Cargoboard MCP Server (Beta): Book Transports Directly in Your AI Assistant
Request quotes, book orders and create shipping labels in natural language, with no custom API development. Now available at Cargoboard!
The Cargoboard MCP Server is currently in beta. You can already use the available features in live operations, and we’re developing them further together with our first customers.
What is an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server?
MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. It’s a standardisation layer that lets AI applications communicate effectively with external services such as databases, GitHub, calendars or email programs. Anthropic released this open standard in November 2024. It allows compatible AI assistants to access approved data and functions in external systems. Put simply, it’s a universal interface: a USB port for artificial intelligence.
To do this, an MCP server gives the AI assistant a defined set of functions, known as tools. The assistant picks the right tools and runs them, connecting large language models (LLMs) to external data sources, apps and tools. With the Cargoboard MCP Server, these tools include live quotes, transport bookings and shipping labels. Once it’s set up, you use these functions in natural language.
In short: an API connects software with software. An MCP server makes selected functions available to an AI assistant. For many tasks, you no longer need to develop your own interface. For fully automated processes, the API is still the right choice.
MCP server or API: which suits you best?
The MCP server and API automation both give you digital access to Cargoboard functions, but they’re designed for different use cases.
| Feature | Cargoboard MCP Server | Cargoboard-API |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | In natural language, in a compatible AI assistant | Automated from your ERP, WMS, online shop or own software |
| Setup | Access activation and assistant configuration | Technical API integration |
| Scope | Selected functions | Broader process integration |
| Best for | Flexible, conversation-based shipping processes | Recurring, fully automated processes |
| Status | Beta | Live |
Booking a transport with the Cargoboard MCP Server in practice
You describe your shipment in your own words, for example three Euro pallets from Paderborn to Vienna. The AI assistant asks for any missing details, such as references, sends the quote request to Cargoboard and shows you the price. If the price works for you, it asks for the full addresses, summarises all the details and only books the transport once you confirm. If you like, it can include shipping labels too.
Here’s what a conversation with your AI assistant could look like:
You: I’d like a quotation for the following transport, using the MCP: I want to ship three Euro pallets, each 120 × 80 × 150 cm and 400 kg, from 33100 Paderborn, Germany, to 1080 Vienna, Austria. Please request the price for Standard.
Cargoboard AI assistant: The Standard quotation has been created but not yet booked.
- Total price: €352.80 net / €419.83 gross
- Freight: €348.99 net
- Climate protection contribution: €3.81 net
- VAT: €67.03
- Transport: 3 Euro pallets, 120 × 80 × 150 cm each, 400 kg per pallet
- Collection: Tomorrow
- Estimated delivery: Next Tuesday → next Friday (transit time 2–5 days)
- Quote number: 77372457
You: Please book it as is!
Cargoboard AI assistant: Thank you for booking with Cargoboard! You’ll shortly receive a confirmation by email with all the booking details.
The Cargoboard MCP Server (Beta)
The Cargoboard MCP Server lets you use selected functions of our digital freight forwarding service directly in an MCP-compatible AI assistant, such as Claude Code. You don’t need any custom API development.
These functions are available:
- Create and retrieve quotes
- Book and retrieve transport orders
- Create shipping labels (A4 or A6)
It’s ideal for companies that ship regularly and want to get quotes and book quickly without setting up an IT project. Using the Cargoboard MCP doesn’t limit your transport types or options compared with our platform or API.
Products you can book via MCP
You can book groupage, part loads and full truckloads (each with time options of 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm or 4 pm), as well as dedicated and courier transports, both nationally and internationally. This also covers bulky goods, dangerous goods, pallet shipping and parcel shipping (large and small parcels). Which products and time options are available depends on the shipment and route.
Bookings made via the MCP server are real, billable transport orders.
You’ll find technical information on the Cargoboard API in the API documentation. We’ll send you the MCP access credentials and setup instructions.
Your benefits with the Cargoboard MCP Server
You use selected Cargoboard functions without programming your own interface. Once your access is activated and set up, you work directly in your AI assistant.
Request a quote, book a transport and create shipping labels without switching tools. If your AI assistant can process files or other data sources, it can take shipment details from them for a quote request.
Before every booking, the assistant should summarise all booking-relevant details and ask for your explicit confirmation.
You book directly with Cargoboard and benefit from our Europe-wide network and personal service.
How to connect the Cargoboard MCP Server
- Customer account: You need a Cargoboard customer account.
- Request access: Email api@cargoboard.com.
- Setup: You’ll receive access credentials and setup instructions for your AI assistant. We’ll help you with this.
- Get started: Request your first quote.
Your API key works like a password. Don’t share it, and store it securely.
Become an MCP Server beta customer now
The Cargoboard MCP Server grows with your feedback. Which features should we expand? What’s still missing?
As a beta customer, you have a direct, personal say in what comes next!
With the Cargoboard MCP Server, you book transports just the way you’d talk to us, and as a beta customer, you help decide which features come next.
Frequently asked questions about the Cargoboard MCP Server (FAQ)
How much does the Cargoboard MCP Server cost?
Using and connecting the MCP server is free of charge, just like our API. You only pay for transports you actually book.
What is an MCP server?
An MCP server gives an AI assistant a defined set of functions from another system. MCP stands for Model Context Protocol, an open standard for connecting AI assistants to external data and tools. With the Cargoboard MCP Server, these functions are quote requests, transport bookings and shipping label creation.
AI assistant or AI agent: what’s the difference?
Cargoboard’s MCP server is currently designed to work with AI assistants. So how do they differ from what are known as AI agents?
- An AI assistant like Claude answers questions, writes text or summarises documents. It responds to your instructions, one step at a time.
- An AI agent goes further. It completes a task over several steps, uses approved tools to do it and reacts to interim results, for example by asking for missing details.
Which AI assistants can I use?
You can use the Cargoboard MCP Server with MCP-compatible AI assistants. Claude Code is currently documented.
Are bookings made via the MCP server binding?
Yes. Bookings made via the MCP server are real, billable transport orders. Before every booking, the assistant summarises all booking-relevant details and asks for your explicit confirmation.
Which products can I book?
You can book groupage, part loads and full truckloads (each with time options of 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm or 4 pm), as well as dedicated and courier transports, both nationally and internationally. This also covers bulky goods, dangerous goods, pallet shipping and parcel shipping (large and small parcels). Which products and time options are available depends on the shipment volume and route.
How do I protect my API key?
Your API key is your personal access to Cargoboard and works like a password. Don’t share it with third parties, and only store it in tools you trust. If you suspect misuse, contact api@cargoboard.com immediately.
What does “beta” mean?
You can already use the documented functions in live operations. During the beta, we’re expanding the range of functions together with our customers.
What’s the difference between the MCP server and the API?
The API connects your software to Cargoboard and fully automates processes, with a broader range of functions. The MCP server makes selected functions available to your AI assistant, which you use in natural language.
Do I need programming skills?
No custom API development is needed. You need a Cargoboard customer account, an API key and an MCP-compatible AI assistant. We’ll help you with the setup.