As we head into Q2, I wanted to give you a look at some of the major projects we've been working on behind the scenes. From platform improvements to insurance program developments, these updates are designed to make your experience with BF smoother, smarter, and more competitive.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------REMS–ShipRush Integration: On Track for July 1
We're excited to share that the REMS–ShipRush integration project is officially underway and development is proceeding on schedule. This integration project represents a significant investment in improving the technology that powers the REMS ecosystem.
The project was initiated in early March and we are targeting a July 1, 2026 production-ready delivery. This is a foundational upgrade that will benefit every Partner by introducing a product that rivals that of Shipstation in terms of functionality, and yet still be able to pass in pricing that is set in REMS, as well as the ability to bill a client directly through REMS.
Here's where things stand as of the most recent development update:
ShipRush: Development is actively underway on the Quoting endpoint, with no major obstacles encountered so far. The Booking endpoint is next on the development schedule.
Rock Solid (Core API): The team is building an internal transaction log tool that will allow our support team to better inspect and troubleshoot API calls and responses in real time — meaning faster resolution when issues arise.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cabrella Insurance: What You Need to Know
Cabrella has been a hot topic in recent Sipping & Shipping articles, and for good reason — there's been a lot happening on the insurance front. Here's a quick recap of the key updates:
High-Value Shipment Insurance
We recently shared a case study about a Partner client who needed to insure a $75,000 antique vase — well above the default $10,000 maximum. Through Cabrella's pre-authorization process, the shipment was approved in just 6 hours because the client provided detailed packaging photos and a secure destination. We've since created a streamlined process for high-value insurance requests using a new HubSpot ticket type and a dedicated form (see Article 704 in the Partner Handbook).
For shipments exceeding $10,000 in value, you'll need to gather a few key details: ship-from and ship-to addresses, commodity description, packaging photos, and any security precautions. Pre-authorization turnaround is typically 24–48 hours, and shipments must be insured before they are in transit.
War Risk Coverage Update
Due to the ongoing conflict in Iran and nearby regions, Cabrella's underwriter has issued a Notice of War Amendment. Coverage within certain areas — including the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, Southern Red Sea, and Persian/Arabian Gulf — is now available only upon application and at the underwriter's discretion. If you have clients shipping through these regions, please reach out so we can help navigate the updated coverage requirements.
ShipStation Users: Cabrella Integration Available
As a reminder, if you have customers using ShipStation who want to insure their shipments, Cabrella has a built-in integration that makes this seamless. Customers simply select "External" from the Insurance dropdown when creating a label, enter the insured value, and Cabrella handles the coverage — with billing managed through REMS on our end. If you have ShipStation customers who could benefit, let your account manager know.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BFS Portal: New Cost Analysis & Data Tools
We've been working with a new technology partner since the end of 2025 on a new BFS Portal designed to give us better analytical tools and streamlined workflows. Development has been progressing rapidly, and several new features have recently gone live:
Rate Guide Viewer — This tool is near completion and we are currently in the process of vetting and verifying all the data that is loaded. We anticipate that we will be looking for beta testers towards the end of the month.
Fuel Surcharge Tracker — A new page has been created that displays historical fuel surcharge data across FedEx, UPS, and DHL with visual trend graphs. This gives us a clear view of rate movements over time so we can make better-informed decisions on your behalf. This page will also be made available to you as part of the Rate Guide Viewer.
Invoice File Upload — We’ve now moved onto the next phase of the project, which includes automating a large portion of the current Cost Analysis procedure. A new invoice ingestion process allows only FedEx invoice CSVs to be uploaded and automatically parsed. The system currently extracts all shipment-level data cleanly, which will eventually make cost analysis faster and more accurate than ever.
Issue Reporting & Tracking — Agreement forms now have a built-in issue reporting system with status tracking, screenshot attachments, and integrated ticketing. This means faster identification and resolution of contract discrepancies.
These tools are part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the infrastructure that supports your business. As more capabilities come online, we'll share updates on how they translate into a better experience for you and your customers.
If you’re interested in becoming a beta tester for the new Rate Guide Viewer, please reach out to George directly so you can be added to the waitlist.