Best TMS providers for shippers

Transportation management systems are essential tools that enable shippers to optimize and automate their freight operations. With the market full of TMS providers claiming to offer the best TMS possible, it can be tough for shippers to select the right solution for their needs. 

This article reviews leading TMS logistics platforms for shippers based on capabilities, specialties, and value delivered. We’ll help you find the perfect partner for your organization.

And when you’re finished reading, check out the other articles in our ‘Shipper TMS’ series:

• How can TMS integration benefit shippers?
• Guide to buying the right shipper TMS for your business
• Best TMS providers for shippers

Quicklook: 6 top shipper TMS providers

• Best for implementation: Loadsmart
• Best for small truckload shippers: Truckbase
• Best for large shippers: Trimble
• Best for carrier management software capabilities: MercuryGate
• Best for omnichannel distributors: Manhattan Associates
• Best for international shippers: BluJay Solutions

Best TMS software for shippers

If you’re in need of transport management solutions with capabilities tailored specifically toward your shipping needs, you can’t go wrong with the TMS companies on this list.

Loadsmart

Loadsmart revolutionizes logistics with cutting-edge tech and transportation services for optimized freight spend, efficiency, and service quality. 

ShipperGuide TMS is Loadsmart’s user-friendly platform best known for its quick implementation and little need for prior knowledge or advanced skills.

The platform enables shippers to plan, procure, and execute shipments across all modes. It also includes end-to-end visibility, carrier selection, routing, pricing negotiations, and real-time price comparisons for choosing the lowest-cost carriers without compromising service.

Loadsmart Managed Transportation services can be brought in to fill any advanced gaps a potential customer sees in the technology offering.

Best for: Implementation

Features

• Procure
  • RFPs and mini-bids
  • Award scenarios
  • Real-time carrier bids
  • Spot bids
• Plan
  • Routing guide
  • Rate benchmarking
  • Mode optimization
  • Carrier selection
• Execute
  • Tender shipments
  • Tracking and visibility
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Document generation
• Settle
  • Accessorials charges
  • Audit and dispute
  • Document management
  • Carrier payment
• Analyze
  • Real-time data
  • Performance monitor (coming soon)
  • Customizable reports
  • Carrier scorecards

Benefits

• 35% of savings per lane with live market benchmarking
• 83% reduction in time on rate procurement activities
• Onboard your entire team in 60 minutes
• Easy to use for even the least tech-savvy people on your team

Disadvantages 

• May not have all the advanced functionality of a Tier 1 TMS

Pricing

• No activation fee
• Based on the total freight executed in the platform

Truckbase

Truckbase is the ideal TMS solution for small truckload shippers due to its affordable price point, ease of use, and focus on core transportation planning software functions. This TMS tool is an accessible entry-level option for basic load booking, dispatch, tracking, and carrier communications. With simplified features and a low-cost SaaS model, Truckbase offers an attainable TMS system for shippers to manage their basic logistics needs.

Best for: Small truckload shippers

Features

• Intuitive load management interface
• Carrier database and tendering
• Load tracking and visibility
• Driver mobile app
• Integrates with accounting software
• Customizable dashboard

Benefits

• Fast and easy to implement
• Very user-friendly system
• Provides basic TMS shipping software functionality
• More affordable software for transportation than larger systems
• Good for managing core truckload operations

Disadvantages

• Lacks advanced shipping optimization and analytics capabilities

Pricing

• Starts around $500/month per subscription

Trimble

Trimble is considered one of the best TMS systems for shippers due to its comprehensive transport management software solution, strong optimization and routing capabilities, and deep expertise that supports shippers across many industries. With customizable solutions for shippers of all sizes and excellent customer service, the company offers robust features for planning, execution, visibility, and analytics. Trimble’s TMS platform specializes in helping shippers improve procurement, expand carrier networks, and drive efficiency across global multimodal operations.

Best for: Large shippers

Features

• Optimization engines for routing, load building, mode selection
• Appointment scheduling and yard management
• Robust analytics and KPI reporting
• Multimodal support, including parcel, LTL, FTL, rail, and ocean
• Carrier communication portal
• Load tracking with GPS

Benefits

• Reduces freight costs through network design and load efficiency
• Improves asset utilization
• Increases visibility and control over transportation operations
• Expands carrier base and improves procurement
• Enables collaboration across supply chain partners

Disadvantages

• Not ideal for small shippers with basic needs

Pricing

• Based on number of TMS application users

MercuryGate

MercuryGate is one of the top transportation management systems for shippers looking to improve carrier management capabilities. Its TMS service platform specializes in helping shippers optimize carrier selection, expand networks, improve procurement, and enable carrier TMS collaboration.

Best for: Carrier management software capabilities

Features

• Carrier communication portal
• Automated freight tendering
• Carrier sourcing and contract management
• Carrier evaluation and performance analytics
• Multimodal transportation support
• Appointment scheduling optimization

Benefits

• Expands carrier base and partnerships
• Optimizes tendering to improve cost and service
• Increased visibility into carrier operations
• Tools to identify high-performing carriers
• Improves carrier procurement and contract negotiation
• Enables collaboration with carriers

Disadvantages

• Can be complex for small shippers

Pricing

• Monthly subscription model based on users

Manhattan Associates

Manhattan Associates is regarded as one of the top TMS software providers for omnichannel distributors. This is because of its strengths in distribution planning, execution, and optimization. With its focus on optimizing distributed order fulfillment and inventory planning, Manhattan’s TMS supply chain management solution is tailored to support complex distribution supply chains. 

Best for: Omnichannel distributors

Features

• Optimization engines for routing and consolidation
• Real-time TMS tracking of inventory in motion
• Appointment scheduling and dock management
• Yard management integration
• Returns and reverse logistics management
• Analytics for distribution KPIs

Benefits

• Increased distribution efficiency across channels
• Improved asset utilization
• Reduced miles driven and distribution costs
• Enhanced visibility across supply chain
• Support for direct-to-consumer fulfillment
• Data-driven distribution planning

Disadvantages

• Higher cost
• Too complex for small operations

Pricing

• Quote-based enterprise pricing model

BluJay Solutions

BluJay Solutions is regarded as one of the best transportation management systems for shippers that need to manage cross-border multimodal transportation. Its logistics network, international focus, and expertise in customs and trade compliance make it an ideal choice for global freight shipping. 

Best for: International shippers

Features

• Ocean, air, rail, and truck transportation management
• Landed cost management and freight audit
• Customs filing, screening, and compliance tools
• Support for dangerous goods shipments
• Global trade content and restricted party screening
• Multi-language support

Benefits

• Optimized routing, carrier selection and consolidation for global shipments
• Ensured compliance with international regulations
• Reduced costs through freight audit programs
• Improved supply chain visibility globally
• Scalable for any region or volume

Disadvantages

• Can be complex to implement across regions

Pricing

• Quote-based enterprise pricing

Why do shippers need transportation management system (TMS) software?

By providing optimization, automation, visibility, and data analytics, a robust TMS is a mission-critical application for shippers seeking to transform their logistics operations. Here are some of the key reasons shippers may decide to invest in it.

• Improved efficiency: TMS systems for shippers help plan optimal routes and consolidate loads to reduce miles driven and costs. Automated processes also increase efficiency in areas like shipment booking, tendering, and freight audit.
• Enhanced visibility: Real-time tracking of shipments and inventory in transit provides visibility across the supply chain to improve planning and exception management.
• Better carrier management: TMS systems provide tools to source, onboard, manage, and optimize usage of carriers through features like contract management, tendering, and performance metrics.
• Data insights: Robust analytics and reporting unlock insights into KPIs like on-time rate, capacity utilization, and cost per mile/load to inform decision-making.
• Better collaboration: A TMS allows shippers to digitally collaborate with carriers, 3PLs, suppliers, and other partners through shared platforms.
• Regulatory compliance: TMS helps shippers meet regulations related to safety, food transportation, custom clearance, and e-logging mandates.
• Contingency planning: Transport management system software supports rapid adjustment of routes and carriers in response to supply chain disruptions.
• Business scaling: As shipment volumes grow or enter new markets, a TMS provides the flexibility to scale and adapt transportation strategies.

Find the right TMS company to suit your management needs

With transportation being one of the highest costs for shippers, selecting the right TMS can lead to significant savings through optimized routing, improved carrier management, and data-driven decision making. Shippers should identify their key transportation pain points and requirements, then evaluate leading TMS solutions against those needs through demos and trials. By finding the best fit TMS platform for their operations, you can transform your supply chain visibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

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