Approved Carriers
Approved Carrier Information
On these pages you will find information on….
Carrier Insurance Requirements
To maintain a strong and compliant partnership, carriers are required to:
- Maintain the minimum insurance coverage specified by BlueLinx throughout the agreement
- List BlueLinx as an additional insured on both Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability policies
- Submit an updated Certificate of Insurance (COI) must be upon renewal of coverage.
- Give BlueLinx at least ten (10) days’ written notice of any changes to or cancellations of policies.
Find additional information on insurance requirements HERE.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
BlueLinx encourages carriers to conduct business via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) whenever possible to streamline and automate transactions.
Approved carriers conducting business with BlueLinx through EDI are expected to send the following messages via Kleinschmidt:
- EDI 204 – Tender
- EDI 990 – Tender Response
- EDI 214 – Tracking Events
- EDI 210 – Invoice
EDI carriers must use the web-based OTM Carrier Portal to manage spot bids.
OpendockTM
Opendock is an online appointment scheduling system that connects shippers, carriers, and receivers on a single platform. It allows for streamlined scheduling of inbound appointments for BlueLinx branch warehouses.
All inbound appointments must be self-scheduled by carriers using Opendock with a valid Purchase Order number. Failure to schedule using Opendock may result in delays.
Click HERE or refer to the Carrier Resource Library for information on setting up an account and using Opendock. Contact your BlueLinx branch admin office with additional questions.
Oracle Transportation Management (OTM)
BlueLinx requires all carriers—EDI and non-EDI—to use Oracle Transportation Management (OTM), a powerful web-based platform designed for seamless collaboration.
With OTM, you can:
- Review and accept tenders in real time
- Submit competitive spot bids
- Update shipment status and provide Proof of Delivery
- Review and approve invoices quickly and accurately
Find step-by-step guidance and how to videos in the Carrier Resource Library.
Tender Offers
Carriers receive a formal tender offer (based on contract rates) or a spot bid request via email. These communications are also mobile-friendly and can be viewed on a smartphone.
With OTM, you can:
- Responses are required within two hours of receiving the tender.
- Acceptance of a tender means the carrier agrees to the pick-up and delivery dates specified and to the charges for each shipment on the tender.
- If rejecting a tender, a valid reason code must be provided.
Proof-of-Delivery Notification
Carriers are expected to report confirmation of delivery electronically (as the Proof of Delivery, or POD) when updating shipment status information. The signed bill of lading is not required unless specifically requested.
Reporting POD should occur as close to real time as possible, and freight invoices will not be processed without receipt of POD.
Invoices
Carrier Invoice Number
All carriers are required to enter their invoice number in the Invoice/Bill Number field in OTM.
For non-EDI carriers, this step is be completed prior to validating the invoice in the portal:
Invoice Validation
EDI Carriers
EDI carriers must inform BlueLinx of any unexpected charges that occur while the shipment is in transit and before delivery, such as detention fees at the designated loading facility.
EDI carriers are required to send an EDI210 to BlueLinx detailing shipment charges.
If a carrier’s updated charges are rejected, BlueLinx and the carrier will promptly resolve the discrepancy and continue the invoice process. If the carrier agrees with BlueLinx’s estimated charges, BlueLinx will proceed with payment based on the amount indicated on the invoice, following the carrier’s payment terms.
Non-EDI Carriers
Non-EDI carriers must inform BlueLinx of any unexpected charges that occur while a shipment is in transit and before delivery, such as detention fees at the designated loading facility.
After receiving the Proof of Delivery through the OTM Carrier Portal, an invoice is automatically generated within OTM. This invoice includes expected charges for each shipment, line-haul charges, fuel surcharge, and known accessorial charges.
Non-EDI carriers are no longer required to submit a paper invoice to BlueLinx for payment. Instead, they should access the OTM Carrier Portal to review the invoice, verify the accuracy of the shipment charges, and input missing charges as needed. Any additional charges entered will be evaluated by the BlueLinx team.
If a carrier’s updated charges are rejected, BlueLinx and the carrier will promptly resolve the discrepancy to continue the Invoice process. If the carrier agrees with BlueLinx’s estimated charges, BlueLinx will proceed with payment based on the amount indicated on the invoice, following the payment terms outlined in the carrier contract.
Carrier Resource Library
How to Sign into the OTM Carrier Portal
How to Respond to a Spot Bid Tender
How to Accept a Tender in OTM
How to Confirm an Invoice in OTM
How to Enter Tracking Events/POD in OTM
Need Help?
If you have questions or want more information, please contact us. The right member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.