How do I update my OpenAI API key in the Cargo extension?

Open your Google Sheets Cargo add-on menu and navigate to the API key input field. Replace the old key with your new one and save changes. This ensures uninterrupted access to AI functions within your spreadsheets.

Can Cargo handle bulk data processing without slowing down my spreadsheet?

Cargo processes data in manageable batches, avoiding spreadsheet lags. It only runs AI calls on specified row ranges, preserving performance. For very large datasets, it's best to work in chunks and avoid running all at once.

Is it possible to customize templates for unique list-building needs?

Yes, you can modify input parameters and output columns within templates. Advanced users may duplicate and edit template sheets to fit specific workflows. This flexibility lets you tailor automation to different sales or research tasks.

Does Cargo work with other AI providers besides OpenAI?

Currently, Cargo supports OpenAI exclusively for API integration. The developers might add compatible providers in the future, but for now, OpenAI API keys are mandatory for AI features. This ensures consistent AI quality and support.

Sales Tools

Cargo: The Free extension to automate repetitive list-building tasks

Michel Lieben

MAR 17 2026

Cargo: The Free extension to automate repetitive list-building tasks

What is the Cargo add-on?

The Cargo add-on is an extension that sits on top of Google Sheets. It uses ChatGPT to automate daunting tasks that usually take time. It has several use cases, such as:

-> Automating account research (by allowing you to retrieve company descriptions at scale from their URLs)

-> Generating personalized icebreakers (by inputting custom variables and letting AI fill in the blanks)

-> Cleaning your lists by:

Ensuring company names are correctly formatted
Ensuring there aren’t any typos in the names & last names of your prospects

And plenty more. You can scroll down their template gallery to find use cases you can apply directly to your sheets.

blog 6851830613a155f35264136a_63d89fd4bd85e2135c2a32b0_Cargo Templates GIF

How to start using it (instructions taken from Cargo website directly)

Install the Google Add-on using this link. Select Individual install
Sign up to OpenAI and get your API key (don’t worry, it takes 1min max)
Sign up to https://beta.openai.com/signup
Create your API key here -> https://beta.openai.com/account/api-keys
Copy the API key
Once you’ve installed the Addon, in your Gsheet menu “addon”, you will see Cargo displaying at the bottom of the menu
Paste your API key in the related field

6851830613a155f352641322 63d8a0364bb5ec1d8132bca3 Cargo Instructions

After following these steps, you’ll see the Template Gallery on Google Sheets

Example use-case: retrieving company description from URLs

Let’s see - in practice - how to retrieve company descriptions, at scale, from the URLs.

Step 1

Pick the pre-made “Company description from URLs”.

Step 2

Input the input parameter between double brackets “{{ x }}”. This should have the exact name as the title of your column.

Step 3

Click the Green “Preview” button to get a sample result before running the AI automation on your whole list.

Step 4

Select which rows the automation should be applied to. Also, select in which column the results should appear (beware: it is case-sensitive).

Step 5

Click on run & let it run.

Step 6

Enjoy the results ✌️

Conclusion

The Cargo add-on offers a variety of use cases, such as retrieving company descriptions, generating personalized icebreakers, and cleaning lists. It also has a template gallery to find additional solutions. The installation process is quick and easy: it simply involves adding the add-on and obtaining an API key from OpenAI.

There are only a handful of pre-made templates to choose from now. With time, additional useful templates will be added, making this great free tool even more valuable.

If you’re looking to save valuable time on data-cleaning activities, grab the software add-on at https://www.getcargo.io/ai-for-sheets

‍

Michel Lieben

Founder, CEO

Michel Lieben is the Founder & CEO of ColdIQ, a B2B sales prospecting agency trusted by 100+ organizations. He’s launched hundreds of outbound campaigns, mastered tools like Clay and Lemlist, and shares sharp, actionable insights on scaling sales with AI, automation, and strategy.

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FAQ

Cargo can standardize phone numbers, email formats, and addresses. It also removes duplicates and trims extra spaces, improving list quality before outreach campaigns. These cleaning tasks help maintain consistent and reliable datasets.

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