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Adding Cargo Details to Your Load

Learn how to use the Cargo Table to quickly add quantities and cargo details to each stop, giving you a cleaner way to build loads and clearly display what's being picked up and delivered on your load documents.

šŸ“¦ Cargo Details, Simplified!

Building out cargo details just got a whole lot easier. šŸ˜Ž

Instead of typing cargo descriptions into a free-form text field, the Cargo Table gives you a clean, structured way to define exactly what, how much, and where cargo is being picked up or delivered throughout your load.

With 23 unique cargo descriptors available, you can customize the table for the freight you're moving and simply enter the applicable quantities or units of measure at each stop. Better yet, those details carry over to your important load documents, making it crystal clear to drivers, carriers, customers, and anyone else involved exactly what's moving at each stop.

It's a small change to how you build a load that makes a BIG difference once that load starts moving.


šŸ“¦ Setting Up Your Cargo Table

The Cargo Table is managed directly from your load's pickup and delivery stops.

You'll start by adding cargo to your pickup stop(s), then assign that cargo to the appropriate delivery stop(s).

Step 1: Open the Cargo Table

Create your load and add your pickup and delivery stops as you normally would.

Next, open your first Pickup Stop and locate the Cargo Table section.

Select Edit Table to customize which cargo details you'd like to track.

Step 2: Customize Your Cargo Table

Selecting Edit Table opens a window where you can choose which fields appear in your Cargo Table and how they're organized.

You'll see two columns:

  • Included Fields (Left): Displays the fields currently included in your Cargo Table, along with the order they'll appear.

  • Available Fields (Right): Displays additional fields you can add, including Hazmat, Units of Measure, packaging types, and more.

To add a field, simply select + Include next to the desired option. The field will move into your Included Fields column.

Want to rearrange things? Use the drag handles (☰) to move fields up or down until everything is organized just the way you like it.

Step 3: Save Your Cargo Table

Once you've customized your table, you'll have two options:

  • Save for This Load: Applies your Cargo Table configuration to the current load only.

  • Save as Default: Saves your configuration as the default Cargo Table layout for future loads.

Choose whichever option works best for your operation.

Step 4: Add Your Cargo

Now that your table is configured, it's time to put it to work!

Back in your Pickup Stop screen, select Add Cargo.

Enter your cargo details into the applicable fields, including quantities, units of measure, and any other information you've chosen to include.

When you're finished, select Save Cargo.


🚚 Assigning Cargo to Delivery Stops

Now that you've added cargo to your pickup, the next step is telling Ascend where that freight is going.

Step 1: Open Your Delivery Stop

Navigate to the appropriate Delivery Stop and select Add Cargo.

Ascend will display the cargo items added at your pickup stop(s) that haven't yet been assigned to a delivery.

Step 2: Select Your Cargo

Choose the cargo items being delivered at this stop.

If everything is going to the same delivery location, simply click Select All.

Once you've made your selections, click Apply to assign the cargo to that delivery stop.

Delivering cargo to multiple stops?

No problem! You can assign specific cargo items to each delivery location, ensuring every stop reflects exactly what's being delivered.

Start by opening your first Delivery Stop and clicking Add Cargo.

You'll see a list of cargo items that haven't yet been assigned to a delivery. Select the cargo rows being delivered at this stop, then click Apply.

Your selected cargo will now appear in that delivery stop's Cargo Table.

From there, simply open your next Delivery Stop, click Add Cargo, and repeat the process with the remaining unassigned cargo.

Continue until all cargo has been assigned to its appropriate delivery location. Ascend automatically keeps track of what's been assigned and what's still available, so there's no guesswork along the way!

šŸ’”Good to Know

If you make changes to cargo details at the pickup stop, Ascend automatically updates the corresponding cargo information at the assigned delivery stop(s). No need to enter everything twice!


šŸš› Managing Cargo on Multi-Pick / Multi-Drop Loads

If you're moving freight between multiple pickups and deliveries, it's no problem! Ascend has you covered there, too!

The Cargo Table makes it easy to keep everything organized.

The process works just like a single pickup and delivery, with a few additional steps.

  1. Add Cargo to Each Pickup: Visit each pickup stop and enter the cargo being collected at that location.

  2. Open Your First Delivery: Select Add Cargo to see the available cargo that hasn't been assigned to a delivery.

  3. Choose the Applicable Cargo: Select the items being delivered at that location and click Apply.

  4. Repeat for Remaining Deliveries: Continue assigning cargo to each delivery stop until everything has been accounted for.

Ascend keeps track of which cargo items are still unassigned, making it easy to see what needs to go where.

Once all cargo has been assigned, the above shown unassigned cargo notification will disappear.

šŸ’” Good to Know: Splitting Cargo Across Deliveries

If you're picking up cargo that will be delivered to multiple locations, you'll need to create a separate cargo entry for each delivery at the pickup stop.

For example, if you're picking up 100 pallets, with 40 going to Delivery A and 60 going to Delivery B, you'll create two cargo entries:

  • 40 pallets → Assign to Delivery A

  • 60 pallets → Assign to Delivery B

Once you've added both entries at the pickup, simply visit each Delivery Stop and assign the corresponding cargo.

This ensures each delivery's Cargo Table accurately reflects what's being delivered, while keeping your load documents clear and organized.


šŸ“„ Cargo Tables on Load Documents

Your Cargo Table details can now appear directly on your load documents!

All Ascend system-generated load documents automatically include the Cargo Table, clearly displaying the cargo associated with each applicable stop.


Using your own custom documents?

You can also add the Cargo Table to any custom document you've created in Ascend.

This gives drivers, carriers, and customers a clear breakdown of what's being picked up or delivered, without having to decipher lengthy cargo descriptions.

Simply visit our Fully Customize Your Load Documents Help Guide (link below) to learn more.


šŸ“‹ Using Cargo Tables with Templates and Copied Loads

You can also take advantage of Cargo Tables when working with Load Templates or copying existing loads.

Load Templates

When creating a Load Template, you can include a preconfigured Cargo Table at your pickup stops.

The table layout carries over to loads created from that template, but the cargo fields remain blank so you can enter the appropriate details for each new shipment.

Copying Loads

When copying an existing load, Ascend lets you decide whether to carry over cargo details, stop reference numbers, both, or neither.

From within your load or the shortcut menu, select Copy Load.

Under Optional Items to be Copied, you'll find two options:

  • Stop Cargo Descriptions/Table (All Stops)

  • Stop Reference #'s (All Stops)

Here's how those options work:

Your Selection

What Gets Copied

Both checked

Cargo details and stop reference numbers

Cargo unchecked

Reference numbers only

Reference numbers unchecked

Cargo details only

Both unchecked

Neither cargo details nor reference numbers

Simply check or uncheck the applicable options, then proceed with copying your load.


šŸ”’ Cargo Table Permissions

Want to save your customized Cargo Table layout as the default for all future loads? You'll need the appropriate permission!

Ascend includes a permission that controls which users can select Save as Default for All Loads when configuring the Cargo Table.

Users without this permission can still customize and save their Cargo Table for individual loads, but cannot change the default layout for all loads.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to use the Cargo Table when building a load?

The Cargo Table gives you a cleaner, more organized way to manage cargo details, but you can continue building loads using your existing workflow. When you need to track specific cargo quantities, packaging types, or other shipment details, the Cargo Table makes it easy!
​

Can I customize which fields appear in my Cargo Table?

Absolutely! Select Edit Table from your pickup stop to choose from 23 available cargo descriptors. Add or remove fields and rearrange their order to create a layout that works best for your freight.

Do I have to customize the Cargo Table every time I build a load?

Nope! You can save your preferred Cargo Table configuration as the Default for All Loads, so your preferred layout is ready to go the next time you build a load. Just keep in mind that saving a default layout requires the appropriate user permission.

Can I assign cargo from one pickup to multiple delivery stops?

You sure can! Simply add your cargo at the pickup stop, then visit each delivery stop and select the cargo being delivered at that location.

Important: If you're splitting a quantity of the same cargo across multiple deliveries, create separate cargo entries at the pickup for each delivery. For example, 40 pallets going to one location and 60 to another would require two cargo entries.

What happens if I change cargo details after assigning them to a delivery?

Ascend takes care of that for you! Any changes made to cargo details at the pickup stop automatically update the corresponding cargo information at the assigned delivery stop(s). No need to update each stop manually.

How can I tell which cargo hasn't been assigned to a delivery yet?

When you open a delivery stop, Ascend identifies cargo that hasn't yet been assigned. Simply select Add Cargo to view the available items and assign them to the appropriate delivery. Once all cargo has been assigned, the unassigned cargo notification disappears.

Will my Cargo Table appear on load documents?

Yes! Ascend-generated load documents automatically include the Cargo Table, providing a clear breakdown of the cargo associated with each stop. You can also add the Cargo Table to your own custom load documents.

Can I use Cargo Tables with Load Templates?

Absolutely! You can configure a Cargo Table within your Load Template, and that layout will carry over to loads created from the template.

The cargo fields will remain blank, allowing you to enter the appropriate details for each new shipment.

What happens to my Cargo Table when I copy an existing load?

You're in control! When copying a load, Ascend allows you to choose whether to copy the Stop Cargo Descriptions/Table, Stop Reference Numbers, both, or neither.

Simply make your selections under Optional Items to be Copied before proceeding.

Why can't I save my Cargo Table as the default for all loads?

Saving a Cargo Table configuration as the default for all loads requires a specific user permission. If you don't have access to this option, contact your AscendTMS administrator to have the appropriate permission enabled.


šŸ“¦ That's Cargo, Covered!

From customizing your Cargo Table to assigning freight across multiple stops, Ascend makes it easier to keep your cargo details organized, accurate, and clearly displayed on your load documents.

Less typing. No guessing. Better visibility. One more way Ascend makes managing freight easier! šŸ˜Ž

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