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System Setup

Introduction​

The System Setup section is where you configure core business elements used throughout the Blockpeer freight management system. This includes creating and managing prices, containers, and services that are used when creating bookings and shipments.

System Setup Menu​

Accessing System Setup​

Navigation:

  1. Log in to your Blockpeer account
  2. Click System Setup in the left sidebar
  3. You'll see three main configuration sections:
    • Price
    • Container
    • Service

Price Configuration​

What is Price Configuration?​

Price configuration defines the pricing structures used to calculate shipping costs based on weight, volume, or other factors. These prices are then selected when filling order details in shipments.

Purpose of Prices​

Prices in Blockpeer are used to:

  • Calculate order line item costs automatically
  • Apply consistent pricing across shipments
  • Support different pricing models (weight-based, volume-based)
  • Manage multiple price tiers
  • Track revenue accurately

Creating a Price​

Step 1: Access Price Management

  1. Click System Setup in left sidebar
  2. Click Price tab/option
  3. Click + Create or Add Price button
  4. Price creation form appears

Step 2: Fill Price Details

The Create Price dialog contains fields:

Name

  • Enter name for this price structure
  • Examples: "Standard Ocean Freight", "Express Air Rate", "Volume Rate"
  • Make it descriptive for easy identification
  • Used when selecting price in order details

Volume Price

  • Enter price per unit volume (m³ or similar)
  • Numeric value (e.g., 50.00)
  • Used when billing basis is "Volume"
  • Applied to volume measurements

Weight Price

  • Enter price per unit weight (kg or similar)
  • Numeric value (e.g., 25.00)
  • Used when billing basis is "Weight"
  • Applied to weight measurements

Service Price

  • Enter price for services (if applicable)
  • Numeric value (e.g., 100.00)
  • Used for service charges
  • May not always be needed

Price Creation Form​

FieldRequiredDescription
NameYesDescriptive name for price structure
Volume PriceYesPrice per volume unit
Weight PriceYesPrice per weight unit
Service PriceNoPrice for services (optional)

Saving Price​

  1. Fill all required fields
  2. Verify amounts are correct
  3. Click Create button
  4. System saves price configuration
  5. Success message appears
  6. Price now available for use

Using Prices in Orders​

After creating prices:

  1. When filling Order tab in shipment
  2. Click "Select Price" dropdown
  3. Choose from configured prices
  4. Price automatically calculates charges
  5. Pricing applied to order items

Managing Prices​

Viewing Prices:

  • All created prices display in list
  • Show name and pricing values
  • Quick reference available

Editing Prices:

  • Click edit button on price entry
  • Modify pricing values
  • Update name if needed
  • Save changes

Deleting Prices:

  • Only delete if not used in active shipments
  • Click delete button
  • Confirm deletion
  • Cannot be recovered if in use

Price Best Practices​

Setting Competitive Rates:

  • Research market rates
  • Consider operational costs
  • Add reasonable profit margin
  • Review periodically for adjustments

Descriptive Naming:

  • Use clear, descriptive names
  • Include route or service type
  • Make easy to identify purpose
  • Avoid generic names

Multiple Price Options:

  • Create different prices for different routes
  • Different pricing for different service levels
  • Weight vs. volume-based options
  • Helps flexibility in quoting

Container Configuration​

What is Container Configuration?​

Containers are the standard shipping containers used to transport cargo. Configuration defines the container types, sizes, and volume calculations available in the system.

Purpose of Containers​

Containers in Blockpeer are used to:

  • Specify cargo packaging methods
  • Link orders to container types
  • Calculate volume-based pricing
  • Track container quantities
  • Organize shipment structure

Types of Containers​

Common Container Types:

  • 20-foot container (20ft)
  • 40-foot container (40ft)
  • 40-foot High Cube (40HC)
  • Pallets
  • Crates
  • Custom containers

Creating a Container​

Step 1: Access Container Management

  1. Click System Setup in left sidebar
  2. Click Container tab/option
  3. Click + Create or Add Container button
  4. Container creation form appears

Step 2: Fill Container Details

The Create Container dialog contains fields:

Code

  • Auto-generated code (e.g., #CON00001)
  • System assigns unique identifier
  • Cannot be manually changed
  • Used for container identification

Container Number

  • Auto-generated number (e.g., #CSN00001)
  • System assigns unique identifier
  • Cannot be manually changed
  • Used for tracking

Status Toggle

  • Enable/Disable container availability
  • Toggle to activate or deactivate
  • Active containers show in dropdowns
  • Inactive containers hidden from lists

Name

  • Enter container name
  • Examples: "20ft Container", "40HC", "Pallet"
  • Descriptive and clear
  • Used in dropdown selections

Size

  • Enter physical dimensions
  • Example: "20 feet" or "40 feet"
  • Reference dimension for container type
  • Used for identification

Size UOM

  • Unit of measurement for size
  • Examples: "feet", "meters", "inches"
  • Specifies measurement unit
  • Consistent with industry standards

Volume Price

  • Enter price per container volume
  • Numeric value (e.g., 100.00)
  • Used in pricing calculations
  • Different for each container type

Container Creation Form​

FieldRequiredDescription
CodeNoAuto-generated code
Container NumberNoAuto-generated number
StatusYesEnable/Disable toggle
NameYesContainer name/type
SizeYesContainer dimension
Size UOMYesMeasurement unit
Volume PriceYesPrice per volume

Saving Container​

  1. Fill all required fields
  2. Verify name and size information
  3. Set status to Active
  4. Enter appropriate volume price
  5. Click Create button
  6. System saves container configuration
  7. Success message appears
  8. Container now available for use

Using Containers in Shipments​

After creating containers:

  1. When filling Container tab
  2. Click "Select Container" dropdown
  3. Choose from configured containers
  4. Enter quantity needed
  5. Volume auto-calculates
  6. Pricing applies based on volume price

Container Management​

Viewing Containers:

  • All created containers display in list
  • Shows name, size, and pricing
  • Status indicator (Active/Inactive)
  • Quick reference view

Editing Containers:

  • Click edit button on container
  • Modify size, name, or pricing
  • Update status if needed
  • Save changes

Deactivating Containers:

  • Use Status toggle to disable
  • Inactive containers hidden from dropdowns
  • Existing shipments not affected
  • Can be reactivated anytime

Deleting Containers:

  • Remove if no longer needed
  • Cannot delete if in active use
  • Archived for historical records
  • Contact support if deletion issues

Container Best Practices​

Accurate Sizing:

  • Verify actual container dimensions
  • Use industry standard sizes
  • Be consistent with naming
  • Document size clearly

Competitive Pricing:

  • Calculate volume pricing accurately
  • Match container volume to price
  • Research market rates
  • Update periodically

Clear Naming:

  • Use industry-standard names
  • Include size in name
  • Avoid abbreviations if unclear
  • Make easy to identify

Status Management:

  • Keep active containers available
  • Deactivate obsolete containers
  • Don't delete - deactivate instead
  • Maintain historical data

Service Configuration​

What is Service Configuration?​

Services are additional charges or handling services offered beyond basic transportation. Configuration defines the available services that can be added to shipments.

Purpose of Services​

Services in Blockpeer are used to:

  • Offer add-on services to customers
  • Charge for specialized handling
  • Include additional fees
  • Organize service charges
  • Track service revenue

Types of Services​

Common Services Include:

  • Container handling and storage
  • Documentation and paperwork fees
  • Customs clearance assistance
  • Insurance coverage
  • Quality inspection
  • Packaging and labeling
  • Warehousing
  • Pickup and delivery

Creating a Service​

Step 1: Access Service Management

  1. Click System Setup in left sidebar
  2. Click Service tab/option
  3. Click + Create or Add Service button
  4. Service creation form appears

Step 2: Fill Service Details

The Create Service dialog contains fields:

Name

  • Enter service name
  • Examples: "Container Handling", "Documentation Fee", "Insurance"
  • Descriptive and clear
  • Used in service selection dropdown

Cost Price

  • Enter cost to provide service
  • Numeric value (e.g., 50.00)
  • Your internal cost
  • Used for profit calculation

Sale Price

  • Enter price charged to customer
  • Numeric value (e.g., 100.00)
  • Price billed to customer
  • Should be higher than cost

Service Creation Form​

FieldRequiredDescription
NameYesService name/description
Cost PriceYesCost to provide service
Sale PriceYesPrice charged to customer

Saving Service​

  1. Fill all required fields
  2. Verify cost and sale prices
  3. Ensure sale price > cost price
  4. Click Create button
  5. System saves service configuration
  6. Success message appears
  7. Service now available for use

Using Services in Shipments​

After creating services:

  1. When filling Services tab in shipment
  2. Click + Add Service button
  3. Click "Select Service" dropdown
  4. Choose from configured services
  5. Enter quantity needed
  6. Cost and sale price pre-populated
  7. Total automatically calculated

Service Management​

Viewing Services:

  • All created services display in list
  • Shows name and pricing
  • Quick reference for cost and revenue
  • Easy to identify available services

Editing Services:

  • Click edit button on service
  • Modify name or pricing
  • Update cost or sale price
  • Save changes

Deactivating Services:

  • Mark as inactive if no longer offered
  • Existing shipments not affected
  • Can be reactivated anytime
  • Maintains historical data

Deleting Services:

  • Remove if never used
  • Cannot delete if in active use
  • Archive data before deletion
  • Use deactivation instead

Service Best Practices​

Accurate Pricing:

  • Calculate true costs accurately
  • Set competitive sale prices
  • Profit margin should be reasonable
  • Monitor market rates

Clear Descriptions:

  • Use descriptive service names
  • Avoid vague or generic names
  • Include what service includes
  • Clear about service scope

Profit Margin:

  • Ensure sale price covers cost
  • Add reasonable profit margin
  • Don't overprice - stay competitive
  • Review periodically

Service Organization:

  • Group similar services logically
  • Use consistent naming convention
  • Update descriptions as needed
  • Keep list current and relevant

System Setup Best Practices​

General Organization​

Naming Conventions:

  • Use consistent, descriptive names
  • Make entries easy to identify
  • Avoid abbreviations unless standard
  • Clear about content/purpose

Regular Reviews:

  • Review pricing quarterly
  • Update for market changes
  • Remove unused configurations
  • Keep system clean and current

Backup and Documentation:

  • Keep records of all configurations
  • Document pricing rationale
  • Save previous versions
  • Maintain change log

Configuration Workflow​

Before Creating Shipments:

  1. Configure all necessary prices
  2. Set up all container types
  3. Define available services
  4. Review all configurations
  5. Test with sample data

When Adding New Offerings:

  1. Create new price if different rate
  2. Create new container if different type
  3. Create new service if different offering
  4. Test in sample shipment
  5. Communicate changes to team

Pricing Strategy​

Volume-Based Pricing:

  • Set volume prices competitively
  • Consider container utilization
  • Review against market rates
  • Update periodically

Weight-Based Pricing:

  • Set weight prices realistically
  • Consider fuel and overhead
  • Maintain profit margins
  • Test calculations before use

Service Pricing:

  • Calculate true costs of services
  • Add margin for profitability
  • Price competitively
  • Highlight value to customers

Quick Reference​

Price Setup Steps​

  1. Click System Setup → Price
  2. Click Create Price
  3. Enter Name, Volume Price, Weight Price, Service Price
  4. Click Create
  5. Price ready for use in orders

Container Setup Steps​

  1. Click System Setup → Container
  2. Click Create Container
  3. Enter Name, Size, Size UOM, Volume Price
  4. Enable Status toggle
  5. Click Create
  6. Container ready for use in shipments

Service Setup Steps​

  1. Click System Setup → Service
  2. Click Create Service
  3. Enter Name, Cost Price, Sale Price
  4. Click Create
  5. Service ready for use in shipments

Summary​

System Setup is the foundation of your Blockpeer configuration. By properly setting up prices, containers, and services, you ensure consistent and accurate pricing throughout your shipping operations. Take time to configure these elements correctly from the start, and maintain them regularly as your business evolves. Proper system setup leads to accurate invoicing, better profitability tracking, and more professional operations.

Need Help?​

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