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Logistics management is no easy feat. There are many moving parts to juggle - coordinating with carriers, following regulations, dealing with supply chain bottlenecks, keeping an eye on finances, ensuring safety protocols, and tracking shipments every step of the way. Companies in the logistics industry need intelligent software solutions to bring order to the chaos and keep their logistics operations running smoothly.
In this article, you will find a unique list of best logistics software solutions you should have in your tech stack for 2024. We have handpicked each software for various branches of the entire logistics management process. We have also included the core features of each one to give you a broader picture of their capabilities.
1. GoRamp: Best for inbound and outbound truck management
GoRamp is redefining logistics management with its digital solutions that integrate seamlessly across the entire supply chain. It eliminates warehouse entry and exit congestions by allowing shippers and carriers to book truck arrival slots in advance. This reduces truck waiting times and optimizes the use of warehouse space and ramp management.
GoRamp’s analytics feature provides a personalized KPI and metrics dashboard that helps logistics managers visualize and manage their supply chain performance effectively. Users can tailor their data visualization to meet specific operational needs with options to create dedicated dashboards, add multiple widgets, and utilize a drag-and-drop feature. GoRamp has an outstanding customer support.
“GoRamp is a brilliant system that helps to remove manual system like Excel for booking deliveries to a much more dynamic, accurate, and informative system.” - Paul Moore, Supply Chain Materials Lead at Pfizer.
Key modules
Dock Scheduling & Time Slot Management: With GoRamp’s Dock Scheduling, carriers can easily book their dock appointments with a unique warehouse link that requires no registration, allowing transportation partners to check availability and reserve slots with ease. This helps eliminate congestion and improve loading and unloading times.
Yard Management (YMS): GoRamp's YMS provides full control and real-time visibility over yard operations to help address common challenges such as truck lineups and yard activity backlogs. Its features support automatic task assignments, precise automation of yard entries, and effective vehicle movement coordination; all managed from a central dashboard.
Freight Management: This simplifies truck appointment bookings and enhances procurement efficiency. The system supports complex intermodal order assignments, reduces manual labor through automation, and ensures accuracy in compliance documentation.
Pricing
GoRamp’s pricing starts at 175 USD per month.
2. Transportly: Best for carrier transport management
Transportly is a cloud-based Transport Management System (TMS) for small and medium-sized road cargo carriers. It allows carriers to manage their operations efficiently, reducing paperwork and enhancing communication between dispatchers, drivers, and clients. The system provides a comprehensive view of fleet positions, cargo details, and other business information in one place.
It also includes a bidding platform where shippers can quickly create transport requests and invite trusted suppliers to bid. It collects all carrier bids in one place, making it easy to compare and choose the best offer based on price, delivery time, and other criteria.
“Compared to processing the hundreds of emails we used to do before, with Transportly, it is a smooth sail. Moreover, preliminary results show a significant (~13%) drop in our overall transportation costs.’’ Verified Anonymous review on GetApp
Key features
Some of the key features of Transportly include the ability to:
- Quickly register orders and addresses and assign drivers.
- View exact vehicle locations via GPS on drivers' phones.
- Complete records of past transports and documents.
- Calculate costs and profits for each transport.
- Automatically send clients updates on transport status.
- Allow clients to view vehicle locations, minimizing communication needs.
- Upload and store documents linked to specific transports.
- Generate invoices immediately after transport completion and track due dates.
- View performance data and transport history for each vehicle.
- Share transport information with drivers instantly.
Pricing
Transportly TMS has a free plan that allows 30 registered transports per month and other limited features. The unlimited Carrier plan is 59EUR per month or 600EUR per year. The Bidding Platform is free for shippers, and carriers are charged a 10EUR success-based fee for every RFQ won.
3. Shippo: Best for multi-carrier eCommerce shipping
Shippo is a versatile shipping technology platform suitable for businesses ranging from small enterprises to large e-commerce platforms and third-party logistics providers (3PLs). The platform offers scalable shipping tools, access to competitive carrier rates, and an API to enhance the logistics workflow.
“I like how user-friendly it is. I love that I can pick from several different carriers. I also enjoy if my weight or height is slightly off, my package still ships, and my account is adjusted! The show must go on!” - Review by Katie S. on GetApp.
Key features
Carrier access: Users gain instant access to over 85 carriers worldwide, including exclusive regional options, with discounted rates from more than 40 global carriers.
Integration and automation: Shippo can automatically sync shipping data across various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, eBay, and Amazon. Users can set up automated rules for shipping, label printing, and carrier pickups, significantly speeding up the process.
Developer-friendly API: Developers can leverage Shippo’s API to build customized shipping solutions that scale with enterprise-grade security. The API is backed by detailed documentation and premier support to facilitate easy integration.
Custom branding: The platform supports seamless tracking, hassle-free returns, and customized branding options to improve the end-customer experience. Shippo also offers branded packaging protection, ensuring businesses maintain their brand identity even in transit.
Insurance coverage: Shippo provides an affordable shipping insurance option called Shippo Total Protection, which covers loss, damage, or theft.
Pricing
Shippo’s app has a free plan and a paid plan that starts at $19 per month. The API allows 30k labels free on Shippo’s carrier accounts. Afterward, it is 7 cents per label.
4. AscendTMS: Best for logistics operations management
AscendTMS is a very detailed Transportation Management System (TMS) designed to optimize logistics and distribution operations for carriers, shippers, and freight brokers. It offers tailored access control, allowing different visibility levels for various departments or user groups, ensuring that users access only the necessary information for their roles.
“We used other TMS systems in the past, and one of the things that AscendTMS has that the previous one that we had did not have was the ease of functionality. It was very easy to get our sales team to hop on there, check out all their features. It was quick, it was easy.” - Review by Jenn W. on GetApp
Key features
Load & dispatch management: AscendTMS simplifies load management with easy-to-read displays and integrated financial summaries, providing clear visibility into the profitability and status of each load.
Financial management: The system includes comprehensive tools for managing load financials, income/budget tracking, and profit monitoring. Users can integrate AscendTMS with existing accounting systems or utilize its built-in accounting capabilities for a seamless financial management experience.
Carrier and shipper connectivity: It provides access to an extensive directory of more than 25,000 companies and a CRM system designed specifically for logistics sales professionals, helping users expand their business network and do customer relationship management effectively.
Legal and compliance support: It also offers on-demand legal services and comprehensive compliance features, including easy EDI integration, cargo claims handling, and extensive carrier verification to mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.
Innovative pricing and contracts: AscendTMS operates on a promise of no upfront fees, licensing, or training costs, and offers features like direct wholesale pricing for LTL shipments and free credit checks.
Pricing
Ascend TMS has a free basic plan that is limited to 2 users per account. Their premium plan is 99 USD per user per month.
5. Motive: Best for fleet management and tracking
Motive, formerly known as KeepTruckin, is a comprehensive integrated operations platform designed to enhance fleet management through advanced technology. This software equips fleet managers with tools for improved control, deeper insights, and enhanced safety. With its advanced AI technologies and real-time notifications, Motive significantly enhances route planning, driver safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
“Because of how our builings and docs are our drivers often lose connection between the App and the ELD. However, as soon as there is enough distance, or they are in a place where the reception is better, their moves show up and allow them to claim them. I love the dash cam features and some of the in-cab alerts. Dash Cams have not only saved us from tickets/court, they have also saved a few drivers' jobs” - Review by ReShonda S. on G2.com
Key features
Driver safety: Motive's AI Dashcam is a standout feature, offering up to 4 times more effective detection of unsafe driving behaviors compared to competitors. The dashcam provides real-time data and up to 235 hours of accessible footage. It also offers a unique Safety Score that is five times more accurate at predicting potential accidents than the industry standard.
Spend management: The Motive Card helps fleets manage expenses efficiently. It provides up to 5% savings per vehicle at over 25,000 partner locations. Managers can monitor and control spending through the dashboard with detailed insights into transactions and trends. The card includes customizable spending profiles to prevent unauthorized purchases and manage budget allocations effectively.
ELD compliance and CSA insights: Motive simplifies compliance with ELD regulations, making it easy for drivers to manage logs and avoid violations. The software provides real-time updates for impending violations and seamless integration for roadside inspections. It also includes automated trip matching and unidentified trip resolution.
Tracking and telematics: Motive offers comprehensive visibility into the fleet’s location, utilization, and health using features like geofencing and GPS tracking. It also gives extensive telematics data such as speed, fuel usage, fault codes, temperature logs, and dormancy reports to help optimize fleet productivity.
Choose GoRamp for automated warehouse management
Choosing GoRamp is a highly strategic decision for businesses looking to enhance their logistics operations for several reasons:
- Integrated dock and yard management: GoRamp provides a unified solution that integrates both dock scheduling and yard management functionalities. This integration can significantly streamline operations by reducing congestion, minimizing delays, and optimizing the handling and movement of goods. Unlike other solutions that might specialize in one aspect of logistics management, GoRamp offers a comprehensive approach that covers multiple areas.
- User-friendly, customizable platform: The software is noted for its intuitive interface and customization capabilities. GoRamp can be tailored to fit the specific processes and needs of different warehouses and transportation systems, making it more adaptable than one-size-fits-all solutions. This custom adaptation ensures that the platform can integrate seamlessly into existing operations without disrupting established workflows.
GoRamp is used across multiple industries, including forest logistics, metal logistics, manufacturing logistics, and much more. Request a personalized demo to see how GoRamp can be integrated into your supply chain management processes.
FAQs
What is logistics management software?
A logistics management tool is designed to help businesses plan, execute, and optimize the movement and storage of goods, services, and information within the supply chain. This software typically automates processes such as inventory management, transportation management, and warehouse operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
What does logistics management do?
Logistics management coordinates the efficient flow of goods, services, and information from the point of origin to the point of consumption. It involves managing transportation, inventory, warehousing, material handling, order fulfillment, and supply chain networks to meet customer satisfaction.
Why do you need a logistics management software?
A logistics management software streamlines complex logistics processes, enhances visibility into operations, and improves accuracy in route planning and execution. It reduces human error, saves time and costs by automating routine tasks, and provides analytics to optimize supply chain performance.
