Most TMS platforms are great at capturing data and managing workflows. But when it comes to complex, real-time operational decisions, they often rely heavily on manual input.
A Transportation Decision Layer changes that by adding an intelligence layer that sits on top of your TMS — continuously evaluating data and determining the best operational moves.
Think of it as the brain above the system of record.
What Is a Transportation Decision Layer?
A Transportation Decision Layer is a dedicated intelligence framework that:
Consumes real-time operational data
Applies business rules, constraints, and priorities
Runs optimization and decision logic
Feeds back clear, executable actions into the TMS
It doesn’t replace your TMS. It amplifies it.
Your TMS remains the source of truth and execution platform. The decision layer ensures that what gets executed is consistently aligned with your operational goals.
Turning Data Into Decisions — Not Just Visibility
Fleets today have more data than ever:
GPS and telematics
ELD and driver hours
Load and jobsite updates
Historical performance
Customer requirements
But data alone doesn’t improve performance. What matters is how quickly and consistently that data drives decisions.
A Transportation Decision Layer bridges that gap by continuously answering questions like:
Which driver should take the next load right now?
Should this load be reassigned due to a delay?
Is this the best use of this truck for the rest of the shift?
Do we need to rebalance work across regions or terminals?
Instead of leaving these calls to manual judgment under time pressure, the system evaluates them systematically and at scale.
Consistency Across the Operation
One of the biggest challenges in fleet operations is inconsistency:
Different dispatchers make different choices
Decisions vary by shift, region, or experience level
Best practices aren’t always applied in real time
A Transportation Decision Layer embeds your operational logic directly into the system. That means:
The same priorities are applied everywhere
Decisions follow defined rules, not just gut feel
Performance becomes more predictable and measurable
This creates a more stable and scalable operation, especially as fleets grow.
Designed for Real-Time Environments
Transportation decisions lose value as time passes. A great decision made 30 minutes late is often just a good idea that came too late.
The decision layer operates continuously, reacting to:
Late arrivals
Early completions
Equipment issues
Traffic or route disruptions
Changing jobsite conditions
It doesn’t just optimize once — it keeps optimizing throughout the day.
The Strategic Benefit
When you add a Transportation Decision Layer to your TMS, you elevate the role of your operations team.
Dispatchers and planners spend less time juggling constant changes and more time on:
Managing exceptions
Coordinating with customers
Improving processes
Planning for future demand
Leadership gains a more controllable, data-driven operation where performance is shaped by design, not daily improvisation.