Definition
OCL Cargo’s pricing & profitability agent (beta module) analyzes rates by lane, customer, and carrier, detects negative margins, and prioritizes profitable quotes for forwarders, 3PLs, and variable-rate carriers.
Winning the trip at a negative margin shows up late in the P&L. The beta agent pushes that signal to quote time.
What the pricing agent means in practice
It crosses rate card, awards, and real cost (including audited accessorials) to flag lanes/customers that destroy margin.
It coexists with the execution spine; it does not replace the commercial team.
Why it matters
1.Forwarder / 3PL
Avoid silent buy-rate > sell-rate.
2.Variable carrier
Prioritize lanes that pay for empty miles and detention.
3.Leadership
Profitability by customer, not volume alone.
How it works / when it applies
Fits variable rates, frequent spot, or buy/sell. Weak without clean real-cost history.
| Input | Signal | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Buy/sell rate | Margin < threshold | Prioritize or reject |
| Lane + customer | Recurring loss | Renegotiate |
| Real accessorials | Hidden cost | Adjust quote |
Beta checklist
1.Updated rate card
Buy and sell by lane.
2.Post-audit real cost
Includes detention and fuel.
3.Margin threshold
Written rule by segment.
4.Commercial owner
Who approves exceptions.
Zen flow
Data
Rate and cost
Margin
By lane
Flag
Negative
Prioritize
Profitable quote
Common mistakes
1.Quoting without accessorials
Margin dies on detention.
2.Ignoring carrier OTIF
Low price + failure = hidden cost.
3.Data in a side Excel
Beta loses value if you fragment.
OCL and the shipment file (light)
Beta module under landing «More agents». Same platform as assignment and audit. Map: freight agents.
Sources and further reading
- Hub: freight agents.
- Assignment: assignment agent.
- Rate card: what is a rate card.
Key takeaways5 points
- Landing status: Beta — same system, no extra tool.
- Use cases: forwarders, 3PLs, variable-rate carriers.
- Built on rate cards, awards from the assignment agent, and real cost after audit.
- Does not invent magic market prices: it uses your rules and data.
- Hub: freight agents.
Quoting without seeing negative margin?
Frequently asked questions
A beta module that analyzes rates by lane, customer, and carrier, detects negative margins, and prioritizes profitable quotes.
The landing marks it Beta: same system, growing with your flow.
Forwarders, 3PLs, and variable-rate carriers.
No. It prioritizes and alerts; commercial award stays human.
Real cost after audit feeds true margin.