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Import PDF Dispatch Sheets & CSV Loads Inside Carrier TMS

Sam
Updated

Introduction

Carrier TMS lets you create loads quickly by importing PDF dispatch sheets and CSV files. You can upload a file with the Add Load button or drag and drop it right onto the Loads page. This article covers supported file types, dispatch sheets that import well, and both upload methods.

Supported File Types

File Type Best For Check Before Uploading
CSV Creating many loads at once Use the Carrier TMS CSV template, keep the column headers unchanged, and make sure each row is one load.
PDF dispatch sheet Single-load or multi-load dispatch sheets Make sure the PDF is clear and readable. Print to PDF works best. Avoid scans and screenshots.
Tip: For the best results, use Print → Save as PDF (or Ctrl + P → Save to PDF). Scanned PDFs, photos, and screenshots may not import correctly.

Dispatch Sheets That Import Well

These dispatch sheet sources usually import well when saved as a printed PDF. If yours isn't listed, it may still work as long as it's consistently formatted and easy to read.

Dispatch Sheet Source Notes
Central Dispatch Printed dispatch sheets are supported. Use Print → Save as PDF for best results.
Ready Logistics (RAT – Ready Auto Transport) Print to PDF so all dispatch details are readable.
CarsArrive Network Supported when dispatch sheets are exported as clearly formatted PDFs.
ADESA Works best when dispatch sheets are printed to PDF instead of downloaded directly.
Reindeer Supported when dispatch information is consistently structured and readable.
Metrogistics Dispatch sheet and BOL PDFs are supported when exported cleanly.
Acertus Dispatch sheets and BOLs are supported. Print to PDF is recommended.
Manheim Standard Manheim dispatch sheets are supported when exported as PDFs.
United Road Supported. Make sure pickup and delivery details are fully visible.
CarMax Works when order confirmations or dispatch reports are saved as PDFs.
Montway Supported when dispatch sheets are exported with Print → Save as PDF.
Road Warriors Supported if the PDF clearly labels pickup, delivery, and vehicle details.
Accelerated Services Supported when dispatch information follows a consistent layout.
RPM Works best when dispatch sheets are printed to PDF.
Wholesale Express Supported if vehicle and location details are clearly structured.
Ship a Car Direct Supported when exported as clean, readable PDFs.
Ship.Cars Supported when dispatch or order confirmation PDFs are consistently formatted.
Circle Logistics Supported if pickup, delivery, and pricing fields are clearly labeled.
ACV Auctions Print to PDF is recommended. Dispatch details must be fully visible.
Proficient Brokerage Services Supported when order confirmations are saved as structured PDFs.
Set Logistics Order confirmation PDFs are supported when consistently formatted.
ATS Logistics Supported when dispatch or order confirmation PDFs are clearly structured.

How to Import Loads With the Add Load Button

Step 1: Click Add Load

  • On the Loads page in Carrier TMS, click + Add Load at the top of the page.
Blue Add Load button at the top of the Carrier TMS Loads page

Step 2: Click Upload Dispatch Sheet

  • In the Add Load window, click Upload Dispatch Sheet. This opens Finder on a Mac or File Explorer on Windows.
  • You can also choose Fill In Manually or Import Via Email to send a PDF or CSV to your company's import email address.
Add Load window in Carrier TMS with an Upload Dispatch Sheet area for PDF or CSV files and Fill In Manually and Import Via Email options

Step 3: Select Your File

  • Choose your CSV or PDF file and click Open.
Mac file picker open over Carrier TMS with a dispatch sheet file selected

This video walks through importing with the Add Load button:

Use the CSV Import Template

If you're importing a CSV file, use the official Carrier TMS template so your data maps correctly. Download the CSV import template.

Important: Don't rename, remove, or reorder columns in the template. Changing headers or formatting may cause the import to fail.

How to Import Loads by Drag and Drop

Drag and drop is the fastest way to upload a PDF or CSV you already have. You don't need to click Add Load first.

Step 1: Open the Loads Page

  • Click Loads in the left-hand menu.

Step 2: Drag and Drop the File

  • Drag a PDF or CSV file from your desktop, Finder, or File Explorer and drop it anywhere on the Carrier TMS window.
  • An indicator shows while the file uploads and processes.
Dispatch sheet being dragged from a Finder window onto the Carrier TMS Loads page, with a dotted outline showing the drop area

What Happens After the Import

  • Each valid row or section becomes a load.
  • The loads appear on your Loads page, where you can review, edit, and assign them.
  • Rows or sections with missing or invalid data may be skipped. Fix the file and import it again.

Drivers can also import loads from their phone. See Import Loads Into The Driver App.

Next Steps

See every way to get loads into Carrier TMS.

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