Rate Engine Module for Delivery Cost Calculation

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Replace Spreadsheets With a System That Calculates Delivery Costs Automatically

The Rate Engine Module is built to calculate delivery costs in a way that reflects real business logic, not generic tariffs.

Instead of flat rates or hidden spreadsheet logic, this module centralizes pricing rules inside the system. It becomes a single source of truth for how much a shipment should cost, why it costs that amount, and how those numbers are built.

The goal is simple: consistent pricing, predictable margins, and full transparency across operations.

Why a Custom Rate Engine Gives You Pricing Control

Accurate pricing logic

Delivery cost is calculated based on real operational rules, not manual overrides.

Flexible contract modelling

Different customers, regions, carriers, and service levels can follow different pricing logic.

Predictable margins

Pricing reflects real costs, not estimates pulled from disconnected systems.

Real-time rate responses

The system can return a price instantly to internal systems or customer-facing platforms.

Reduction of manual quoting work

Dispatch and sales teams stop wasting time on spreadsheets and manual calculators.

Technical Information

The Rate Engine is implemented as an independent, API-first service.

Architecture

Standalone microservice built with modern .NET or Node.js stacks
Stateless calculation endpoints for high volume request handling
Rule-based pricing engine with deterministic outputs
Event-driven updates for contract and tariff changes

Core Calculation Inputs

Distance and lane data
Weight, volume, pallet count
Service level (standard, express, dedicated, etc.)
Customer contract and discount tiers
Carrier cost structures
Fuel indices and dynamic surcharges

Pricing Logic Types

Flat rates per lane or zone
Tiered pricing by weight or volume brackets
Distance-based curves
Contract-driven discounts
Peak and off-peak multipliers

Integration Patterns

The Rate Engine typically integrates with:

Order Management Module. To price shipments at creation time.
Shipment Consolidation Module. To evaluate the profitability of grouped loads.
Customer Portals or Quoting Tools. To provide instant pricing externally.
ERP / Finance Systems. To sync revenue and margin data.

Use Cases

Digital Freight Platforms

Real-time pricing is required when users expect instant quotes without human intervention.

3PLs with Complex Contracts

Companies with many customer-specific agreements use the engine to eliminate manual pricing errors.

Marketplaces and B2B Shipping Portals

Instant, API-based pricing becomes a core product feature.

Internal Sales Teams

Sales can generate accurate quotes in seconds instead of waiting on operations.

When pricing logic lives in people’s heads or spreadsheets, margins leak and trust breaks. The Rate Engine Module puts pricing under control and makes cost behaviour predictable.

TwinCore can implement this module as a standalone pricing service or as a core part of a full custom TMS.

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What our clients say about us

TwinCore has elevated the client's customers to the next level of supply chain management. The team is highly cost-efficient from a project management standpoint, and internal stakeholders are particularly impressed with the service provider's team dynamic.

Alex Lopatkin

Amous
TwinCore delivered a fully functional solution on time, meeting expectations. The highly organized team employed a DevOps approach, swiftly responded to needs and concerns, and led a productive, enjoyable workflow. Their receptiveness to client requests and feedback stood out.

Bruno Maurer

Managin Director, N-tree
Thanks to TwinCore’s work, the client has gained a user-friendly, stable, and scalable SaaS platform. The team manages the engagement well by being reliable and punctual; they deliver tasks on time. Their resources are also highly flexible, resulting in a truly seamless engagement with the client.

Mischa Herbrand

Executive, CIN
TwinCore successfully audited the apps and converted them into modern web apps, meeting expectations. They completed the project on time and within the agreed budget. Communicating through virtual meetings, the team provided updates and responded to the client's concerns.

JH

Joe Holme

IT Director, GDD Associates
TwinCore delivered a fully functional solution on time, meeting expectations. The highly organized team employed a DevOps approach, swiftly responded to needs and concerns, and led a productive, enjoyable workflow. Their receptiveness to client requests and feedback stood out.

A

Anonymous

Managing Director, Marketing Company