# Best Transportation Management Systems (TMS) for Small Business

  *By [Daniel Rivera](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/daniel-rivera)*

   Products classified in the overall Transportation Management Systems (TMS) category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, small business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Small Business Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Small Business Transportation Management Systems (TMS) category.

In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the Transportation Management Systems (TMS) category, to qualify for inclusion in the Small Business Transportation Management Systems (TMS) category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a small business.




  
## How Many Transportation Management Systems (TMS) Products Does G2 Track?
**Total Products under this Category:** 309

### Category Stats (May 2026)
- **Average Rating**: 4.53/5
- **New Reviews This Quarter**: 62
- **Buyer Segments**: Small-Business 49% │ Mid-Market 29% │ Enterprise 22%
- **Top Trending Product**: Trimble TMS (+0.032)
*Last updated: May 18, 2026*

  
## How Does G2 Rank Transportation Management Systems (TMS) Products?

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 4,200+ Authentic Reviews
- 309+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.

  
## Which Transportation Management Systems (TMS) Is Best for Your Use Case?

- **Best for Small Businesses:** [Descartes Aljex](https://www.g2.com/products/descartes-aljex/reviews)
- **Best for Mid-Market:** [Descartes Aljex](https://www.g2.com/products/descartes-aljex/reviews)
- **Best for Enterprise:** [GoComet](https://www.g2.com/products/gocomet/reviews)
- **Highest User Satisfaction:** [Descartes Aljex](https://www.g2.com/products/descartes-aljex/reviews)
- **Best Free Software:** [GoComet](https://www.g2.com/products/gocomet/reviews)

  
---

**Sponsored**

### Locus

Locus is an agentic enterprise Transportation Management System designed to orchestrate planning, execution, and settlement across all-mile logistics. It unifies order orchestration, transportation planning and optimization, carrier and rate management, execution control, tracking, settlement, analytics, and governance into a closed-loop platform for managing cost, service levels, and customer promises across multi-carrier networks. Since its founding in 2015, Locus has helped customers globally execute over 1.5 billion + deliveries across 30+ countries spanning the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Its technology has helped save $320 million+ in transit costs, offset 17M+ Kgs in CO2 emissions, and maintained a 99.5% SLA adherence ratio. The modular, API-first platform serves industries including Retail, Manufacturing, FMCG/CPG, Courier/Express/Parcel, e-commerce, and 3PL providers. It integrates seamlessly with existing TMS, OMS, WMS, and ERP solutions through simple API plugins. Targeting retailers and logistics providers, Locus offers an end-to-end solution that facilitates seamless delivery from any location, whether it be a local store or international borders. The platform's patented routing and geocoding engines are designed to optimize every stage of the supply chain. By integrating captive, contracted, and carrier fleets across the first, middle, and final mile, Locus ensures that businesses can achieve cost efficiency while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. Key features of Locus include precise geolocation capabilities, hybrid fleet management, and dynamic route optimization. These tools work together to enhance fulfillment accuracy, flexibility, and predictability, allowing retailers to navigate the complexities of logistics with greater ease. The platform provides complete shipment visibility, which eliminates uncertainty for retailers, fleet partners, and distributors, thus fostering a more transparent supply chain environment. Locus has gained the trust of leading global brands, including Unilever and Nestlé, executing over a billion deliveries across more than 30 countries. The company is committed to innovation and sustainable growth, continuously evolving its solutions to meet the demands of the logistics landscape. As artificial intelligence and automation play an increasingly significant role in the industry, Locus is poised to streamline operations from pre-purchase fulfillment to post-delivery support, transforming complex supply chains into strategic growth enablers for businesses worldwide.



[Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=372&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=372&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=372&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=53581&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=372&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Ftransportation-management-systems-tms&secure%5Btoken%5D=5cae8df669d549c22afda438bad8c302dfd20d1ba7b5eae2a6bcbc345ee4d456&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Flocus.sh%2Ftransportation-management-system%2F%3Futm_source%3Dg2%26utm_medium%3Dppc%26utm_campaign%3Dtransportation-management-system&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url)

---

  ## What Are the Top-Rated Transportation Management Systems (TMS) Products in 2026?
### 1. [Descartes Aljex](https://www.g2.com/products/descartes-aljex/reviews)
  Descartes Aljex™ is the premier SaaS-based transportation management platform for brokers and 3PLs. Descartes Aljex™ is a scalable cloud-based transportation management system (TMS) that hosts a sizable network of brokers, 3PLs, shippers, and intermodal users who seamlessly and automatically orchestrate millions of freight shipments every year.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 424
**How Do G2 Users Rate Descartes Aljex?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Descartes Aljex?**

- **Seller:** [Descartes Systems Group](https://www.g2.com/sellers/descartes-systems-group)
- **Company Website:** https://www.descartes.com
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** Waterloo, Ontario
- **Twitter:** @descartessg (3,220 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/descartes-systems-group/ (1,647 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Freight Broker, Logistics Coordinator
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain, Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 51% Mid-Market, 46% Small-Business


#### What Are Descartes Aljex's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (64 reviews)
- Features (31 reviews)
- User Interface (22 reviews)
- Efficiency (20 reviews)
- Simple (18 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Slow Speed (12 reviews)
- Slow Performance (10 reviews)
- Design Issues (9 reviews)
- Not User-Friendly (8 reviews)
- Complex Usability (7 reviews)

### 2. [MyCarrierTMS](https://www.g2.com/products/mycarriertms/reviews)
  MyCarrier connects shippers and carriers in one simple, connected platform — automating every step of LTL shipping from order to payment. Designed for busy logistics teams at small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors, MyCarrier replaces disconnected tools, spreadsheets, and portals with a single workspace that brings speed, accuracy, and visibility to every shipment. With built-in automation, shippers can instantly quote, book, track, analyze, audit, and pay carriers in one place — reducing freight costs and eliminating manual rework. Features like AI-powered Freight Assist and Precision Payments help prevent unexpected fees and ensure total financial accuracy. By removing the need for 3PLs, MyCarrier creates a better experience for shippers while giving carriers and their sales teams account-level insights to better understand shipping behavior and grow business. Trusted by thousands of companies, including Lucas Oil and U-Haul, MyCarrier has earned multiple FreightTech 25 awards for innovation and ease of use. By connecting directly with carriers and streamlining the entire LTL workflow, MyCarrier helps teams ship faster, save money, and scale with confidence — all while strengthening carrier relationships and maintaining full control as they grow.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 182
**How Do G2 Users Rate MyCarrierTMS?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind MyCarrierTMS?**

- **Seller:** [MyCarrier](https://www.g2.com/sellers/mycarrier)
- **Company Website:** https://mycarriertms.com/landing
- **Year Founded:** 2017
- **HQ Location:** Scottsdale, US
- **Twitter:** @ShipMyCarrier (346 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/shipmycarrier/ (68 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Shipping Manager, Warehouse Manager
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain, Manufacturing
  - **Company Size:** 70% Small-Business, 27% Mid-Market


#### What Are MyCarrierTMS's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (10 reviews)
- Carrier Options (7 reviews)
- Cost Saving (5 reviews)
- Carrier Management (4 reviews)
- Quoting Process (4 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Carrier Issues (3 reviews)
- Limited Options (3 reviews)
- Limited Access (2 reviews)
- Missing Features (2 reviews)
- Shipment Issues (2 reviews)

### 3. [Toro TMS](https://www.g2.com/products/toro-tms/reviews)
  Toro TMS is a specialized trucking management software solution designed to streamline operations for dry and liquid bulk haulers. This comprehensive platform addresses the unique challenges faced by trucking companies, offering tools that facilitate dispatch, load management, invoicing, settlements, and various other essential tasks. By centralizing these functions, Toro TMS enables users to enhance efficiency and reduce the time spent on administrative duties. The target audience for Toro TMS includes trucking companies of all sizes that focus on bulk transportation. Whether a small business or a larger fleet, users can benefit from the software’s intuitive interface and robust features. The platform is particularly valuable for operations that require meticulous load tracking and management, as it allows for real-time updates and seamless communication among team members. This ensures that all stakeholders are informed and can make timely decisions based on the latest information. Key features of Toro TMS include its dispatch and load management capabilities, which allow users to assign loads quickly and monitor their status throughout the transportation process. The invoicing and settlement functionalities simplify financial transactions, enabling users to generate invoices with ease and track payments effectively. Additionally, Toro TMS integrates with various accounting and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) providers, further enhancing its utility by allowing for a cohesive workflow that minimizes data entry and potential errors. The benefits of using Toro TMS extend beyond mere time savings. By automating routine tasks and providing a centralized platform for communication and management, the software empowers teams to focus on their core operations—moving more loads efficiently. The integration capabilities ensure that users can maintain their existing systems while enhancing their operational efficiency, making Toro TMS a versatile choice for bulk haulers looking to optimize their processes. This combination of features and benefits positions Toro TMS as a valuable asset for any trucking operation aiming to improve productivity and streamline management tasks.


  **Average Rating:** 4.9/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 47
**How Do G2 Users Rate Toro TMS?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 7.1/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Toro TMS?**

- **Seller:** [Toro TMS Inc.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/toro-tms-inc)
- **Company Website:** https://www.torotms.com
- **Year Founded:** 2020
- **HQ Location:** Santa Barbara, CA
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/toro-tms/ (81 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 85% Small-Business, 15% Mid-Market


#### What Are Toro TMS's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (26 reviews)
- Customer Support (18 reviews)
- Efficiency Improvement (7 reviews)
- Features (7 reviews)
- Integrations (6 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Missing Features (3 reviews)
- Inaccurate Tracking (2 reviews)
- Insufficient Information (2 reviews)
- Tracking Issues (2 reviews)
- Uploading Issues (2 reviews)

### 4. [Pando](https://www.g2.com/products/pando-pando/reviews)
  Pando is an AI-powered logistics orchestration platform built on an enterprise-grade TMS and a supply chain Knowledge Graph, designed to help teams make better decisions, faster. At its foundation, Pando is a deeply integrated Transportation Management System that manages the full freight lifecycle: from procurement and planning to audit and payments. But unlike traditional TMS platforms that operate as static systems of record, Pando is built to become a system of intelligence. Every shipment, rate, contract, exception, SLA, and operational signal is continuously connected through Pando’s Knowledge Graph, creating a living model of the supply chain that understands relationships, context, and downstream impact. This unified data layer powers AI-driven orchestration that doesn’t just automate workflows, but actively reasons across planning and execution to surface the right decisions at the right moment. Trusted by Fortune 500 enterprises across the globe, Pando sits at the core of some of the most complex supply chains in the world where speed, accountability, and resilience are non-negotiable. Recognized by Gartner for transportation management, named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, recognized as a Market Leader by G2, and acknowledged for logistics excellence by the Confederation of Indian Industry.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 72
**How Do G2 Users Rate Pando?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Pando?**

- **Seller:** [Pando](https://www.g2.com/sellers/pando)
- **Year Founded:** 2018
- **HQ Location:** Chicago, US
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/pandocorp/ (247 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Consumer Goods, Manufacturing
  - **Company Size:** 45% Enterprise, 29% Mid-Market


#### What Are Pando's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (3 reviews)
- Efficiency (3 reviews)
- Tracking (3 reviews)
- Automation (2 reviews)
- Automation Efficiency (2 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Performance Issues (1 reviews)
- Slow Performance (1 reviews)
- Slow Speed (1 reviews)

### 5. [Freightview](https://www.g2.com/products/freightview/reviews)
  Freightview is a cloud-based, multi-modal TMS built for shippers of all sizes. Easily connect your negotiated LTL and parcel rates, upload contracts, and interact directly with carriers through our Spot Quote / Volume / Truckload tools. We make it fast and easy for your team to enjoy unlimited functionality: - Compare rates across all of your carriers & schedule pickups. - Access documents, NMFC Look-up, Pre-PROs, eBOLs, and print labels. - Track shipments in real time, export, & analyze the data. - Upload contracted rates and batch upload quote requests. - Invite your carrier partners to our Free Carrier Portal. - Invite your suppliers to quote & book through our Vendor Portal. - Use the latest AI Tools to upload, analyze, and audit your freight faster. - Flat fee means affordable, no tiers or contracts. There are no contracts to sign, autopay month-to-month via ACH or CC. 📞 Call us at 913-353-6188 for pricing or to request a demo.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 191
**How Do G2 Users Rate Freightview?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Freightview?**

- **Seller:** [Freightview](https://www.g2.com/sellers/freightview)
- **Company Website:** https://www.freightview.com
- **Year Founded:** 2014
- **HQ Location:** Overland Park, KS
- **Twitter:** @freightview (714 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/721298/ (19 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Logistics Manager, Operations Manager
  - **Top Industries:** Manufacturing, Construction
  - **Company Size:** 54% Small-Business, 42% Mid-Market


#### What Are Freightview's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (57 reviews)
- Carrier Selection (24 reviews)
- Customer Support (22 reviews)
- Time-saving (21 reviews)
- Tracking (18 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Carrier Issues (13 reviews)
- Shipment Issues (10 reviews)
- Carrier Limitations (8 reviews)
- Shipping Issues (8 reviews)
- Tracking Issues (8 reviews)

### 6. [SAP Transportation Management](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-transportation-management/reviews)
  SAP Transportation Management (TM) is a robust solution designed to streamline all aspects of freight planning, execution, and settlement across complex global networks. Running embedded within SAP S/4HANA, TM provides end-to-end control from order capture to freight payment. The platform utilizes advanced optimization algorithms to select the best carriers, consolidate shipments, and generate cost-efficient routes. By integrating with core ERP, EWM, and the SAP Business Network for Logistics, TM gives companies real-time visibility and fosters seamless collaboration with carriers to ensure predictable, profitable, and resilient logistics operations.


  **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 79
**How Do G2 Users Rate SAP Transportation Management?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind SAP Transportation Management?**

- **Seller:** [SAP](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sap)
- **Company Website:** https://www.sap.com/
- **Year Founded:** 1972
- **HQ Location:** Walldorf
- **Twitter:** @SAP (297,206 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sap/ (141,341 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain, Computer Software
  - **Company Size:** 40% Enterprise, 26% Small-Business


#### What Are SAP Transportation Management's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (19 reviews)
- Logistics Efficiency (12 reviews)
- Efficiency (11 reviews)
- Cost Saving (9 reviews)
- Integrations (9 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Not User-Friendly (9 reviews)
- Poor Interface Design (9 reviews)
- Limited Features (7 reviews)
- Slow Speed (7 reviews)
- Difficult Management (6 reviews)

### 7. [PortPro](https://www.g2.com/products/portpro/reviews)
  PortPro is a TMS for container trucking and drayage fleets. It helps owners run tighter operations from order to cash in one system. Our core TMS manages operations, while PortPro AI executes on your behalf via two digital teammates: Jerry and Helen. Jerry, the AI Dispatcher, plans loads and flags conflicts before they hit the road. Helen, the AI Biller, assembles charges and prepares invoices from actual move data. With orders, dispatch, drivers, customers, and billing in one place, you get control of margins without extra headcount.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 58
**How Do G2 Users Rate PortPro?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind PortPro?**

- **Seller:** [PortPro Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/portpro-technologies)
- **Company Website:** https://www.portpro.io
- **Year Founded:** 2019
- **HQ Location:** Kearny, us
- **Twitter:** @PortProtms (185 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/portpro/ (186 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 76% Small-Business, 17% Mid-Market


#### What Are PortPro's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (14 reviews)
- Customer Support (9 reviews)
- Efficiency Improvement (8 reviews)
- User Interface (8 reviews)
- Features (7 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Inaccurate Tracking (3 reviews)
- Integration Issues (3 reviews)
- Technical Issues (3 reviews)
- Driver Issues (2 reviews)
- Limited Features (2 reviews)

### 8. [project44](https://www.g2.com/products/project44/reviews)
  project44 believes in better supply chains. Movement by project44 is the Decision Intelligence Platform powered by Supply Chain AI that transforms fragmented logistics management into unified intelligence, restoring control and bringing certainty to global supply chain operations. Having built a comprehensive and connected ecosystem, project44 provides visibility into over 1 billion shipments annually for over 1,000 leading brands within manufacturing, automotive, retail, life sciences, food & beverage, CPG, and oil, chemical & gas. project44's commitment to excellence has been recognized across organizations and awards including being named the Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant and as the "Customer's Choice" in Gartner's Voice of the Customer report, an sixteen-time leader on G2's Supply Chain Visibility Grid, Google Cloud Partner of the Year, and SAP Pinnacle Award winner. Learn more at project44.com.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 669
**How Do G2 Users Rate project44?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Performance:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind project44?**

- **Seller:** [project44](https://www.g2.com/sellers/project44)
- **Company Website:** https://project44.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2014
- **HQ Location:** Chicago, IL
- **Twitter:** @freightpipes (5,152 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/9265792/ (789 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** IT Manager, President
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain, Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 41% Mid-Market, 35% Enterprise


#### What Are project44's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (86 reviews)
- Customer Support (59 reviews)
- Customer Satisfaction (56 reviews)
- Tracking (55 reviews)
- Real-time Tracking (41 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Carrier Issues (28 reviews)
- Tracking Issues (27 reviews)
- Poor Customer Support (20 reviews)
- Integration Issues (17 reviews)
- Technical Issues (17 reviews)

### 9. [Gnosis Freight](https://www.g2.com/products/gnosis-freight/reviews)
  Gnosis Freight is an AI-native global freight operating system designed to streamline and automate the end-to-end containerized freight lifecycle. This innovative solution caters specifically to enterprise shippers and logistics providers, offering a comprehensive approach to managing ocean, port, rail, and inland transportation. By leveraging advanced technology and a proprietary data infrastructure, Gnosis Freight enhances operational efficiency and decision-making in the logistics sector. The unique architecture of Gnosis Freight is built on a sovereign data infrastructure that directly sources, validates, and structures logistics data from primary entities such as ports, terminals, ocean carriers, and Class I railroads. This direct data acquisition eliminates reliance on third-party aggregators and inferred visibility models, ensuring that users have access to accurate and real-time information. The system's agentic AI capabilities automate workflows and decision-making processes, enabling users to resolve exceptions as they arise and maintain precise milestone tracking, accurate ETA predictions, and comprehensive visibility across shipments, orders, and SKUs. Gnosis Freight is particularly beneficial for a diverse range of stakeholders in the logistics industry, including enterprise BCOs (Beneficial Cargo Owners), freight forwarders, drayage operators, and ocean carriers. By utilizing the Container Lifecycle Management® platform, operators can quickly address exceptions, improve coordination among various stakeholders, and proactively manage cost drivers such as demurrage and detention. This proactive approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to significant cost savings. In addition to its core functionalities, Gnosis Freight supports invoice audit and reconciliation processes, linking financial outcomes directly to operational events. This feature allows users to maintain a clear understanding of their financial performance in relation to logistics activities. Furthermore, the system integrates seamlessly with existing ERP, TMS, WMS, SCM, and financial systems, facilitating rapid deployment and ensuring a swift time-to-value for users. Overall, Gnosis Freight stands out as a powerful tool for organizations looking to optimize their freight operations and enhance their logistical capabilities.


  **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 158
**How Do G2 Users Rate Gnosis Freight?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Gnosis Freight?**

- **Seller:** [Gnosis Freight](https://www.g2.com/sellers/gnosis-freight)
- **Company Website:** https://www.gnosisfreight.com
- **Year Founded:** 2017
- **HQ Location:** Charleston, SC
- **Twitter:** @GnosisFreight (252 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnosis-freight/ (85 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Account Manager
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain, Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 35% Mid-Market, 34% Enterprise


#### What Are Gnosis Freight's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (34 reviews)
- Tracking (24 reviews)
- Customer Support (17 reviews)
- Real-time Tracking (15 reviews)
- Data Accuracy (13 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Tracking Issues (9 reviews)
- Slow Loading (5 reviews)
- Insufficient Information (4 reviews)
- Shipment Issues (4 reviews)
- Carrier Issues (3 reviews)

### 10. [GoComet](https://www.g2.com/products/gocomet/reviews)
  GoComet is an AI-Powered Transportation Visibility Platform that automates end-to-end logistics for global businesses. With a range of AI-powered, cloud-based products, GoComet covers multiple modes in a single shipment, from the warehouse to the doorstep of an end consignee. GoComet solves four major logistics problems: lack of transparency in freight rate procurement, lack of end-to-end visibility in cargo movement, fragmented communication, and overpayments due to invoice inaccuracies. Trusted by over 230 global brands in 35 countries, GoComet's customers include leading international companies such as Sun Pharma, Sapmer, Glenmark, and Unilever. Its open-source engagement apps, such as Port Congestion Tool and Smart Schedule Tool are accessible for free and provide live port congestion status, benchmarked freight rates, and carrier performance. With a headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, we have a presence in most parts of Southeast Asia, the US, and Europe, GoComet has quickly grown since its founding in 2016, with over 200 employees working across multiple locations worldwide. GoComet’s products include: GoTrack: Provides real-time visibility and live updates on freight movement across ocean, air, road and parcels GoInvoice: Automated error-free invoice auditing, enabling faster payment cycles and saving immense amounts of hours GoProcure: Uses dynamic reverse auctions to obtain the lowest freight procurement prices GoShipment: Allows multi-stakeholder collaboration for shipment execution Market intelligence products: Port Congestion tracker, Smart sailing schedules, Freight benchmarking (GoComet Freight Index) GoComet has been consistently ranked high on the G2 platform for the platform’s ease of-use and intuitiveness, excellent customer service and ease of deployment.


  **Average Rating:** 4.9/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 238
**How Do G2 Users Rate GoComet?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.7/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 9.7/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind GoComet?**

- **Seller:** [GoComet](https://www.g2.com/sellers/gocomet)
- **Year Founded:** 2016
- **HQ Location:** Newark, NJ
- **Twitter:** @gocometcom (218 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/go-comet/ (288 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain, Pharmaceuticals
  - **Company Size:** 38% Enterprise, 38% Mid-Market


#### What Are GoComet's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (48 reviews)
- Customer Support (40 reviews)
- Easy Setup (27 reviews)
- Easy Integrations (23 reviews)
- Tracking (22 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Unreliable Updates (3 reviews)
- Data Accuracy (2 reviews)
- Delays (2 reviews)
- Lagging Issues (2 reviews)
- Limited Features (2 reviews)

### 11. [Descartes Shipper TMS](https://www.g2.com/products/descartes-shipper-tms/reviews)
  Descartes Shipper TMS is a comprehensive transportation management system designed to synchronize transportation processes and optimize the flow of goods. It offers a robust suite of solutions that cover multimodal transportation management, real-time visibility into shipping operations, dock scheduling, and yard management. With its modular architecture, Descartes Shipper TMS ensures efficient and streamlined logistics, enabling businesses to effectively manage and enhance their unique transportation networks.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 61
**How Do G2 Users Rate Descartes Shipper TMS?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 7.3/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Descartes Shipper TMS?**

- **Seller:** [Descartes Systems Group](https://www.g2.com/sellers/descartes-systems-group)
- **Company Website:** https://www.descartes.com
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** Waterloo, Ontario
- **Twitter:** @descartessg (3,220 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/descartes-systems-group/ (1,647 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Manufacturing, Logistics and Supply Chain
  - **Company Size:** 36% Mid-Market, 31% Small-Business


#### What Are Descartes Shipper TMS's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (8 reviews)
- Efficiency (5 reviews)
- Features (4 reviews)
- Tracking (3 reviews)
- Business Growth (2 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Outdated Interface (3 reviews)
- Not User-Friendly (2 reviews)
- Poor Interface Design (2 reviews)
- Data Management Issues (1 reviews)
- Expensive (1 reviews)

### 12. [Banyan Technology](https://www.g2.com/products/banyan-technology/reviews)
  Banyan Technology, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the leading provider of over-the-road (OTR) shipping software, delivering innovative freight management solutions since 2001. With a strong commitment to technology and client collaboration, Banyan provides seamless, scalable solutions that enhance shipping efficiency for Shippers, 3PLs and supply chain partners. Our patented LIVE Connect® platform automates freight management, offering multi-mode rating and booking for Truckload (TL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Final Mile and Parcel from a single interface. With real-time AI-powered insights, predictive pricing, business intelligence dashboards and automated freight bill auditing, LIVE Connect optimizes carrier selection, reduces costs and streamlines operations. Seamless TMS and API integrations ensure greater visibility and control over the entire shipping process. LIVE Connect provides the fastest, most comprehensive freight management solution in the industry, with 3x more carrier connections than any other provider. By eliminating manual shipping inefficiencies, improving decision-making through real-time data analytics and enhancing supply chain visibility with risk management tools, Banyan empowers businesses to operate smarter and drive measurable cost savings.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 37
**How Do G2 Users Rate Banyan Technology?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Banyan Technology?**

- **Seller:** [Banyan Technology](https://www.g2.com/sellers/banyan-technology)
- **Company Website:** https://www.banyantechnology.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2001
- **HQ Location:** Rocky River, Ohio, United States
- **Twitter:** @BanyanTech (300 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/banyan-technology/ (65 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain, Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 58% Mid-Market, 32% Small-Business


#### What Are Banyan Technology's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (6 reviews)
- Features (4 reviews)
- Customer Support (3 reviews)
- Efficiency (3 reviews)
- Efficiency Improvement (3 reviews)

**Cons:**

- UI Customization (2 reviews)
- Carrier Issues (1 reviews)
- Dashboard Issues (1 reviews)
- Data Accuracy (1 reviews)
- Data Inaccuracy (1 reviews)

### 13. [Rose Rocket](https://www.g2.com/products/rose-rocket/reviews)
  Trusted by 100,000 people daily, Rose Rocket's industry-leading platform empowers trucking and logistics companies to streamline their operations with unmatched flexibility. With full control over your data and system processes, Rose Rocket adapts to how you work - no coding required. Run your business your way, boosting efficiency while collaborating online with customers, brokers, carriers, and drivers. ⏰ Real-Time Collaboration: Connects the people and systems you work with for faster coordination and improved service. Built-in sharing for drivers, customers and brokers, plus support for APIs, EDI and 20+ software integrations. 🛠️ Tailored To Your Business: Customize fields, documents, system processes, and automations in just a few clicks. Start with templates and adjust them to fit your needs. 🔓 Secure & Reliable: Work confidently knowing that your data is secure, without disruptions to your performance. Backed by enterprise-grade SOC 2 security for mission-critical operations.


  **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 15
**How Do G2 Users Rate Rose Rocket?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 7.4/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Rose Rocket?**

- **Seller:** [Rose Rocket](https://www.g2.com/sellers/rose-rocket)
- **Year Founded:** 2015
- **HQ Location:** Toronto, Canada
- **Twitter:** @roserocketapp (306 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/rose-rocket/ (78 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 80% Small-Business, 20% Mid-Market


### 14. [Logitude](https://www.g2.com/products/logitudeworld-logitude/reviews)
  Logitude World is a cloud-based freight forwarding software solution designed to assist air, ocean, and land freight forwarders in managing their operations efficiently. This comprehensive platform streamlines the entire freight forwarding lifecycle, encompassing everything from generating quotes and processing shipments to handling billing and collections. By centralizing these critical functions, Logitude World enables freight forwarders to optimize their workflows and improve overall productivity. The target audience for Logitude World includes freight forwarding companies of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. These organizations often face challenges in managing complex logistics operations, which can involve multiple stakeholders, intricate regulations, and varying modes of transport. Logitude World addresses these challenges by providing a unified platform that enhances visibility and control over the entire freight forwarding process. Users can easily track shipments, manage documentation, and communicate with clients and partners, resulting in a more efficient and transparent operation. Key features of Logitude World include its user-friendly interface, robust security measures, and high availability. The software leverages cloud computing technology to ensure that users can access their data anytime and anywhere, facilitating real-time decision-making. Additionally, the platform is designed to be highly reliable, minimizing downtime and ensuring that freight forwarders can operate without interruption. The integration of modern technologies enhances performance, allowing users to process shipments quickly and accurately, which is crucial in the fast-paced logistics industry. Logitude World also stands out due to its exceptional usability. The intuitive design allows users to navigate the platform with ease, reducing the learning curve associated with adopting new software. Furthermore, the solution is scalable, making it suitable for businesses looking to grow or adapt to changing market conditions. By offering a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to the unique needs of freight forwarders, Logitude World empowers users to enhance their operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive business growth.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 94
**How Do G2 Users Rate Logitude?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Logitude?**

- **Seller:** [Logitudeworld](https://www.g2.com/sellers/logitudeworld)
- **Year Founded:** 2009
- **HQ Location:** City of Wilmington, US
- **Twitter:** @LogitudeWorld (35 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/logitudeworld/ (38 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain, Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 55% Small-Business, 12% Mid-Market


#### What Are Logitude's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (42 reviews)
- Simple (17 reviews)
- Customer Support (12 reviews)
- Efficiency (12 reviews)
- Customization (9 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Missing Features (16 reviews)
- Insufficient Information (6 reviews)
- Slow Performance (6 reviews)
- Slow Speed (6 reviews)
- Complex Usability (5 reviews)

### 15. [Revenova TMS](https://www.g2.com/products/revenova-tms/reviews)
  Revenova solves the transportation management challenges facing Logistics Service Providers (3PL/4PL), Freight Brokers, Carriers and Shippers with multimodal TMS solutions powered by the world’s #1 cloud CRM platform – Salesforce.com. More than TMS software, Revenova TMS is a cloud application suite designed to meet the needs and speed of the modern economy for both domestic and international shipments. It features industry-leading digital engagement, AI, analytics and customization tools to seamlessly connect customers, carriers and co-workers with real-time workflow, collaboration and visibility. As a Salesforce.com platform solution, customers benefit from a scalable, reliable, secure and open cloud platform supported by thousands of third-party vendors. Since 2014, Revenova has helped small, mid-market and large enterprise customers (including 5 of the largest 3PLs in North America) to increase sales velocity, improve service quality, boost employee productivity and lower IT costs.


  **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 43
**How Do G2 Users Rate Revenova TMS?**

- **Ease of Use:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Revenova TMS?**

- **Seller:** [Revenova](https://www.g2.com/sellers/revenova)
- **Company Website:** https://www.revenova.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2014
- **HQ Location:** Bannockburn, Illinois
- **Twitter:** @RevenovaTMS (85 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/revenova-llc/ (75 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain, Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 47% Mid-Market, 40% Small-Business


#### What Are Revenova TMS's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Customization (16 reviews)
- Customizability (13 reviews)
- Ease of Use (13 reviews)
- Features (9 reviews)
- Efficiency Improvement (6 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Limited Customization (9 reviews)
- Limited Features (5 reviews)
- Technical Issues (5 reviews)
- Software Bugs (4 reviews)
- UI Customization (4 reviews)

### 16. [Dr Dispatch](https://www.g2.com/products/dr-dispatch/reviews)
  Simple and Powerful Trucking Software - Easy to Use Trucking Dispatch & Brokerage Dispatch Software. NEW! Dr Dispatch now offers a Desktop Software Solution or Cloud Hosted Services. Everything under your control! Dr Dispatch is designed to improve your freight and distribution channels by keeping the deliveries you manage under your control. Track deliveries! Dr Dispatch helps you keep your dispatchers, equipment, and loads all on the same page. Dr Dispatch TMS helps manage and track those deliveries for Carriers, Brokers, 3rd Party Logistics (3PLs), Suppliers and Manufacturers. Keeps your business ahead in competition! Dr Dispatch is loaded with features that help you compete in today's logistics world by offering a higher level of service than your competitors. Created by people from the trucking industry and backed by 20 years of proven reliability, Dr Dispatch dispatch software is continually improving to meet the needs of today's high demand Trucking and Brokerage professionals. Drdispatch www.drdispatch.com


  **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 13
**How Do G2 Users Rate Dr Dispatch?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Dr Dispatch?**

- **Seller:** [Dr Dispatch](https://www.g2.com/sellers/dr-dispatch)
- **Year Founded:** 1993
- **HQ Location:** Springfield, MO
- **Twitter:** @drdispatch (452 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1738264 (7 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
  - **Company Size:** 92% Small-Business, 8% Mid-Market


#### What Are Dr Dispatch's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Customer Support (2 reviews)
- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- Efficiency (2 reviews)
- Business Growth (1 reviews)
- Delivery Management (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Lagging Issues (1 reviews)
- Poor Customer Support (1 reviews)
- System Lag (1 reviews)

### 17. [Turvo](https://www.g2.com/products/turvo/reviews)
  Turvo is a modern, collaborative TMS platform specifically designed for the supply chain. Turvo connects people and organizations, allowing freight brokers, 3PLs, and shippers to digitally transform their workflows with cloud-based software and mobile applications. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end platform to execute all operations and analytics, while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. The platform allows network visibility into inventory, orders, shipments, carrier relationships and more. Turvo customers include some of the world’s largest, fortune 500 logistics service providers, shippers and freight brokers. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 20
**How Do G2 Users Rate Turvo?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 7.3/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Turvo?**

- **Seller:** [Turvo](https://www.g2.com/sellers/turvo)
- **Year Founded:** 2014
- **HQ Location:** Sunnyvale, CA
- **Twitter:** @turvo (696 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/turvo-inc- (158 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Logistics and Supply Chain
  - **Company Size:** 55% Small-Business, 35% Mid-Market


#### What Are Turvo's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Dashboard Design (1 reviews)
- Document Management (1 reviews)
- Features (1 reviews)
- Logistics Efficiency (1 reviews)
- Shipment Tracking (1 reviews)


### 18. [Cargobase](https://www.g2.com/products/cargobase/reviews)
  Founded in 2013, Cargobase is a global logistics software company whose mission is to simplify logistics for all. The solution: "Logistics Software That Works". Cargobase offers TMS lite, a Transportation Management System (TMS) that gets to the heart of what logistics professionals want – the versatility to manage various supply chain flows from end-to-end, coupled with the visibility to make better decisions from day one. TMS lite is used in 50 countries by listed companies and leading enterprise shippers across the Automotive, Electronics, Semiconductor, Fashion, Oil & Gas, Aviation, and Agricultural sectors.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 168
**How Do G2 Users Rate Cargobase?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10)
- **Accounting:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10)
- **Performance:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **ERP Systems:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Cargobase?**

- **Seller:** [Cargobase](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cargobase)
- **Year Founded:** 2013
- **HQ Location:** Singapore
- **Twitter:** @Cargobase (512 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cargobase/ (44 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Automotive, Logistics and Supply Chain
  - **Company Size:** 42% Enterprise, 29% Small-Business


#### What Are Cargobase's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Customer Support (2 reviews)
- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- Cost Saving (1 reviews)
- Customization (1 reviews)
- Efficiency Improvement (1 reviews)



    ## What Is Transportation Management Systems (TMS)?
  [Distribution Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/distribution)
  ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Transportation Management Systems (TMS)?
    - [Fleet Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/fleet-management)
    - [Supply Chain Visibility Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-visibility)
    - [Freight Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/freight-management)

  
---

## How Do You Choose the Right Transportation Management Systems (TMS)?

### What You Should Know About Transportation Management Software

### What are Transportation Management Systems?

Transportation management systems (TMS) are powerful logistics solutions that help companies plan, optimize, and improve their ingoing and outgoing shipping processes. Transportation management systems work by showing users the most optimal method for transporting their goods by displaying the cost, available carriers, and the most efficient shipment method. All of this is done digitally within the software which saves logistics companies countless hours of manual work.

An example of how companies can streamline their processes using a TMS might look something like this: Without a TMS, logistics companies need to manually call a freight broker, negotiate a freight cost, and then spend time working out the ingoing and outgoing shipment process. This can take hours to finalize a deal, and oftentimes, logistics companies may not even close the deal on obtaining the freight since it is too expensive, or not the optimal solution. With a TMS on the other hand, logistics companies allow customers to access their software and quickly identify if a truckload is readily available, and for what price. This allows those customers to see what’s available and quickly load freight onto an available truckload. This can dramatically cut down on the amount of time it takes to make shipments.

**What Does TMS Stand For?**

TMS stands for transportation management systems. This acronym is used to shorten the lengthy term. Some vendors may also call it transportation management software or transportation management solution since a TMS is a software application. 

#### What Types of Transportation Management Systems Exist?

**TMS suites**

TMS suites are a consolidation of multiple products into a single platform that can be customized based on the needs of the customer. Large companies can benefit from using the various products provided by the same vendor, which are usually better integrated. SMBs can also benefit from using TMS suites by using only the components they need. This type of software is not a good option for small businesses, because it provides advanced features that can be too complex and expensive for small companies.

**Point solutions**

Point solutions focus on one or a few specific transportation activities, such as delivery or fleet management. These products need to be integrated with other transportation software when customers require advanced features.

**Extended TMS**

Extended TMS includes features that are not delivered by traditional transportation management software products, such as order management, purchasing or procurement, contract management, or financial settlements.

### What are the Common Features of Transportation Management Systems?

The following are some core features within transportation management software: 

**Carrier management** : Carrier management helps planners choose between TMS providers, like UPS, DHL, Schneider, Penske, Maersk, and so on. Planners choose carriers based on the type of service they provide, their geographical coverage, and the price. TMS also helps planners evaluate the quality of the services offered by carriers, which is another important criterion for selection.

**Shipment planning** : Shipment planning enables transportation managers to schedule shipments depending on inventory availability, the type of transportation, and estimated delivery dates. This module usually includes yard management features to assign trucking to docks for loading and unloading.

**Route scheduling** : Route scheduling helps dispatchers streamline the distribution routes for deliveries by combining locations based on the distance between them and the type of transportation required. For instance, rail transportation can cover vast geographical regions, while road deliveries are preferable in urban areas.

**GPS tracking:** GPS tracking uses GIS technology to monitor vehicles and drivers when they’re on the road. This requires the installation of tracking devices on trucks, while drivers can use mobile phones or tablets to share their location and itinerary with dispatchers or customers.

**Fleet management:** Fleet management helps companies manage their vehicles used for transportation. This type of software is used for maintenance, monitoring fuel management, and fleet optimization. It usually does not include functionality to schedule and track deliveries, nor features to manage third-party logistics service providers.

### What are the Benefits of Transportation Management Systems?

Transportation management systems offer plenty of benefits for logistics companies, their workers, and their customers. Below are some of the most useful benefits:

**Transportation optimization** : Users can optimize transportation activities by allocating human and material resources to operations such as loading, unloading, or driving. Another way to optimize transportation activities is to combine shipments or to define optimal delivery routing to cover as many locations as possible and cut down on transit time

**Transportation cost management** : Reduce transportation costs by avoiding transportation errors, such as shipping the wrong products or delivering items to the wrong customers. Scheduling trucks and drivers can also reduce fuel consumption and the time spent on the road by employees, which translates into lower operational costs.

**Compliance:** Compliance with regulations for transportation is particularly important for heavily regulated industries such as food and beverage or chemical. Companies from these industries require special conditions and equipment for transportation like refrigerated trucking. It is also critical for companies to ensure that hazardous materials like explosives and poisonous gases aren’t endangering employees or the public.

**Customer experience** : Users can streamline customer satisfaction by delivering the right products to the right customers at the right time. This is particularly important for large companies with thousands of customers and a large variety of products that need to be delivered.

### Who Uses Transportation Management Systems?

TMS software is mainly used by industrial workers for different aspects of their shipping operations.

**Logistics managers:** Logistics managers use transportation management software to identify the transportation needs of the company and find the best ways to deliver goods to customers efficiently. Transportation managers are responsible for finding the most efficient and cost-effective delivery methods such as air, rail, road, or ocean.

**Dispatchers:** Planners and supervisors schedule shipping operations such as loading and unloading of trucks, choosing the most efficient delivery routes, assigning drivers to routes, and monitoring shipments in transit from origin to destination. Their goal is to cut down transit time

**Drivers** : Drivers use limited features, often delivered as mobile apps, to understand what needs to be shipped, where, and how. Drivers also use this type of software to report incidents and any events that may impact their work.

**Warehouse and inventory managers** : Warehouse and inventory managers use TMS software to plan inventory movements in one or multiple locations. This ensures that goods are ready to be loaded and shipped as scheduled by transportation dispatchers.

#### Software Related to Transportation Management Systems

Related solutions that can be used together with transportation management systems include:

[Supply chain suites](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-suites) **:** Supply chain suites usually include transportation management features, which can be delivered as standalone products or as a module of the suite. Since not all supply chain suites provide advanced transportation management functionality, they integrate with TMS software, either through partnerships or by using APIs.

[Warehouse management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/warehouse-management): Warehouse management systems track the physical locations of the goods in inventory. This type of software makes it easy for companies to find the products that need to be shipped to each customer.

[Inventory control software](https://www.g2.com/categories/inventory-control) **:** Inventory control manages the availability of the products owned by a company to determine how many items can be delivered. When companies have a lower inventory than the quantity ordered by customers, they need to either manufacture or buy the difference to fulfill demand.

[Shipping software](https://www.g2.com/categories/shipping) **:** Shipping focuses exclusively on what happens between the moment when products are shipped and their arrival at the destination. Shipping software helps companies create and manage shipping documents, such as bills of lading or packing lists, and track the status of all shipments.

[Yard management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/yard-management): Yard management optimizes the physical locations used to load and unload trucks (also known as docks). This type of software is used to schedule trucks based on arrival date, size, or type of goods delivered.

[Fleet management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/fleet-management): Fleet management ensures that fleets of vehicles are adequately maintained to optimize their use and avoid accidents. Fleet management includes maintenance operations, as well as repairs and equipment upgrades.

[Route planning software](https://www.g2.com/categories/route-planning): Route planning software focuses exclusively on finding the best delivery route and assigning them to trucks and drivers. This type of software is mostly used by SMB delivery companies that do not have large fleets of vehicles and do not ship large quantities of products from multiple locations.

### Challenges with Transportation Management Systems

TMS solutions can come with their own set of challenges. 

**Functionality** : Not all transportation management software products are created equally. As mentioned above, TMS suites provide advanced features that cover most transportation operations, while point solutions only focus on specific functionality, such as route planning. Buyers looking for software to manage transportation need to carefully consider and compare all options to find the best choice for their unique needs.

**Integration:** Integration with supply chain management suites or products is essential to exchange information with other departments such as warehousing, sales, and operations planning or inventory management. In addition, integration with accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is necessary to ensure sales and purchasing transactions are accurately reflected from an accounting perspective.

### Which Companies Should Buy Transportation Management Systems?

Transportation management systems can be utilized by any company that needs to ship and move goods regularly. Below are some of the most common types of businesses that would find it beneficial to implement a TMS into their tech stack.

**E-commerce companies** : E-commerce companies can greatly benefit from using a TMS. A TMS allows e-commerce companies to find available shipping in minutes while also displaying the most cost-effective options. In today’s day and age, consumers want the ability to get their items shipped almost on demand, or with one/two-day shipping options. Having a TMS can allow e-commerce companies to serve customers better by providing faster shipping options.

**Distributors:** Distributors are intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers. These are businesses that generally buy from manufacturers and then deliver those products to retailers, or sometimes directly to consumers. Since distribution companies generally have massive warehouses to hold and control inventory, they can greatly benefit from TMS for shipment planning. This allows distributors to optimize inventory, plan outgoing shipments, and analyze shipment efficiency.

### How to Buy Transportation Management Systems

#### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Transportation Management Systems

Requirements gathering for transportation management systems is critical to ensure that the business is implementing a product that meets all of their needs. To do so, businesses must evaluate their critical needs. Some critical needs as it relates to a TMS might include cutting shipping costs, improving overall customer service, consolidation of truckloads, and using data to improve logistics.

#### Compare Transportation Management Systems

**Create a long list**

Long lists are created by eliminating software options that do not provide critical functionality. To make a long list for TMS, a buyer should look at the following functionalities and determine which products provide the functionality they need.

- Booking and tracking of shipments
- Carrier management and carrier rating evaluation
- Features to communicate with shippers and customers
- Supply chain visibility and shipment tracking features
- Data analytics on the efficiency of shipments
- Integration with ERPs and other supply chain software
- Route optimization and yard management features
- A transportation network of carriers that offer a variety of shipping modes (air, freight, parcel, and intermodal)

**Create a short list**

Once the buyer has narrowed down their list, it’s important to get even more specific requirements. For example, a buyer may be looking for a TMS that integrates with a specific ERP. Additionally, learning how to utilize a TMS may not be very intuitive so it may be important to narrow it down to vendors that have great implementation support or additional resources to help learn the software. Finally, there may be some additional preferable key features within a TMS like robust order management or strong reporting and billing capabilities.

**Conduct demos**

Demos are one of the most important stages in the buying journey. This allows a buyer to sit through an actual product demo and see if the product matches all of the requirements. To make sure the demo runs smoothly, users must ensure that the vendor has all of the requirements beforehand so they can showcase their features properly.

#### Selection of Transportation Management Systems

**Choose a selection team**

The selection team for a TMS should include administration, drivers, operations and logistics employees, managers, partners, and relevant associates. 

**Negotiation**

Negotiating the price of a TMS is a critical step in the purchasing process. A few things a buyer may want to consider when negotiating are if maintenance fees can be waived, ongoing support can be provided for lower costs, and also if free integrations or add-ons can be installed. 

**Final decision**

After the negotiation stage is conducted, decision making requires buy-in from everyone on the selection team. It’s important to ensure that all requirements are met and the final decision is supported by everyone involved.

### What Do Transportation Management Systems Cost?

The pricing of a transportation management system depends on how it’s deployed. Generally, transportation management systems come in two different types of offerings. This is either a SaaS offering or an on-premises offering. 

**On-premises solutions:** A perpetual license is often a one-time payment for an on-premises solution. This type of solution is becoming less common across most software vendors as subscription models are taking over, however for some businesses an on-premises solution may make sense. These solutions generally do not require an internet connection. Additionally, a user with an on-premises solution controls all of the data within. This includes confidential employee information and other sensitive data. Another important advantage may include more product customization. If a TMS is a one-time purchase a buyer generally ensures that the product is set up to meet their needs and can be tailored as such. This is generally less common among cloud products. 

The price for an on-premises solution can range anywhere from $25,000-$100,000 as well as an annual maintenance fee for the vendor to upkeep the system. This is a major upfront cost but can be beneficial to some vendors who want to have full control over the system

**Software as a service (SaaS) and cloud solutions:** Cloud products often operate under a SaaS model and are run over the internet (in the cloud). These are generally sold as a subscription and require a recurring payment, most often as monthly or yearly payments. 

A SaaS TMS is usually priced based on the number of monthly shipment transactions. This can range from $1 to $4 per freight load booked in the system.

#### Return on Investment (ROI)

Below is the breakdown of the estimated time to ROI for a TMS according to review data on G2 as of June 17th, 2021:

- 49% of buyers see an ROI in 6 months or less
- 16% of buyers see an ROI in 7-12 months
- 16 % of buyers see an ROI in 13-24 months
- 4% of buyers see an ROI from 24-36 months
- 1% of buyers see an ROI in 48+ months 
- 11% of buyers haven’t realized a full payback yet

### Implementation of Transportation Management Systems

**How are Transport Management Systems Implemented?**

The implementation of a TMS will entirely depend on the level of customization one needs. A TMS can come with a variety of additions, integrations, and service fees. This is because every shipper is looking for something that compliments their offering. With all of these customizations, implementing a TMS can take months to finally get up and running.

On the other hand, there are plenty of transportation management systems that work in the cloud (hosted on the internet by the vendor) and the only thing a company would need to do is connect their secure servers through the internet and begin using them. This process could only take a few days.

It will be important to create a strategic business plan before implementing a TMS. This can help buyers calculate the potential return on investment, create a course of action, and discuss with their stakeholders the long-term benefits of the system. Before implementing it’s important to establish goals and objectives of what success will look like three to six months down the road. A project manager should be tasked to track and check in with users consistently throughout the first six months of implementation to ensure that users are getting the most out of the system.

### Transportation Management Systems Trends

**Platforms** : Platforms are combining software and services into one single platform. Businesses can use TMS platforms to manage operations and to find logistics service providers for various activities, such as customs brokerage or third-party warehousing. This allows companies to manage their operations and find global trade partners using the same platform.

**Automation** : Autonomous trucks and delivery robots are still in the experimental phase but may soon disrupt the transportation industry by providing completely automated delivery. This technology hasn’t been approved for commercial use, but it is expected to disrupt the transportation industry in the next decade. When this happens, monitoring drivers will become less important, and maintaining the trucks will be critical because of their high value.

**The gig economy** : Uberisation of transportation refers to the trend to use individual drivers as partners for deliveries. An example is Amazon Flex, which allows people to use their cars to make deliveries for Amazon. Tracking independent drivers may prove to be an important challenge because their vehicles aren’t used exclusively for deliveries.

**Internet of things (IoT)**: IoT allows transportation companies to connect vehicles, sensors, and mobile devices through a global transportation network. IoT is still in its early stages, but it is expected to enable logistics providers to better monitor drivers and fuel consumption, improve vehicle maintenance by identifying issues before they occur, and better plan routes and delivery schedules.