Carrier allocation can be influenced via a series of 'scoring rules' that are accessed by selecting Configure Allocation Rules on the Delivery Manager Setup menu.
If you wish to see the rules that are already configured for a carrier service, select that service at the top of the screen, and then click Search:
Updated Allocation Experience Available
Looking for the updated Allocation Rules experience? If your account has access to the enhanced view, see Enhanced Carrier Allocation Rules.
To create a new rule, go to Add Scoring Rules(s), and select options from the drop-down menus based on your selected Rule type (refer to Rule Syntax).
Each rule generates a score that determines how delivery options are sorted using the Allocation Filter.
The simplest way to use rules is for exclusion: preventing unsuitable services from being selected. For example, if a carrier 'service group' has three services and you always want to use Service A for consignments over 2 kg, you can create rules to exclude Services B and C for any consignment exceeding 2 kg. Wherever a service is excluded in this way, its score is set to -1 to signify that it is unavailable for allocation. Refer to Rule Syntax and Rule Examples.
The default baseline score for a carrier service is 1.0. For any service that is not excluded, Delivery Manager applies a score between 0 and 10, then allocates the consignment to the service with the lowest score.
Use advanced rules to influence scores. For example, set a score of 0 to Attempt to force service A if the consignment is going to Guernsey.
Important: Advanced Rules Do Not Guarantee Allocation
Using an advanced rule to select a 'prioritised' service does not guarantee allocation. It must also be available based on the carrier service attributes, and must meet the conditions of the booking code (if applicable). Refer to Allocation Filter.
You should use carrier allocation rules to achieve some of the following recommended objectives:
-
Services should be selected (or rejected) according to weight.
-
Services that take a long time should be excluded.
-
Services despatching today should be preferred over those despatching on a later date.
-
Consignments requiring POD should be excluded from services that do not ask for proof of delivery.
-
Score services in accordance with time-of-day delivery preferences.
Do Not Override Carrier Contract Terms
You should never try to override the carrier service attributes when you allocate consignments, as these are contractually defined by each carrier.