This update adds a feature that many people have been asking for: Online pickup requests. The only carriers we have set up at the moment are FXFE and FXFW. Now that the framework of the feature is built, we should be able to add more carriers without much trouble. For now, we'll be watching to see how this works out. Please send us any feedback you have after using online pickup requests.

Once you've created a BOL for a shipment using FXF, the list of BOL tools at the top of the detail page will now include "Pickup Request." Click the green "Pickup Request" link to begin. If your ship date is in the past, you'll see a message saying that it's too late to send a request. Otherwise, you'll see a list of fields that the carrier requires for a pickup request. Most of them will be filled out using the information you've already provided in the BOL. There may be some additional required fields to fill out and some optional fields. When you're ready, click Send and the request will be sent to the carrier. If all goes well, you'll get a confirmation number. Now follow the link at the top to go back to the shipment details page. You'll see that the confirmation number is now listed below the BOL tools line.

In order to cut down on unnecessary calls to the shipper when setting up a pickup (online or by phone), we now require a few more fields when you create a bill of lading. You'll have to enter a shipper phone number and contact name, as well as a ready time and closing time. The time fields have also been added to the address book. You can enter your opening and closing times in the address book to avoid having to repeat yourself. You will have to choose a ready time for each shipment, however.

As always, this release includes fixes for any bugs that we've found since the last release. Delay excuses were not getting saved properly. Adding items to a shipment during a Recalculation wasn't working in all web browsers. And, searching for a shipment by its PO# or SO# wasn't working. All of these and several smaller bugs and validation errors have been fixed.