Automation in Fr8Labs allows you to create rules that trigger milestones, tasks, or updates automatically. This helps you eliminate repetitive manual steps, keep teams aligned, and ensure consistency across all shipments.

Creating a New Automation

In the left-sidebar, go to Automation & Templates → Automation. Click + New Automation (top-right).

Automation menu in sidebar

Automation List

Step 1. Set the Trigger

Begin by selecting the module, entity, and event that will start the automation:

• Module – Ocean Shipment, Air Shipment, Generic Job, etc.

• Event – On Create (when a new record is made) or On Update (when an existing record is changed).

New Automation - Set Trigger

Step 2. Define Conditions

• Add conditions to specify when the automation should run, such as criteria for shipment direction, and add

  any additional conditions and/or "OR" groups

• Example: Shipment Direction = Export or ETA < 7 days.

New Automation - Define Condition

Step 3. Attach a Journey, Milestone, or Task

• Attach a journey, milestone, or task by either creating them on the spot or loading from a template:

  • Attach an existing Journey Template.

  • Create a new milestone.

  • Add a task directly.

New Automation - Set Action

Step 4. Save

• Once saved, the automation will appear in the list and run whenever the trigger conditions are met.

New Automation - Save

How Automations Apply to Jobs

Automated Application

When predefined triggers (e.g., shipment status update or job creation) are met, the system automatically applies the journey template to the job’s task list.

Dynamic Updates

Tasks and milestones auto-update based on trigger conditions, with the option to manually adjust as needed.

Automation is Auto-applied on a Job

Example Automations

• Ocean Export Pre-Departure

  • Trigger: On Create → Ocean Shipment.

  • Action: Apply Journey Template with tasks for booking confirmation, SI submission, and BL release.

• Air Shipment Document Check

  • Trigger: On Update → Air Shipment, when status = In Progress.

  • Action: Create tasks for MAWB upload and pre-alert to customer.

• Generic Job Tasklist

  • Trigger: On Create → Generic Job.

  • Action: Apply milestones for pickup, delivery, and POD upload.

Department and Incoterm conditions

Use Department in the rule’s Conditions section to target jobs for a particular department. The available comparisons include Is, Is Not, and Is Empty.

You can also add an Incoterm condition and select the required trade term. Combine it with other conditions using the rule builder’s AND/OR groups to define when the rule should apply.

Documentation owner: Fr8Labs Customer Success. Text reviewed: 21 September 2026.