create readme with system reqs

README.md

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+Freight Quote Request System – Functional Requirements Summary
+
+1. Objective
+
+Develop a web-based system that allows operations staff to create freight quote
+requests, send them to selected carriers, and collect responses automatically —
+all organized under a single freight request record.
+
+
+---
+
+2. User Roles
+
+Operations User (Admin): Creates and manages freight quote requests,
+views all carrier responses.
+
+Carrier (External User): Receives email invitations and submits quote responses
+via a secure link (no login required).
+
+
+
+---
+
+3. Core Features
+
+A. Freight Quote Request Creation
+
+User can create a new freight quote request with:
+
+Request ID (auto-generated)
+
+Ship-from location
+
+Ship-to location
+
+Pickup date / delivery deadline
+
+Load details (pallet count, weight, dimensions, etc.)
+
+Notes / special instructions
+
+File attachments (e.g., BOL, load sheet, customer order)
+
+
+Ability to select multiple carriers from an internal database.
+
+
+B. Carrier Database
+
+Central list of all approved carriers with:
+
+Company name
+
+Contact person
+
+Email
+
+Phone number
+
+Notes / preferred lanes / service type
+
+
+Search, filter, and tag carriers (e.g., “East Coast”, “LTL”, “Full Truckload”)
+
+
+C. Sending Quote Requests
+
+When user submits a new freight quote request:
+
+System sends an email to each selected carrier with:
+
+Summary of shipment details
+
+“Reply with Quote” button or link
+
+
+Each link is unique to that carrier and request.
+
+
+
+D. Carrier Response Portal
+
+Carriers click the email link and open a simple web form (no login) showing:
+
+Shipment details
+
+Fields to enter:
+
+Freight cost
+
+Estimated pickup and delivery dates
+
+Notes / conditions
+
+
+Submit Quote button
+
+
+Upon submission:
+
+Carrier’s quote is recorded in the system.
+
+Confirmation message shown to carrier.
+
+
+
+E. Quote Response Management
+
+Operations dashboard shows:
+
+List of all freight quote requests
+
+Status: Open / Closed / Awarded
+
+Number of carrier responses
+
+
+When a request is opened:
+
+Table view of all carrier responses with columns:
+
+Carrier Name
+
+Quote Amount
+
+Pickup Date
+
+Delivery Date
+
+Notes
+
+Timestamp