Fleet integration, inland haulage, and driver dispatch

1. Overview & Business Value#

This comprehensive operational guide details the architecture, business workflows, configuration parameters, and execution steps for Fleet integration, inland haulage, and driver dispatch within SmartERP.

Inland corridor transport between maritime ports and dry port terminals relies on seamless coordination between freight operations and commercial trucking fleets. SmartERP Freight integrates directly with SmartERP Fleet (fleet.vehicle).

{screenshot:fleet-and-driver-dispatch-overview-dashboard}

2. Prerequisites & Security Access Groups#

• Required Modules: smarterp_freight, smarterp_logistics
• Security Groups:
  • Freight Forwarding Agent (Technical ID: smarterp_freight.group_freight_user)
  • Customs Broker (Technical ID: smarterp_freight.group_freight_customs)
  • Logistics Operations Director (Technical ID: smarterp_freight.group_freight_manager)
• Master Data Dependencies: Shipping lines, airlines, Modjo dry port customs codes, Djibouti corridor transit checkpoints, multimodal waybills, and demurrage tariffs.

3. Step-by-Step Configuration & Execution#

Step 1: Navigating to the Module Interface#

1. Log into your SmartERP instance at https://smarterp.et/odoo.
2. Open the main App Switcher (grid icon in the top-left corner).
3. Select the Freight Logistics app icon.
4. From the top navigation bar, open Freight Logistics → Shipments → Ocean / Air / Road Transits / Customs Clearance.

{screenshot:fleet-and-driver-dispatch-app-switcher-navigation}

Step 2: Creating and Parameterizing Records#

1. Click the New button in the top-left control panel.
2. Complete the mandatory fields in the record form:
   • Master / House Bill of Lading (Mandatory): International shipping line BL or airline AWB reference
   • Shipper & Consignee (Mandatory): Commercial exporter and Ethiopian importing legal entity
   • Mode of Transport (Mandatory): Ocean FCL/LCL, Air Express, or Multimodal Rail/Road
   • Container Seal Number (Mandatory): Verified customs security seal and container ISO code
3. Configure optional operational parameters and localized tags as required:
   • Demurrage Free Days (Optional): Allowed grace period at port before penalty fees apply
   • Marine / Cargo Insurance Policy (Optional): Cover note reference and declared insured cargo value
   • Inland Dry Port Destination (Optional): Modjo, Kality, Semera, or Dire Dawa dry port terminal
4. Click the Save icon in the control bar to commit the record.

{screenshot:fleet-and-driver-dispatch-record-creation-form}

Step 3: Validating and Processing Transactions#

• State Transitions: Execute operational state progression (Booking Confirmed → Port Origin Loaded → In Transit → Customs Assessment (Modjo/Djibouti) → Duty Paid → Delivered).
• Ledger & System Impact: Customs duties, freight charges, and port fees post directly to shipment cost absorption accounts, computing actual landed cost per imported item.
• Audit Verification: Automated recording of author ID, timestamp, and immutable revision history.

{screenshot:fleet-and-driver-dispatch-transaction-processing-state}

Fleet vehicle and equipment assignment#

• Heavy Hauler Vehicles: Configured for multi-axle prime movers, low-bed trailers, and flatbed skeleton trailers.
• Reefer Generator Monitoring: Tracks generator set (GenSet) fuel levels and temperature logs for temperature-sensitive perishable cargo (e.g., Ethiopian cut flowers, export meat, pharmaceuticals).
• Driver Profiles & Licensing: Verifies commercial driver licenses, hazardous materials certifications, and cross-border transit permits (Djibouti transit visas).

Corridor checkpointing and trip sheets#

sequenceDiagram
    autonumber
    actor Disp as Logistics Dispatcher
    participant Freight as SmartERP Freight
    participant Fleet as SmartERP Fleet
    actor Driver as Truck Driver (Mobile)
    actor Consignee as Client Consignee
    
    Disp->>Freight: Assign Container to Truck (ET-3-12456 / Trailer T-8910)
    Freight->>Fleet: Generate Commercial Driver Waybill & Fuel Advance
    Disp->>Driver: Issue Driver Waybill & Route Sheet
    Driver->>Freight: Checkpoint 1: Depart Galafi Border Checkpoint
    Driver->>Freight: Checkpoint 2: Arrive Modjo Multimodal Dry Port
    Driver->>Consignee: Deliver Cargo at Consignee Facility
    Consignee->>Driver: Sign Delivery Note on Driver Smartphone (e-POD)
    Driver->>Freight: Submit Signed e-POD with Timestamp & Geolocation
    Freight->>Freight: Transition Shipment to 'Delivered' & Trigger Final Billing

Electronic Proof of Delivery (e-POD)#

1. The driver presents a digital delivery receipt on a mobile web client or smartphone.
2. The receiving warehouse manager inspects container seals, verifies cargo piece counts, and signs on the touch screen.
3. The signed delivery receipt is sealed with a SHA-256 cryptographic hash and saved directly into the shipment's DMS workspace.
4. An automated delivery notification and copy of the signed e-POD are emailed immediately to the cargo owner and broker.

4. Advanced Configuration Points#

• Automated Actions & Scheduled Tasks (Crons):
  • Freight: Update container tracking checkpoints (smarterp_freight.ir_cron_tracking): Runs every 4 hours to sync transit milestones along Djibouti corridor
  • Freight: Demurrage risk alert (smarterp_freight.ir_cron_demurrage_alert): Runs daily to notify operations of shipments nearing demurrage expiration
• Custom Print Templates & Reports:
  • Multimodal Freight Delivery Order & Transit Manifest
  • Cargo Packing List & Commercial Invoice Dossier
  • Customs Duty & Demurrage Settlement Summary
• Multi-Company Rules: Record-level security isolation under Company 1 (Ashewa Technology Solutions S.C.), preventing cross-company ledger leakage across parent and subsidiary legal entities.

5. Comprehensive Troubleshooting Matrix#