How Velocity Uses AI

Velocity applies AI where freight workflows typically break down: inconsistent rate data, slow quoting, and operational noise caused by manual comparisons and fragmented information. The goal is not “AI for its own sake,” but faster, more consistent decisions across the freight lifecycle especially in Rate Management and the handoff into Quote Management.

Where AI Is Used in Velocity

1) Charge Normalization in Rate Management

Freight rates often include the same cost item labeled differently across carriers, agents, and vendors (for example, “Int. Freight” vs “Freight”). Velocity uses AI to detect, align, and map inconsistent charge types into consistent categories so teams can compare offers fairly.

What this enables

• Cleaner cost breakdowns and fewer “why does this look different?” questions
• Apples-to-apples comparisons across vendors
• Reduced manual charge mapping and spreadsheet reconciliation

2) Faster Rate Comparison Across Modes and Vendors

Velocity positions Rate Management as a centralized, AI-powered system that helps teams manage, compare, and normalize rates across transport modes.

What this enables

• Faster shortlisting of viable options by lane/service
• More consistent commercial outputs because the underlying rate structure is standardized

3) Accelerated Quote Creation Using Standardized Inputs

Velocity positions quoting as a workflow that moves from manual cycles (hours) to near-instant outputs by using the normalized rate foundation and configured pricing logic.

What this enables

• Faster quote creation because rate data is already structured
• Fewer re-quotes caused by missing or misinterpreted charge lines
• Cleaner, more defensible quote breakdowns that align to standardized charges

To see how AI fits into a complete modernization path (not just a feature layer), review the modern freight forwarding tech stack blueprint.

What AI Does Not Replace

Velocity’s AI reduces repetitive work, but it does not eliminate commercial and operational ownership. Teams still define:

• Which carriers/vendors are preferred per lane
• Pricing policy (markups/margins, customer exceptions)
• Governance (who can publish rates, approve changes, and override outcomes)

AI improves consistency and speed; your operating model controls the outcomes.

How AI Improves Day-to-Day Work (Practical Examples)

Example A: Comparing two carrier rate sheets

Without normalization, carrier A and carrier B may describe similar charges differently, making comparisons misleading. With AI-supported normalization, charge lines align into consistent categories so you can compare totals and components with confidence.

Example B: Reducing “hidden effort” in quoting

A significant part of quoting time is spent cleaning inputs (charges, naming, mismatched formats). A normalized rate foundation reduces these corrections and makes quotes easier to generate and explain.

Best Practices to Get Reliable Results

1. Standardize your lane and service definitionsConsistent origin/destination naming and service types improves matching and comparisons.




2. Keep charge naming clean even if AI normalizesAI helps align inconsistencies, but disciplined charge conventions reduce exceptions and edge cases.




3. Version and validate rate updatesTreat rate changes like production changes: test, sample-check, and publish intentionally.




4. Use AI outputs as a decision accelerator, not a decision-makerSet your preferred carriers, pricing rules, and approval policies so standardized outputs match your commercial strategy.

To operationalize these standards across teams, connect updates through TMS Integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Velocity use AI to “invent” prices?

Velocity positions AI around normalizing and comparing rates and reducing manual effort. It standardizes what you already have and helps you work faster with consistent structure.

Where is AI most visible in the product?

The clearest example is the Charge Normalization Engine in Rate Management, where AI aligns inconsistent charge types for apples-to-apples comparison.

Why does charge normalization matter for quoting?

Because quotes are easier to generate and easier to defend when cost components are consistent across vendors and lanes especially when customers ask for breakdowns and comparisons.