What Are Multi-Segment Shipments?

Modified on Fri, 5 Sep at 2:23 PM

Multi-Segment Shipments are shipments that are divided into multiple connected segments to complete a full delivery. Instead of being handled by one driver, route, or carrier, the shipment is broken down into smaller legs or stages, where each segment represents one part of the overall journey.

This type of shipment is useful when a delivery involves multiple hand-offs, stops, or service providers before reaching the final destination.

Key Characteristics of Multi-Segment Shipments

Linked Segments
Each shipment is made up of individual segments that are connected and tracked together.
Shared Order Information
All segments share the same overall order details (e.g., reference number, customer information, and destination).
Independent Status Tracking
Each segment has its own pickup and delivery events, but all statuses roll up into the overall multi-segment order.
Flexible Management
Multi-Segment Shipments make it possible to coordinate deliveries across different regions, carriers, or legs of a route while maintaining visibility of the entire order.

Example Scenarios

Long-Distance Deliveries
A shipment travels from City A → City B → City C.
- Segment 1: Local driver picks up in City A and delivers to a hub in City B.
- Segment 2: Another driver picks up from the hub and delivers to the final destination in City C.
Carrier Handoffs
A package starts with one carrier for the first leg of the journey, then transfers to another carrier for the last mile.
Special Handling
A shipment requires multiple stops or handling stages (e.g., cross-docking, consolidation, or temperature-controlled transfer).

Benefits of Multi-Segment Shipments

Greater Visibility: Track progress across all segments of the order in one place.
Operational Flexibility: Coordinate multiple carriers, drivers, or hubs seamlessly.
Accuracy: Keep order statuses aligned across all connected segments.
Efficiency: Reduce manual updates by linking segments under one parent order.