Are your transport operations running as efficiently as they could be? If you’re like many businesses in South Africa and beyond, you may not be – especially if you aren’t making the most of your transport management software.
Many logistics managers are drowning in paperwork, spending hours on manual load planning, and constantly fielding calls about shipment statuses.
Even those who have fully integrated their transport management software may lack the proper knowledge to make the most of it.
At Dovetail, we understand these challenges, and that’s why we’ve compiled our top five time-saving tips for getting the most out of your TMS in 2025.
1. Use Your TMS to Automate Your Repetitive Tasks
Are you still manually entering shipment data, sending load tenders, or generating shipping documents? The best transportation management software solutions include powerful automation features that can eliminate these time-consuming tasks.
- Automatically assign carriers based on pre-defined rules and rates
- Generate and send shipping documentation without manual intervention
- Schedule recurring shipments with minimal input
- Trigger status updates and notifications at key milestones
One transport company we worked with reduced its order processing time by 75% by simply automating its documentation and carrier selection processes. Imagine what your team could accomplish with those hours returned to their day!
2. Leverage Real-Time Visibility Across Your Network
One of the biggest time-wasters in transportation management? Constantly tracking down shipment statuses and updating stakeholders. Modern transport management software provides real-time visibility across your entire network.
Make sure you’re utilising these visibility features by:
- Setting up customised dashboards for different team members and functions
- Configuring automatic alerts for exceptions and delays
- Enabling customer portals for self-service tracking
- Integrating GPS and telematics data for live vehicle positions
When everyone can access the information they need without picking up the phone or sending emails, you’ll dramatically reduce the time spent on status checks and updates.
3. Optimise Routes with TMS Capabilities
Are your planners still manually planning routes? The transport management software South African businesses need in 2025 should include TMS-powered route optimisation.
Advanced TMS solutions now calculate the most efficient delivery routes and dynamically adjust to any other disruptions.
By letting your TMS handle the complex calculations of route planning, your team can focus on exception management and strategic decisions instead of everyday issues.
4. Integrate Your TMS with Existing Business Systems
Is your team manually transferring data between your TMS and other business systems? One of the most powerful time-saving features of modern transportation management software is integration. Make sure that you’ve done your due diligence to integrate your TMS with:
- Your ERP system for order and invoice data
- Warehouse management systems for inventory and shipment details
- Accounting software for financial data and reconciliation
- Customer relationship management systems for service requests
When data flows automatically between systems, you eliminate many of the minor issues that often slow down your operations.
5. Use TMS Mobile Features for On-the-Go Management
Are your drivers and field staff still calling in for updates or using paper-based processes? The best transportation management system software equips your teams to stay productive regardless of their locations.
Your TMS should have the mobile capabilities to allow drivers to update their delivery status and capture ePOD in the moment. It should also enable your managers to approve exceptions and send critical information to staff without returning to the office.
Transform Your Transport Operations with FreightWare TMS
Efficiency isn’t just about saving your team time – it’s about grabbing a competitive edge
FreightWare, Dovetail’s comprehensive transport management software solution, has been developed, configured, and optimised through years of experience to provide transport success to local and international companies.
Ready to transform your transport operations and save valuable time? Contact Dovetail today to discover how our FreightWare Transport Management Software can be optimised for your specific business needs.