Introduction:
The 'service level' refers to the standard or level of service that a carrier or transportation provider commits to delivering to their customers. It outlines the quality and reliability of services offered, as well as the various attributes associated with the transportation process.
In Qargo, the configuration options are based around:
Lead time (or transit time): This refers to the amount of time it takes for a shipment to travel from the point of origin to its destination. Service levels may specify guaranteed transit times for different types of shipments.
Cost: Service levels may have different pricing structures based on the level of service provided. Premium services with faster transit times and additional features may come at a higher cost.
Service levels can be setup under the RATES > Order Input menus. This area allows users to configure services that will be provided to customers.
General Info:
Service levels should be given a name that allows easy identification, it is possible to add a description to further clarify any associated information.
Some examples include:
Priority services - identify based on delivery service, ie: 24hr / 48hr
Economy service levels
Standard services
It is possible to allow customer portal users to select service levels when submitting orders. There are 2 options:
Allow for ALL customer portal users
SELECT Customers allowed - this opens a second field where customers can be added.
Configuration options
Lead Time (or Transit Time)
The amount of time it takes for a shipment to travel from the point of origin to its destination.
Define a default lead time. This will be used to calculate a lead time based on the service level.
Add any exceptions that would increase / decrease lead times, based on specific locations. It is possible to add multiple exceptions, the first with matching conditions will be used as the override.
Add if Saturday and / or Sunday delivery is allowed.
The delivery date calculation is a one-off calculation that only happens during order creation. When you change the service level or collection date afterwards, the calculation does not re-trigger.
Configuration
It is possible to setup a specific set of compatible resources based on the service level. These resources include vehicles, drivers and subcontractors. Setting the resource active via the toggle will enable the field where the specific resource can be selected.
Rate Calculation (or costs)
As service levels are configured as an 'Order Addon', it is possible to setup default charges that are used for price calculation on orders. Service levels can also be included as a metric when created rate card calculations.
Set VAT rate here for both sales and purchase invoices, and it will automatically be included when appropriate.
Set Nominal codes for both sales and purchase invoices here to aid efficiency when importing into accounting software.
Charge Templates can be created that can be applied across multiple customer rates.
Transport service
Service Levels can be set 'Active' by transport service. Once set as active this service level is available to select at the order level.
To link specific rate cards to the service level, click 'Link rate card' and a list of active rate cards associated to that transport service will show:
