Dynamics Community Forum Thread Details

Transportation Management Module and Containerization

Hello.

Sorry for my ignorance, but I am new to the transportation module and trying to get clear some gaps in my head. The confusion I have is under what circumstance you would use packing and containerization over transportation management module? Containerization module feels more robust where you can integrate a scale for a box and get tracking number pass down to F&O whereas transportation module doesn't have that obviously. It's more focused on the truck load rather than the contents going inside of it.

However, the way I see it that I would need to put items into a container and then load it on to a truck to ship it out using transportation module, however after listening to tech talks, reading and watching videos, no one actually has made an overlapping connection between the two concepts. Each video I have seen makes a distinct way of processing a sales order and so as a subject matter expert, can someone share their experience with an example when they used containerization versus transportation module.

Categories:

Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management

Hi,

Your observation is quite accurate—Containerization and Transportation Management in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management serve distinct but complementary purposes, and understanding when to use each depends on your operational needs.

Here’s a breakdown to help clarify their roles and how they can work together:

Containerization Module

Focuses on packing items into containers (e.g., boxes, pallets).

Useful for warehouse operations, especially when:
- You need to optimize packing based on dimensions and weight.
- You want to integrate with scales and generate tracking numbers.
- You’re managing parcel shipments or small freight.

Often used in outbound warehouse processes before shipping.

Transportation Management Module

Focuses on planning and executing shipments via carriers and modes (e.g., truck, rail).

Useful for logistics and freight planning, especially when:
- You need to consolidate orders into loads.
- You want to manage routes, rates, and appointments.
- You’re dealing with bulk or large freight.

How They Work Together

You can use containerization to pack items, then assign those containers to a load in Transportation Management.

For example:
1. Sales order is released to warehouse.
2. Items are picked and packed using containerization.
3. Containers are grouped into a shipment.
4. Transportation Management is used to plan the shipment and assign it to a carrier.

Use Case Example

A company shipping electronics:
- Uses containerization to pack items into boxes with weight validation and tracking.
- Then uses Transportation Management to plan truck loads and schedule pickups with carriers.

In short, containerization handles the "what goes in the box", and transportation management handles "how the box gets to the customer."

Please verify if this helps clarify the integration and use cases.

Thanks and best regards,

Daniele

Note: This response was prepared with support from Copilot to ensure clarity and completeness.

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