CHRT FAQ: Time-Critical Logistics Platform Guide

Whether you run a courier fleet, ship high-value cargo, or coordinate freight forwarding across air and ground networks, this FAQ covers everything you need to know about CHRT: the transportation system built specifically for time-critical shipments.

For a comparison of courier management platforms, see our best courier management software guide.

Key Takeaways

• CHRT connects shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders on one system for time-critical logistics.
• Courier pricing starts at $100/month (Small, up to 5 drivers). Forwarder plans start at $5,000/month.
• IoT trackers start at $15/device with cellular connectivity included.
• The driver app works offline and supports geofenced timestamps, photo/signature/barcode POD, and in-app messaging.

General

What is CHRT?

CHRT is a logistics system designed for time-critical B2B shipments, the kind where a missed delivery window means a canceled surgery, a grounded aircraft, or a factory line shutdown. It connects shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders on one platform with real-time tracking, IoT-based visibility, proof-of-delivery workflows, and integrated billing. Unlike general-purpose delivery software built for consumer last-mile, CHRT was purpose-built for shipments where reliability and coordination matter more than route density.

Who is CHRT for?

CHRT serves three distinct user types. Courier operators use it to manage drivers, capture proof of delivery, and handle billing. Shippers use it to place orders, track shipments in real time, and coordinate across multiple delivery partners. Freight forwarders use it to book cargo on flights, dispatch across carrier networks, and manage multi-leg shipments from pickup through final delivery.

What industries does CHRT serve?

CHRT focuses on industries where shipments are high-value, time-sensitive, or both. The primary verticals are medical device logistics (surgical kits, implants, diagnostic equipment), aerospace AOG (aircraft-on-ground parts), pharmaceutical distribution, and critical manufacturing supply chains. These industries share a common trait: late delivery has consequences measured in thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Medical device shipments, for instance, must meet FDA regulatory requirements for chain-of-custody documentation.

What makes CHRT different from other logistics platforms?

Most transportation tools were designed for high-volume consumer delivery, optimizing how many stops a driver can hit per hour. CHRT was designed for the opposite problem: ensuring a single high-value shipment arrives on time with full chain-of-custody documentation. The system combines ground courier dispatch, air cargo booking, IoT tracking hardware, and integrated billing into one solution. Competing platforms typically handle only one of those functions. For detailed comparisons, see our best courier management software guide.

Is CHRT a marketplace or a SaaS tool?

CHRT is primarily a SaaS tool with marketplace characteristics. Couriers, shippers, and forwarders each have their own workflows within the system, but they can also discover and connect with each other through CHRT's network. A shipper can find and onboard a new delivery partner directly within the platform, and a forwarder can dispatch to courier companies in their network without leaving the system.

For Couriers

How much does CHRT cost for courier companies?

CHRT offers three pricing tiers for couriers. The Small plan is $100/month and supports up to 5 drivers. The Medium plan is $300/month for 6 to 20 drivers, plus $50 per additional member. The Enterprise plan starts at $1,000/month for organizations with 20+ drivers and includes dedicated support and custom configuration. All plans include a $0.50 per-stop fee. Billing features carry a 4% CHRT platform fee plus standard Stripe processing fees on each transaction.

What's included in the driver app?

The CHRT driver app is a full mobile toolkit for delivery execution. It includes GPS turn-by-turn navigation, geofenced timestamps that automatically log arrival and departure at each stop, multiple proof-of-delivery capture methods (photo, electronic signature, and barcode scanning), and full offline mode that keeps all features working without internet connectivity. Drivers also get in-app messaging with dispatchers and shippers, push notifications for new assignments and order updates, and an offline mode that queues data when connectivity drops and syncs automatically when the connection returns.

Does the driver app work offline?

Yes. The CHRT driver app offers full offline mode, an industry-leading capability that goes well beyond basic data caching. Proof of delivery (photos, signatures, barcodes, QR codes), GPS location tracking with geofenced timestamps, in-app messaging, asset storage, and complete order workflows all function without any internet connection. Drivers can accept assignments, navigate routes, complete stops, capture all required POD documentation, and finish orders entirely offline. When cellular service returns, everything syncs automatically to the platform. Dispatchers, shippers, and freight forwarders see the complete delivery record as if the driver had been connected the whole time. This matters for deliveries to hospital basements, warehouse loading docks, rural areas, and any location with poor cellular coverage. No delivery data is ever lost. When we built CHRT's offline mode, we tested it extensively in hospital sub-basements and warehouse loading docks where cell coverage drops entirely. That real-world testing shaped every design decision in the offline sync engine.

Can I accept credit card payments through CHRT?

Yes. CHRT integrates Stripe for payment processing, so couriers can accept credit card payments from shippers directly through the platform. Invoices are generated automatically based on completed deliveries, and payments flow through your connected Stripe account. The system applies a 4% CHRT fee on top of standard Stripe processing fees. Our team designed the billing engine after talking with dozens of courier operators about what slowed them down most. The number one complaint was manual invoice reconciliation, so we built automatic invoice generation tied directly to completed stops.

How does CHRT help me find new shippers?

CHRT's network layer lets shippers discover carrier companies by service area, capabilities, and specialization. When a shipper in your metro area searches for a courier that handles medical devices or hazmat, your company shows up if you match. You can also receive direct order requests from shippers already on the platform, reducing the sales cycle from weeks of phone calls to a connection request and a test delivery.

Can shippers place orders directly?

Yes. Shippers on CHRT can place orders directly into your dispatch queue. You set your service areas, pricing rules, and availability, and incoming orders from connected shippers appear in your dashboard ready for driver assignment. This eliminates the back-and-forth of phone calls and emailed spreadsheets for recurring shipper relationships.

What proof of delivery options are available?

CHRT supports three POD methods: photo capture, electronic signature, and barcode scanning. These can be required individually or in combination, and shippers can customize POD requirements per stop within a single order. All POD data is timestamped, geotagged, and attached to the order record permanently. Receivers and shippers can view POD documentation through shareable tracking links without needing a CHRT account.

For Shippers

Can I manage both W2 drivers and external couriers?

Yes. CHRT allows shippers to dispatch orders to their own in-house drivers and to external courier companies through the same interface. This is common in medical device logistics, where a manufacturer might use internal drivers for routine local runs and external couriers for urgent or long-distance deliveries. Both driver types show up on the same tracking map with the same real-time visibility.

How does real-time tracking work?

CHRT provides GPS-based tracking for every active delivery. Driver locations update continuously on a live map, and each stop records geofenced arrival and departure timestamps automatically. For shipments using CHRT IoT trackers, you also get independent package-level location data over cellular networks, so you can see where the cargo is even when it's not in a driver's vehicle (during air transport or warehouse handoffs, for example).

Can I customize POD requirements per stop?

Yes. Each stop within an order can have its own proof-of-delivery requirements. You might require a photo and signature at a hospital loading dock but only a barcode scan at a warehouse. POD rules are configured when creating the order and are enforced in the driver app. Drivers can't mark a stop complete until all required POD types are captured.

How do receivers track deliveries?

CHRT generates shareable tracking links that receivers can open in any web browser. No login, no app download, no account creation required. The link shows real-time driver location, estimated arrival time, and delivery status. Once delivered, the same link displays all proof-of-delivery documentation including photos, signatures, and timestamps.

Can I set up automated alerts?

Yes. CHRT supports configurable notifications via push, email, and webhooks. You can set alerts for key delivery events: order accepted, driver en route, arrived at stop, delivery complete, exception reported. Webhook integrations allow these events to trigger actions in your own systems, such as updating an ERP record or notifying a surgical team that instruments are 15 minutes away.

Does CHRT integrate with existing systems?

CHRT provides a REST API and webhook system for integrating with external platforms. Pre-built integrations include QuickBooks for accounting and invoicing synchronization and Stripe for payment processing. The webhook system pushes real-time delivery events to any endpoint, enabling integration with ERP systems, hospital logistics platforms, warehouse management systems, and custom internal tools. API documentation is available for building custom integrations.

For Freight Forwarders

What is CHRT's freight forwarding platform?

CHRT's forwarder tools manage the full lifecycle of time-critical freight, from initial pickup through air transport to final-mile delivery. Forwarders can book cargo on commercial and charter flights, dispatch ground couriers for pickup and delivery legs, track shipments across all modes in one dashboard, and manage billing across the entire chain. It replaces the patchwork of phone calls, spreadsheets, and disconnected tools that most forwarding operations rely on.

Can I book cargo on flights?

Yes. CHRT integrates with IATA and IAC systems to enable cargo booking on commercial flights directly within the platform. Forwarders can search available capacity, compare rates and transit times, and book space without switching to a separate air cargo portal. Flight tracking data feeds into the same shipment timeline as ground legs, giving one continuous view from origin to destination.

How does automated dispatch with carrier networks work?

Forwarders on CHRT build a network of courier partners within the platform. When a shipment needs a ground leg (pickup from a shipper's warehouse or final delivery from an airport) the forwarder can dispatch directly to a courier in their network based on service area, availability, and past performance. The courier receives the order in their CHRT dashboard and assigns a driver, with all tracking and POD data flowing back to the forwarder in real time.

How does CHRT handle multi-leg shipments?

CHRT treats a multi-leg shipment as a single order with connected segments. A typical flow: courier picks up from shipper, delivers to origin airport, cargo flies to destination airport, second courier picks up and delivers to the receiver. Each leg has its own driver assignment, tracking, and POD capture, but they all link to one order with a unified timeline. Status updates propagate automatically. When the first courier marks airport drop-off complete, the system can trigger the next leg's dispatch.

What does the Forwarder plan cost?

The Forwarder plan is $5,000/month and includes the full suite of forwarding tools: multi-leg order management, carrier network dispatch, air cargo booking, and consolidated billing. Usage fees are $4 per ground stop and $12 per flight segment. This pricing reflects the higher complexity and value of forwarding operations compared to single-mode courier dispatch.

How is CHRT different from traditional TMS platforms?

Traditional TMS platforms were designed for scheduled freight (truckload, LTL, and ocean container movements) where planning happens days or weeks ahead. CHRT was built for urgent, same-day and next-flight-out shipments where the planning window is measured in minutes or hours. The solution combines ground dispatch, air cargo booking, real-time IoT tracking, and multi-party coordination in one system. We've found that forwarding teams waste the most time switching between disconnected tools for air bookings, ground dispatch, and billing. Consolidating those workflows into a single interface cuts coordination overhead significantly.

IoT Trackers

What are CHRT trackers?

CHRT trackers are small, lightweight IoT devices that attach directly to packages, cases, or pallets to provide independent location and condition monitoring throughout a shipment's journey. They report GPS location over cellular networks, so they work anywhere there's cell coverage: in vehicles, on aircraft, in warehouses, and during handoffs between carriers. This gives you package-level visibility that doesn't depend on a driver's phone being on and connected.

How much do CHRT trackers cost?

CHRT trackers start at $15 per device, which includes the hardware and cellular connectivity. There are no separate monthly subscription fees per tracker. The connectivity cost is built into the device price. For high-volume operations, bulk pricing is available.

Are CHRT trackers airline-approved?

Yes. CHRT trackers are designed to comply with airline regulations for electronic devices in cargo holds. They are small, battery-powered, and don't interfere with aircraft systems. This is critical for time-critical logistics operations where shipments frequently move via commercial cargo flights.

How do CHRT trackers connect?

CHRT trackers use cellular networks (LTE-M/NB-IoT) for connectivity, not WiFi or Bluetooth. This is a deliberate design choice: WiFi requires known network credentials and Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, making both useless for tracking packages in transit. Cellular connectivity means the tracker reports its location independently from any base station, gateway, or phone.

How do CHRT trackers compare to AirTags and Bluetooth trackers?

AirTags and Tile trackers rely on crowdsourced Bluetooth networks. They only update their location when another Apple or Tile user's phone happens to pass within range. In a warehouse, on a cargo flight, or in a rural area, updates can be hours apart or nonexistent. CHRT trackers use direct cellular connections and report on a configurable schedule regardless of whether any other devices are nearby. For logistics use cases where you need reliable, continuous tracking, cellular beats Bluetooth decisively.

Can I attach CHRT trackers to individual items?

Yes. CHRT trackers are compact enough to attach to individual packages, surgical kit cases, equipment containers, or pallets. Each tracker has a unique identifier that links to a specific order or shipment in the CHRT platform. This enables item-level tracking: you can see exactly where each package in a multi-piece shipment is, not just where the delivery vehicle is.

Can I use CHRT trackers with orders placed outside of CHRT?

Yes. CHRT trackers can be activated and monitored independently of the CHRT dispatch system. If you place orders through a different platform or via phone and email but still want cellular package tracking, you can attach a CHRT tracker and monitor its location through the CHRT dashboard or API.

Billing and Payments

How does billing work on CHRT?

CHRT charges a 4% fee on transactions processed through the system, plus standard Stripe processing fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). This fee covers access to CHRT's billing infrastructure, including automated invoice generation, payment tracking, and financial reporting. Per-stop fees ($0.50 for couriers, $4/$12 for forwarders) are billed separately based on usage.

Can I manage invoices through CHRT?

Yes. CHRT automatically generates invoices based on completed deliveries, including all stops, fees, and any additional charges configured in your pricing rules. Invoices can be sent directly to shippers through the platform, and payment status is tracked automatically.

Does CHRT integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes. CHRT offers a QuickBooks integration that synchronizes invoices, payments, and customer records between the two platforms. When an invoice is created or a payment is received in CHRT, the corresponding records are created or updated in QuickBooks automatically.

Can I pay drivers through the platform?

CHRT tracks earnings per driver based on completed deliveries and stops, giving you a clear record of what each driver is owed for any pay period. The platform provides the data and reporting needed for payroll but doesn't process driver payroll directly. Payments to drivers are handled through your existing payroll system or contractor payment method using the earnings data CHRT provides.

Getting Started

How do I sign up?

Visit chrt.com and create an account. During signup, you select your role (courier, shipper, or forwarder) which determines your dashboard layout and available features. Courier companies will set up their driver roster and service areas. Shippers will configure their locations and POD requirements. Forwarders will build their carrier network and set up air cargo credentials.

Is there a free trial?

CHRT offers a demo and guided onboarding rather than an unstructured free trial. Because the platform involves configuring service areas, pricing rules, driver rosters, and shipper connections, a self-serve trial without setup support tends to underrepresent what the platform actually does. Contact hi@chrt.com or visit chrt.com/demo to schedule a walkthrough with the team.

How long does onboarding take?

Most courier companies are dispatching live orders within one to two weeks of signing up. The core setup (adding drivers, configuring service areas, and connecting with shippers) takes a few hours. The remaining time is typically spent on driver app training and running test deliveries. Forwarder onboarding takes slightly longer due to air cargo credential setup and carrier network configuration, typically two to three weeks.

How do I contact CHRT?

Email hi@chrt.com for general inquiries, support questions, or partnership discussions. To schedule a live demo, visit chrt.com/demo. The CHRT team is based in San Francisco and typically responds within one business day.