> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.bidright.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How BidRight Works

> How BidRight turns raw bid spreadsheets into consistent, submission-ready pricing.

BidRight is a pricing workflow for freight carriers. It takes the raw bid spreadsheets your customers send, standardizes lane data, and helps your team price and submit with confidence.

## The problem

Customer bid files are inconsistent. Column names differ, location formats vary, and lane attributes are often incomplete. That makes pricing slower, less consistent, and harder to compare across bids.

When every customer file looks different, you spend too much time cleaning spreadsheets and not enough time making pricing decisions.

## The solution

BidRight standardizes incoming bid data and gives Sales, Operations, and Pricing one place to manage the full lifecycle.

You price with one number, your RPM, and BidRight applies customer-specific adjustments like fuel surcharge, mileage basis, and payment terms so shipper-facing output stays accurate.

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="🗄️  Standardize Data">
    Normalize locations, lane fields, and file structure so bids are consistent across customers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="🏷️  Price Consistently">
    Use one RPM framework and let BidRight convert it to customer-specific rates.
  </Card>

  <Card title="👥  Collaborate Faster">
    Keep Sales, Operations, and Pricing aligned from import through submission and follow-up.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How BidRight approaches this differently

* **Workflow, not just a calculator**: BidRight connects import, interest, pricing, review, submission, and follow-up in one system.
* **Standardization first**: Lane data is normalized so you can search and compare lanes across historical bids and customers.
* **One-number pricing model**: You think in RPM, while BidRight handles customer-specific math behind the scenes.

## From file to submission

<Steps>
  <Step title="Import">
    Upload the customer's raw Excel or CSV file. BidRight maps columns, normalizes waypoints, and validates lane data.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Mark interest">
    Review lanes and mark what your team wants to pursue so pricing focus stays on the right freight.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Price">
    Enter your RPM and apply strategy. BidRight calculates customer-facing rates using fuel, mileage, and terms logic.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review">
    Sales, Operations, and Pricing align on strategy, capacity, and margin before final sign-off.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Prepare and submit">
    Export a submission-ready file in the required format and send it to the customer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow up">
    Track results, import feedback, and use win/loss outcomes to improve future bids.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Who uses BidRight

| Role           | Responsibility                                                        |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Sales**      | Owns customer communication, strategy context, and deadline alignment |
| **Operations** | Validates lane fit, capacity constraints, and execution risk          |
| **Pricing**    | Sets rates, protects margin, and signs off on final output            |

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Your First Bid" icon="play" href="/start/your-first-bid">
    Run a full bid from file upload to export.
  </Card>

  <Card title="The 6 Stage Workflow" icon="list-check" href="/concepts/six-stage-workflow">
    See each stage, ownership, and handoff.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Price with One Number" icon="tag" href="/concepts/price-with-one-number">
    Learn how RPM becomes customer-facing rates.
  </Card>

  <Card title="How-to Guides" icon="file-arrow-up" href="/importing/import-bid-file">
    Jump into step-by-step actions for active bids.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>