The Best TMS for Asset-Based Brokerages

Short answer: If you run trucks and broker freight, Alvys runs both sides in one system, so a load moves from the brokerage to your fleet without retyping. McLeod, Trimble, and PCS also sell to companies that run both carrier and brokerage operations. For asset-light brokers, Tai, Revenova, and Rose Rocket build around brokerage workflows.

Asset-based vs. asset-light brokers: Asset-based brokers own trucks and broker freight too. Asset-light brokers broker freight without running their own fleet. The right TMS depends on which one you are, and which one you plan to become.

The Challenge Facing Hybrid Carrier-Broker Companies

In the dynamic world of trucking, companies that operate as both carriers and brokers – often referred to as hybrid carrier-broker companies or asset-based brokers – face a unique set of challenges. These businesses, which may also be known as asset-lite brokers or carriers with a brokerage division, often struggle to find an operating system or Transportation Management System (TMS) that can effectively manage both sides of their operations. This issue is critical because the essence of being a hybrid entity is to provide efficiency and additional capacity quickly. Alvys’ carrier-broker hybrid TMS solution allows these types of businesses to organize their businesses on one platform. They can add unlimited users and subsidiaries at no extra cost. Every hybrid workflow is streamlined in Alvys including dispatch, load management, carrier onboarding, billing compliance, and more!

See for yourself how Alvys helped a business like yours here, or schedule a personalized demo here.

In the past, carrier-broker hybrid companies had to use several different Transportation Management Systems to manage the different arms of their business. The founder of Alvys, Nick Darman, had this exact experience before he started Alvys. He was running a large brokerage with an asset arm and he had to use several different TMS systems to make everything work. This led to complications ranging from unneeded double entry to wasted accounting time. He spent the next three years building the solution he needed. Now it’s his calling to help other businesses scale quickly using Alvys.

Alvys: The Unique One-Stop Solution

Alvys stands out as a pioneering solution in this space. Unlike most TMS options which are predominantly carrier or broker-focused, Alvys is designed to service both functions completely and holistically. It is perhaps the only system available that allows for a near-seamless handoff between the carrier and brokerage divisions. This capability is not just a convenience; it’s a strategic advantage. When a hybrid company doesn’t have the necessary software to fulfill a contract, the ability to quickly and efficiently shift the load from the carrier side to the brokerage side can be the difference between meeting or missing a client’s needs.

Practical Application of Alvys in Hybrid Companies

The real-world application of Alvys in a hybrid setup is straightforward and impactful. For instance, if a truck breakdown occurs, a load can be swiftly transferred from the carrier division to the brokerage division. This process, which can be executed with just a few clicks in the Alvys system, would be highly cumbersome and complicated with most other TMS solutions. Such flexibility ensures that hybrid companies can leverage their dual capabilities without operational hiccups, thereby maximizing their capacity and efficiency.

Cost-Effectiveness and Business Impact

Regarding cost, the efficiency and streamlined operations offered by Alvys can lead to significant cost savings and increased profitability for asset-lite brokers and other carrier-broker hybrid companies. By reducing the time and resources needed to manage cross-division tasks, companies can focus more on their core business and client service while saving staff overhead costs.

Other TMS options for asset-based and asset-light brokers

Here is how other TMS providers describe themselves, in their own words. Each entry links to the company’s own website or press materials.

McLeod Software (LoadMaster and PowerBroker)

McLeod describes itself as “a configurable and flexible solution for mid-to-large size carriers and brokers.” Its two core products are LoadMaster and PowerBroker. McLeod says PowerBroker//web is the browser-based version of its traditional PowerBroker solution, and that its Driver Sidekick mobile app is available for LoadMaster. McLeod says its 2025 release brought “smarter planning, faster invoicing, and AI-driven communication.” McLeod also lists integrations with AI order creation providers including Vooma, Everest AI, and Drumkit, and says it now offers new customers the option of subscription-based pricing for its core products.

Source: mcleodsoftware.com

Trimble TMW.Suite

Trimble says TMW.Suite works “whether you’re managing assets, brokerage or a 3PL.” Trimble positions it as its enterprise TMS for truckload carriers, brokers, 3PLs, and private fleets. Trimble says TMW.Suite runs on Microsoft’s Azure platform and offers AI-driven capacity matching to help brokers cover loads faster.

Source: transportation.trimble.com

PCS TMS

PCS markets a product line it calls “PCS TMS For Carriers and Asset-Based Brokerages.” PCS says it is trusted by 1,000+ carriers, and that its Opportunity Manager uses Cortex AI to score loads by rate, margin, and operational fit. PCS says Cortex captures freight from emails, documents, EDI, and load boards and ranks it by profitability, and that its Backhaul Booster finds profitable return legs automatically.

Source: pcssoft.com

Tai TMS

Tai says it is built specifically for freight brokers and 3PLs managing FTL, LTL, and drayage. In April 2026, Tai launched its Track & Trace Agent, which it describes as “an autonomous AI voice agent that proactively calls drivers.” Tai says it has over 500 tool integrations and over 20 years of industry experience, and lists email-based shipment creation, customer portals, bulk uploads, API and EDI connections, and workflow automation among its features.

Source: tai-software.com and Tai press releases

Revenova

Revenova says its TMS is “built on top of the Salesforce CRM platform.” Revenova says it serves freight brokers, 3PLs, trucking companies, and shippers, and its leadership has cited more than 45 integration partners plus thousands of apps available through Salesforce.

Source: revenova.com and Revenova press releases

Rose Rocket

Rose Rocket describes its product as “One AI-native platform from dispatch to delivery.” It sells TMS solutions for brokers, carriers, and 3PLs, built around workflows customers configure and agents that work alongside them.

Source: roserocket.com

FAQ

What TMS works for a broker that also runs trucks?

One that handles both sides in one system. With Alvys, a load can move from the brokerage to your fleet in a few clicks.

What’s the difference between an asset-based and an asset-light broker?

Asset-based brokers own trucks and broker freight. Asset-light brokers broker freight without their own fleet.

Do asset-light brokers need carrier features?

Usually not, unless they plan to add trucks. Broker-only systems focus on quoting, carrier sourcing, and tracking.

Conclusion

In summary, for hybrid carrier-broker companies or those operating under similar models, Alvys is the best solution out there. Its ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between carrier and brokerage operations makes it a valuable asset in the competitive and fast-paced world of logistics. As the industry evolves and the hybrid model becomes more prevalent, Alvys stands ready to meet the growing needs of these dynamic businesses. Check out the full demo here, or schedule a demo personalized to your company’s needs here.

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Competitor information in this article comes from each company’s public website and press releases, as of October 30, 2026. Features change, so confirm details directly with each vendor. All product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.