TMS Services

There’s a lot to keep on track when managing tracking and logistics: you need to schedule truck drivers, organize dispatch, handle billing, monitor traffic, and so much more. And it’s almost impossible to simplify all these tasks without a transportation management system (TMS).

Introduction to TMS (Transportation Management System)

Everyone in the supply chain, from manufacturers to distributors to third-party logistics providers (3PLs), utilizes a transportation management system (TMS) to plan and track the flow of commodities. If your job involves coordinating shipments, a TMS makes the process simpler.

As shipments pass from manufacturers to distribution hubs and finally to customers, a TMS uses real-time data via API and EDI connections to provide real-time updates and turns unstructured data into insights about customer service patterns, supply chain performance, and financials.

A TMS, in short, gives you a clear picture of what’s occurring at every stage and helps you simplify your shipping procedures. You can usually change how this software works by adding or removing modules, and your tech ecosystem may include different tools like ERP, logistics management, warehouse management systems, and, of course, a TMS. Many of these modules can integrate with fleet management software as well.

Benefits of TMS in Trucking and Logistics

Modern TMS software may considerably simplify tracking and logistical operations, as it offers:

• better operational efficiency;
• reduced expenses;
• improved route planning;
• real-time shipment information;
• integration with your existing tools;
• scalability;
• enhanced customer service.

These are just a few of the many ways in which TMS implementation may help your business remain competitive in the face of a challenging logistics industry.

Types of TMS Services Offered

Transportation management system providers don’t just give you software and send you on your way — they offer a range of services to help businesses adopt TMS:

• Implementation services. Providers work with your masters to install, configure, and customize the system, migrate your data, and set up workflows.
• Integration services. They connect your TMS with the tools you’re already using, like ERP software or warehouse management systems, and keep your data synchronized across all platforms.
• Training and support. Even the best TMS equipment won’t deliver results if your team doesn’t know how to use it. Training and support services get your employees up to speed with the system and provide ongoing help for troubleshooting and updates.
• Managed TMS services. They combine the software with hands-on support from logistics professionals who take care of tasks like carrier selection, monitoring shipments, and reporting.
• Consulting services from TMS providers. They help you optimize your transportation operations and find new ways to improve your supply chain.

Owner-operators, fleet managers, logistics managers, freight brokers, leased operators, dispatchers, and, of course, truck drivers are among the skilled logistics masters who often provide these TMS services.

TMS Software Features and Integration

The main features of TMS software are:

• Route optimization helps you find the best method to transport products, considering distance, traffic, tolls, and even fuel prices.
• Real-time tracking lets businesses monitor shipments in real time using GPS and IoT.
• Freight auditing and billing automatically audit freight invoices to catch errors and ensure you’re being billed accurately.
• Reporting and analytics deliver detailed reports that simplify data like shipping costs, carrier performance, and delays.
• Carrier management stores carrier information, compares options, and even automates bid requests.
• Digital document management stores all your transportation documents in a single, secure digital format.

TMS software also successfully integrates with the other tools your business already relies on, such as:

• ERP (enterprise resource planning). When TMS integrates with ERP, it becomes the central hub for everything from inventory to delivery and stop schedules. For example, as soon as an order is placed, your TMS prepares the shipment.
• WMS (warehouse management system). When inventory moves in or out of your warehouse, your TMS adjusts delivery schedules and routes.
• CRM (customer relationship management). You can give real-time updates about delivery statuses or even tailor logistics decisions based on customer preferences.

Integrating your TMS software with tools you already use saves time, gives you a well-rounded view of your operations, reduces errors, and improves customer satisfaction.

Pricing Models and Dispatch Optimization

The TMS pricing model can impact how you budget and scale your operations. In the USA, you can choose from:

• subscription-based pricing;
• pay-per-use;
• tiered pricing;

Consider the size, predictability, financial opportunities, and goals of your company when choosing one.

There’s one more TMS term you need to know — dispatch optimization. It’s the process of streamlining how deliveries are scheduled and executed that helps with load planning, driver assignment, timely stop schedules, and real-time adjustments, lowering costs, improving driver and customer satisfaction, and offering better flexibility when dealing with unexpected challenges.

Choosing the Right TMS Provider

When googling “TMS provider near me”, remember that a good provider should be able to scale as your business moves forward, and offer a user-friendly interface and high-quality equipment that requires minimal training.

Ask your potential provider about the systems they integrate with and whether they offer seamless data sharing: the fewer manual processes, the better.

A reliable TMS provider should also offer 24/7 customer support, different pricing models and affordable plans, and reviews and recommendations from real customers.