Abstract: A system and method for developing optimized cargo transportation solutions. The system may include a number of different modules (programs) that may be executed individually, or in series when an exemplary system includes the programs operating sequentially. Input to the programs may be obtained from the shipment files of an entity for whom a transportation solution is being created. The output of one program may act as at least a partial input to the next program when the programs are executed sequentially. One or more of the programs may employ optimization procedures such as ant colony optimization procedures and/or local improvement heuristics. The systems and methods are provided to determine a most cost effective shipping solution for given cargo.