Why I switched to a transport management system

I used to think I had everything under control—until I realized I didn’t. Managing a logistics operation without a Transport Management System (TMS) was a “mission impossible.”

The transportation management industry has seen significant advancements with the integration of technology, making it essential for modern logistics operations.

I thought that I was doing everything right with my manual processes and years of experience in logistics. I have to admit, I was wrong.

If you’ve ever dealt with lost shipments, missing paperwork, and drivers who “swear” they’re on schedule, then please let me help you. It’s time to switch to technology.

Let me paint a picture of why I switched, and why you should too.

Why are my logistics operations not working for my business?

“Life before a transport management system,” as I like to call it, was difficult. Managing a logistics operation without a Transport Management System (TMS) was a “mission impossible” for our business operations. 

I never seemed to have enough time on my hands, and cargo movements were a challenge. It felt like I was climbing a mountain in slow motion.

My company handled cargo from the port, loaded it onto trucks, and shipped it across the region. Some loads came from warehouses, some went to distribution centers, and some straight to customers.

• My manual dispatch for my fleet was creating hours of work. I would sit in my office staring at truck schedules, and never had full visibility of where my trucks were.

• Drivers chose their route which often created bottlenecks. We all know how traffic can slow things down.

• My customers were unhappy because I could never give them a definite answer about where their cargo was. I felt helpless most days.

How does a transportation management system help logistics?

When I switched to a transport management system, it was like a lightbulb went on and suddenly, everything was working as it should.

The transportation management software we implemented provided a comprehensive solution to our logistics challenges.

Here’s what happened when I chose technology:

• I could see where my trucks were: No more missing trucks.
• We had an ETA for each truck: I could give customers a definite answer.
• Live tracking gave my team peace of mind.

Transport management system: Get better delivery routes 

Trust me when I say, the fastest route and speed of delivering cargo is important. This means no late shipments, and no screaming customers.

A comprehensive transportation plan, integrated with a TMS, ensures that routes are optimized and schedules are managed effectively.

Yes, this new technology on my team helped save my logistics business:

• Route optimization allowed my truck drivers to travel on the fastest path.
• My drivers realized how much time and fuel they could save by driving the best route.
• Cargo delivery delays dropped drastically. Customers were impressed!

How does automation change my logistics operation?

Let me tell you, a transport management system made my piles of paperwork shrink. Because everything is automated, I didn’t have missing shipment documents. 

Here’s what happened: 

• Drivers no longer worried about carrying documents.
• There was seamless integration. It synced with our ERP and Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Less human error occurred in our logistics process. We also didn’t have to triple check everything.

Let’s recap: Should you make the switch? 

Absolutely. If you are stuck in manual planning and processes, it’s time to make the change.

Also, you may be losing customers or constantly apologizing for late cargo deliveries. 

Making the switch was the best thing our team could’ve done. Assess the difficulties and challenges you are facing. It’s time for you to use a transport management system. 

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