How Freight & Freight Category Works in iDempiere

This section explains how shipping cost is calculated in iDempiere using Freight Category and Shipper Freight together. Freight category defines the shipping logic, while shipper freight sets the charges. Combined, they enable automatic freight calculation across orders, shipments, and invoices.

Why Freight Needs Structure

Shipping cost is not a flat value. It depends on urgency, weight, size, destination, and carrier rules. iDempiere separates this complexity into two layers so users don’t calculate freight manually during transactions.

This structure ensures:

• Freight pricing is predictable and repeatable.
• Different delivery modes behave differently.
• Users focus on orders, not logistics math.

Core Design Concept

Freight Category answers, “Which type of shipping?”
Shipper Freight answers, “What is the cost under that type?”

The system never guesses. It matches order data against predefined rules and applies the first valid freight rule automatically.

Freight Category — The Shipping Logic Layer

Freight category defines the nature of shipping, not the price itself.

Common examples:

• Express → fast, premium delivery
• Air → long-distance air cargo
• Ground → economical surface transport

This classification allows iDempiere to apply different constraints and pricing behavior without changing user actions.

What You Configure Here

• Name
  Business-friendly labels like Express or Ground. This is referenced everywhere.
• Search Key
  Internal identifier used by the system and integrations.
• Description
  Explains when this category should be used.
• Active
  Controls availability across all shippers and transactions.

Shipper Freight — The Pricing Layer

Shipper Freight connects a shipper (e.g., DHL Express) with a freight category and defines the actual freight charge.

This is where real-world logistics rules are enforced.

Why This Exists

The same freight category can cost differently:

• DHL Express vs another courier
• Domestic vs international
• Light package vs heavy package

Shipper Freight allows this variation without duplicating categories.

Key Fields and Their Purpose

These fields are not optional — each one protects freight accuracy.

• Shipper
  Identifies the logistics provider.
• Freight Category
  Tells the system which shipping logic this rule belongs to.
• Valid From
  Ensures pricing applies only from a specific date.
  Prevents incorrect freight on historical or future orders.
• Max Weight / Max Dimension
  Defines physical limits for the rule.
  If exceeded, the system looks for another matching rule.
• Country / Region
  Narrows the rule to specific destinations.
• Currency
  Ensures freight aligns with billing currency.
• Freight Amount
  The actual charge is applied when all conditions match.

How the System Applies Freight in Transactions

During Sales Order Creation

When a sales order is created, the user only selects a shipper.

Behind the scenes, iDempiere:

• Reads the freight category linked to the shipper
• Evaluates destination, weight, and dimensions
• Matches the order against valid shipper freight rules

If a rule matches, freight is calculated automatically and added to the order.

No user decision is required.

During Shipment Processing

At shipment time:

• Freight rules are re-validated
• Actual shipment data is checked
• Freight charge is confirmed

This prevents freight errors caused by changes between order and shipment.

During Invoice Generation

When the invoice is created:

• Freight flows directly from the shipment
• Appears as a clear freight charge
• Remains fully traceable to the shipper and category

Finance teams see explainable, auditable freight costs, not manual adjustments.

Use Cases

Multiple Delivery Options
Customers can choose Express or Ground while the system applies correct pricing automatically.

Carrier Comparison
Different shippers can use the same freight category with different rates.

Regulatory and Audit Readiness
Freight logic is rule-based, date-controlled, and traceable.

Operational Benefits

• No manual freight calculation
• Fewer billing disputes
• Consistent pricing across teams
• Scales across regions and carriers
• Clear audit trail from order to invoice

Outcome

After configuring Freight Category + Shipper Freight:

• Users create orders without worrying about shipping math.
• The system selects the correct freight rule automatically.
• Shipments and invoices remain aligned.
• Logistics, sales, and finance operate on one shared logic.

Freight becomes a governed process, not a manual guess.