How to leverage a CPQ system to manage rate requests and spot quoting in RO/RO shipping

Updated
19. May, 2025
Reading time
5 minutes
Author
Glenn-Robert Monsen

Content

As a technologyservice provider in Rollon/Rolloff (RO/RO) shipping, we know the industry is demanding. It’s not just about moving cargo from A to B—you also have to react quickly and smoothly to any changes or opportunities that occur on the spot in the market. To win in this environment, your sales team and its agents must be able to respond rapidly to incoming quote requests. That is precisely where a ConfigurePriceQuote (CPQ) system proves its worth. In this article we explore what Cartagena CPQ is, how it works, and how it can help your company succeed in a market where time to market for quotations is crucial. This book is written for you. Cartagena aims to provide insight into how a Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) system, integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365, can address these challenges. We will explore what CPQ is, how it works and can revolutionize your operations. Through practical advice and real-world examples, we hope to give you the confidence to take a step towards smarter operations.

Market challenges

Complexity when spotfreight pricing

Every RO/RO assignment is unique, with an unpredictable mix of variables such as vehicle types, specialized transport requirements, and international destinations. This complexity makes price calculation demanding and time-consuming.

Handling it manually often means navigating a jungle of data and details. In addition, you have to contact people both internally and externally in order to evaluate pricing and freight scheduling. This increases the risk of errors, delays, and unsatisfied customers.

Fragmented systems and poor master data

In many RO/RO companies the IT landscape is a mosaic of various systems for sales, logistics, and customer management. These systems rarely communicate well with each other, resulting in siloed workflows. A fragmented environment makes it hard to get a holistic view of the business, since customer, contract, and booking data can exist in multiple places as duplicates.

For instance, freight pricing often requires manual data collection from several sources, something that is time-consuming.

The consequences are reduced efficiency, poor internal department communication, and lost opportunities to optimize operations. When data fails to circulate smoothly across systems, decisions are made based on incomplete or outdated information—frustrating for both staff and leadership. Worst case—customers contact competitors that can provide quicker quotes.

Increased customer expectations

In an increasingly competitive, customer-oriented world, expectations are higher than ever. Customers want faster quotes, more flexible solutions, and unparalleled delivery precision.

They no longer have patience for slow responses or inaccurate quotes; they expect a seamless, professional experience from first contact to final delivery.

Challenges and consequences

Complex pricing, inefficient systems, and soaring customer demands generate frustration and a feeling of powerlessness among staff and management. Opportunities are lost, customers become dissatisfied, and margins shrink as errors and delays increase.

To thrive in a rapidly evolving industry, you must tackle these issues with modern, robust solutions. Technology that streamlines processes, reduces mistakes, and provides a strategic edge is no longer a luxury—it is essential for survival and growth.

Summary

When it comes to freight pricing, your sales organization needs a tool that helps it generate quotes quickly. With a modern CPQ system tightly integrated into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales, a complex quote can be created in no time. The quotes are linked to the customer in CRM, so everyone in the organization can stay coordinated around both ongoing and historical customer offers—as well as other sales processes and contracts.

What is Cartagena CPQ and how does it work?

Cartagena’s CPQ system lets your organization manage the entire value chain—from tariff administration to creation and dispatch of quotes for both existing and new customers. This can include Auto, High & Heavy, Breakbulk, and land-based services.

Configure services: Create your quote without the headache

With Cartagena CPQ you can create tailored quotes that meet each customer’s unique needs. The system makes it easy to set complex pricing that takes into consideration many variables, including cargo class, segment, specialized add-on services, and volume discounts.

Imagine configuring a quote for a customer that needs both heavy vehicle transport and specialized services such as express delivery or insurance. Cartagena CPQ lets you do this in just a few clicks—without the risk of miscalculations or misunderstandings. The result is a solution that makes customers feel prioritized, while you save time and frustration.

“By eliminating manual calculations, the system reduces the risk of errors that could damage customer trust and the bottom line.”

Automated pricing for accuracy and assurance

Pricing is critical to any business, but in RO/RO freight it can be both complex and time-consuming. Cartagena CPQ system uses smart, predefined rules to calculate prices quickly, accurately, and consistently.

Behind the scenes is an admin interface where you can update tariffs across all service areas. You can also add criteria so the sales team can offer discounts in competitive situations.

Respond to customers faster than the competition

Creating quotes used to be a labor-intensive task full of manual work and risk. With Cartagena CPQ you can now produce professional, precise quotes in just a few clicks.

Within minutes your customers receive a clear, visually appealing offer that reflects their specific needs, dramatically shortening response times and giving you an edge by being the first to quote.

Complete solution integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365

When Cartagena CPQ is fully integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365, you get a seamless platform where all data is unified. Customer data, sales metrics, order history, and operational details are all in one place.

This integration provides a holistic view of your entire business. With Cartagena CPQ and Dynamics 365 Sales, sales, logistics, and customer service can collaborate without obstacles, and management gains insights that strengthen strategic decisions.

Business benefits of Cartagena CPQ

In an industry where efficiency and precision are vital, Cartagena CPQ offers advantages that can transform how RO/RO freight companies operate. From streamlined processes to enhanced customer experiences.

Easier workdays and increased efficiency

This system turns time-consuming manual tasks into simple automated processes, freeing valuable time so your sales team can focus on strategic work such as building relationships and developing new markets.

Quotes can be generated faster than competitors’, giving you an edge in hectic markets and at the same time reducing errors that lead to dissatisfied customers or damage to brand equity. In short, Cartagena CPQ frees time and resources so your team can focus on more value-creating tasks.

Seamless integration with core systems and customer data – all in one system

When Cartagena CPQ is combined with Microsoft Dynamics 365, you get a powerful platform connecting sales, booking, and customer data in one unified system. Information flows seamlessly and is linked to the customer in Dynamics 365 Sales.

You can view records for customers, quotes, contracts, and bookings—vital data for making sound decisions, present and future.

Standout customer experience

In today’s competitive market, customer experience is a decisive success factor. With Cartagena CPQ you can deliver professional, precise, customized quotes to your customers in record time.

Fast response and high-quality quotes show you value and respect customer time and needs. This builds trust and loyalty, creating long-term, valuable customer relationships.

“Cartagena CPQ is not just an efficiency tool—it is a solution that delivers value across the entire organization.”

How to implement Cartagena CPQ—recommendations for success

Implementing a Cartagena CPQ system demands careful planning and a strategic approach to ensure the solution delivers maximum value. Here are our recommendations for a successful rollout.

Map your needs—lay the groundwork for success

Start with a thorough mapping of your business needs. Do you want faster quotes, fewer errors, or better visibility into customer data? Being clear about your goals provides direction for implementation and ensures the system is tailored to the challenges that matter most to you.

Involve your team—create ownership and engagement

A system is only as effective as the people using it. Involve your team from the start and invest in extensive training. When employees understand how Cartagena CPQ simplifies their tasks and adds value, they are more motivated to use the system.

Involvement isn’t just about training—it’s about creating ownership. When your team sees how Cartagena CPQ will make their work life easier and contribute to business success, they’ll be more engaged and open to change.

Implement in phases—step-by-step for better control

A gradual rollout allows adjustment and iterative learning. Cartagena always recommends phased implementation—starting with one department or area before scaling company-wide.

This minimizes disruption, lets you fine-tune the system based on early experience, and gives your team time to grow comfortable with the new solution.

The road ahead

Implementing Cartagena CPQ with Microsoft Dynamics 365 is more than a technology investment—it is a strategic choice that can transform your business. If you are ready to take the next step, Cartagena invites you to have a no-obligation conversation with us. Together we can map your needs and find the best solution for your company.

Start your journey toward smarter operations and higher profitability with us today!

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