9.3
Editor’s Rating:
Best Overall
Rose Rocket: Rose Rocket Reporting & Analytics
Rose Rocket
  • Powered by the Network TMS
  • Track and trace shipments
  • Monitors ETA of in-transit orders live
8.3
Editor’s Rating:
Most User-Centric Design
Descartes Aljex: Home Screen
Descartes Aljex
  • Cloud-based TMS
  • Used by freight brokers, 3PLS, and intermodal users
  • Minimizes manual track and trace operations
9.3
Editor’s Rating:
Best For Trucking
AXON Trucking Software: Receivable Report
AXON Trucking Software
  • Designed for transportation industry
  • Fully integrated management systems
  • 24/7 real-time satellite tracking

Transportation management systems (TMS) help plan and optimize the physical movement of goods across the land, sea, and sky. Using our advanced review methodology, our team has carefully evaluated TMS software to find the best options for brokers, carriers, and freight forwarders.

1 Rose Rocket TMS - Best Overall

Why we chose it: Rose Rocket TMS is our top overall pick because it 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.

Best Overall:
Rose Rocket
★★★★★
★★★★★
(7)

Rose Rocket: Rose Rocket Reporting & Analytics
Rose Rocket: Rose Rocket Driver Mobile App
Rose Rocket: Rose Rocket Dispatching
Rose Rocket: Rose Rocket Customer Visibility
Rose Rocket: Rose Rocket AI Document Scanner
Rose Rocket: Rose Rocket Builders & Customizations
Rose Rocket: Rose Rocket Accounting
What We Like
Free trial available
Integrates with over 20 software systems
Has customer and partner portals where customers can request rates, book orders, and view invoices
What We Don’t Like
Limited intermodal support
Lack of carrier rate database and searchable lane histories
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $233/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

2 Descartes Aljex - Most User-Centric Design

Why we chose it: We found Descartes Aljex user-friendly because of its user-centric design and cloud-based nature. 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.

Most User-Centric Design:
Descartes Aljex

Descartes Aljex: Home Screen
Descartes Aljex: Lane Rate Comparison
Descartes Aljex: Document Portal
Descartes Aljex: Carrier CRM
Descartes Aljex: Shipment Types
Descartes Aljex: Accounts Receivable
What We Like
Cloud-based TMS
Used by freight brokers, 3PLS, and intermodal users
Minimizes manual track and trace operations
What We Don’t Like
Pricing details not provided by the developer
Slow processing times when dealing with lots of data
Initial implementation and setup can be complex
Overview
Price Range: $$
Client OS: iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

3 Axon - Best for Trucking

Why we chose it: 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 Trucking Software
★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)

AXON Trucking Software: Receivable Report
AXON Trucking Software: Orders
AXON Trucking Software: Orders Ready to be Invoiced Report
AXON Trucking Software: Trailers
What We Like
Designed for transportation industry
Fully integrated management systems
24/7 real-time satellite tracking
What We Don’t Like
Difficult to import excel files
No quarterly tax option
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

4 Blue Yonder - Strong Supply Chain Planning

Why we chose it: 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 like demand planning, transportation management, and merchandise operations.

Strong Supply Chain Planning:
Blue Yonder Luminate

Blue Yonder Luminate: Logistics
Blue Yonder Luminate: Process KPIs
Blue Yonder Luminate: Production Planning
Blue Yonder Luminate: Planning
Blue Yonder Luminate: Playbook
What We Like
Formerly JDA Demand Planning
Predictive scenario planning tools
Includes dynamic eCommerce and in-store experiences
What We Don’t Like
Some users report disruptions due to backend job failures
Occasional delays and system freezes when handling large datasets
Some users report slow support response
Overview

5 ezLoads TMS - Great Mobile App

Why we chose it: We pickedezLoads TMS for its driver app integration. The mobile app connects drivers to the TMS, allowing them to update load statuses and submit scanned Proof of Delivery (POD) or other receipts directly into the ezLoads TMS. It’s an all-in-one trucking solution that 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.

Great Mobile App:
ezLoads TMS and Driver App
★★★★★
★★★★★
(15)

ezLoads TMS and Driver App: Loads
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: Load Detail
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: Drivers
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: Driver Profile
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: New Loads
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: Menu
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: Autocapture
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: New Waybill
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: Waybill Scanner
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: Waybill
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: BOL Scanner
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: New Loads
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: New Loads
ezLoads TMS and Driver App: Load
What We Like
All-in-one TMS software
Uses Driver App for real-time connection
Includes IFTA, financial reports
What We Don’t Like
No feature for split trips (changing trucks, drivers, trailers within a trip)
Only supports QuickBooks integration for accounting
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $99/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

6 MercuryGate TMS - Open Standard Architecture

Why we chose it: Built on open-standard architecture, MercuryGate enables adaptors to all major ERP and warehouse management systems. Users can customize the software to their specific needs without specialized integrations. They can also readily scale the software to meet changing demands.

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.

Open Standard Architecture:
MercuryGate

MercuryGate: Dashboard Overview
MercuryGate: Quote Dashboard
MercuryGate: Shipment Overview
MercuryGate: Route Board Details
What We Like
Handles inbound and outbound on land, air, or sea
Covers multiple geographies
Has dynamic rule sets
What We Don’t Like
Pricing details not provided by the developer
Requires some training to fully utilize
Overview
Client OS: Windows, macOS, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

7 TruckMaster Envision - Strong Accounting Features

Why we chose it: We picked TruckMaster EnVision for its fully-integrated accounting system. The software offers support for custom ledger and multiple bank accounts. It also delivers standard and industry-specific reports for precise financial analysis. Any information users enter into the Dispatching module flows effortlessly through Billing, Driver Settlements, Payroll, and Accounting. Last, the ability to generate tax forms and control changes to closed periods adds another layer of functionality.

Strong Accounting Features:
EnVision
★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)

EnVision: Maintenance Due
EnVision: Trip List Panel
EnVision: Manifest List Panel
What We Like
Text messaging functionality
Supports complicated loads
Offers full accounting package
What We Don’t Like
Crowded user interface
Not ideal for large-scale LTL operations
Not a great fit for oil field businesses
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $199/month
Client OS: Windows, Linux
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

8 Trucking Integration - Great for Microsoft Users

Why we chose it: We chose Selective Software’s Trucking Integration due to its seamless integration with Microsoft products. Built on Microsoft Dynamics GP, it ensures familiarity and ease of use for users already accustomed to Microsoft’s ecosystem. This integration extends to key apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Great for Microsoft Users:
Trucking Integration

Trucking Integration: Work Orders
Trucking Integration: Loads
What We Like
Built on Microsoft Dynamics GP
Automates internal accounting and freight billing systems
What We Don’t Like
Not designed for macOS
Requires consultation call for pricing quote
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Client OS: Windows

9 3G-TM - Best for Mid-to-large Shippers

Why we chose it: 3G-TM is our top pick for mid-to-large shippers with large volumes of over-the-road freight. The platform helps manage the complete transportation lifecycle, including rating, routing, tendering, track-and-trace orders, and managing settlement.

3G-TM offers features for handling the pricing of profiles and responding to requests for proposals (RFPs) efficiently. It includes batch rating and analysis capabilities. Specifically, in the context of less-than-truckload (LTL) rating, it has a batch rater that can evaluate carrier and non-carrier tariffs and rate applications to generate spreadsheets and pricing information.

Best for Mid-to-large Shippers:
3G-TM

3G-TM: Dashboard
3G-TM: Production Routes
3G-TM: Planning Workspace
What We Like
Flexible system
Dashboards provide real-time overview
Intuitive platform
What We Don’t Like
Requires a developer quote for pricing details
Complex routing maps
Overview
Price Range: $$$$$
Starting Price: $4,000/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

10 PCS TMS - Best AI Integration

Why we chose it: We picked PCS TMS because it’s an AI-powered transportation and logistics software. The platform leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to automate shipping operations, from route optimization to logistics management. PCS TMS automates logistics planning, execution, and settlement. It also provides a variety of reports, including predictive analytics, compliance, financial, operational, ad hoc, and performance.

Best AI Integration:
PCS Transportation Management

PCS Transportation Management: Internet Load Board
PCS Transportation Management: Load Details
PCS Transportation Management: Carrier Dispatch
PCS Transportation Management: Fleet Management
PCS Transportation Management: Plan
What We Like
Offers remote work flexibility for on-the-go operations
Integrates with other software to cover specific transporation needs (i.e. cold chain custody)
Software is easy to use with minimal training required
What We Don’t Like
Price details are unavailable from the developer
Limited multi-window functionality
Some API links may fail and limit integration options
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $300/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

What Is Transportation Management Software?

Transportation management software (TMS) plans, executes, and optimizes the physical movement of goods. Interchangeably referred to as “trucking software” in some sectors, TMS is a subset of supply chain management systems and is either used as its own system or as part of a larger ERP software package. Unlike standardized packages, TMS addresses the specific needs of the transportation industry with customized functionality to help companies operate across the land, sea, and sky.

TMS Software Key Features

Broadly speaking, TMS software offers several functions to help distributors and transportation companies coordinate, calculate, and maintain shipments, shippers, and vehicles. Some of the most common TMS functionalities include the following:

Feature Functionality
Accounting Take care of all your specific accounting needs, including invoice reconciliation and matching, pricing, freight billing and auditing, carrier rates, and other general accounting tasks to establish and ensure proper and correct payments.
Order management Streamline order processing by fulfilling orders across multiple channels and ensuring timely delivery.
Invoicing and pricing Shippers can fully calculate the costs of delivery through TMS based on many different factors, including the distance, cargo weight, and mode of shipment. TMS offers in-depth reporting and analysis to help shippers determine the best and most cost-effective methods of shipment.
Route optimization Part of transportation execution, find fuel and time-efficient routes for your shippers by analyzing maps, traffic information, speed limits, modal limits, and the cost of fuel.
Load management Determine the best carrier for each delivery and help consolidate shipments into the most efficient loads possible.
Fleet management Maintain a complete fleet of vehicles, with functionality including procurement, payment, disposal, costing, and valuation, along with advanced functionality like driver and service record management, mapping and route optimization, and location history.
Maintenance management Oversee a fleet’s maintenance workflow, implement a preventative maintenance plan, review tire conditions, order spare parts, and stay on top of a repair schedule.
Compliance management Use recording and reporting modules to stay compliant with the latest DOT regulations.
Trucking Integration Work Orders
An example of a work order generated in Trucking Integration.

TMS Software Benefits

Organizations that deal with logistics know shipping a package isn’t as simple as placing a box on a truck and sending it off to a destination. Across the supply chain, moving goods throughout the globe is a serious business that requires detailed monitoring, reporting, and insights throughout the entire process. For logistics companies, having the right software to manage shipping and transportation is crucial to making sure items get where they need to go as efficiently as possible.

Fortunately for freight brokers, carriers, and trucking companies, transportation management software provides multiple benefits by:

  • Updating fuel costs: The freight audit and payment component of the TMS can keep track of fuel prices between your contracted agreement and current fuel indices, ensuring you don’t overpay for such a volatile resource.
  • Meeting regulatory compliance: Transportation is one of the world’s most heavily regulated industries. TMS can ensure your organization is compliant by accurately recording regulated tasks like driver hours worked, fuel tax payments and surcharges, vehicle maintenance schedules, and other common restrictions.
  • Lowering costs: It may seem counterintuitive, but investing in better TMS can help logistics companies save money in the long run through better resource management.
  • Automating data entry: Rather than relying on users’ recording information by hand, leading to human error, TMS can enable automatic logging and tracking to reduce the potential for user error.
  • Optimizing routes: Route optimization leads to reduced fuel costs, faster deliveries, and better turnaround times on orders.
  • Automating fleet and maintenance management: Use preemptive measures to lower overall downtime from maintenance and unexpected repair costs.
  • Providing real-time, remote access: Gain access to your transportation tools from anywhere in the world with cloud-based TMS software. Mobile apps make it possible to track drivers and shipments on-the-go.
  • Organizing document management: Cut down on physical paperwork (i.e. scheduling spreadsheets) and digitize your records.

Depending on your exact business, there may be many more benefits from implementing an all-in-one transportation management solution.

ezLoads Load Management Trucking Software
Track loads in real-time with ezLoads software.

How Much Does TMS Software Cost?

Transportation management software pricing varies based on how many total users you have and the exact functionality you need. Cloud-based SaaS plans range from $30 to $200 per month. Some plans additionally charge per user. One-time purchases of perpetual licenses range from $650 to $20,000.

If you’re on a budget or just starting out, there are options to meet your budget. There are some free-forever TMS solutions available, though many TMS vendors offer free trials and demos. Both perpetual licenses and SaaS subscriptions may charge extra for continued maintenance, user training, and add-on functionality.

Some of the latest trends to consider when looking to buy transportation management software include:

  1. Standalone TMS vs. enterprise resource planning software functionality: Your organization may be looking at a standalone TMS, but there are a number of ERP software packages that include similar functionality. The right choice for your business will depend on the scale of your transportation operations.
  2. Cloud vs. on-premise: Cloud technology enables logistics companies to access their data anywhere. The modern TMS is cloud-ready, making your trucking software more capable and smarter than ever before.
  3. The emergence of driverless technology: Self-driving trucks are already on the horizon. These will require new and complex software solutions to oversee a fleet of virtual drivers. Switching to a modern TMS can future-proof your system as technology continues to evolve.
TMWSuite Mobile Order
TMWSuite has a strong mobile functionality that lets drivers check orders on the road.

QuickBooks Upgrade Options

As one of the leading accounting software solutions, Quickbooks is the choice for many different industries, including transportation. Most trucking or TMS systems offer full Quickbooks integration, with Quickbooks acting as the core accounting program and TMS features handled through add-ons or integrations. A Quickbooks TMS integration is a great option for organizations seeking to stick with Quickbooks while enhancing their TMS capabilities.

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