Cut Costs, Boost Efficiency: A Guide to the Best Transportation Management System (TMS)

Is managing your logistics a juggling act? You're not alone.

Staying on top of freight, controlling costs, and keeping customers happy can be a full-time job. This is where a Transportation Management System (TMS) comes in, but not just any TMS. TMSes come in many shapes and sizes, from Enterprise level TMS technology to easy-to-use TMS technology for SMB businesses. For Freight Broker TMS technology, companies like Alyvs, Tai TMS, Turvo, and Shippers Edge were built for freight brokerage companies.

The most effective solutions, such as the Kuebix by FreightWise TMS, combine powerful software, multi-modal support, and stellar customer service, and are easy to use. If you want to know what to ask when looking for a TMS, download our TMS Buyers Guide to understand what to look for when selecting a TMS.

Top Easy-to-use Transportation Management Systems (TMS) for SMB and Mid-Market Shippers

1. Kuebix TMS by FreightWise

The perfect fit for small to mid-sized businesses that need enterprise-level expertise, the ability to provide support across modes (LTL, truckload, and parcel), and significant cost savings.

What it does for you: Kuebix isn’t just a TMS; it’s a true partnership. It gives you access to the same technology, carrier rates, and industry knowledge that large corporations use. By leveraging its collective volume and a team with over 1,000 years of combined experience, the Kuebix TMS helps businesses achieve an average 20-30% reduction in freight costs. Learn more about freight cost reduction strategies.

Standout features:

  • Complete end-to-end management, from when you place an order to when the invoice is paid.
  • Match Pay Freight Audit means the system automatically compares the data that audits 100% of invoices.
  • Multi-carrier and mode rating for Parcel, LTL, and Truckload, ensuring you always get the best rates.
  • Seamless integrations with major ERP and WMS systems to streamline your operations through flexible APIs.
  • Unlimited Quotes for all Kuebix users, so great for shippers that need quoting capabilities or have a lot of monthly shipments.

Why people choose the Kuebix TMS: Kuebix’s proven easy-to-use TMS helps with mass adoption across your locations, it also has some standout features like the ability to determine which mode to ship (comparing LTL and parcel) that if you have a lot of in-betweener shipments, Kuebix is a good fit.

Capterra Ranking: 4.6

2. MyCarrier TMS

Fit for: Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking for a solution for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping.

What it does for you: MyCarrier TMS is a cloud-based platform simplifying the LTL shipping process. The platform was built for carriers initially, so the system is inherently optimized for the logistics and rules that carriers follow. It’s a solution for companies that want to automate freight operations, get quotes, and manage shipments.

Standout features:

  • Real-time LTL quotes directly from carriers.
  • Automated booking and tracking to eliminate manual data entry.
  • Document management for easy access to bills of lading (BOLs) and other paperwork.

Why people choose MyCarrier TMS: While MyCarrier has a large carrier audience that enables the platform to provide direct real-time rate quotes, its platform is also user-friendly for shippers.

3. Shipsy

Fit for: Businesses with international operations looking for a digital transformation partner.

What it does for you: Shipsy specializes in helping companies with a global footprint. Its cloud-based TMS has deep integrations with shipping lines, 3PLs, and customs agents, making it easy to manage your international logistics.

Standout features:

  • Data-driven decision-making to optimize your international operations.
  • A “plug-and-play” platform for fast, simple deployment.
  • Real-time driver tracking to ensure on-time deliveries.
  • Remember:The platform might be overly complex or not as flexible for businesses that primarily handle domestic-only operations.

4. FreightPOP

Fit for: Mid-market to enterprise-level businesses with multi-modal shipping.

What it does for you:FreightPOP is a cloud-based TMS that consolidates all shipping modes and carriers onto a single platform. It is designed for businesses that need to automate complex logistics workflows, reduce manual data entry, and gain centralized visibility across their entire supply chain.

Standout features:

  • Multi-modal rate shopping across LTL, FTL, parcel, ocean, and air.
  • Automated invoice auditing to identify billing errors.
  • Integrated managed services, including support for integrations and implementation.

How to Choose the Right TMS

Choosing the right TMS platform is a big decision regarding your unique business needs, size, and budget. Here are some questions when determining the right TMS for your needs. If you’re looking to cut costs and get a powerful partner in your corner, the Kuebix TMS by FreightWise is an excellent choice.

Ready to stop juggling and start saving? See how the Kuebix TMS can help your business achieve a 20-30% reduction in freight costs.

Contact us today for a personalized demo and a custom quote. Let’s discuss your unique logistics needs and find the perfect fit together.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best TMS with integrated managed services?

A: The “best” solution is the one that fits your specific needs. Kuebix by Freightwise offers a compelling value proposition for businesses looking for significant cost savings and hands-on support, while others cater to more
specialized or large-scale operations.

Q: Why are integrated managed services so crucial?

A: They combine cutting-edge software with human expertise. This blend transforms a simple platform into a true strategic partner, helping you optimize operations, reduce errors, and ensure your supply chain runs smoothly

Q: How much do these TMS solutions cost?

A: The price is highly variable, depending on your company’s size, the features you need, and the number of users. The best way to get a clear picture is to request a custom quote or demo tailored to your business.