What Is a Transportation Management System (TMS)?
A Transportation Management System (TMS) helps businesses plan, execute, and optimize the movement of goods. It simplifies the complexities of shipping by organizing tasks like routing, tracking, and invoicing. TMS also helps improve decision-making through real-time data. It’s an essential tool for any shipper looking to streamline operations. ViewPoint TMS, a powerful software, offers these capabilities and more to shippers of all sizes.
Shippers use TMS to automate the routing process. Instead of manually selecting routes, the software analyzes factors like cost, distance, and carrier options. This allows for quick decision-making. With real-time tracking features, TMS also keeps track of shipments, so you know where everything is at all times. It offers greater visibility into your supply chain and helps keep your shipments on schedule.
Tracking freight invoices is another critical feature. Our system integrates with carrier networks via API/EDI, offering seamless updates across various modes of transport. Whether you’re shipping via truck, rail, or air, you’ll always know where your goods are, ensuring timely deliveries and greater peace of mind. The level of service you need can affect the cost, as our system offers flexibility based on your tracking and reporting preferences.
A TMS also helps you stay on top of freight bill payments. ViewPoint TMS provides detailed reports on carrier performance, cost containment, and distribution optimization, giving you clear insights into your shipping operations. These tools allow you to identify savings opportunities and ensure you’re always on top of your logistics spending. The cost of this service can vary depending on the level of reporting you need and whether you choose additional support like freight claims management. It ensures accuracy by verifying freight invoices against your contracts. This minimizes billing errors, leading to cost savings and more efficient operations. The ability to monitor payments directly within the system improves cash flow management.
The cost of a Transport Management System (TMS) depends on several factors, including whether you provide your own carrier contracts or if we handle them for you. Additionally, if you need us to manage freight invoice audits, handle tracking down lost shipments, or provide other services like freight claims management, these will also impact the overall cost. We offer both the software alone and managed transportation services, so the choice is yours. Let us know what you need, and we’ll tailor the solution to fit your requirements, ensuring you get the best service at the right price.
Optimizing Shipments and Costs with ViewPoint TMS
One of the most powerful aspects of a TMS is its ability to optimize shipping strategies. Shippers can evaluate different modes and directions to find the most cost-effective option. For example, TMS allows your procurement team to optimize inbound raw material shipments. By analyzing route and mode options, you can make smarter decisions that save time and reduce expenses.
ViewPoint TMS also lets shippers compare rates between LTL, volume, or parcel services. This is crucial for businesses that need to manage different shipment types. For instance, you can analyze whether LTL or volume rates are more cost-effective for your current needs. The system analyzes both the mode type and direction type to help you choose the best option.
Shippers can also integrate ViewPoint TMS into their ERP system. This integration creates a seamless flow of data across departments. It allows your team to access and update relevant shipping information in real time. Integrating the TMS with your ERP system eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and boosts overall efficiency.
How Transport Management System Cost Varies
The cost of a transportation management system depends on how you use it. If you only need the TMS software to route and track shipments, the cost will be relatively low. However, the price increases if you require additional services. For example, if you want TLI to manage freight claims or resolve issues with shipments in transit, there are extra costs involved.
When you opt for additional services like freight claims management, you gain access to TLI’s expertise in handling issues. TLI can help resolve problems that arise during shipment transit, ensuring smoother operations. This added level of service ensures that your shipments arrive on time and that billing is accurate.
If your business only needs the basic functionality of ViewPoint TMS, the software alone offers a lower cost option. You can still gain significant benefits like shipment tracking, invoicing, and optimization without the extra services. Regardless of your needs, we’re here to provide a custom proposal to ensure you get the best solution at the best price.
Get Started with a Demo and Proposal
To better understand how ViewPoint TMS can improve your operations, we offer demos and customized transport system cost proposals. Our team will work with you to show how the system can optimize your shipping processes. We can walk you through all the features, including rate comparison, freight claims management, and real-time tracking.
If you’re unsure about the costs involved, a personalized proposal will help you understand your options. We’ll tailor the solution to fit your specific needs, whether you only need the basic TMS software or require additional services. Let us know if you’re ready to explore how ViewPoint TMS can enhance your logistics strategy.
With a demo and proposal, you can see firsthand how ViewPoint TMS will save you time and money. Take control of your shipping operations today and optimize your processes for greater efficiency.