The Ultimate List of Best Transport Management Software

Here are essential transport management software functions you need to look for:

1. Load Planning and Optimization 

The software should allow you to create comprehensive loading plans based on the mode of transport and delivery date. 

You could also access a visual representation of the container and the space utilized by the existing cargo. This lets you plan load consolidation in case you want to send additional orders as a single load, helping avoid multiple trips.   

2. Freight Rate Management 

The transport management system should let you maintain a database of carrier information to let customers check past and live rates. You should also be able to automate freight audit processes like freight cost calculation and invoice verification for various methods of shipping, such as: 

• Truckload
• Less than Truckload (LTL)
• Parcel
• Intermodal

These features let you replace manual rate management processes to enable faster bookings and improve customer service.

3. Optimizing Transport Routes

The software should help with route planning and last-mile delivery by recommending the ideal mode of transportation. It should provide this recommendation by calculating the cargo's weight, the container's capacity, and the expected delivery time. 

You can also use the GPS-tracking feature to track and modify the transportation route to reduce transit time and consumption of fuel.

4. Fleet Management 

If you have a private fleet, the transport management software should let you integrate a fleet management module to help manage the fleet. 

By integrating this module, you can allocate vehicles to drivers, check fuel consumption levels, and monitor the health of vehicles to maintain your fleet’s operational efficiency. 

5. Reporting and Analytics 

Transportation management software should allow you to export detailed reports, where you can check the carrier’s performance, transportation cost, and average transit time. 

With this information, you can identify the areas where you can improve the transportation process for the future. 

6. Integration Capabilities 

The software should let you integrate with other different API-based systems, such as: 

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems

This enables the exchange of valuable information to streamline processes across platforms.

Now that you know which features are essential for smooth logistics management, let’s look at the best transportation management system providers.   

Here are the top transport management software platforms in the market:

1. Shipthis 

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Shipthis is a digital freight forwarding software that helps freight forwarders streamline every step of the logistics operation to increase revenue.  

Shipthis’ key features include:

Features:

• Manage the entire shipment life cycle easily by automating key processes and alerts.
• Track cargo at all times across roads, oceans, skies, and rail routes with a single click. 
• Streamline the quotation process to provide customers with updated and accurate quotes instantly.
• Stay compliant with global trade standards and regulations.

Pricing: Starts at $89 per user/per month

2. Descartes

Descartes is a logistics software platform that provides supply chain management, rate management, and TMS solutions to shippers.  

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Some of its key features include:

Features:

• Manage and edit contracts with multiple carriers and shippers simultaneously.
• Automate freight audit processes like rate and invoice verification.
• Improve connectivity amongst the shippers and carriers using their Logistics Technology Platform. 
• Utilize GPS-based shipment tracking to monitor delivery. 

Pricing: Available on inquiry

3. Oracle

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Oracle Transportation Management is a comprehensive digital suite that offers enterprise, transport, and warehouse management solutions to logistics service providers.

Its key features for transport management include:

Features:

• Modify and handle route planning using the Logistics Network Modeling feature.
• Manage fleet resources to optimize the transportation of goods.
• Automate complex calculations with rate management features. 
• Collaborate in real-time with carriers and freight forwarders.

Pricing: Available on inquiry

4. SAP

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SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM) software offers logistics management, warehouse management, and supply chain management operations.  

Some key features of SAP TM include:

Features:

• Track shipments in real time.
• Customize transport orders, forwarding instructions, and reports. 
• Manage tender documents and bid submissions.
• Integrate with other SAP software to handle freight invoices, warehouse operations, and global trade requests. 

Pricing: Available on inquiry

5. Kuebix

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Kuebix TMS is a cloud-based platform offering supply chain management and freight management solutions to simplify each step of the logistics operation. 

Kuebix TMS provides the following features:

Features:

• Use a single system to optimize shipping across transport modes and routes.
• Book shipments online and facilitate carrier selection. 
• Monitor and evaluate real-time data to manage freight delivery. 
• Automate carrier invoices and streamline rate management processes. 

Pricing: Available on inquiry

6. Manhattan

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Manhattan Active® Transportation Management platform provides supply chain, warehouse, and transport management solutions for logistics companies. 

Here are some of its features:

Features:

• Access insights for efficient route optimization, carrier selection, and cargo distribution. 
• Streamline communication with stakeholders using the in-app messaging feature. 
• Manage workload and allocate fleet resources to improve operational efficiency. 
• Refer to historical and forecast data to improve future cargo transportation planning. 

Pricing: Available on inquiry

7. Alpega

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Alpega TMS provides top-notch transport management and freight exchange software solutions to logistics businesses. 

Some of Alpega TMS’ features include: 

Features:

• Access reports and analytics to monitor carrier performance. 
• Get real-time updates on the shipment progress. 
• Use the TenderEasy SaaS tool for freight procurement and tendering. 
• Create transportation plans based on shipping type, transportation mode, and regional or global requests.

Pricing: Available on inquiry

Wondering why you should use a transport management system? 
Let’s find out. 

TMS software helps you with route optimization to reduce transit time and cut down fuel consumption. 

But that’s not all! 

It also helps with:

1. Improving Efficiency

A transportation management system with a warehouse management module will let you create records of freight orders and keep track of inventory at different stages. You can check whether the cargo is in transit or has been delivered to its destination.  

By improving inventory management, you can save time and improve the efficiency of your transportation operations.   

2. Reducing Costs

The TMS solution offers order management and document management features. They let you organize freight order-related files and information, removing the need for referring to numerous Excel sheets.

This way, you can provide accurate quotes and manage the invoicing process in seconds while increasing your operational cost savings. 

3. Increasing Real-time Visibility

TMS system provides an online dashboard or a mobile app that lets you track and trace the progress of freight orders from start to end. 

You can also access the GPS data of transport vehicles to improve your freight’s real-time visibility and make decisions to reduce transit time if needed.   

4. Advanced Reports and Analytics 

A TMS system lets you access historical shipment data to identify future opportunities to reduce transportation costs, create faster quotes, and more. You may also export reports that are simple to comprehend and easy to share with other members.  

Using these reports, you can make decisions to streamline transportation operations.

5. Enhancing Customer Satisfaction

Software with communication support or a notification system allows your customers to easily resolve their order-related queries and receive status updates on the shipment. This offers them a better customer experience.

6. Scaling Operations

Digital TMS solutions can scale up to accommodate multiple carriers and orders. This way, your business can enter new markets and manage a higher volume of cargo orders. 

You can also use the software to customize workflows to suit your growing business needs.    

7. Helps Stay Compliant

The software lets you automate compliance checks to ensure the business complies with trade standards, emerging environmental laws, and regional rules. 

Next, let’s explore some of the difficulties that you may face while implementing the software.

The major challenge of investing in any software is that it takes time and effort to implement. But there are other challenges that are equally concerning, like:

1. Not Getting Employees Onboard with the Change 

Transitioning to transport management software from a traditional system can be daunting for many employees, especially the senior ones. So, it’s important to invest in employee training and solutions that are user-friendly.

2. Not Choosing a Compatible Software 

A TMS software should be compatible with your current operating system and seamlessly integrate with other software like ERP or WMS to exchange relevant data. 

But if it’s incompatible, it’ll hamper the implementation process and become an expensive operational burden in the future. 

3. Not Testing the Software Thoroughly

Logistics companies must test the TMS system to ensure it meets business requirements. If it has bugs or unsuitable management features, you can resolve your concerns with the software provider in advance. 

But if you don't perform a thorough test, you risk facing unforeseen hurdles.

Worried about the impacts of overhauling your present system?

Shipthis can integrate with your current system to digitalize your operations. Its multimodal and intermodal TMS is easy to navigate and intuitive for everyone to learn and use. 

The platform also provides a step-by-step guide on how to use the software.

What’s more?
If you have questions, you can resolve them at any time with Shipthis’ dedicated customer support.

Still wondering if transport management software is worth the investment? 

Let’s look at its future applications. 

Here are some future developments of the software:

1. Artificial intelligence and machine learning: AI and machine learning integrations will use past delivery records and orders to predict transit time. It’ll also guide shippers in navigating risks during delivery. 

2. Internet of Things (IoT) in fleet management: Using IoT devices, freight forwarders can monitor their fleet condition and schedule maintenance of the transport vehicles before they break down.

3. Blockchain for supply chain management: Supply chain companies can use blockchain technology to streamline invoicing, problem resolution, and customs clearance.

4. Cold chain management: This feature will let food businesses and pharmaceutical companies monitor the temperature of vulnerable products throughout transportation. You could even change the temperature remotely if necessary.

5. Virtual assistants: These assistants can help businesses resolve client concerns anytime and anywhere. They can also help improve customer service by providing conversational, human responses.