If you manage logistics in South Africa or beyond, you know full well that transport management software can make or break your logistics operation. When manual processes are the norm, you can guarantee that your operations will be a step (or three) behind your competition.
Transportation Management Software (TMS) offers a suite of features that make managing a global logistics system manageable. Plus, with the right tool, you can remove many of those manual logistics operations that get in the way of scaling and delivering on growth goals.
But how do you choose the right one for your company? Whether you’re a small courier company or managing large-scale freight operations, let’s walk through what to look for when choosing a quality TMS.
The Best Transport Management Software Does More Than Just Tracking
At its core, transport management software is a logistics platform that controls every aspect of the transport layer for supply chain execution. Unlike basic tracking apps that you may be used to using, a TMS integrates everything you need to operate:
- Booking requests
- Route optimisation
- Real-time tracking tools
- Documentation management
- Financial reporting
The right TMS brings all of these features together to help you control every aspect of the transport layer for supply chain execution for any type of transport operation.
The best transportation management software takes these features and implements automations and integrations that remove the bottlenecks that manual processes can create.
Features Every Transport Management Software Must Have
1. Real-Time Visibility and Tracking
Track and Trace should be inherent in all TMS processes, with a complete audit trail being recorded. Real-time tracking allows you to provide your customers and stakeholders with accurate updates and manage exceptions before they become problems.
2. Intuitive Integration Capabilities
Your TMS should integrate with existing ERP systems, warehouse management software, and e-commerce platforms. But many systems don’t integrate in a way that reduces friction in the process.
3. Full Reporting and Analytics Tools
What gets measured gets improved. TMS provides comprehensive reporting, which includes financial, profitability, management, operational, exception, and stats reporting. This turns raw data into actionable insights, so you can take action on the right parts of your business at the right time.
4. Mobile Proof of Delivery (ePOD)
Modern transport management software must include mobile capabilities for drivers. Custom software should offer mobile ePOD last-mile delivery management for deliveries and collections, ensuring accurate delivery confirmation and reducing disputes.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions – Which Is Better?
While evaluating the best transportation management software, you’ll encounter two main options:
Off-the-shelf solutions offer quick implementation but may lack features specific to your operation. They work well for standard logistics operations but often require workarounds for specialised needs.
Custom or highly configurable solutions provide the flexibility to match your exact business processes. A customised transport management system designed for the courier, breakbulk, and line haul industries can help remove obstacles that may not apply to your operations, improving the chancesthat your people will adopt and use the system.
FreightWare: The Proven Choice for South African Logistics
Is your logistics operation running smoothly? If not, it’s time to explore Freightware TMS – the premier Transport Management Software built for logistics businesses who want to compete in 2025 and beyond.
Major players trust FreightWare software – including Unitrans, Total, FedEx, Eskom, Dawn Wing, Dis-Chem. FreightWare’s ability to handle diverse logistics requirements means you can enjoy better operations without out-of-the-box limitations.
If you have challenges managing your cross-border transportation and need to reconcile your profitability per trip, Dovetail’s robust and functional FreightWare TMS is the answer.
Ready to take control of your logistics? Learn how Freightware can transform your operations.