Choosing the Right TMS: Top TMS Providers and Custom Software Features for 2024

Acropolium
6 min readMay 22, 2024

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tms providers compilation and custom software key features

TMS software, a cloud-based logistics platform, streamlines and automates supply chain management. Transportation management software enhances route planning and load consolidation, decreasing fuel costs and transportation expenses.

The global transportation management solution market attained a value of USD 13.61 billion in 2023. Given the increasing potential for cloud solution adoption, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 17.4% from 2024 to 2030.

Acropolium

At Acropolium, we specialize in logistics software development, bringing automation to enhance our clients’ supply chain operations for over 9 years.

In this article, we provide an overview of leading TMS software providers and key features of management tools to help you choose the best transport management system for your needs.

Essential Features of Top Transportation Management Systems

best transportation management software features

When choosing a transport management system, prioritize automation features tailored to your unique needs, such as route optimization, order management, and real-time tracking.

  • Route Optimization. Utilize TMS tools with GPS-based features and AI algorithms for efficient route planning and cost reduction.
  • Order/Load Management. Opt for systems by TMS vendors offering streamlined order processing and tracking to ensure timely deliveries and improve risk management.
  • Real-Time Tracking. Select platforms allowing live monitoring of shipments and inventory to make proactive decisions and maintain supply chain cohesion.
  • Integration Capabilities. Look for seamless integration with ERP and warehouse management software to ensure data consistency and workflow efficiency.
  • Reporting and Analytics. Choose TMS providers offering robust reporting and analytics tools for data-driven insights into logistics performance and electronic document management.
  • Scalability & Customizable Workflows. Prioritize systems that can scale with your business growth and allow for customizable workflows to adapt to changing needs.
  • Carrier-Oriented Features. For 3PL operations, seek TMS solutions that enable carrier selection, rate negotiation, and relationship optimization within a unified system.
  • Cost Management. Select the top TMS systems with features for controlling and optimizing transportation costs, including freight audit capabilities, to analyze expenses and cut operational costs.
  • Security and Compliance. Ensure TMS providers implement robust data security measures, including encryption and secure authentication, to comply with industry protocols and ensure data integrity.

The 3 Best Transportation Management Software Providers

best tms systems providers in 2024

As you consider transportation management software, you’ll find many options that may seem similar. Yet, each is designed to meet the specific needs of different businesses. Let’s explore popular TMS systems for businesses of all sizes, reviewing their features and benefits.

Oracle

Oracle’s TMS is a robust solution by Oracle Corporation that is tailored to large enterprises. It optimizes supply chain operations, offering features like order management, route optimization, and freight auditing for end-to-end visibility.

Features & Advantages:

  • Comprehensive tools for order management, route optimization, and freight auditing ensure efficient transportation operations.
  • Seamless integration with Oracle applications and third-party systems enhances workflow.
  • Advanced reporting and analytics tools give actionable insights.
  • Global logistics support for managing international shipments, regulatory compliance, and complex supply chain networks.

Disadvantages:

  • Complex implementation may require skilled IT resources and be time-consuming.
  • Higher initial and maintenance costs cater to enterprise-level needs.
  • Customization to specific business requirements may pose challenges.

Shipsy

Shipsy ranks among the top transportation management systems for global businesses, aiming to build a resilient, interconnected, and sustainable supply chain. Their intelligent logistics platform helps 3PLs reduce costs, cut carbon footprint, and streamline cross-border freight.

Features & Advantages:

  • Real-time visibility allows users to monitor shipments, optimize routes, and manage multiple carriers efficiently.
  • User-friendly route optimization maximizes operational capacity.
  • Intelligent live reporting and trend analytics offer valuable insights.

Disadvantages:

  • Some users find the interface non-intuitive, with delayed system updates.
  • Server loads may cause tracking application delays during pick-up and delivery, impacting user experience.
  • Lacks middle-mile transportation features.

Uber Freight TMS

Uber Freight manages a vast global transportation and logistics network, benefiting businesses of all sizes. As one of the leading TMS providers, it offers data-driven solutions for logistics, capacity management, and cross-border services.

Features and Advantages:

  • Connects truck drivers with cargo efficiently, enabling quick load tendering and comprehensive tracking.
  • Provides a dashboard for shippers to obtain instant quotes upon login.
  • Allows shippers to create loads efficiently, with dispatchers accessing available freight loads and driver availability instantly.

Disadvantages:

  • Lacks consideration for driver service hours and breaks, leading to transparency issues in delivery time estimates.
  • Limited automation features hinder optimal resource optimization.
  • Does not support real-time reporting or report customization.
  • Users report slow payment processing, affecting their reputation.

Custom Transportation Management Software vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions

When choosing among off-the-shelf options, you are more likely to see them lack some of the necessary transport management system requirements for your business. Custom TMS, though more costly and time-consuming to develop, offers tailored solutions to your needs.

Generally, custom software streamlines operations like route planning and scheduling, scaling alongside your business and integrating seamlessly with other systems. Despite higher initial costs, custom solutions lead to long-term savings by reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency.

Moreover, they provide adaptability to market shifts and regulatory changes, ensuring ongoing competitiveness.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Beyond basic functionality, evaluating TMS providers involves key business considerations. Here’s what to analyze:

  • Ease of Use. Opt for intuitive interfaces to enhance adoption and minimize training time during software modernization.
  • Cost vs. ROI. Assess implementation and upkeep costs against improved efficiency, customer satisfaction, and savings. Customization and ownership priorities may warrant web development vendor collaboration.
  • Vendor Reputation. Check reviews on platforms like Clutch or GoodFirms to ensure their expertise addresses your needs.

With over 20 years in web development, we’ve provided 150+ consultations and solutions across businesses. In the last decade, we’ve focused on optimizing logistics operations with cost-efficient SaaS solutions for industry leaders.

Our Success Stories

For example, in our TMS modernization project, we enabled our partner to transition to a cloud-based system:

  • The software became accessible to over 1 billion shippers as the company expanded its operations.
  • Implemented integration capabilities led to monthly savings exceeding $5,000.
  • By relocating the transportation management platform to AWS hosting, the client achieved an annual saving of approximately $10,000.

Additionally, our development of a SaaS warehouse management system resulted in significant cost reductions:

  • Automation and integration capabilities led to a 17% reduction in operational costs.
  • Accurate inventory tracking and instant visibility into stock levels improved order processing time by 31%.
  • Overall, the company experienced a 29% enhancement in warehousing efficiency, reflected in the increased number of orders processed.

Final Words

Selecting the best TMS software begins with grasping your business requirements and operational nuances. The right choice can significantly enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness within your supply chain.

Deciding between custom and off-the-shelf TMS hinges on your resources and preferences. While custom solutions offer tailored precision, off-the-shelf software provides speed and cost advantages upfront.

Regardless of your goal, Acropolium will develop a GDPR-compliant solution tailored to your logistics business.

With a focus on your needs and budget, we provide subscription-based collaboration, ensuring ongoing support and transparent management.

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Acropolium

An agile provider of bespoke software development services. From web & mobile apps to SaaS & blockchain, we craft solutions for business growth. acropolium.com