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

# Respond to an RFP

> How shipper RFP invitations reach you, and where to find the lanes you've been asked to bid on.

This page is for **Carriers & Brokers**. A shipper's carriers and brokers use Owlery the same way, so this page applies to both. If the person you're helping isn't a carrier or broker, this page doesn't apply to them.

**Where to find it:** `Dashboard → Management → RFP`

Shippers run RFPs in Owlery to collect contract rates on their lanes. When a shipper invites your company, you get an email with a link to each lane and its submission deadline.

## Finding Your RFPs

Sign in and click **RFP** in the left sidebar under **Management**. The list shows each RFP's name, shipper, status, close date, and number of lanes.

Open an RFP to see the lanes you've been invited to bid on. You only see your own bids, never other carriers' bids.

## Before You Bid

Open the RFP and read what the shipper shared before you price any lanes:

* **Description**: shown under the RFP's name. Shippers use it for expectations such as tracking requirements, seasonality, or when they plan to award.
* **Documents** tab: files the shipper attached, such as a bid packet, insurance requirements, or accessorial rules. Click a file name to open it.
* **Fuel Schedule** tab: appears only when the shipper linked a fuel schedule. A fuel table in a document is for reference only. See [Using the Shipper's Fuel Schedule](/carriers/rfps/submit-a-bid.md#using-the-shippers-fuel-schedule).

## Emails You May Receive

| Email subject | When it arrives | What to do |
| - | - | - |
| You have been invited to bid on RFP \[name] from \[shipper] | The shipper adds you to an RFP | Click a lane link and [submit a bid](/carriers/rfps/submit-a-bid.md) before its deadline |
| You have been promoted to the 2nd round for lane \[lane]… | The shipper moves you to a new round on a lane | Submit a new bid. Bids from earlier rounds don't carry over. See [Rounds, Deadlines, and Awards](/carriers/rfps/rounds-and-awards.md). |
| Submission deadline extended for RFP: \[name] | The shipper extends a deadline | Submit or update your bids before the new deadline |
| You have been selected as a preferred carrier… / \[N] lanes awarded by \[shipper]… | The shipper awards you one or more lanes | Review your awarded lanes and the contract created for you |

## Getting RFP Emails to the Right People

RFP emails go to every teammate with the **RFP Manager** or **Account Manager** role for that shipper. To add someone, either:

* Invite them yourself and give them one of those roles at [`Dashboard → Management → Invite Team`](https://owlery.ai/dashboard/team-members). See [Invite Teammates](/carriers/invite-teammates.md) for the steps.
* Ask the shipper to add them as a contact.

> [!TIP]
>
> Give your bid desk the **RFP Manager** role. They get RFP emails without the day-to-day quote, tender, and load emails.

## If You Don't Have an Owlery Account Yet

A shipper can invite you before your company uses Owlery. In that case, you get an email titled "\[shipper] invited you to set up a broker account on Owlery."

**1. Sign Up From the Invite Email**

Open the link in the email and sign up with your work email. Use the same address the invite was sent to. See [Signing In to Owlery](/signing-in.md).

**2. Watch for the RFP Invite**

Once you've signed up, the shipper can add you to their RFPs, and you'll get an invite email for each one.

> [!NOTE]
>
> A shipper can't add you to an RFP that was sent before you signed up. If you expected an invite and didn't get one, contact the shipper.

## Next Steps

> **[Submit a Bid](/carriers/rfps/submit-a-bid.md)**
>
> Price a lane, use the shipper's fuel schedule, and price extra stops.

> **[Bid by CSV](/carriers/rfps/bid-by-csv.md)**
>
> Download a template, fill in prices for many lanes, and upload them at once.

> **[Rounds, Deadlines, and Awards](/carriers/rfps/rounds-and-awards.md)**
>
> What happens after you bid, and what an award means for you.

***

Still stuck? Email [support@owlery.ai](mailto:support@owlery.ai) or contact the shipper running the RFP.


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.