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Here Are the 10 Best Transportation Management Software Solutions

This article showcases leading transportation management software solutions that optimise logistics operations, cut costs, and improve sustainability. We evaluate key features of top platforms, examining pricing and implementation details. Visit our News & Insights main page to learn more.

13th January 2025

Written by

Tugce Erdem

Senior Marketing and Communications Manager


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Looking for the Best Transportation Management Software?
 

Transportation management has evolved beyond simple point-to-point delivery. Modern supply chains demand efficiency, cost control, and strategic oversight. The right transportation management software streamlines operations, provides real-time visibility, and enables data-driven decisions.

In this Zeus article, we examine the top ten transportation management platforms, focusing on features that optimise logistics, reduce costs, and drive sustainable growth.
 


Why Listen to Us

At Zeus, we've helped global brands like P&G, Diageo, and Grupo Bimbo optimise their transportation networks. 

Our expertise comes from managing complex supply chains across retail, manufacturing, and consumer goods sectors. When we evaluate transportation management software, we focus on real-world performance, scalability, and measurable business impact. 

 

What Is Transportation Management Software?

Transportation management software (TMS) is a centralised platform that controls, tracks, and optimises the movement of goods across supply chains. It replaces manual logistics processes with automated workflows and real-time data insights. 

A modern TMS handles:

  • Consolidating shipments and optimising carrier selection
  • Mapping efficient delivery paths while considering constraints
  • Monitoring shipment status and providing delivery updates
  • Automating paperwork, invoicing, and compliance
  • Measuring carrier performance and identifying cost-saving opportunities

These capabilities drive down costs, sharpen delivery precision, and transform shipping data into strategic decisions.

Why Is Transportation Management Software Important?

  • Strategic Cost Management: Modern logistics demands sophisticated cost control beyond basic rate comparisons. TMS platforms analyse network-wide spending patterns to optimise every shipment decision. Using Zeus's AI-powered carrier selection and load optimisation, companies have cut logistics costs by over 12,5%.
  • Process Automation: Transportation operations involve hundreds of daily decisions across planning, execution, and settlement. Advanced TMS eliminates these manual steps while enforcing best practices across teams.
  • Real-time Supply Chain Intelligence: In today's volatile market, reactive decision-making isn't enough. Dynamic dashboards and predictive analytics transform raw shipping data into actionable insights, enabling proactive strategy adjustments.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Meeting delivery expectations has become critical to business success. With end-to-end shipment visibility and accurate ETAs, Zeus Connect customers maintain delivery performance rates above 98%.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Transportation faces increasing regulatory scrutiny and risk exposure. TMS platforms automatically validate documentation, permits, and insurance while monitoring carrier safety ratings and performance metrics.

10 Best Transportation Management Software 

  1. Zeus
  2. SAP Transportation Management
  3. Oracle Transportation Management
  4. Blue Yonder Transportation Management
  5. Manhattan Active®
  6. MecuryGate
  7. Kuebix
  8. Transplace
  9. Navisphere
  10. Shipsy
     

 

1. Zeus

Zeus has an AI-powered transportation management platform that transforms complex logistics into streamlined operations. Built for enterprise-scale delivery management, it integrates advanced automation and real-time tracking to optimise every aspect of the supply chain.

Our platform Zeus Command's modular design adapts to existing infrastructure while introducing smart features like AI-powered load matching and predictive analytics. This approach helps you reduce costs and improve efficiency while meeting sustainability targets.

Key Features

  • Smart Automation: Leverages AI to automate load assignments, analyse real-time pricing, and select optimal carriers for each shipment.
  • Supply Chain Visibility: Provides comprehensive tracking and detailed dashboards that enable proactive issue management and timely customer updates.
  • Data Analytics: Generates actionable insights from advanced analytics to drive continuous supply chain improvements.
  • Digital Documentation: Automates paperwork processing and financial reconciliation to streamline compliance and payment workflows.
  • Advanced Freight Marketplace: Connects shippers with verified carriers in real-time, enabling dynamic pricing and instant capacity booking.
  • Auto-Assignment: Analyses real-time price and performance data to ensure optimal carrier selection and route efficiency.

Pricing

We offer custom pricing based on individual business needs and freight requirements. For detailed pricing information, contact us directly.

Pros

  • Streamlines complex delivery operations through intuitive interface
  • Delivers responsive, knowledgeable customer support
  • Provides real-time shipment visibility through live dashboards
  • Offers eco-friendly freight solutions to reduce environmental impact
  • Integrates directly with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), TMS (Transport Management System), WMS (Warehouse Management System), SPP (Sales and Production Planning), and FAS (Financial Accounting System).
     

2. SAP Transportation Management

SAP Transportation Management is an enterprise-scale solution that integrates fleet and logistics operations across global networks. The platform combines intelligent planning with automated workflows to optimize resources and enhance visibility across all transportation modes.

Key Features

  • Strategic Freight Management: Streamlines quote-to-contract processes and automates rate determinations for optimized cost control.
  • Order Management: Synchronizes sales and delivery operations through real-time system responses and intelligent routing.
  • Transportation Planning: Optimizes goods movement while providing clear visibility into delivery activities and fleet utilization.
  • Risk Management: Monitors potential disruptions and provides automated mitigation strategies to maintain delivery reliability.

Pricing

Contact SAP for custom pricing.

Pros

  • Robust integration with existing SAP enterprise systems
  • Advanced automation capabilities for complex operations
  • Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools

Cons

  • Complex implementation requiring significant technical expertise
  • Challenging to implement without existing SAP infrastructure

3. Oracle Transportation Management

Oracle Transportation Management is a cloud-based platform that streamlines logistics operations across global supply chains. It combines automated logistics processing with intelligent planning tools to optimize shipments, reduce freight costs, and enhance service levels across all transportation modes.

Key Features

  • Operational Planning: Optimizes multimodal shipping networks through automated route planning and carrier selection.
  • Automated Processing: Manages order lifecycles through automated milestone monitoring and proactive alerts.
  • Freight Management: Consolidates transportation orders and automates billing, payment, and settlement procedures.
  • Performance Analytics: Delivers real-time insights into internal operations and trading partner performance metrics.

Pricing

Contact Oracle for custom pricing.

Pros

  • Comprehensive integration with Oracle enterprise systems
  • Strong automation capabilities for global operations
  • Advanced analytics and visibility tools

Cons

  • Complex implementation process
  • Steep learning curve for new users

4. Blue Yonder Transportation Management 

Blue Yonder's TMS transforms logistics through advanced optimization and dynamic collaboration. It handles inbound, outbound, and multi-mode transportation while integrating warehouse and order management to deliver improved service levels and operational efficiency.

Key Features

  • Transportation Planning: Optimizes routes, modes, and fleet scheduling with street-level precision and real-time adaptation.
  • Execution Control: Manages exceptions, capacity, and risk across all transportation modes and regions.
  • Carrier Collaboration: Streamlines procurement and performance monitoring while automating rate management.
  • Network Modeling: Evaluates network performance and disruptions through real-time data analysis.

Pricing

Contact Blue Yonder for custom pricing.

Pros

  • Powerful optimization algorithms for complex routing
  • Seamless integration with warehouse systems
  • Advanced modeling capabilities

Cons

  • Complex implementation process
  • Requires significant training investment

5. Manhattan Active®

Manhattan Active® TMS leverages in-memory computing and real-time optimization to manage carriers, rates, routes, and loads. The cloud-native platform scales operations automatically and provides complete visibility across transportation networks.

Key Features

  • Network Optimization: Delivers continuous route optimization through the industry's fastest multi-modal optimization engine.
  • Fleet Management: Balances resource allocation across drivers, vehicles, and shifts while ensuring compliance.
  • Scenario Planning: Creates and tests unlimited configurations to assess potential changes and optimize outcomes.
  • Real-Time Visibility: Provides interactive maps, detailed tracking, and proactive alerts for network monitoring.

Pricing

Contact Manhattan Associates for custom pricing.

Pros

  • Great optimization speed
  • Seamless integration with warehouse systems
  • Regular quarterly feature updates

Cons

  • Higher price point than competitors
  • Complex feature set requires training

6. MercuryGate

MercuryGate is a comprehensive platform designed to streamline and optimise freight management across multiple transportation modes, including land, sea, and air. It caters to businesses of varying sizes, offering tools for planning, execution, optimisation, and financial management of shipments.

Key Features

  • Multimodal Optimisation: Plans shipments across different transportation modes to reduce costs and carbon footprint.
  • Freight Management: Automates planning, execution, and settlement while tracking performance metrics.
  • Network Visibility: Monitors shipments at container, SKU, and item levels across ocean, road, and rail.
  • Claims Management: Tracks and processes freight claims to recover lost revenue efficiently.

Pricing

Contact MercuryGate for custom pricing.

Pros

  • Comprehensive freight broker functionality
  • Strong multimodal capabilities
  • Global deployment experience

Cons

  • Implementation can be time-intensive
  • Limited customisation options

7. Kuebix

Kuebix TMS is another cloud-based transportation management system that offers freight intelligence to enhance supply chain visibility and control. It caters to businesses of all sizes, providing tools for shipment management, carrier relationship management, and predictive analytics.

Key Features

  • Shipment Management: Facilitates the planning, execution, and tracking of shipments across multiple modes, including LTL, truckload, parcel, and intermodal.
  • Predictive Analytics: Provides insights into carrier performance and freight savings through dashboards and reports.
  • Carrier Relationship Management: Assesses carrier performance and interactions to build stronger partnerships.
  • Financial Management: Automates carrier invoice approval, audits rate exceptions, and manages payments.

Pricing

Contact Kuebix for custom pricing.

Pros

  • Modular platform adapts to the evolving needs of growing businesses
  • Access to a wide range of carriers across multiple transportation modes
  • Real-time tracking and analytics provide greater control over shipments

Cons

  • Does not track information for inbound shipments
  • Tracking reports can be tedious and time-consuming

8. Transplace

Transplace TMS is a transportation management system designed to streamline logistics operations across various industries, including automotive, chemical, consumer goods, electronics, energy, manufacturing, oil, gas, and retail.

Key Features

  • Order Management: Facilitates tracking, monitoring, and meeting deadlines concerning ordered goods in an automated and systematic way.
  • Fleet Management: Assists in organising, monitoring, and coordinating work vehicles to improve efficiency.
  • Shipping Optimisation: Enhances routing and load planning to reduce costs and improve delivery times.
  • Real-Time Visibility: Provides live tracking of shipments, offering transparency throughout the supply chain.

Pricing

Contact Transplace for custom pricing.

Pros

  • Simple to learn and use
  • Ability to tailor features to meet changing business needs
  • Responsive and knowledgeable support team

Cons

  • May be overpowered for smaller businesses 

9. Navisphere

C.H. Robinson's Navisphere platform connects shippers, carriers, and forwarders through a single global technology hub. The platform combines automated logistics processing with real-time analytics to optimise shipments and improve delivery reliability.

Key Features

  • Purchase Order Management: Automates international shipping workflows from order creation to delivery tracking.
  • Dynamic Planning: Optimises routes, modes, and carrier selection to maximise savings and utilisation.
  • Network Visibility: Provides real-time tracking and predictive analytics across all transportation modes.
  • Data Analytics: Transforms industry's largest logistics dataset into actionable insights for better planning.

Pricing

Contact C.H. Robinson for custom pricing.

Pros

  • World's most connected logistics platform
  • Extensive carrier network access
  • Rich analytics from comprehensive dataset

Cons

  • Can be overwhelming for smaller operations
  • Requires dedicated resources to maximise value

10. Shipsy

Shipsy provides an AI-powered logistics orchestration platform that automates and optimises end-to-end supply chain operations. The platform specializes in connecting cross-border and local logistics while streamlining 3PL management.

Key Features

  • Logistics Automation: Streamlines operations across first, middle, and last-mile delivery networks.
  • Route Optimisation: Manages rider allocation, batching, and routing for improved delivery efficiency.
  • Payment Management: Handles COD operations, rider payouts, and incentive management automatically.
  • Network Integration: Connects with major shipping lines and freight forwarders through low-code integration.

Pricing

Contact Shipsy for custom pricing.

Pros

  • Strong last-mile delivery capabilities
  • Easy third-party integrations
  • Responsive customer support

Cons

  • Limited presence in certain regions
  • Newer platform compared to competitors

Choosing the Right Transportation Management System

Transportation management has evolved beyond simple shipment tracking. Today's logistics demands efficiency, cost control, and real-time visibility. The right TMS streamlines operations while providing data-driven insights for strategic decisions.

This guide highlights ten leading platforms, each offering distinct capabilities for different business needs. Consider your operation's scale, complexity, and growth plans when evaluating options. Focus on core requirements like integration capabilities, ease of use, and total cost before making your decision.

Ready to optimize your transportation operations? Connect with Zeus to explore how our AI-powered platform can transform your logistics network.