First AI-Automated Booking on SeaRates.com | MCP Agents for Logistics Without Clicks

We at SeaRates mark July 22, 2025, as a historic day because of the bright event. One of our shippers booked a freight shipment on our platform from Shanghai to Hamburg. All of this without even moving a mouse and at the lowest price! We were surprised how it happened and found out that his booking was made via artificial intelligence.

Let’s check how you can automate your shipments in the same way.

First fully automated booking on SeaRates

The background is the release of OpenAI on July 21. There is a new AI Agent mode, which has already successfully synchronized with SeaRates' digital logistics capabilities. This is a ready-made MCP agent for logistics that you can use for omnichannel booking management without a single click of a computer mouse.

As a reminder, MCP agents are virtual AI assistants for omnichannel processing to which you delegate your logistics operations, and they perform them in real time automatically.

Simply set the task, and operations will be performed independently: comparing rates, processing documents, and even booking rates at the lowest freight rate. 🦾

So, one of our shippers has gained this experience of seamless automation. How did this become a reality?

How to book cargo automatically?

Previously, this process required hours of involvement from the pricing manager, logistics support, etc. Now, everything is as easy on the client's side as ChatGPT and SeaRates automate logistics for you:

• Log in to your SeaRates account and go to ChatGPT.com;

• Indicate that you want to book cargo from point A to point B and the type of container. Optionally, write down the important details of your booking: cargo type, weight, extra logistics services, etc.

• 💡Hack: for optimal performance, ask to audit all the results and choose the cheapest rate for booking.

• With the agent mode, artificial intelligence will independently go to the Logistics Explorer tool, fill in the necessary fields with the details of your request, and ask you for permission to confirm the booking.

• Check how your new assistant has done his work: Allow the chat to confirm the booking or correct any items.

🤖🗣️ You can see every action of the AI cursor and how it “talks” to you about current operations. The agent is perfectly controlled and carefully performs the work under your supervision. You can stop it at any time or ask to edit something. 

Finally, your shipment booking has been successfully created and saved in your SeaRates profile. Check it out by following the link provided by the chat!

You can always check your booking on SeaRates Virtual Office: 'Activity' section → ‘Booking’ & ‘Requests’ tabs.

What are the next steps?

🧐 Do not be afraid of making the AI chat “tired”. Ask more to find out what your next steps are after placing a freight booking.

Get step-by-step instructions; for example:

• Check your email: SeaRates will send an email with booking details, the invoice, and further instructions.

• Payment: the email will contain the amount (3,456 USD) and payment method. After payment, the carrier will confirm the accommodation and book a place on the vessel.

• Prepare the cargo: draw up the necessary documents (commercial invoice, packing list, and certificates) and ensure that the cargo (aluminum weighing 22 tons) is ready.

• Delivery of the empty container: the freight forwarder/carrier will inform you where and when to receive the empty 40-foot container in Shanghai. The container should be loaded and sealed according to the instructions.

• Customs clearance (export): the shipment must go through the export customs procedure in China before shipment. SeaRates can assist with customs services if needed.

• Shipment and transit: the container will be loaded onto the vessel. You can track the status via the “Track booking status” link on the website.

• Customs clearance (import): upon arrival at the port of Hamburg, the container must pass through German customs. Prepare all the necessary documents and clarify the requirements in advance.

• Receiving the cargo: after customs clearance, agree with the terminal on the date and time of container delivery and organize domestic transportation to the final destination.

For any questions or changes in parameters (assistance with customs, insurance, etc.), you can contact the SeaRates support service through your account or the email specified in the booking confirmation.

Yes, it actually happened without human involvement. Just write down your route and type of cargo. However, we are also looking forward to future updates of AI logistics agents that can read our thoughts:) 💭

AI & MCP Agent vs. Old-way logistics

It's time to make your own choice. The digital revolution in freight transportation is already your competitors' reality, your customers' vision, and your partners' opportunities.

Automation of logistics operations is impressive. The SeaRates team is pleased to share our thoughts with you:

Learn more about Alexei Shatunov's fascinating experience in deep AI and machine learning research for the logistics industry in his previous LinkedIn post.

No more limits for digital logistics

More and more, the potential of machine learning in the logistics industry is growing. Shippers, carriers, and all participants in global trade should keep up with rapid transformation and new solutions that are intelligent, intuitive, and adaptive.

The synergy of SeaRates AI and machine learning capabilities is transforming logistics and making the supply chain transparent. MCP agents are not just a convenience; they are your path to efficiency and resource savings.

Let us know at [email protected], and get a freight management agent is already on your phone! 🤳