Fr8Labs turns your shipment workflows into automated checklists. Instead of relying on memory or manual follow-ups, the system creates milestones and tasks automatically—ensuring every job moves forward on time and nothing is missed.

• Milestones are the major checkpoints in a shipment’s journey (e.g., Cargo Ready, Customs Cleared, Vessel Departed).

• Tasks are the specific actions tied to each milestone (e.g., Upload Bill of Lading, Confirm Container Number, Send Pre-Alert).

Milestone & Task in a Job View

Why Use Milestones & Task Automations?

• Consistency – Standardize processes across all jobs.

• Efficiency – Reduce manual planning and repetitive task entry.

• Accountability – Every task has an owner, deadline, and completion record.

• Visibility – Management can track progress in real time, and customers can see live updates.

Milestone & Task in a Customer Portal

Journey Templates vs Automation

Fr8Labs uses Journey Templates and Automation Rules together to bring structure and efficiency.

Journey Templates → The “What”

A Journey Template defines the process structure for a shipment or project.

• Journey → the full process flow (e.g., Ocean Export FCL).

• Milestones → checkpoints (e.g., Cargo Ready, Vessel Departed).

• Tasks → specific actions (e.g., Upload BL, Confirm Container Number).

• Reusable templates can be applied manually or via automation.

Journey Template Creation

Automation → The “When” and “How”

Automation defines when a Journey Template (or milestone/task) should be applied, and under what conditions.

• Trigger → event (e.g., On Create: Ocean Shipment).

• Conditions → rules (e.g., Direction = Export).

• Action → what happens (e.g., attach Journey Template, create milestone, assign task).

Journey Template - Automation Rule Setup

How They Work Together

• Journey Template = predefined checklist.

• Automation = rules that decide when and where the checklist is used.

Example:

• Journey Template: Ocean Export → milestones for booking, SI submission, BL release.

• Automation: On Create → Ocean Shipment (Export only) → Apply “Ocean Export Journey Template.”

Result: Each time you create an Ocean Export shipment, Fr8Labs automatically applies the correct checklist.

Job Task List with Auto-Applied Journey Template

How to Set Up Automation & Journey Templates

1. Create a Journey Template

   • Define the journey, milestones, and tasks.

   • 🗺️ Journey Templates Guide

2. Set Up an Automation Rule

   • Choose triggers, conditions, and actions.

   • 🤖 Automation Guide

3. System Applies the Template

   • When the trigger condition is met, milestones and tasks are assigned automatically.

   • Tasks appear in the Job Task Panel, with deadlines and owners already set.

     

     Auto-Applied Tasks in a Job

     
     

4. Track & Complete Tasks

   • Team members update tasks as they work.

   • Completed tasks roll up into milestone completion.

   • Overdue or high-priority tasks are highlighted by Fr8bot.

     

     Task Status View

     
     

     
     

5. Customer Visibility (Optional)

   • Publish selected milestones to the Customer Portal.

   • Customers can view progress in real time.
     
     

     

     Customer Portal with Milestone Updates

     
     

Change Management

Adopting milestones and task automation works best when done in stages:

• Start with Templates – Create and refine Journey Templates before automating.

• Gradual Transition to Automation – Once templates are stable, add automation to reduce manual intervention.

• Collaborate with Fr8Labs – Share feedback and request enhancements (e.g., new triggers, role-based assignments).

• Iterative Improvements – Regularly review and adjust templates and automations based on operational insights.

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