It’s no secret that a lot goes into successfully operating a fleet of dry vans. The good news?
You don't have to do it alone if you use transportation management system (TMS) software. This can help you take your business into the digital age by making it easier to keep track of the electronic data involved.
Gone are the days of having to use—and keep track of—pen and paper. With the help of transportation management systems, there’s a simpler way to do things. The best part is you can access your must-have data wherever and whenever you need it.
But how do you know which option is best for you? Below, we’re answering that along with other questions so you can make the best decision for your business. Take a look.
What Exactly Is TMS Software?
TMS software is a tool trucking companies can use to streamline operations. For decades, the logistics industry has relied on pen and paper to do business, but now, there’s a better way. Instead of spending hours frustratedly sifting through paperwork looking for an invoice or bill of lading (BOL), TMS software enables teams to modernize their processes to save time—and money.
To better understand why using TMS software is a wise idea, consider some of the benefits. With cloud-based software, secure information sharing has never been easier.
A powerful TMS software can also assist with dispatching drivers’ loads to their mobile app and automated invoicing to get paid faster. The software can also assist with shipment tracking maintenance, offering insight-rich business performance reports.
Now that you know why TMS software is valuable, it’s helpful to walk through some key components your software should contain.
Key Components of TMS Software
Not all TMS software has the same capabilities, so doing your homework is important to find the right system for your business. When evaluating TMS software, there are several questions you should ask yourself.
These questions include:
Who built the software? Did a team create it with first-hand experience with the trucking industry?
What does the system handle? If it only takes care of one or two tasks, it may not be a worthwhile investment.
Does it provide business performance insights? If not, find a tool that will.
Is the TMS software equipped with the tools my business needs to grow? Right now, your fleet may be relatively small, but is the software powerful enough to scale with you?
Once you answer these questions, you can evaluate TMS software features to better understand whether they'll suit your needs.
Choosing the Right Partner
The best way to evaluate a TMS software partner is by comparing the company you’re considering to other providers. Doing so gives you a better feel for what that partner provides that others may not.
Next, consider your answers to the above questions. Ideally, your TMS software should be built by truckers, for truckers. Without first-hand industry knowledge, the technology won’t be as powerful.
Remember: you’re looking for a system to simplify your life, not complicate things further. If the software isn’t up to speed with the trucking industry’s real needs, it won’t do.
Next, the system should handle several different aspects of your business. Ideally, it will help with operation management, processing settlements, invoicing, ensuring safety, tracking maintenance, dispatching loads to drivers’ mobile apps, and delivering insights regarding the performance of your business. If your tool isn’t doing this, you’re missing out on using one that can.
Speaking of business performance insights, it’s key your software provides this. You can learn much about making your business run more smoothly from the data you’ll gather with your TMS software. It’s time you let that data work for you.
Lastly, the best TMS software is robust enough to grow with you but also personable that you can get customer support if you need it.
With several TMS software options on the market, it can feel overwhelming to sift through information about what sets each apart. OpenRoad TMS did the heavy lifting for you below.
Walking Through the Top 5 TMS Software Options
You know what key components your TMS software should have and the process for evaluating the right partner. Now, it’s time to walk through your transportation management systems software options.
OpenRoad TMS
OpenRoad TMS checks every box if you’re looking for a comprehensive yet not overwhelming tool to streamline your operations management. With the help of this cloud-based tool, you can invoice customers, seamlessly process settlements, dispatch loads to your drivers’ mobile apps, complete tracking maintenance, and ensure the safety of your fleet.
Best of all, OpenRoad TMS offers you thoughtful business performance reports you can use to take action and improve your company's function. This can ultimately reduce costs.
OpenRoad TMS was developed by truckers for truckers. If you select this software, you can rest assured the product was created thoughtfully by folks who understand how disorganization can negatively impact your business’ success and are working to actively change that with this product.
OpenRoad TMS stands out for its user-friendliness, easy document uploads, and even fuel card integration. If you’re seeking a holistic solution, look no further.
ProTransport TMS
ProTransport TMS is a comprehensive trucking software solution that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. It’s designed to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to streamline their operations. The highly configurable software ensures it can adapt to any company's unique requirements.
Optym
Optym’s LoadOps TMS lets you view all driver schedules, statuses, time off requests, and locations from a single page. Their platform allows you to quickly check driver utilization and availability and easily identify gaps and assignment opportunities to optimize your fleet's performance.
AscendTMS
AscendTMS gives you ultimate control over your logistics and distribution operations. It empowers you and your team to easily and efficiently manage every aspect of your daily freight movements. You no longer have to worry about the hassle of manual logistics management, and you can easily streamline your operations.
PCS
Finally, PCS is another choice for TMS software. This tool is especially useful for carriers because it assists with tasks including fleet management. Additionally, PCS uses AI-fueled monitoring of electronic logging devices (ELDs). The tool also offers load optimization recommendations to streamline your business.
TMS Software Will Transform Your Trucking Enterprise
If you’re ready to level up, it’s time to consider TMS software as a solution to scale your business while reducing frustration. By selecting a tool that boasts strategic load and lane planning, operations management, assistance with documentation, and more, you can rest assured your business is in good hands.
Want to learn more about how using TMS software will streamline the way you run your business? Get a free trial of OpenRoad TMS to discover how this tool can work for you.