Transportation Management System Examples for Modern Supply Chains

Logistics has always been a vital component in the efficient operation of the business ecosystem. Modern technologies are now replacing conventional transportation controls, making these processes more efficient and less expensive through transparent cost analysis and streamlined transportation management.

​In this article, we take a closer look at transportation management system (TMS) examples across different business niches and use cases, explain how to choose the right software, and analyze best practices for implementing a TMS.

What are transportation management systems, and why do they matter?

A transportation management system is a software solution that helps businesses plan and track cargo movements, work with logistics providers or private carriers, and analyze operational performance.

Transport management solutions are indispensable for a company’s high-quality operations. These systems allow you to minimize transportation costs and transparently control all logistics processes. 

With a properly structured transportation management solution, you will avoid common documentation and calculation mistakes. This is especially important in e-commerce, retail, or manufacturing.

Modern TMS platforms typically use a cloud or hybrid architecture and provide application programming interface (APIs) for integration with customer management systems (CRM) and eCommerce systems (Shopify, Wix, Squarespace). 

While CRM systems handle customer and order data, TMS is responsible for transportation-related processes, including route planning, carrier selection, cargo valuation, shipment tracking, and cost optimization.

Overview of transportation management solutions

Transportation management solutions focus on route planning, carrier selection, real-time tracking, reporting, and performance as part of broader logistics management systems.

How transportation software solutions support modern supply chains

TMS modules give companies real-time visibility into freight movements, enabling rapid responses to delays, disruptions, or changes in demand. Crucially, these systems also optimize route planning and carrier selection, resulting in cost reductions and improved delivery performance. 

The main takeaway: TMS enables rapid, informed actions to maintain efficiency. Discover the full range of transportation management system benefits.

Transportation management system examples across industries

Certain business niches rely more heavily on logistics, which directly impacts brand reputation and operational efficiency. Let’s consider how transport management solutions can benefit various business sectors.

Transportation management software examples for manufacturing

In manufacturing, the timely delivery of components and the shipment of finished products are crucial. Thus, companies with robust logistics consistently outperform direct competitors.

The key tasks that TMS systems can solve for this industry are ensuring uninterrupted production, planning strategic transportation, and minimizing costs through transparent reporting and analytics.

By synchronizing production and transportation processes, TMS solutions enable manufacturers to maintain operational stability, improve efficiency, and support sustainable business growth.

Transportation management system examples in retail and e-commerce

In the world of e-commerce and retail, when a store receives dozens or hundreds of orders per day, the business depends entirely on how well its TMS software works.

Since it is important in these niches to quickly process orders and deliver on time, transportation software solutions are primarily designed to support process continuity.

By providing full visibility into delivery processes and transportation costs, TMS solutions improve the customer experience, reduce logistics expenses, and support scalable omnichannel operations.TMS software examples for 3PL and logistics providers

TMS software examples for 3PL and logistics providers

For 3PL companies (companies that manage part or all of the transportation operations) and logistics providers, a transportation management system is the primary tool. TMS ensures their logistics operations meet strategic goals for quality and efficiency.

TMS solutions also help logistics providers deliver performance analytics, automate routine processes, and expand their service offerings.

As a result, transportation management systems help 3PL companies improve service quality, maintain profitability, and remain competitive in a dynamic logistics environment.

Top transportation management systems used today

The choice of TMS is not always straightforward. It depends on the intended audience, business size, implementation complexity, and specific requirements. Some platforms serve global projects that require comprehensive oversight, while smaller companies can select a TMS tailored to their specific needs.

The team selecting transportation management software must identify the system’s specific required functions and expectations. This approach supports informed decisions and enhances business operations.

Popular TMS systems in global supply chains

Global logistics processes use systems that can simultaneously process large amounts of information related to transportation between different countries and regions.

The most popular TMS in 2026:

1. Oracle Transportation Management (OTM)
2. SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM)
3. Blue Yonder TMS
4. Infios TMS
5. Uber Freight TMS
6. C.H. Robinson Navisphere TMS
7. Manhattan Associates TMS
8. Descartes TMS
9. MercuryGate TMS
10. E2open / BluJay TMS

Such systems are adopted by major enterprises seeking uninterrupted logistics, advanced analytics, and system customization.

Top TMS systems for enterprise and mid-market companies

Medium-sized companies prioritize balancing feature depth with operational flexibility when choosing systems. The capacity to scale remains a critical selection criterion.

In this segment, the vast majority of TMSs offer robust modular functionality, helping companies move to more complex systems to scale logistics.

Top 10 TMS systems compared

When comparing leading transportation management systems, clearly define the key challenges each must address for your business, and consider the development requirements for each.

Best transportation management systems: Features that matter

We have already covered the basics of choosing transportation software solutions for different business niches and sizes. Now it’s time to dive deeper and consider the importance of specific functions that a TMS must perform.

Core transport management system modules

Let’s consider the key modules every TMS includes. These foundational modules are essential for constructing a logistics system.

Transportation planning

Planning always has strategic value, especially in logistics, where the timely delivery of necessary equipment or goods to customers has a significant impact on the business.

Shipment execution

Has direct operational value, as it ensures transportation plans are properly executed in practice. This module coordinates dispatching, booking, and shipment control, helping businesses avoid delivery failures and delays.

Carrier management 

Setting tasks for drivers, cooperating with large logistics corporations, and tracking their efficiency, which will directly influence further steps.

Real-time tracking and visibility

Includes tracking the goods’ path in real time, enabling you to respond to urgent changes instantly and assess driver performance.

Freight cost management

Delivers financial control over transportation operations. By accurately calculating rates, monitoring costs, and validating invoices, this module helps prevent overpayments, improve budget predictability, and optimize overall logistics spending.

Reporting and analytics

These have long-term strategic value by transforming transportation data into actionable insights. This module enables businesses to evaluate performance, identify inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions.

Advanced capabilities in the best TMS systems

Higher-level logistics performance-tracking systems already include much more technology and features that enable deeper analytics and new insights. But their implementation is also much more difficult and complex.

Advanced route optimization and scenario modeling

Provide better control over the situation by creating multiple scenarios to ensure an uninterrupted supply of goods.

AI-driven forecasting and demand alignment

The best transportation management systems use machine learning and historical data to predict demand for logistics transportation. This can be useful for logistics marketers to create a better offer for potential customers.

Multi-modal and cross-border transportation support

The best TMS systems also support logistics across multiple modes, including water, rail, and air.

Cloud, automation, and analytics in modern transport management solutions

Nowadays, cloud-based TMSs are becoming increasingly popular. They are more flexible for frequent updates and have easy access with rapid deployment.

​Automation plays a critical role by minimizing manual tasks such as data entry, carrier selection, and cost calculations, thereby reducing errors and improving operational speed.

​While analytics can inform further development plans, a company can take its insights into account.

Best transportation management software for different business needs

Every company has a unique perspective on how TMS should drive development. The key point: consider transportation management system examples based on your specific business goals for maximum benefit.

Best transport management software for high-volume shippers

For companies with large volumes of shipments, software is necessary that can process large amounts of information while eliminating all possible errors, ensuring the necessary speed and continuity.

Such systems should minimize annual work, maintain a stable level of service, and control large-scale transportation costs.

Best transportation management software for small and mid-size businesses

Software that is not overly complex is an ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses. For this segment, ease of implementation, intuitive interfaces, and predictable costs are often more important than deep customization.

The best TMS solutions for these businesses provide cloud-based deployment, modular functionality, and integration with existing business systems. This allows companies to scale gradually as transportation needs grow.

Best TMS systems for complex global operations

Companies operating in multiple regions or countries need transportation management systems that can handle complex global logistics processes. Such systems must support intermodal transportation, regulatory compliance, and diverse carrier networks.

These systems provide control and visibility across global supply chains. Advanced exception management, analytics, and ERP integration capabilities are critical to maintaining reliability and cost efficiency in complex international operations.

Best transportation management system examples by use case

Different businesses use transportation management systems to solve different problems. While the principle of how TMS works remains the same, the problems it can directly help with may vary.

Best transportation management system examples for cost optimization

For companies where transportation costs account for a significant portion of operating expenses, the most effective TMS solutions are those built on transparency and cost optimization, which is made possible by basic analytics.

Best transportation management system examples for real-time visibility

In logistics processes where service times are critical, real-time control becomes a key value driver for a transportation management system. TMSs designed for this type of use case focus on real-time shipment tracking, exception management, and instant status updates throughout the supply chain.

These systems allow businesses to respond quickly to delays, disruptions, or route deviations. Real-time visibility is especially important for retail, e-commerce, and global supply chains with strict delivery expectations.

Transportation management software examples for scalability and growth

For growing companies and enterprises with complex, ever-growing logistics, scalability is a determining factor when choosing a transportation management system. The best systems for this use case are built on a modular architecture, feature customizable workflows, and integrate with other systems.

How to choose the right transport management solution

Choosing a TMS is a crucial step toward effortless logistics. At this stage, you need to understand your business, its goals, specifics, the problems you want to solve, and your needs. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the features specific to TMSs, their advantages and disadvantages, the complexity of implementation, and whether they will really help your company.

Comparing transportation management solutions and vendors

Choosing a transportation management system requires a comprehensive approach. You need to assess how well the system’s functionality meets your needs and whether the vendor can provide long-term support. It is important to pay attention to scalability, integration with other systems, deployment options, and compliance with the specific logistics tasks of your business.

At the same time, the vendor’s experience, technical support model, and product development plans significantly affect the implementation’s success and the system’s further evolution. The right solution is a combination of high-quality software and a reliable partnership with the vendor.

Evaluating best transportation management software vs custom platforms

When choosing the type of software, it is important to consciously understand your capabilities and the complexity of implementing an individual TMS.

Ready-made solutions offer quick implementation, basic functionality necessary for work, and minimize the risks of overspending.

While custom solutions provide more functionality than your business needs, they are not as quick to implement and may entail greater risk due to higher costs. However, if the company is a confident market player that needs customized solutions, this is a good choice.

Key questions to ask before selecting a transport management solution

In business, decision makers are constantly asking themselves questions. This acquired skill is also indispensable when choosing a TMS.

Specific questions:

• Which transportation processes must the system support from day one?
• Can the TMS scale with shipment volumes, new regions, and additional carriers?
• How easily does the system integrate with our ERP, CRM, or eCommerce platforms?
• Does the solution provide real-time visibility and proactive exception management?
• How transparent and automated is freight cost calculation and invoice control?

Advanced questions for big companies:

• How does the TMS support complex, multi-region and multi-entity operations?
• How does the platform handle high transaction volumes and peak loads?
• Does the system support advanced optimization scenarios and what algorithms are used?
• How does the vendor support long-term scalability and product evolution?

Implementation considerations for TMS software

Implementing a TMS is an important, sequential process that requires close attention. First, conduct a detailed audit of the current situation to identify pain points you would like to fix. It is important to involve all responsible persons from the development department in this.

Integration with ERP and supply chain platforms

Integrating TMS data with other systems, like CRM or ERP is an extremely important strategic step toward building high-quality logistics that operate on data. In addition, it will help speed up all work processes and customer communication, thereby strengthening the brand’s reputation.

Measuring ROI from transportation management software

But no matter how progressive the ideas and theories are, they are meaningless if they do not pay off. It is important to calculate the profitability of all investments, including all costs associated with using a TMS.

How to measure ROI:

ROI =  (Total benefits − All investment  cost) / All investment cost × 100%

Change management and user adoption

Even the best work is meaningless if employees don’t take full advantage of modern technology. That’s why it’s important to support your employees’ adaptation to the new realities.

Final thoughts on transportation management software examples

Summarizing our article, we can confidently state that transportation management solutions are powerful tools that can scale and automate logistics, directly contributing to business growth.

The main thing is consistency and pragmatism. All technologies should be purchased and be a strategic step for the company.

And if you need help implementing TMS for your business, you can always contact our professional team of experts.

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