How the best transportation management software is changing how we move goods

From tracking in real-time to overseeing costs, this article details the advantages of transportation management software (TMS) and its indispensability in running a business. We will explore the top transport management software of the year, aiding you in selecting the best option for you and your team.

In the transportation sector, companies face myriad challenges, from managing various carriers and plotting routes to dealing with unexpected delays, leading to a constant whirlwind of fleet management complexity.

That is where transportation management software, or TMS, becomes vital. TMS simplifies the tasks of booking and optimising loads, planning routes, managing deliveries, and supervising the entire supply chain. The market for TMS is expected to reach $33.3 billion by 2028.

Investing in transport management software could be a game-changer for your company, saving time and money, all while enhancing customer satisfaction. This guide spotlights the foremost transportation management software available in the current market.

Feel free to jump directly to our list if you are pressed for time and cannot delve into our comprehensive research.

What is transportation management?

Transportation management is the systematic planning, execution, and optimisation of shipping goods and freight movement. It encompasses various functions, including selecting appropriate modes of transportation, routing, scheduling, carrier selection, load planning, execution, freight auditing, payment, and performance monitoring.

Transportation management ensures that deliveries are made efficiently, cost-effectively, and within the scheduled timeframe. This involves coordinating all the entities involved in transportation, including shippers, carriers, suppliers, and customers.

What is transportation management software?

Transportation Management Software (TMS) is a subset of supply chain management that deals with the planning, execution, optimisation, and oversight of transporting goods from one location to another. It plays a crucial role in making transportation more efficient and effective.

Transportation Management Software streamlines the process of planning, executing, monitoring, and analysing transportation operations.
It aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, enhance visibility, and provide better control over the transportation process. TMS has become an essential tool for modern, responsive, and cost-effective logistics management for many businesses.

What are the benefits of transportation management software?

Regarding timely, dependable, and cost-effective shipping, transportation management software is transformative for transportation businesses. 

Beyond intermodal transport, TMS offers versatile solutions for moving freight across various modes, whether domestically or internationally, using company-owned or third-party resources within the TMS framework. Transportation management software can accommodate an array of freight, from small parcels to extensive commodity shipments.

1. Better customer satisfaction 

Today’s customers demand rapid delivery, personalised delivery times, and the flexibility to make last-minute changes. Modern transportation management software can meet these expectations by linking order management and warehouse systems, facilitating the choice of the most cost-efficient carrier, and benefiting both customers and businesses.

2. Greater warehouse productivity 

A TMS saves time on freight management and enhances warehouse efficiency. Integrating systems like ERP minimises errors, and coupling with a Warehouse Management System and Supply Chain Visibility Solution can further reduce costs and increase efficiency.

3. Delivery tracking 

A TMS allows continuous shipment tracking, enabling organisations to respond promptly to delays or non-arrivals. Such tracking also helps in formulating more efficient route schedules.

4. Inventory management 

Real-time oversight of orders and shipping through transportation management software leads to more precise inventory forecasting, enhancing supply chain clarity and reliability. Its tracking features ensure timely delivery, providing better control over inventory.

5. Reduction in shipping costs 

Effective TMS examines logistical routes’ financial aspects and recommends user-centric solutions to cut costs in areas like fuel or overtime.

6. More transparent supply chains 

Modern transportation management software ensures full transparency across the supply chain, allowing logistic managers to swiftly identify and handle potential issues without compromising customer satisfaction.

7. Superior route optimisation 

Optimal routing is crucial today. With the right transportation management software, businesses can adopt pool distribution, saving money and gaining more delivery control. More complex orders can be broken down and routed individually for further efficiency.

8. Synchronised scheduling 

TMS enhances dock scheduling efficiency, aligning transportation planning, cutting waiting times, and ensuring quality transportation between locations.

9. Precise orders fulfilled 

transportation management software improves shipping accuracy, eliminating errors and disruptions due to real-time tracking and supply chain insight.

10. Less documentation 

Automation through TMS saves time and money, minimising required paperwork and administrative costs while significantly cutting down invoicing mistakes and improper billing.

What is the best transportation management software?

Before we go into specifics, here is what you can expect from the most significant TMSs:

• all transport modes coverage: land, air, sea, sometimes rail, and intermodal;
• capabilities for different use cases from shippers to 3PLs;
• subscription-based payment model;
• cloud deployment;
• a mobile app.

Now, what are the leaders, and what do they offer?

Try for free transportation management software

The selection of different transportation management software on the market is extensive, and as became clear from the previous chapter, the possibilities and prices of the solutions differ significantly. For businesses new to using software or looking to change their current provider, we advise getting to know the solution using a free trial option first. It is a great way to acquaint yourself and your field workers with the new software and see how well it can be implemented in your business.

GSMtasks offers a 14-day free trial for all new users. The signup process for a free trial includes sharing information about your business so that the GSMtasks team can cater the perfect trial for your needs. During the trial period, you and your team will be supported in learning about the software and in implementing its functions to maximise your company’s productivity.