Freight Cost Modelling Web Application

Build MVP web app for carrier rates, allocation keys and freight cost modelling.

We are looking for an experienced developer or small team to build a private, secure web application (MVP / proof of concept) that replaces an Excel-based process for managing road freight carrier rates and allocations across European distribution centres.

WHAT THE APPLICATION WILL DO
- Import existing Excel rate cards (FTL and 1-36 pallet band structures), allocation keys, customer volumes and postcode-to-region mappings, with header detection and clear import error reporting
- Maintain a relational database of carriers, DCs, lanes, rate cards, allocations, volumes, fuel surcharges and accessorial charges, with full version history (nothing overwritten)
- Manage carrier allocation ladders (Primary to Backup 2) per lane, with Draft and Publish workflow, versioned allocation keys and key-to-key comparison
- Search lanes for alternative contracted carriers and compare costs between carriers and allocation levels
- Calculate volume-based cost profiles (base + fuel + accessorials) by DC, mode, lane, carrier and customer
- Rule-based scenario modelling: carrier replacement, volume splits, customer-specific allocations, pallet-to-FTL cost conversion, and promotion of scenarios to draft allocations
- Rate change analysis between rate card versions, a coverage gaps report and Excel export of key outputs

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Private, authenticated access (email/password, HTTPS, no public registration)
- Hosted in a UK or EU region (GDPR), on a domain we own and control
- Tenant/client ID on all records for future multi-client use
- All rates in EUR; no FX required
- Full ownership of source code and IP transfers to us on payment

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Strong experience with relational databases and business/CRUD web applications
- Proven Excel import and export experience
- Ability to translate commercial rules into simple, maintainable logic
- Good judgement on keeping an MVP simple. Please do not over-engineer.

The attached Developer Pack contains the full specification. Please read it before bidding; generic responses will not be considered.

YOUR PROPOSAL MUST INCLUDE
1. Your understanding of the requirement and proposed solution
2. Technical stack and hosting approach (provider and region)
3. Fixed total MVP price
4. Delivery plan and milestones
5. Assumptions and exclusions
6. Recurring hosting/third-party costs
7. Hourly and day rates, with your currency stated
8. Examples of similar database or business applications you have built

Fixed-price proposals are preferred. Scope is defined in the attached pack and will be managed against it.