Managing a transportation network can be a challenging and time-consuming task, but with the help of modern technology, it doesn’t have to be. Transportation management system software can simplify the process and make it more efficient for businesses. By optimizing various aspects of transportation operations, this software can save companies money while streamlining their processes.
With so many transportation management system software options available on the market, it’s crucial to select the right one for your business needs. By doing so, you can make a significant difference in the success of your transportation operations.
Quicklook: Top transportation management system software options
- Truckbase TMS
- Rose Rocket TMS
- Oracle TMS
- Blue Yonder TMS
- Load Logix TMS
5 best TMS software options
Currently, there are a number of great transportation management system software options on the market. While some easily stand out among the crowd, the best TMS for your business may be one with a specific or specialized feature.
The following transportation management systems are the most highly reviewed and used. However, these TMS options also have specific features and tools that make them unique, and can make you more competitive as a result.
Truckbase TMS
Truckbase lets small trucking companies grow their fleets without increasing complexity. The software is affordably priced for smaller trucking companies looking for a simple, easy TMS to automate their back-office.
Manage dispatching without any excess data entry. Automate load building and dispatch with a PDF importer, send to drivers via text, and let drivers upload BOLs directly with integrated mobile scanning. Use instant invoicing and financial reporting tools to improve cash flow. Build trust with drivers with simple driver settlements without extra hassle or data entry.
Rose Rocket TMS
Rose Rocket’s Platform is designed to work with any transportation businesses no matter how unique and complex. The Platform offers customization right from the beginning, from workflows to tools and widgets, all with the flexibility to support changing business needs. Customize the software with panels and templates, and automate your order input to increase business efficiency. Other features that make this software a winner include ELD and live tracking, invoicing and a comprehensive analytics suite to help you better track your business’ performance.
Oracle TMS
Like MercuryGate, Oracle offers a comprehensive TMS. It is fully integrated through cloud applications, platform services, and engineered systems.
Some of Oracle’s best features include application integration, scalability, powerful performance, advanced security, and a low cost of ownership. Oracle’s multiple operation systems also provide users with an unrivaled ability to build the most optimized infrastructure possible.
Blue Yonder TMS
The TMS from Blue Yonder (formerly JDA Transportation & Logistics Management Solutions) is another great option. Blue Yonder’s TMS automates and streamlines business processes. It significantly reduces both administrative and operating costs. In doing so, Blue Yonder’s TMS and its automation reduces the need for manual user override.
The system is able to automatically detect and resolve most issues and only requires intervention in a few situations.
Load Logix TMS
Load Logix’s transportation management system uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data and provide real-time recommendations for load planning, dispatching, and carrier selection. By automating and optimizing these processes, Load Logix’s platform can reduce costs and increase operational efficiency for its customers.
How does transportation management system software work?
Transportation management system software (TMS) manages the four key processes of transportation management: Planning and decision-making, transportation execution, follow-up, and measurement.
TMS will find and create the most efficient transport plans according to the things that the user or business defines as being the most important. This means that TMS can prioritize transport plans by the cost, shorter lead-times, or fewer stops en route.
What makes good transportation management system software?
A transportation management system needs to be a comprehensive solution that’s flexible enough to keep up with the times. Aside from managing transport activities, a TMS also comes with tools and reports for businesses to plan and optimize their routes, conduct audits on freight, manage their yards, view orders, make payments, and execute transport operations.
An all-encompassing business tool, like a transportation management system, must have these five things to be beneficial:
Intuitive dashboards
To be useful, a TMS must have an intuitive dashboard. This dashboard must be easy to understand and use. The dashboard should also have access to anything a user may need. It should enable users to view orders, shipments, and inventory, make changes to orders as necessary, and more.
Fleet management
Any good TMS should provide users with the ability to manage their fleet. This includes managing drivers, vehicles, carrier rates, and financial performance. Some transportation management systems can even automate fleet management, lowering administrative costs.
An optimization engine
Optimization of transportation networks is what transportation management software is designed for. A quality TMS should provide information on ways to make logistics networks, shipments, orders, and routes more efficient.
Payment and billing tools
To improve operations, your TMS should include tools for payment and billing. The TMS should help to calculate transportation rates, track claims, report on costs, adjust costs when necessary, allocate expenses, match invoices, and make automated payments.
Mobile capability
TMS users cannot always be in front of a computer. Good TMS companies offer mobile versions of their software, so users can manage their networks wherever they are (or wherever they need to be).
Save, streamline and track with TMS
Utilizing TMS software can help businesses save money by optimizing various aspects of transportation operations and providing real-time tracking. However, with so many options available, it’s crucial to invest in a TMS that offers features that align with your business needs. Some of the key features to consider include an easy-to-use dashboard, fleet management, optimization tools, payment and billing capabilities, and mobile capability.
Several top-rated transportation management systems on the market offer these features, including ones on this list. These systems have received high rankings from both users and industry experts, making them a reliable choice for businesses seeking to streamline their transportation operations.
FAQ
A transportation management system (TMS) typically costs between $100-$500 per user per month for an SaaS solution, with on-premise systems costing much more due to infrastructure and customization needs. Enterprise-grade TMS deployments including integrations and custom features can cost millions upfront for very large shippers.
A TMS is usually worth the investment for large shippers because it provides positive ROI by optimizing loads to reduce costs, automating paperwork and compliance to reduce labor needs, and improving visibility and planning. Key benefits typically outweigh the platform costs. However, smaller shippers may not see enough savings and efficiency gains to justify the expense.
While a TMS overlaps with some ERP functions like managing financials and business processes, it is specialized software focused specifically on transportation management needs like routing, freight audit, carrier management and shipment execution so it is not a full replacement for a broader ERP system.
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