11 Best Transportation Management Systems of 2023
Find out the features these 11 transport management systems offer to manage tricky shipping and logistics challenges.
Coordinating shipping from distributors through your warehouses and on to customers is one of the biggest challenges that companies face today. There are hundreds of potential carriers to choose from and an infinite number of potential routes, not to mention unforeseen delays that can throw a wrench into even the best logistics plans.
That’s why so many companies rely on transportation management systems, also known as TMS software. TMS systems make it easier to book and optimize loads, manage routes and deliveries, and oversee your entire supply chain. Ultimately, TMS software can save your company time and money while helping you maximize customer satisfaction.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the 11 best transportation management systems your business can use today.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
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Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one TMS software
Learn more
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Good for rapidly growing companies
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What to Look For in a Transportation Management System
Transportation management systems offer a wide variety of features to help you get your products where they need to be as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Ease of use: TMS systems can be very complex. Look for platforms that are user-friendly while still offering the flexibility and tools you need.
- Tracking: The best TMS platforms let you track the location of your shipments in real-time using GPS.
- Automations: Many TMS systems use automations to help you choose carriers, book shipments, and optimize routes.
- Multi-modal transport: Many companies need more shipping options than just trucks. Many TMS platforms support rail, ocean, and drayage shipping solutions.
- Dynamic rebalancing: TMS software should offer a way to change routes and loads on short notice.
The 11 Best Transportation Management Systems of 2023
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Connecteam — Best for: All-in-one transportation management system
Available on
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Web
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iOS
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Android
It shouldn’t surprise you that we believe that our software is one of the best solutions for managing logistics networks. After all, if we didn’t think we were building one of the best software products on the market, we wouldn’t be here today.
Connecteam makes it as easy as possible to manage your company’s fleet. Our software lets you schedule drivers, manage routes, and quickly re-dispatch drivers when there’s a change in plans. The Connecteam task management app includes fleet-tracking capabilities, so you always know where your drivers are and can visualize them on a map in real-time.
Another thing that sets Connecteam apart is that our fleet-management software integrates with payroll software. So, we streamline the process of tracking drivers’ hours and making sure they get paid on time. That keeps your workforce happy and your shipments moving.
Connecteam also helps you manage the last mile of your products’ journey. Our forms and our checklist app enable drivers to manage shipping documents on the go and collect signatures from customers. You can also set up notifications so you know right away when a delivery is completed.
Connecteam lets you manage up to 10 users for free, and paid plans start at just $29 per month for up to 30 users. Give our TMS software a try today to see what Connecteam can do for your business!
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!
Key Features
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GPS-based fleet tracking
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Schedule, dispatch, and reroute drivers
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Mobile document management
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Delivery notifications
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Integration with payroll software
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Seamless communication with drivers
Pros
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Free plan for up to 10 users
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Easily schedule drivers and routes
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User-friendly mobile app
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Integrated secure messaging
Cons
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Doesn’t integrate with third-party carriers
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial
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MercuryGate — Good for: Rapidly growing companies
Available on
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Web
MercuryGate offers a powerful transportation management system designed for businesses that are looking to scale up quickly. The platform enables you to designate specific processes to trusted agents, making it easier to grow your logistics network and expand to new carriers.
At the same time, MercuryGate makes the back-end of your network more efficient by offering dynamic workflows. Optimization algorithms ensure you get the best rates, routes, and delivery speeds for every shipment.
MercuryGate supports all modes of transportation, including freight, rail, air, ocean, and drayage shipping. You can also set up less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping and coordinate last-mile deliveries.
Learn more about MercuryGate
Key Features
- Designate processes to trusted agents
- Dynamic workflows
- Supports omni-modal transportation
- Integrated transportation contract management
Pros
- Global transportation options
- Rate and route optimization features
Cons
- Complex user interface
- Analytics tools are time-consuming to customize
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available
Trial: No
Free Plan: No -
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Alpega — Good for: Mobile shipment tracking
Available on
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Web
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iOS
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Android
Alpega’s TMS system is one of only a handful of platforms that offer mobile shipment tracking via iOS and Android. The mobile communication app enables you to message carriers and get notified whenever a shipment is delivered.
The mobile platform also offers complete visibility into your shipments. You can not only track the location of a load, but also get real-time updates about events like traffic jams and hand-offs.
Alpega also has the tools you need to plan and tender shipments. A unique aspect of this platform is that you can set up both strategic plans with a timeline of more than one year and route- and rate-optimized plans for the next six months. Alpega also uses algorithms to make quick changes to your shipments based on the realities of day-to-day operations.
Learn more about Alpega
Key Features
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- Communication with carriers and drivers
- Long-term strategic planning
- Automated load tendering
Pros
- Integrates with hundreds of carriers
- Flexible analytics tools
Cons
- Limited flexibility for LTL and multi-modal shipments
- Occasional platform outages
Pricing
Contact vendor for price
Trial: No
Free Plan: No -
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Kuebix — Good for: Free shipping quote comparisons
Available on
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Web
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Windows
Kuebix is a user-friendly TMS software that’s built for smaller businesses with limited shipping needs. It enables you to quickly collect and compare quotes across carriers for any mode of transportation. You can book shipments directly through the software, but Kuebix lacks the rules-based automations that more sophisticated TMS platforms offer.
Kuebix offers real-time freight-tracking tools to give you visibility into your shipments. In addition, the platform has a handy analytics dashboard. You can easily monitor your logistics spending and trends in delivery times, plus generate custom reports.
You can use Kuebix to compare and book carriers for free. However, more advanced tools such as route optimization and freight tracking require you to purchase add-on modules.
Learn more about Kuebix
Key Features
- Real-time shipment tracking
- Compare quotes for all transportation types
- Route-optimization algorithm
- Automatic invoice auditing
Pros
- Very user-friendly
- Flexible analytics dashboard
Cons
- Must book shipments manually
- Doesn’t display rate quote history
Pricing
Contact vendor for price
Trial: Yes
Free Plan: Yes -
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Shipwell — Good for: Automating the shipping process
Available on
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Web
Shipwell offers a sleek and modern transportation management system that takes much of the manual work out of managing your supply chain. The platform uses algorithms to automatically organize your incoming orders into load-optimized shipments. It also optimizes routes and rates to help you choose among drayage, freight, LTL, and parcel shipments.
One of the best things about Shipwell is that it simplifies the financial side of shipping. The platform integrates seamlessly with TriumphPay, NetSuite, and QuickBooks. Invoices are audited automatically to ensure you’re never overcharged.
Shipwell also includes a capable analytics dashboard so you can monitor the performance of your logistics network. You can rank the performance of individual carriers, identify the root cause of rising costs, and keep track of customer satisfaction.
Learn more about Shipwell
Key Features
- Rules-based load management
- Route- and rate-optimization algorithm
- Integrates with popular accounting software
- Analytics dashboard with custom reports
Pros
- Many automation features
- Mobile app for real-time shipment tracking
Cons
- Doesn’t support global shipping
- Complex shipment tracking tools
Pricing
Contact vendor for price
Trial: No
Free Plan: No -
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E2open — Good for: End-to-end logistics management
Available on
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Web
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Android
E2open is one of the largest logistics service providers in the world and recently acquired TMS software provider BluJay. E2open’s transportation management system is just one small component of what this company offers. E2open can manage your supply chain for you with a logistics-as-a-service (LaaS) solution, streamline global imports and exports, and even help you forecast demand across industries.
E2open’s transportation management system leverages the company’s global reach. You can quickly find and book carriers across all modes of transportation. The platform makes it surprisingly easy to handle multi-modal shipments and uses optimization algorithms to ensure you get the best rates.
This TMS software is built for collaboration, enabling you to work with suppliers and customers to manage orders. You also get real-time tracking for every shipment and the ability to share tracking data with customers.
Learn more about E2open
Key Features
- Book and manage multi-modal shipments
- Route and rate optimization
- Centralized platform for suppliers and customers
- Real-time tracking for every shipment
Pros
- Automated rules and workflows
- Uses AI to forecast rates and delivery times
Cons
- Expensive
- Steep learning curve
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available
Trial: No
Free Plan: No -
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SAP Transportation Management — Good for: Visualizing logistics data
Available on
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Web
SAP Transportation Management software offers clear visualizations to help you organize and manage your shipments. The platform includes graphics like a map of active routes, a Gantt chart of shipments in progress, and bar charts indicating load optimization. All of these visual cues work together to provide an actionable overview of your current supply chain.
This TMS software also supports rules-based automations to streamline the process of booking shipments. You can synchronize sales and shipping orders as well as make last-minute changes to routes in response to daily operations.
SAP Transportation Management doesn’t offer the same depth of features as some competing platforms. For example, there is limited support for multi-modal or multi-leg shipments. However, this software is very easy to use compared to more flexible TMS platforms.
Learn more about SAP Transportation Management
Key Features
- Visualize routes and shipment progress
- Automatically sync sales and shipments
- Load-optimization tools
- Compare rates across hundreds of carriers
Pros
- Supports flexible automations
- Customizable analytics dashboard
Cons
- Limited support for multi-modal shipments
- Basic rate quote and booking tools
Pricing
Contact vendor for price
Trial: No
Free Plan: No -
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Descartes — Good for: Multi-modal shipping
Available on
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Web
Descartes is a global logistics provider whose transportation management system is specifically designed to handle multi-modal shipments. The platform includes unique features like dock scheduling and yard management, support for parcel shipments, and integration with your company’s own private fleet.
In addition, Descartes will automatically consolidate and reorganize loads for every shipping mode to help you reduce costs. No matter how your shipment is moving, Descartes offers real-time tracking and delivery time prediction. It also supports communication with carriers and enables you to manage proof of delivery for every shipment.
Despite offering tools for managing complex shipments, the software itself is relatively easy to use. Descartes is only available on the web and does not offer a mobile app for shippers.
Learn more about Descartes
Key Features
- Supports multi-modal shipments
- Dock scheduling and yard management
- Integrates with your company’s fleet
- GPS-based shipment tracking
Pros
- Automatic load optimization
- Built-in communication with carriers
Cons
- No mobile app for shippers
- Complex invoice auditing interface
Pricing
Contact vendor for price
Trial: No
Free Plan: No -
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3GTMS — Good for: Managing shipping costs
Available on
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Web
3GTMS is a transportation management system that helps your business accurately price out the cost of logistics before you make shipping decisions. It calculates the true cost of shipping by taking into account your contract terms, fuel costs, and value-added pricing programs. 3GTMS delivers quotes from hundreds of carriers in real-time.
This software also offers flexibility throughout your planning process. 3GTMS enables you to incrementally plan shipments as new freight capacity comes online. In addition, you can choose whether to allow or exclude multi-stop, multi-leg, and LTL shipments to manage complex routes.
3GTMS also offers tools to audit your logistics network. You can set up automated rules to authorize or investigate freight bills. The platform also helps you manage proof of delivery and other critical shipping documents.
Learn more about 3GTMS
Key Features
- Calculates true cost of shipping
- Real-time quotes from hundreds of carriers
- Manages shipping documents and proof of delivery
- Supports communication with drivers
Pros
- Flexible shipping options for complex routes
- Audit your shipping costs
Cons
- Outdated user interface
- No mobile apps
Pricing
Contact vendor for price
Trial: No
Free Plan: No -
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Oracle Cloud HCM — Good for: Integrated fleet management
Available on
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Web
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iOS
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Android
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Windows
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Mac
Oracle Transportation Management is an all-in-one platform that helps you manage both third-party shipping and an in-house fleet of delivery vehicles. It supports multi-modal and multi-leg shipping through integrations with hundreds of carriers. In addition, Oracle Transportation Management enables you to include your own fleet’s vehicles when calculating costs and finding capacity.
Another unique feature of Oracle Transportation Management is logistics network modeling. You can develop what-if scenarios based on your current shipping capacity and product demand.
This transportation management system also leverages machine learning to help you better predict shipping costs and delivery times. So, your company can better plan ahead and avoid high freight prices during busy periods.
Learn more about Oracle Cloud HCM
Key Features
- Supports in-house freight fleets
- Logistics network modeling
- Machine-learning-based predictions
- 3D load modeling
Pros
- Supports multi-modal and multi-leg transport
- Automated digital assistant
Cons
- Limited finance and auditing tools
- Fewer analytics tools than competitors
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available
Trial: No
Free Plan: No -
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Blue Yonder — Good for: Integrated fleet management
Available on
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Web
Blue Yonder offers logistics solutions for supply chain management, transportation management, and omnichannel commerce. The company’s transportation management system is designed to help you optimize every shipment and cut your transportation costs.
Blue Yonder’s platform uses artificial intelligence to help you plan and execute shipments. The platform can automatically help you find the best carriers and rates for your supply chain, plus dynamically rebalance routes in response to your day-to-day operations.
For shippers who want to dig into the data, Blue Yonder includes advanced load-modeling tools and a flexible analytics module. Helpfully, the platform also calls attention to issues like underutilization within a particular load so you can address inefficiencies head-on.
Learn more about Blue Yonder
Key Features
- AI-assisted planning tools
- Dynamic route rebalancing
- 3D load modeling
- Real-time shipment tracking
Pros
- User-friendly automations
- Alerts shippers to underutilized loads
Cons
- No financial auditing tools
- Limited information about AI-based calculations
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available
Trial: Yes — 30-day
Free Plan: No -
Compare the Best Transportation Management Systems
Topic
Reviews
4.8
2.9
4.1
4.6
4.4
2.8
4.5
4
4.5
3.9
4
Pricing
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
Pricing is not publicly available
Contact vendor for price
Contact vendor for price
Contact vendor for price
Pricing is not publicly available
Contact vendor for price
Contact vendor for price
Contact vendor for price
Pricing is not publicly available
Pricing is not publicly available
Free Trial
yes
14-day
no
no
yes
no
no
no
no
no
no
yes
30-day
Free Plan
yes
Free Up to 10 users
no
no
yes
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
What Are Transportation Management Systems?
Transportation management systems are software platforms designed to help companies manage their supply chains. In particular, they play a central role in enabling companies to book shipments with carriers, track those shipments, and pay carriers.
Most TMS software platforms also offer tools to help companies make their transportation networks more efficient. For example, many platforms offer route-optimization tools or 3D load-modeling tools. Most platforms also offer analytics tools so companies can track their costs and transportation performance over time.
How Does Transportation Management Software Work?
Transportation management software is able to source shipping quotes from different carriers and help you find the most cost-efficient method for transporting your supplies or products. It also offers a way to track your shipments from the warehouse to your customer and to pay your shipping carriers. If you have your own in-house fleet, transportation management software can help you manage that fleet as well.
Transportation management software can also be used in conjunction with warehouse management software or enterprise resource planning software. These platforms feed information about your day-to-day operations to your TMS software, enabling it to automatically rebalance shipments and loads in response to your company’s product flow.
The Benefits of Transportation Management Systems
Managing global supply chains is an incredibly challenging task. Companies need to ensure that supplies reach their warehouses on time and that products can be shipped out to customers on demand. In most cases, businesses rely on third-party carriers to handle transportation, adding another layer of complexity.
Transportation management systems streamline all of these processes and ensure that they work seamlessly. The best TMS software can help you book shipping space with carriers and ensure you get the best rates. They can also help you predict how long shipping will take so you can plan your operations and keep your customers happy.
Importantly, transportation management systems also help you manage the unexpected. When delays happen or your operational plan changes, TMS systems can rebalance your shipments and routes to keep your business running smoothly. That saves you money and ensures that your customers are happy with your company.
How Much Do Transportation Management Systems Cost?
Transportation management systems can vary widely in cost depending on the size of your business and how much shipping volume you need to manage. Many providers tailor their systems based on your business’s specific needs and require you to contact them for a custom quote.
Pricing will also vary based on whether you need an on-premises solution or a cloud-based TMS software. On-premises transportation management systems can cost upwards of $25,000, plus an annual subscription fee. Cloud-based TMS software can cost only a few dollars per shipment booked through the platform.
Connecteam is decidedly more affordable than many other platforms, offering a simple monthly or annual subscription that starts at $29 per month for 30 users. Plus, you can try out our software for free for 14 days.
FAQs
What is a transportation management system?
A transportation management system, or TMS software, is a logistics platform that helps companies coordinate shipping. TMS software enables you to optimize, book, and track shipments.
How much can a transportation management system save?
Transportation management systems can typically save your company 3-7% on shipping costs by increasing the efficiency of your shipping process.
Is TMS software a part of enterprise resource planning?
Transportation management software may be part of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. Alternatively, you can integrate your TMS system with an ERP platform.
The Bottom Line On Transportation Management System
Transportation management software is essential for any company that relies on shipping. With the right TMS system, you can manage everything in the complex shipping process, from booking a shipment to tracking your products to ensuring that they get into your customers’ hands on time. In addition, transportation management systems offer a wide range of features for cutting shipping costs.
If your business wants to get a better handle on transportation, we think Connecteam is the best platform for the job. Connecteam makes it easy to build, deploy, and manage your own fleet of vehicles. It integrates with payroll systems to streamline payments and offers GPS tracking so you always know where your shipments are. Get started by trying out Connecteam for free for 14 days.
