How To Choose a Cloud-Based TMS Provider

Trucking and freight companies that employ a cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) know and understand the advantages this type of system provides over on-premise TMS platforms. With reduced costs, improved scalability, better integration, automated updates, improved accessibility, enhanced security, and exceptional scalability, cloud-based systems are the right choice for many trucking companies — but how do you choose a cloud-based TMS provider? 

There are many options on the market that would likely meet your needs and provide the features that you need to succeed — but not all TMS providers are created equal. We want to help you find the right fit here at TenTrucks and have created a list of must-have features for a cloud-based TMS that will help you find a platform with the right capabilities.

Top 5 Must-Have Features for a Cloud-Based TMS

When you invest in a cloud-based TMS platform, it is important that you have all the features that you need to succeed — both now and in the future. You want to have a TMS that can not only provide the features and functionality that you need right now, but also provides you with the ability to grow and scale your business to meet future goals. 

This list will provide you with a general overview of key functions and features that are critical to the long-term success of a trucking and freight company. Key elements of a high-quality cloud-based TMS include route optimization software, real-time shipment tracking, advanced analytics and data tracking, the ability to integrate with other software providers, enhanced security measures, and more. 

1. Route Optimization Software and Load Management 

A key function of any quality Transportation Management System is route optimization software. This software helps you choose the most efficient and cost-effective routes for your fleet based on traffic patterns, fuel consumption, fuel costs, weather, and total distance traveled. Route optimization software works hand in hand with load management functions that help you assign loads to maximize the use of your assets. 

2. Real-Time Tracking

Route optimization is a key feature in reducing costs — but real-time tracking is just as valuable as a feature and will help your trucking company in a few ways. With real-time tracking, you always know where your trucks are and can better track the status of your shipments, which allows you to be more proactive with your customer service, keeping your customers informed on ETAs and any potential delays. 

3. Ability to Integrate with Other Software

Your cloud-based Transportation Management System is only one piece of the puzzle that when put together with other software applications provides a more complete picture of your business. A TMS platform that can integrate with accounting software, warehouse management systems, and load boards provides increased capability at every point. For example — a Transportation Management System that can integrate with QuickBooks® accounting software streamlines billing, improves financial analytics, and supports automatic data entry.

4. Advanced Analytics and Data Reporting

Advanced and accurate data provides incredible insight for any business, allowing you to see where your freight business is excelling or failing. This allows you to make changes based on hard data, rather than knowing there is an issue and not being able to determine what it might be. A high-quality TMS platform provides access to advanced data like carrier performance and route efficiency, and can generate reports with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that help you better track performance.

5. Easily Scalable to Your Needs

What do you do when your business grows? Do you need to find a new TMS provider? No. A key benefit of a good cloud-based Transportation Management System is the ability to easily scale it to your needs. Your cloud-based TMS should make it easy to add new users, add new carriers, and should be able to add increased features and functionality as needed. 

6. Advanced Security Measures 

Trucking and freight companies deal with private financial and customer data day in and day out that needs to be protected. Cloud-based TMS platforms should provide advanced security measures like data encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular data backups, and more to protect your data. This security also helps keep trucking companies compliant with industry data security standards. 

READ MORE: How Much Does a TMS Cost?

Are you looking for a Transportation Management System provider for your freight company? We know that there are a lot of options on the market to choose from and it is not always easy to know how to choose the right cloud-based TMS provider. We hope that this list of must-have features and functions will help you find the right fit for your business needs. 

Contact TenTrucks today for more information on our cloud-based TenTrucks TMS platform and dispatching services!