# "Scheduled bidding start" feature

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important!** This feature is available in the following offer modes: **Bargain, Auction** and **Fixed.**
{% endhint %}

#### What is it?

This tool allows cargo owners to publish offers in advance and set precise start and end times for the bidding process. This allows carriers to preview cargo and calculate rates in advance, while bidding begins and ends strictly within the specified timeframes, ensuring flexible planning and maximum transparency.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important!** This feature is available to companies on the **Pro, Expert** and **Enterprise** plans and works on both public and private exchange. It is not available to **Beginner** and **Free** plans or to **individuals**.
{% endhint %}

#### How will this feature help?

* Plan auctions and publish cargo in advance;
* Establish regulated processes;
* Provide carriers and forwarders with sufficient time to review offers and prepare for the auctions;
* Minimize errors and eliminate non-contractual changes during the auction.

#### How does it work?

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Please fill in all required fields of the freight offer.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/Q4YtNvWghrh9aNFntAQM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the "Rate and payment" section, click "Open advanced options" block.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/3ejX3iqD88s2PlvdIxmw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Check "Scheduled bidding start" checkbox. Once enabled, two options will be available:

1. "Start in" — specify the time period, after which bids will begin to be accepted (from 30 minutes to 168 hours);
2. "Specify exact date and time" - manually select date and time.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/yQDAeDN9ETxMI4eDS11r" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Specify duration of the bidding

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/5sQ81gfuhHHAXYXJxLHj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

#### Features of the function:

1. If the "Specify exact date and time" option is selected:&#x20;

   * The time is specified in the user's local time zone;
   * A past date or time cannot be specified;
   * The start date cannot be later than the first loading date;
   * The system verifies the correctness of the values ​​when publishing the offer.

   Roolz continues to develop tools that simplify interactions between cargo owners and carriers, making processes more flexible, transparent and convenient.
2. The bidding duration is a mandatory parameter and affects the bidding behavior in each mode:

   * Auction: At the end of the duration, the system automatically selects a winner (unless the "Do not select a winner automatically" option is enabled).
   * Bargain and Fixed: At the end of the bidding, the bid is automatically removed from publication and goes into the archive cycle.

   If the specified duration extends beyond the first loading period, the system correctly ends the bidding when this date is reached—the bid is removed from publication and goes into the archive cycle.
3. The new mechanism is especially relevant for companies that frequently reopen offers. Now, when republishing an offer, the offer manager can:

   * reopen bids immediately,
   * or schedule the start time for a new bidding window (for example, tomorrow from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM).

   The function settings are not available for editing in published and archived offers, eliminating any errors or changes to terms during the bidding process.
4. The system accommodates a wide range of scenarios:

   * When publishing an offer outside the editing form, a pop-up confirming the settings is displayed.
   * When automatically republishing (canceling or rejecting the winning bid), the delayed bid settings are reset and the offer is published immediately.
   * If the bidding time has partially elapsed, or if the auction is replayed or continued, the countdown is not saved; the user must reconfirm the settings.

   Furthermore, when this feature is enabled, the publication duration settings are hidden, preventing parameter conflicts.
5. The "Scheduled bidding start" feature is fully integrated with the platform's key mechanisms:
   * When creating an offer template, the deferred start settings are saved and applied when reusing the template;
   * When downgrading to a lower tariff, the feature disappears from new offers but remains active in existing ones;
   * When upgrading to a tariff that supports the feature, it automatically becomes available in previously created offers;
   * When the feature is enabled, the duplicate offer on the public exchange and the partner selection mechanism are unavailable, ensuring the correct operation of the deferred start logic.
6. The launch of the "Scheduled bidding start" feature allows companies to:
   * plan bidding in advance,
   * establish regulated processes,
   * provide carriers with sufficient time to review bids,
   * minimize errors and eliminate non-contractual changes during bidding.


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