Introduction
Qargo Network (sometimes called Internal (Out)Sourcing) addresses the traditionally cumbersome and manual process of subcontracting work between transport companies. The Network facilitates subcontracting a job, like a trip or specific stop activity (ie: collect) directly from one Qargo environment to another. Once configured, the load automatically appears in the subcontractor's Qargo environment for execution; all relevant details are exchanged automatically, avoiding manual intervention or duplicate data entry.
As the job progresses, the original company can see all updates in real time—documents, proof of delivery (PODs), and status updates are all synchronised. This transparency and automation saves significant time and eliminates the need for manual communication and document chasing.
This is useful for multi-entity companies, collaborations between business units, or close subcontractor relationships.
Example use cases:
Routing jobs between two entities, ie: goods handled by multiple partners using a hub-and-spoke model.
Centralising jobs between operationally separate but financially related companies or business units.
Key Benefits:
Orders, reference numbers, and status updates are automatically synchronised.
Cuts manual data entry and reduces duplication/errors.
Allows each entity to keep separate order/invoicing processes while collaborating operationally.
Internal tracking and billing can be set up so the receiving entity invoices the sending company, while the latter invoices the end customer
Multi-tenant setups, with internal sourcing allows strict visibility controls and possibility of centralising billing or automating cost transfers
Route orders to internal partners based on criteria such as transport service, postcode, etc.
‼️ Both entities must have Qargo accounts to use the Network Module. If the Subcontractor does not have a Qargo Account, use the Subcontractor Portal.
Configuration
Setting up Qargo Network will require some assistance from the Qargo Integrations Onboarding Manager (IOM). The initial setup of the module will be completed by the IOM, however Super Admin Users will also have the ability to add to configuration and make certain updates as required.
There are 2 elements to create, in both tenants so the Network functions will work as expected.
Dispatch = Contractor
Order import = Subcontractor
🔔 Qargo Integrations Onboarding Manager will activate the module.
Once the module has been activated the following may need updating:
Configuration > Additional fields:
Require 'instructions' field activated on:
Order
Consignment
Stop
Require 'Requested price (order import)' field activated on:
Order
Create Resource Group
Create one or more resource groups that map to the transport service(s) and vehicle categories of the subcontractor tenant. If dealing with multiple subcontractors, a resource group for each can be added.
Fill in:
Name of the resource group
Name of the subcontractor’s transport service (exact match)
Subcontractor’s name
‼️ The transport service you enter needs to be an exact textual match (case sensitive)
Contractor customer configuration
In the Subcontractor tenant, create a Customer profile for the carrier that will be sending the order
This will be required so a price list can be created and linked.
Workflow Tasks - Dispatch
With integration configured, the next step is to create the workflow task to dispatch the order from the contractor to the subcontractor.
Create a new 'Dispatch to Network' task in the main workflow tasks; name it to be clear this is the task that will send via the Qargo Network.
Task should be set to 'Always skip task'
Within the subcontractor profile, under 'Assign Resource' tasks update the dispatch to network task to show 'Manually complete'
1. Create Qargo Network Dispatch task: (Outsourcing)
Navigate to CONFIGURATION > Tasks
Create task under 'Trips' menu > Trip Tasks = 'Assign resources'
Complete the details under 'General info':
Task type = Dispatch
Responsible = Admin
Schedule task after = Assign resource
Complete task = Always skip task
Resources = Subcontractor
Integration = Qargo network
2. Create Subcontractor dispatch task: (Override)
Navigate to the Subcontractor profile under RESOURCES > Subcontractor
Scroll to the 'Tasks' section, found at the bottom of the profile.
Expand 'Assign resources' by clicking on the arrow.
Click on the new Network Dispatch task that was created.
Under the configuration panel, update 'Complete task', update to show 'MANUALLY COMPLETE'.
Updating the task on the subcontractor will add a label to show 'Has overrides'
It is now possible to dispatch an order to the subcontractor using the Qargo Network integration.
Price Calculation (Optional)
Payment to the subcontractor may be set at a predetermined rate, which can be added to a rate card under the 'Cost Calculations'. Rates can be set as agreed with the subcontractor, so when orders are transferred through the Network, they include an agreed rate automatically.
The example below shows setting up the rates to transfer a portion of the initial revenue to the subcontractor as their rate.
Contractor
Create a Cost Calculation Rate card for the subcontractor.
Using the option to calculate a percentage of allocated revenue for the trip (Formula / Trip / Allocated revenue / %)
Using this option, the contractor is able to set an amount of the invoiced revenue that will be transferred to the subcontractor.
Subcontractor
Create a Customer Rate Card for the Contractor carrier.
Using the option to calculate the revenue based on the Requested Price of the order (%)
Using this option, when the order is received from the Contractor via the order import, the requested price will be added as the revenue.
Example:
Carrier A agrees to work with Carrier B via Qargo Network. The companies agree that the Carrier B will be paid 80% of the revenue.
Carrier A receives the customer order with the agreed price of £1000.00
Sends the order to Carrier B (Subcontractor) via the Qargo Network.
When the order arrives in Carrier B Qargo account the invoice value is shown at the agreed amount.
