Transportation management systems (TMS) are pivotal for carriers to efficiently run their operations in today’s market. While many options exist, Truckbase and Alvys TMS have emerged as two popular choices for trucking companies and fleets.
In this article, we will analyze the key capabilities and strengths of both. Keep reading to find out which trucking software for carriers is best for streamlining operations and increasing overall competitiveness.
What is Truckbase TMS software?
The Truckbase transportation management solution is a cloud-based platform designed for asset-based trucking companies and carriers to manage their operations. Here’s an overview of some key features and benefits offered by this leading transportation management system software.
- Truckbase’s all-in-one TMS technology focuses solely on serving the needs of asset-based carriers.
- Key features include the Truckbase AI powered load builder, dispatching tools, truck and trailer tracking, freight billing, QuickBooks integration, carrier and driver management.
- Offering an intuitive, easy-to-use transport management interface, this top TMS software aims to simplify operations for growing asset-based carriers by eliminating data entry and increasing overall efficiency.
- Truckbase’s state-of-the-art, cloud-based transportation technology uses advanced AI, API, and EDI protocols to automate workflows and promote cross-functional collaboration.
- The TMS system syncs with 30+ ELD providers to offer real-time load visibility and customized auto-notifications, which eliminates the need for time-consuming check calls.
- Analytics and reporting provides insights on costs, profits, customer analysis and other KPIs.
Essentially, the Truckbase Inc. carrier TMS consolidates critical transportation management tasks into a single interface to help streamline operations, reduce costs, gain visibility, and automate invoicing. As one of the most modern transportation management systems on the market, it offers the flexibility to scale with any small- to mid-sized carrier’s long term growth trajectory.
What is Alvys TMS logistics software?
Similar to other TMS providers, Alvys offers holistic transport management system software for freight logistics operations. In general, here’s what customers can expect from this TMS trucking software.
- Catering to brokerages, 3PLs, and trucking carriers, Alvys’s trucking TMS software aims to meet the needs of small, medium and large companies across the entire industry.
- Alvys enables end-to-end visibility with robust software integration capabilities, track and trace functionality, and historical analytics reporting.
- Additional features include accounting capabilities, load management, safety and maintenance tracking, and easy onboarding.
- Unlike other TMS software providers, Alvys doesn’t charge exorbitant implementation and training fees, or require long-term contracts.
- Includes several collaboration tools to facilitate transparency between brokers, back office staff, drivers, and customers.
On a high level, Alvys’s TMS software for carriers aims to help customers see their entire operation on one screen so they can easily manage loads, drivers, and payments. One of its main transportation management system benefits is the connection it enables with ELDs, telematic devices, accounting software, ERPs, factoring tools, and load boards.
Truckbase vs Alvys: What’s the best TMS software?
Transport management systems aren’t new to the industry. Top transportation management systems, however, differentiate themselves with a modern tech stack, intuitive interface, and ability to nimbly scale with company growth.
Both Truckbase and Alvys are TMS software companies that check those boxes, but which one offers the best TMS software for carriers? Let’s take a deeper look and find out how they compare in several important areas.
Usability
Truckbase
Truckbase stands out with an easy-to-use and elegantly designed front-end interface. Its driver-friendly dispatching capabilities make it a great fit for carrier fleets focused on driver usability. Users are thrilled to discover the software requires very little training — in fact, according to one user testimonial, “Any dispatcher can pick it up within 30 minutes.”
By automating mundane dispatching, invoicing and payroll processes, Truckbase eliminates data entry through its smart, AI-powered load importer tool. This reduces human errors and operational delays so all users can be more efficient with less effort. Another customer points out that Truckbase has “set themselves apart by being simple, yet relevant. Their new load entry feature is straightforward and to the point.”
Alvys
Alvys caters to a wider audience, as it serves carriers, brokers, and more. This is reflected in the technology’s intuitive dispatching, driver management, billing, and compliance workflows. One customer testimonial calls the carrier TMS software “easy to use and modern,” while another praises the simplicity of its interface. Still, other Alvys reviews point out that Alvys software “still has a lot of bugs” to work out, more layout options are needed, and there are frequent updates to “learn and adapt to.”
Winner: Truckbase
Integrations
Truckbase
Truckbase prides itself on the breadth of its integrations with leading ELD, accounting, and shipper/broker systems. Its connections with 30+ ELD providers, for instance, give dispatchers access to vehicle locations and status changes for better planning. APIs that sync invoice and settlement data into QuickBooks Desktop and Online products enable real-time financials. At the same time, bi-directional EDI data pipes directly into major shipper/broker systems to reduce double entry and paperwork.
Alvys
Alvys is one of the top TMS providers just going by the 100+ software integrations it supports. Powered by an in-house EDI solution, the TMS system software works seamlessly with leading industry load boards, accounting platforms, visibility tools, and more. The process of getting a complex integration up and running, however, isn’t always smooth sailing. For example, one customer with multifaceted business requirements describes their QuickBooks integration with Alvys as “a pretty heavy lift.”
Winner: Tie; although Alvys offers more integrations than Truckbase, complex setups may be painful
Mobile apps
Truckbase
The ability to communicate effectively on the go can make or break a small- to medium-sized carrier’s business. Truckbase is one of the most mobile-friendly TMS vendors in the marketplace, offering apps for dispatchers, admins, and drivers. Former Alvys customers praise Truckbase’s driver-friendly, easily-implemented text-based dispatching capabilities and integrated document scanner, which improves on-time BOL collection rates. Using the app, drivers can view all their load and route info in one place, helping them to avoid check calls and deliver more efficiently.
Alvys
By offering all the details that drivers need in its Driver Mobile App, Alvys streamlines the load management experience for drivers. The Alvys app allows for automatic check-ins and check-outs using GPS location information, easy record-keeping, and access to driver pay stubs and financials. User reviews are mixed. Some find it quite helpful, while others cite difficulty with driver adoption and a need for better fleet management capabilities.
Winner: Truckbase
Broker and 3PL support
Truckbase
Truckbase currently offers no features specifically built to meet the needs of truck load brokers or 3PLs. It was designed (and is continuously updated) with small- to mid-sized, asset-based OTR carriers in mind. By concentrating on the specific needs of this customer base, Truckbase is able to streamline the software’s user experience and focus on continuously developing highly relevant features that make users more efficient.
Alvys
The Alvys TMS for logistics offers capabilities to meet the needs of freight brokers, 3PL providers, and hybrid broker-carrier operations. This is where the 100+ integrations come in; with such a diverse customer base, Alvys must work with a much wider pool of specialized technologies.
Winner: Alvys
TMS software price structure
Truckbase
Options for fixed or flexible pricing makes Truckbase more carrier-friendly (and typically more affordable) than other vendors’ TMS price structures. Truckbase’s model is transparent, which enables clearer budget planning.
Alvys
Alvys offers per load volume pricing. For some this may be considered a pro, but carriers seeking straightforward fixed pricing are more likely to view it as a con.
Winner: Truckbase
And the winner is…
It was a close call, but the results of this TMS comparison are clear. When it comes to small- and medium-sized asset-based freight carriers, Truckbase is the way to go. If you’re looking for TMS software for brokers or 3PLs, on the other hand, Alvs is certainly worth further consideration.
Both Truckbase and Alvys offer advanced features and scalability powered by state-of-the-art technology. Truckbase edges Alvys out, though, with a superior user experience and laser focus on the needs of its more homogenous customer base.
By eliminating manual data entry, improving team collaboration, and continuously striving to help customers win more loads, Truckbase demonstrates its commitment to supporting customer growth efficiently and affordably. Contact them today to learn more about what they can do for your business.
FAQ
Why do companies use a TMS?
Companies use a transportation management system (TMS) to automate and optimize their shipping, freight, and logistics operations. A TMS improves efficiency, reduces costs, enhances visibility and compliance, and enables more strategic decision-making.
What is the difference between TMS and WMS?
A transportation management system (TMS) plans transport and shipping logistics externally. A warehouse management system (WMS), on the other hand, controls internal warehouse workflow and processes.
Who uses a TMS?
A transportation management system (TMS) is used by any company needing to manage shipments, oversee carriers, and improve shipping workflows. Typical TMS users include large fleets, brokers, and intermediaries coordinating transportation.