How To Choose The Right TMS For Your Business

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What is a transportation management system?

A transportation management system (TMS) is a logistics platform that allows a third-party logistics company (3PL) to help businesses plan, execute, and optimize the physical movement of goods. A TMS is a software solution that helps companies handle their freight operations.

How does a TMS operate?

Transportation management services include a broad scope of offerings from a company like PLS Logistics Services. Typically, managed transportation provides access to a TMS. Third-party logistics companies will operate and monitor the TMS as part of the transportation services, running as many transportation functions as the company desires. The customer ultimately chooses how involved the 3PL is in the logistics operations. Customers also have access to a custom-built transportation management system, which easily integrates with their supply chain.

What are the benefits of using a TMS?

  • Determine the best mode, carrier, and lane
  • Advanced communication of fees (tolls, accessorial charges, etc.)
  • Don’t have to increase staff to handle freight moves
  • Opportunity to respond to risk and disruption in real-time with data that supports the decision
  • Automated rules
  • Combine billing and invoicing
  • Monitor KPIs

A TMS also allows visibility into a company’s freight shipments. According to McKinsey and Co, a global management consulting firm, nearly 50% of supply chain costs are hidden and unmanaged due to poor visibility in outbound, inbound, and third-party operations.  Companies can see those hidden areas in the supply chain when they schedule most of their shipments through a TMS.  

PLS Pro TMS System

PLS Logistics Services has extensive experience in providing transportation management services. With our custom approach, customers will receive efficient solutions to simplify and improve business transportation processes and strategy. Whether you need to manage a single-mode or an entire transportation network, PLS has the tools to handle the job. 

How can you benefit from PLS PRO TMS?

Advanced management

With the PLS PRO System, you can prioritize preferred carriers and quickly post loads. Other capabilities include efficient load tracking, while reports and notifications keep you up to date with shipment status and location. Management with PLS PRO includes:

  • Customizable user interface
  • Self-serve LTL platform
  • Freight posting to our closed network of pre-qualified carriers
  • Automated rules
  • Option to give priority to your preferred carriers
  • Dock scheduling
  • Consolidated billing and invoicing
  • Track and trace shipments
  • Status update notifications

Costs savings

PLS PRO will boost logistics efficiency by optimizing carrier routing decisions and reducing redundant administrative activities while decreasing a company’s overall transportation costs along with administrative and operational errors. Here’s how you can save with PLS PRO:

  • Optimization engine to match the right carrier with the right load
  • Boosted back-office efficiency
  • Immediate 10-30 percent reduction in cost, on average

Data analysis

It’s easy to measure your company’s KPIs with the PLS PRO System. Our transportation management system gives you access to financial reporting based on your BOL information and provides consolidated billing. Through data analysis, you can track and measure your key performance indicators:

  • Simple, configurable charts and graphs
  • On-time performance
  • Lane analysis
  • Volume trends
  • Cost per mile
  • Cost per Ton
  • Financial reporting
  • Trend analysis
  • Visibility into the supply chain regardless of stage and location

Supply chain visibility

With access to the Customer Tracking Portal, PLS gives you visibility into your product flow. We show you all of the tracking updates on a map, so you can see the location of your shipment and get updates on it.

Besides, a TMS contributes to increasing supply chain visibility for your customers. You can keep them posted on the shipment’s flow by sending instant notifications and updates generated through the TMS. It will represent you as a reliable shipper that prioritizes clients’ needs and shares control over the shipment.

Custom solutions

With more than 30 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, we fully understand all the major challenges customers face when trying to improve their performance. PLS is committed to giving customers everything they need to be successful through our advanced technology: proprietary management, data storage, and reporting. Our technology easily adjusts to any of your transportation needs, regardless of the complexity.

Why is it important to have a TMS system?

In the rapidly evolving supply chain industry, there are multiple ways to achieve, enhance, and maintain visibility. It comes down to the vital supply chain visibility solution: a transportation management system (TMS). 

TMS software is critical to supply chain visibility, providing excellent transparency in every shipment and transaction. It also consolidates the data from all inbound, outbound, and third-party shipments and provides real-time shipment visibility and tracking. 

Request a free demo today!

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