OTM models carrier contracting across five layers: Service Provider (who moves the freight), Rate Service (transit time commitments), Rate Distance (how mileage is calculated), Rate Offering (the contract), and Rate Records (the actual cost lanes). Understanding this structure is essential for rate setup, planning troubleshooting, and freight cost analysis.

Service Provider:

A Service Provider (carrier) is the party that physically moves freight. They own or manage trucks, containers, trailers, and drivers. They receive tender requests from OTM specifying origin, destination, weight, volume, and shipment dates — and issue invoices once delivery is complete.

OTM models carrier contracting in two layers: a Rate Offering (the contract — who, what transport mode, what service level) and Rate Records (the lanes — source, destination, and cost). Bulk Plan uses Rate Offerings and Rate Records to select a carrier and calculate freight cost for each shipment leg.

Service Provider:

A Service Provider (carrier) must exist in OTM before a Rate Offering can be created. Each carrier requires a SCAC code — the four-letter industry identifier that uniquely distinguishes them.