10 Things Your TMS Should Do For Your Trucking Company

As a trucking company owner or manager, you have a lot of responsibilities to juggle. You have to coordinate shipments, schedule deliveries, manage drivers, and keep track of finances, among other things. It can be overwhelming at times, which is why you need a reliable sidekick to help you out. Enter the transportation management system (TMS).

A TMS is like a superhero for your trucking company. It can help you streamline and optimize your operations, saving you time and effort. But not all TMS solutions are created equal. Here are 10 things a TMS should do for your trucking company to really earn its cape:

1. Provide Powerful Reporting and Analysis Tools

A TMS should offer powerful reporting and analysis tools that can help you gain insights into your business and make informed decisions. No more guesswork – a good TMS will give you the data you need to succeed.

Historical lane reports and analytics help ensure you’re bidding competitively to win lanes. Your TMS should help you run month-to-month reports to understand your business performance. This is calculated growth.

2. Dispatch Loads Like a Boss

A TMS should be able to dispatch loads to your drivers with ease, taking into account their schedules, routes, and availability. This way, you can keep your drivers happy and your trucks on the road.

3. Keep Track of Shipments in Real-Time

A TMS should be able to track shipments in real-time, so you can keep your customers informed and up-to-date on delivery status. No more wondering where that shipment is – a good TMS will have all the answers.

4. Streamline Freight Billing and Settlement

A TMS should be able to handle freight billing and settlement with ease, so you can get paid faster and without any headaches. No more endless paperwork or disputes – a good TMS will take care of it all.

5. Manage Driver Logs Like a Pro

A TMS should be able to manage driver logs and ensure that your drivers are in compliance with regulations. This way, you can avoid those pesky fines and keep your drivers happy and safe.

6. Keep Your Trucks in Top Shape

A TMS should be able to help you maintain your trucks and keep them in top shape. This can include things like scheduling maintenance, tracking repairs, and more. No more breakdowns or unexpected expenses – a good TMS will keep your trucks running smoothly.

7. Improve Communication and Collaboration

A TMS should be able to facilitate communication and collaboration within your organization. This can include things like messaging, chat, and document management. No more misunderstandings or miscommunications – a good TMS will keep everyone on the same page.

8. Customize and Integrate With Other Systems

A TMS should be able to customize and integrate with other systems and platforms to meet the specific needs and goals of your trucking company. This way, you can avoid the hassle of switching between multiple systems or manually entering data.

No two trucking companies are alike. They each have their own needs and way of getting business done. This includes a wide array of integrations. Your TMS should have a solid development team, capable of meeting your needs for integrations in a timely manner.

9. Plan the Most Efficient Routes

A good TMS should be able to plan the most efficient routes for your trucks, taking into account things like traffic, construction, weather, and more. This way, you can avoid those pesky detours and get your deliveries where they need to go as quickly as possible.

10. Make Your Life Easier

Most importantly, a good TMS should make your life easier. It should save you time and effort, and allow you to focus on other tasks, like fulfilling more loads and growing the business. After all, running a trucking company is hard enough – you deserve a little help.

If you’re not using a TMS, it’s time to make a change. Change is not easy, it’s necessary. A TMS allows you to stay relevant and competitive. A smaller operation, say 5 trucks or less, can get by using spreadsheets and steno pads to organize itself.

As you continue to grow, you’ll want something to help you adapt and scale. A TMS will alleviate stress and keep everything running smooth. Get an advantage on your competitors. Demo Alvys today!