus, the forwarding company can carry out the transport itself or look for a suitable transport company. If necessary, the forwarding company concludes a freight contract with a third company that ultimately delivers the goods.