Best Transportation Management Systems – 2023 Review
Transportation management systems (TMS) help brokers, carriers, and freight forwarders plan and optimize the physical movement of goods across the land, sea, and sky. These systems provide real-time visibility into the movement of freight, from inbound raw materials to outbound finished goods.
We’ve evaluated the top TMS systems for functionality in accounting, invoicing, order management, route optimization, and compliance. Find the right option for your business.
1
Rose Rocket TMS – Best Overall
Rose Rocket TMS is built for modern trucking companies and brokerages looking to optimize their operations. The TMS lets you report on important business metrics like on-time percentage, total spend, and IFTA. There are different features depending on if you are a carrier, broker, or freight broker.
This TMS includes popular functionality such as real-time reporting and IFTA. Additionally, there are customer and partner portals for easy access, along with a driver mobile app for updates on the road. Handle finances with consolidated invoicing and sales commission tools. Or just keep tabs on drivers with a calendar feature.
Rose Rocket makes my day easier. I can move around in this software with ease. Customizing any searches etc that I need. I personally recommend Rose Rocket for the overall ability and functionality for the industry.
User Shawna Wood at Wainright Trucking
Best Overall:
Rose Rocket
★★★★★
★★★★★
(5)
What We Like
Powered by the Network TMS
Track and trace shipments
Monitors ETA of in-transit orders live
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $250/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted
2
Descartes Aljex – Best for Ease of Use
Descartes Aljex is a cloud-based TMS with a focus on freight forwarding functionality. automates processes and provides end-to-end supply chain visibility. The dashboard-driven TMS is popular with freight brokers, 3PLs, shippers, and intermodal users operating across the North American logistics supply chain. Descartes Aljex offers accounting, customer and carrier management, operations, utilities, and administration features.
Best for Ease of Use:
Descartes Aljex
What We Like
Cloud-based TMS
Used by freight brokers, 3PLS, and intermodal users
Minimizes manual track and trace operations
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $290/month
Client OS: iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted
3
Axon – Best for Trucking
Axon is a transportation software specially designed for the trucking industry. Real-time integration gives your team instant updates on fuel management, dispatch, fleet maintenance, accounting, and billing all with one entry.
Axon helps you manage your trucking business with less staff so you can increase efficiency and lower operating costs.
Best for Trucking:
AXON
★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
What We Like
Designed for transportation industry
Fully integrated management systems
24/7 real-time satellite tracking
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises
4
Blue Yonder – Best for Supply Chain
Blue Yonder, previously known as JDA Demand Planning, is a supply chain planning software with an emphasis on transportation, warehouse, labor, and distribution networks. Predictive scenario planning grants your company complete visibility into automation and control practices.
Planning, Logistics, and Commerce come together with Blue Yonder Luminate. Each helps you better manage your supply chain operations with features liked demand planning, transportation management, and merchandise operations.
Best for Supply Chain Planning:
Blue Yonder Luminate
What We Like
Formerly JDA Demand Planning
Predictive scenario planning tools
Includes dynamic eCommerce and in-store experiences
Overview
5
ezLoads TMS and Driver App – Also Great for Trucking
ezLoads TMS and Driver App is an all-in-one trucking solution which fully handles all the DOT safety compliance requirements and documents for drivers and equipment. This software keeps track of all expiration dates so you can remain compliant with all regulations.
With ezLoads it takes seconds to prepare driver settlements. DS is emailed to a driver right from the system. Invoicing is done in just one click. Invoices can be sent directly to customers from ezLoads system. IFTA is done in one click. Since all miles and gallons are already in the system, ezLoads gives an IFTA report in just one click.
EzLoads is a convenient affordable program for the interaction of all departments of a trucking company from the dispatcher and to the general manager.
User Andrew
Also Great for Trucking:
ezLoads TMS and Driver App
★★★★★
★★★★★
(15)
What We Like
All-in-one TMS software
Uses Driver App for real-time connection
Includes IFTA, financial reports
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $99/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted
6
MercuryGate TMS – Best for TMS
MercuryGate TMS combines power and accessibility to create a feature-rich yet easy to use transportation management system. The platform fully automates the transportation lifecycle, and is used by top tier third-party logistics providers (3PLs), shippers, brokers, carriers, and freight forwarders.
Built on open-standard architecture, MercuryGate enables adaptors to all major ERP and warehouse management systems.
Best for TMS:
MercuryGate
What We Like
Handles inbound and outbound on land, air, or sea
Covers multiple geographies
Has dynamic rule sets
Overview
Client OS: Windows, macOS, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises
