The carrier’s user interface for processing an RFP allows the user to enter their bids directly into the system without having to download the lane data and then upload bids back into the system. Clicking the RFP menu option will bring the user to the RFP dashboard. Here you will see a list of all RFPs, with active RFPs displaying the remaining bid time, as well as the number of lanes within the RFP.
Clicking on an RFP will bring you to the RFP details page. Displayed at the top of the screen you will see the bid time remaining and any attachments or instruction files sent to you by the shipper. Any data being requested of you by the shipper will appear in an editable box within the bid table. If the shipper provided the expected rate type this will be show in the table, however, if this was not provided you will be required to select either a Per Mile or Flat Rate rate type for each lane.
As you enter bid data into the table, the system automatically saves your information. This allows you to enter bid data, close down the page, and return to it later to resume completing the RFP.
Some bid related data relates to the entire RFP contract, such as additional stop charges or specific accessorial rates. If the shipper included this type of information in the RFP, the Edit Contract Rates link will be active on the screen. Click this link to open up the Edit Contract Rates modal window to enter the rate amounts. Since these charges apply to all the lanes included in the RFP, you will only need to enter them once using this modal. You will be prompted to enter rates in this area if requested in order to complete the RFP Submit process.
The filter icon located on the left side of the screen allows you to choose which columns to display in the table, and also lets you choose the order in which the columns appear. To change the column display order, click and hold the mouse on the 6 dots to the left of the column names, and then drag the column up or down to rearrange the display order in the table.
Once you have completed entering all the bid data for the RFP, click the Submit button at the bottom of the screen. This will initiate the process of sending all the bid information back to the shipper. After submitting your bids, you are still able to come back to the RFP details and make updates to any of the bid information. If any changes are made to the RFP, the Submit button will become available and you can submit your updated bid information to the shipper. You can do this as many times as necessary until the bidding window expires.
If you do not wish to enter a bid for a particular lane, you can leave the Rate column blank for that lane. All other bid data that was entered will be sent back to the shipper.