Carrier Selection Optimizer

Overview

The Carrier Selection Optimizer is an automated skill that evaluates and selects optimal carriers for freight shipments using multi-criteria decision analysis. It combines performance metrics, cost analysis, capacity availability, and service level requirements to recommend the best carrier for each shipment while supporting strategic procurement decisions.

Capabilities

• Carrier Performance Scoring: Calculate and maintain composite performance scores based on on-time delivery, damage rates, and customer feedback
• Rate Comparison and Analysis: Compare contracted rates, spot rates, and accessorial charges across carriers for cost optimization
• Capacity Availability Checking: Real-time verification of carrier capacity and equipment availability for requested lanes and dates
• Service Level Matching: Match shipment requirements with carrier capabilities including transit times, handling requirements, and special services
• Historical Performance Benchmarking: Analyze carrier performance trends and compare against industry benchmarks
• Contract Compliance Validation: Verify that carrier selections comply with contracted terms, volume commitments, and business rules
• Spot Rate Negotiation Support: Provide market intelligence and historical data to support spot rate negotiations

Tools and Libraries

• TMS APIs
• Carrier Rating Databases
• Procurement Analytics Platforms
• EDI Integration Libraries

Used By Processes

• Carrier Selection and Procurement
• Freight Audit and Payment
• Shipment Tracking and Visibility

Usage

skill: carrier-selection-optimizer
inputs:
  shipment:
    origin: "Chicago, IL"
    destination: "Los Angeles, CA"
    weight_lbs: 15000
    freight_class: 70
    pickup_date: "2026-02-01"
    delivery_date: "2026-02-05"
    equipment_type: "dry_van"
    special_requirements: ["liftgate", "appointment_delivery"]
  selection_criteria:
    priority: "cost" # or "service" or "balanced"
    min_carrier_score: 85
    preferred_carriers: ["CARRIER001", "CARRIER002"]
outputs:
  recommendations:
    - carrier_id: "CARRIER001"
      carrier_name: "ABC Logistics"
      rate: 2150.00
      transit_days: 3
      performance_score: 92
      on_time_rate: 96.5
      recommendation_rank: 1
    - carrier_id: "CARRIER003"
      carrier_name: "XYZ Transport"
      rate: 2050.00
      transit_days: 4
      performance_score: 88
      on_time_rate: 94.2
      recommendation_rank: 2

Integration Points

• Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
• Carrier Portals and APIs
• Rate Management Systems
• Procurement Platforms
• Performance Management Systems

Performance Metrics

• Carrier cost savings percentage
• Service level achievement rate
• Carrier compliance rate
• Time to carrier selection
• Rate accuracy percentage