Optimizing for a Single Trip Recommendation

 

 

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When to Use This

• You have a trip ready and need help finding the best driver

• You want to use optimization logic for recommendation instead of manual assignments

• You want to see profitability, deadhead, and feasibility for each driver

• You want to assign a driver with minimal effort and maximum impact

 

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open the Trips Module

You can start a single trip optimization from several locations: Go to (a) Planning > Trips, (b) Open the bottom Trips Grid in the Dispatch Module or (c) select a single trip from the Network Balance Module. 

Use filters like Status: Available and Type: FTL on any page to make the list more manageable.

(a) Planning > Trips Module

(b) Trips Grid on Dispatch Panel

(c) Network Balance Module

Step 2: Select the Trip

Click a trip row to open the Trip Details Panel on the right.

You’ll see key info like:

• Origin and destination

• Appointment windows

• Distance, load size, and revenue

• Assignment status

Step 3: Click “Find a Match”

In the Assignment section, click the Find a Match button.

This opens the Recommendations panel, powered by the optimization engine. The optimization engine will start automatically based on your default engine or last engine selection.

Step 4: Choose an Engine Mode

At the top of the panel, select the appropriate Optimization Mode:

• Default Mode – general-purpose logic

• Custom Modes – allows prioritization of different parameters for different planning objectives

Each mode controls logic like:

• Max deadhead allowed

• Hours of service

• Whether to consider relay or re-assignment

 

Step 5: Filter Driver Pool (Optional)

You can narrow down the candidate pool by selecting from:

• All Drivers

• Custom Views (Helpful for large fleets or zone-based assignments)

Step 6: Review Driver Recommendations

Each row shows a potential driver and includes:

• Name, score (stars), and available start time

• Profit: Estimated revenue minus cost

• Deadhead miles (distance to pickup)

• Appointment compliance (green = on time)

• Compatibility score (how well the trip fits the driver’s preferences and hours)

Step 7: View Diagnostics

Click View Diagnostics to see why some drivers may not be eligible or ranked lower.

Examples include:

• Driver unavailable for appointment window

• Deadhead too far

• HOS limits or seniority mismatch

Step 8: Assign a Driver

Once satisfied with the recommendation:

• Click the check icon (✔️) next to the driver in the recommendation card

• The assignment will apply immediately to the trip

• Click Save to TMS to write that recommendation back to your TMS

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Example KPIs

KPI	Description	Example
Recommendation Score	Ranking of recommendations relative to the five below pillars for overall balance	4.0
Deadhead	Deadhead as a total and percentage of total trip mileage.  Calculated from last stop or currently location to recommendation pickup location	45 mi/ 516 mi (9%)
Total Profit ($)	Revenue – Cost for recommended trip(s)	$4,759 ($2,036/day)
Total Driver Waiting Time	Total driver wait time relative to toal time on the trip including Duty Time, Wait Time, and Rest Time	780 miles
Total Delays	Based on appointment windows and routing time	1 Stop / 27m
Load Compatibility Score	Internal scoring for driver/load match	5/5

 

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Tips & Best Practices

• Run optimization from the trip side when you know what needs to move

• Use “High Profit” toggle to sort results by margin and "Early Assignment" when it needs to move quickly

• Consider assignment urgency vs. profitability

• Check diagnostics to tune Engine Mode for future runs

• Combine with custom filters in Dispatch for side-by-side planning