Hi,
Route plans and Route guides in D365 SCM aren’t strictly required for all transportation scenarios — that’s why you’re still able to get rates without configuring them. However, they do add extra functionality and detail, especially in more complex logistics.
-Route plans: Define the physical path of the shipment, including all stops (hubs) and the carrier/service for each segment. They are essential when you have multiple stops or need to break down a trip into segments with different carriers, rates, or service levels.
-Route guides: Contain the matching logic between loads and route plans (origin/destination hubs, volume/weight limits, carrier, service). They’re what allow the system to automatically suggest the most appropriate route for a given load
If you have only a single stop (origin → destination):
-You can run without route plans and guides without major functional impact — you’ll still get rates and can process shipments.
-The main thing you’ll miss is the route detail view and the ability to apply segment-specific charges, constraints, or matching logic.
-You also lose the option to easily scale up later to multi-stop routes, scheduled routes, or sustainability integration without reworking the setup
In short: For single-stop routes, they are optional. For multi-stop, scheduled routes, or more granular control and automation, they become important.
I hope my answer helps you, and I also recommend reading the manual:
Plan freight transportation routes with multiple stops - Supply Chain Management | Dynamics 365 | Microsoft Learn
