Getting Started
Client-facing overview of what Helm is, who uses it, and where each party acts.
Helm is the operating workspace for shipments moving from suppliers in China to recipients in Uganda. It keeps the consignment record, invoice items, HS classifications, tax estimates, tracking events, and generated documents in one place.
Who uses Helm
| User | What they do in Helm |
|---|---|
| Customer | Shares invoice details, follows shipment progress, downloads documents, and reviews tax and payment information. |
| Freight forwarder | Reviews consignments that are ready for shipment, checks item details and domestic tracking, uploads waybills or shipping documents, and updates shipment progress. |
| Xtellar team | Creates consignments, reviews item data, classifies goods, estimates duties, manages tracking, and prepares documents. |
| Clearing agent | Uses Helm-generated commercial invoices, packing lists, HS codes, and duty estimates for customs handling. |
What a consignment contains
A consignment is the working record for one import job. It includes customer details, the original invoice, invoice line items, domestic tracking numbers, shipment method, HS codes, tax estimates, generated documents, and delivery status.
The consignment should not be treated as ready for forwarding until the Xtellar team marks it ready. Before that point, item data, classifications, tracking numbers, or document outputs may still be under review.
Client expectations
- Provide a clear original invoice with product descriptions, quantities, and values.
- Share every domestic tracking number associated with supplier deliveries to the China warehouse.
- Review requested clarifications quickly, especially for special items, batteries, electronics, or regulated goods.
- Use Helm documents as the shared source for shipping and customs paperwork once the team has completed review.
Status visibility
Helm separates internal preparation from external visibility. Draft consignments remain under Xtellar review until the team publishes them for forwarding. Once ready, the freight forwarder can see the shipment details needed to prepare export and shipping work.