--- title: "Best Logistics Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Logistics Software for your organization. Compare top Logistics Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/logistics-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Logistics Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Logistics Software of 2026 Updated October 22, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 469 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 469 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Striven](/project-management/striven-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 130 - Starting price: $35.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Striven is a cloud-based, all-in-one business management ERP platform built for small and midsize companies tired of duct-taping popular accounting tools, a CRM, a project tool, [Read more](/project-management/striven-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Routing: 5/5 - Document Storage: 5/5 - Milestone Tracking: 5/5 - Percent-Complete Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 1/5 [See all features](/project-management/striven-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Standard - Price: $35.00/month - The plan is based on the number of users. ##### Enterprise - Price: $70.00/month - The per-user price decreases as the number of users increases. [See full pricing details](/project-management/striven-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [NetSuite](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 2,081 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce functionalities into a unified platform, helping [Read more](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) ##### What users love - Deep system tailoring options - Comprehensive and scalable functionality - Centralized financial operations platform ##### To take in mind - Steep learning curve and complexity - Complex and rigid reporting tools - Slow and inconsistent support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - "What If" Scenarios: 5/5 - Aging Tracking: 5/5 - Vendor Master Data Management: 5/5 - Import/Export Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Item](/fleet-management/item-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 16 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Item is built for supply chain and logistics teams who are tired of five systems that don't talk to each other. If you're an operations leader, IT director, or logistics manager [Read more](/fleet-management/item-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Supplier Management: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Order Fulfillment: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Activity Dashboard: 3.5/5 - Real-Time Data: 4/5 - Multi-Location: 4/5 [See all features](/fleet-management/item-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Interlake Mecalux](/scm/easy-wms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 30 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Mecalux Easy WMS is a warehouse management solution that helps e-commerce manufacturers, distributors, and third-party logistics businesses automate the entire supply chain [Read more](/scm/easy-wms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Fleet Management: 5/5 - Data Visualization: 5/5 - 3PL Management: 5/5 - Order Fulfillment: 4.9/5 ##### Worst rated features - Delivery Tracking: 3/5 - Procurement Management: 3/5 [See all features](/scm/easy-wms-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/scm/easy-wms-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ShipHawk](/scm/shiphawk-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 38 - Starting price: $12,000.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview At ShipHawk, we’re dedicated to improving and automating the world behind the buy button for growing companies. The reality today is that independent businesses must deliver on [Read more](/scm/shiphawk-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Shipping Management: 5/5 - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Order Fulfillment: 5/5 - Warehouse Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Activity Dashboard: 1/5 - Freight Shipping: 3/5 - Package Tracking: 3.8/5 - Transportation Management: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/shiphawk-profile/#key-features) --- ### [FreightPOP](/scm/freightpop-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 47 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview FreightPOP is a cloud-based AI supply chain software platform that unifies Order Management (OMS), Warehouse Management (WMS), and Transportation Management (TMS) into one [Read more](/scm/freightpop-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - LTL/Shared Truckload: 5/5 - Routing: 5/5 - Carrier Management: 5/5 [See all features](/scm/freightpop-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Kuebix TMS](/scm/kuebix-tms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 111 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Kuebix is a cloud-based transportation management system (TMS) designed for shippers and carriers involved in both inbound and outbound logistics. The solution caters to a variety [Read more](/scm/kuebix-tms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Shipment Price Calculation: 4.8/5 - Quotes/Estimates: 4.4/5 - Shipment Tracking: 4.3/5 - Rate Management: 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Inventory Management: 3/5 - Order Management: 3.5/5 - Delivery Tracking: 3.7/5 - Rate Management: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/kuebix-tms-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/scm/kuebix-tms-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Tai TMS](/scm/teknowlogi-tms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 77 - Starting price: $995.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Tai TMS is an all-in-one platform for quoting, booking, and tracking shipments. Tai TMS focuses on helping freight brokers grow their businesses. Tai automates the LTL shipping [Read more](/scm/teknowlogi-tms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Monitoring: 5/5 - Delivery Tracking: 5/5 - Shipping Management: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Shipping Labels: 3/5 - Scheduling: 3.3/5 - Carrier Management: 3.5/5 - Rate Management: 3.8/5 [See all features](/scm/teknowlogi-tms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Ai2000](/distribution/a2000-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 17 - Starting price: $200.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Ai2000 Apparel Management Software is the best ERP for your fashion business of design, manufacturing, inventory, warehouse, and B2B. An easy-to-use system configurable to your [Read more](/distribution/a2000-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounting: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 - File Transfer: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 [See all features](/distribution/a2000-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Aptean TOTALogistix TMS](/scm/totalaccess-tms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 13 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Aptean TOTALogistix TMS is a modern, multi-modal transportation management system, built to help shippers plan, execute, and optimize the physical movement of goods across [Read more](/scm/totalaccess-tms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Import/Export Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - EDI: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Cross Docking: 3/5 [See all features](/scm/totalaccess-tms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Excalibur WMS](/scm/3plink-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 31 - Starting price: $250.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Camelot Software offers a supply chain solution designed specifically for 3PLs. Offers three sets of modules that focus on warehouse, transportation and business management. [Read more](/scm/3plink-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - 3PL Management: 5/5 - Barcoding/RFID: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - Kitting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/3plink-profile/#key-features) --- ### [MyCarrierTMS](/scm/mycarrier-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 108 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MyCarrier connects shippers and carriers in one simple, connected platform — automating every step of LTL shipping from order to payment. Designed for busy logistics teams at small [Read more](/scm/mycarrier-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Notifications: 5/5 - Workflow Automation: 5/5 - Real-Time Monitoring: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 4.9/5 ##### Worst rated features - Alerts/Notifications: 3.8/5 - Order Management: 3.8/5 - Invoice Management: 3.9/5 [See all features](/scm/mycarrier-profile/#key-features) --- ### [TMS.AI](/scm/rose-rocket-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 35 - Starting price: $2,080.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Why This Is the First TMS You Actually Go-Live With Most TMS platforms take 6+ months to implement (if you actually make it). Your feature requests go into a backlog - indefinite [Read more](/scm/rose-rocket-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Live Driver Tracking: 5/5 - AI Copilot: 5/5 - Driver Management: 5/5 - Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Delivery Tracking: 1/5 - Driver Settlements: 3/5 [See all features](/scm/rose-rocket-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Full Service Platform - Price: $2,080.00/month - This Is the First TMS You Actually Go-Live With: Generic TMS's force you to wait 6+ months (if you [See full pricing details](/scm/rose-rocket-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Da Vinci Supply Chain Business Suite](/scm/davinci-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 18 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview We recommend the Wolin Design Group's Da Vinci Supply Chain Business Suite to third-party logistics operators looking for a new solution to manage warehousing and transportation [Read more](/scm/davinci-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Purchasing & Receiving: 5/5 - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Order Management: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 3/5 - Catalog Management: 4/5 - Activity Dashboard: 4/5 - Multi-Location: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/davinci-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Alvys TMS](/product/348931-Alvys-TMS/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 51 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Alvys is the AI-first transportation management system (TMS) for carriers, freight brokers, and hybrid operations moving 1 to 5,000 loads a month. It replaces multiple tools with [Read more](/product/348931-Alvys-TMS/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Route Optimization: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Carrier Management: 5/5 - Customer Database: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - EDI: 1/5 [See all features](/product/348931-Alvys-TMS/#key-features) --- ### [CartonCloud](/scm/cartoncloud-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 87 - Starting price: $599.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CartonCloud — Logistics software you’ll master in minutes CartonCloud is an all-in-one logistics platform that brings warehouse management (WMS) and transport management (TMS) [Read more](/scm/cartoncloud-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customer Management: 5/5 - Accounting: 5/5 - Manufacturing Inventory Management: 5/5 - Retail Inventory Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Location Tracking: 3/5 - Carrier Management: 4/5 - Routing: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/cartoncloud-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Synapse WMS](/product/13452-Synapse/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 16 - Starting price: $3,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Synapse WMS is a cloud-based and on-premise warehouse management solution (WMS) designed for small and midsize businesses that helps manage third-party logistics (3PL) operations [Read more](/product/13452-Synapse/) --- ### [DigitBridge](/distribution/digitbridge-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 2 - Starting price: $299.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview DigitBridge is a digital commerce operations system designed specifically for small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs). DigitBridge is co-founded by our CEO, Petersen Zhu, who has [Read more](/distribution/digitbridge-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Tracking: 5/5 - Inventory Auditing: 5/5 - Inventory Optimization: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 [See all features](/distribution/digitbridge-profile/#key-features) --- ### [3PL Warehouse Manager](/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 131 - Starting price: $599.00 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Extensiv 3PL Warehouse Manager is a cloud-based warehouse management system designed for third-party logistics companies to manage multiple customers, processes and billing [Read more](/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Transportation Management: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Warehouse Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Inventory Auditing: 1/5 - Mobile Access: 1/5 - Supplier Management: 2/5 [See all features](/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Trimble TMS](/scm/trimble-tms-fleet-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.7/5 - Reviews: 38 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview We really like the fact that this application can operate both as a stand-alone system or alternatively integrate with your ERP solution. Buyers should evaluate TMW if they want to [Read more](/scm/trimble-tms-fleet-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Order Fulfillment: 5/5 - Shipment Tracking: 4/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 4/5 - Fleet Management: 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Order Management: 3.6/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 3.7/5 - Maintenance Scheduling: 4/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/trimble-tms-fleet-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Contact Vendor for Pricing [See full pricing details](/scm/trimble-tms-fleet-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [MobiWork](/field-service/mobiwork-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 113 - Starting price: $20.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MobiWork© is the leading field services management software solution and is the perfect fit for any small, mid-size, or large field services management company with employees or [Read more](/field-service/mobiwork-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Cost Tracking: 5/5 - Payment Collection in the Field: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Performance Metrics: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Import/Export: 4/5 [See all features](/field-service/mobiwork-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Cargobase](/scm/cargobase-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 24 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Cargobase is a global leader in spot-buy freight procurement, bringing industry best practices to enterprise logistics and procurement teams managing expedited, time-sensitive, [Read more](/scm/cargobase-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Supplier Management: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Real-Time Notifications: 5/5 - Transportation Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Accounting: 3/5 - Shipment Tracking: 3.6/5 - Waybills: 3.7/5 - Dispatch Management: 3.8/5 [See all features](/scm/cargobase-profile/#key-features) --- ### [EPG WMS](/scm/epg-lfs-profile/) - Overall rating: 4/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: $5,000.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview EPG's WMS is a scalable, configurable warehouse-management solution built to handle today’s complex logistics challenges. With full visibility across manual and automated [Read more](/scm/epg-lfs-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Order Management: 5/5 - Multi-Location: 5/5 - Receiving: 4/5 - Inventory Management: 3/5 ##### Worst rated features - Shipping Management: 1/5 - 3PL Management: 3/5 - Barcoding/RFID: 3/5 - Inventory Management: 3/5 [See all features](/scm/epg-lfs-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $5,000.00/month [See full pricing details](/scm/epg-lfs-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Motive](/fleet-management/motive-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 1,689 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Motive builds technology to improve the safety, productivity and profitability of businesses that power the physical economy. It caters to industries, such as trucking and [Read more](/fleet-management/motive-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Comprehensive driver oversight tools ##### To take in mind - Truck management limitations and glitches - Cost concerns and refund issues - Inconsistent phone support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Warehouse Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Workflow Management: 5/5 - Expense Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Work Order Management: 1/5 - Invoice Management: 2/5 - Records Management: 3.3/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 3.6/5 [See all features](/fleet-management/motive-profile/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/logistics-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/logistics-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/logistics-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/logistics-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5) ... [19](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/logistics-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=19) ## Popular Comparisons [ Fishbowl vs NetSuite ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/vs/netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)[ Elite EXTRA vs Motive ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/elite-extra-profile/vs/motive/)[ Easyship vs ShipStation ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/easyship-profile/vs/shipstation/)[ PitneyShip vs Stamps.com ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/154423-stamps-com/vs/240453-PitneyShip/)[ OptimoRoute vs Route4Me ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/optimoroute-profile/vs/route4me/)[ PCS TMS vs AscendTMS ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/ascendtms-profile/vs/tms-express/) ## Your Guide to Top Logistics Software, March 2025 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Logistics products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [AscendTMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/ascendtms-profile/) - [CXT Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/x-dispatch-profile/) - [Detrack](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/detrack-profile/) - [DispatchTrack](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/dispatchtrack-profile/) - [Easyship](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/easyship-profile/) - [Elite EXTRA](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/elite-extra-profile/) - [eLogii](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/elogii-profile/) - [eShip](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/eship-profile/) - [Logiwa](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/la-wms-profile/) - [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - [Neurored TMS & SCM Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/shipment-tracking/neurored-e-business-and-scm-profile/) - [OptimoRoute](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/optimoroute-profile/) - [PCS TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/tms-express-profile/) - [SAP Business ByDesign](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/sap-business-bydesign-profile/) - [ShipMonk](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/shipmonk-profile/) - [ShipperGuide TMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/loadsmart-profile/) - [ShipStation](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shipstation-profile/) - [ShipWise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/desktopshipper-profile/) - [Track-POD](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/track-pod-profile/) - [TransPlus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/transplus-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Logistics software companies provide tools to assist third-party logistics (3PL) providers; freight forwarders; air-, land- and sea-based cargo companies; exporters; importers and all related supply chain management (SCM) operations in reducing errors and improving efficiency in the SCM process. But with so many different products out there serving every niche from dispatch and delivery to full-enterprise logistics suites, selecting the right logistics system can present a challenge. We created this guide in order to support you when selecting a logistics system that will work for your company. Here’s what we’ll cover: [What Is Logistics Software?](#WhatIsLogisticsSoftware)\[ Common Features of Logistics Software\](#applications) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand) ## What Is Logistics Management Software? Logistic software is designed to provide logistics providers the necessary tools to support them in the execution and management of their product delivery business. There are basically two sides to this kind of software: **Supply chain management.** These are the features that manage the execution of the freight pick-up, tracking and delivery. SCM entails managing all the inventory and transportation details to get the product to its final destination. **Brokerage and bidding.** Since most logistics operators serve third parties on a contract basis, freight brokerage software needs to manage the business aspect, too. Freight broker software can include bid and contract management, CRM, accounting and other essential business functions. Because some businesses focus solely on this freight brokerage aspect, there are also specific software solutions, often labeled [freight broker or freight forwarder software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/freight-broker-software-comparison/), which cater directly to these types of operations. ## Common Features of Logistics Software | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Inventory control | Manages purchase orders and supply levels, tracking the on-hand, allocated and ordered quantities along with historical and trend information for forecasting purposes. Supports order fulfillment, warehouse control and supplier sourcing. | | Transportation management | Includes automated carrier selection (to determine the smartest carrier or shipping method for each delivery), shipment consolidation, route optimization, real-time tracking of cargo and dispatch scheduling. | | Warehouse management | Usually includes barcode or RFID scanning, inventory transfer and smart storage tools to support the warehouse manager in storage location decisions and assistance with picking/packing. | | Import/export support | Since many freight carriers deal with international cargo, most systems support you in managing currency exchanges, customs, taxes, multiple languages, trade regulations etc. | | Track and Trace | Helps monitor items’ previous and current locations as it moves through the supply chain. “Tracking” refers to items’ current locations, while “tracing” refers to items’ previous locations. Track and trace software relies on barcoding, GPS and radio frequency identification devices to collect this information. | | Risk management | Helps make the best out of bad situations by simplifying accident processing, insurance claims, lost freight or other incidents. Can also be used to identify potential areas to mitigate risk—for example, analyzing driver history or hazmat practices. | | Integrated accounting | Handles quotes, expenses, billing, invoicing, receivables and even currency transactions to ensure seamless information transfer between the management of freight and payment. | | Customer relationship management | Supports sales and marketing practices, as well as help desk and customer satisfaction. | --- ## What Type of Buyer Are You? In our experience, most companies looking for transportation and logistics solutions fall into one of the following categories: **Domestic transport and courier.** Smaller businesses dealing primarily with local or domestic goods are generally looking for smaller, simpler systems. Aside from the obvious elimination of the international shipping feature, the warehousing functionality tends to be scaled back as well, designed for ease of use rather than comprehensiveness. **Specialist.** This applies to any business that focuses on one particular niche of the SCM industry. For example a shipping company will want detailed transportation functionality; a warehouse will want warehouse and inventory control; a distribution center will want dispatch and delivery. These companies will value best-of-breed solutions that have excellent functionality in their target niche more than they will broad integration across multiple categories. **Freight forwarder.** Companies that manage the warehousing and delivery of freight need stronger warehouse and inventory features. For these buyers, our [freight forwarding software guide](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/freight-broker-software-comparison/) gives more helpful information. **Third-party logistics provider.** Since 3PL companies generally serve lots of customers from a wide variety of locations, they’ll need very robust CRM and accounting and excellent inventory control. They’ll likely want freight software geared specifically to the 3PL market like 3PLink and Accellos. **Private fleet manager.** This represents the logistics arm of a larger company, for which SCM is a major and self-run component. These buyers will likely need an ERP-focused solution that easily integrates with the rest of the company’s operations. Example vendors include SAP, Manhattan Associates and RedPrairie. Our [fleet management guide](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/) offers a list of solutions to help manage data on transportation operations. ## Market Trends to Understand - **Increase in RFID popularity:** This technology has been in use for a while, but with costs coming down it’s gradually becoming more and more accessible to smaller businesses. Since RFID speeds-up inventory transfers much more than barcodes, the prevalence of RFID tracking to increase. - **More GPS-reliant features:** Receivers like to know where their products are and when they’re going to get there. With the growing availability and popularity of GPS, expect to see more and more features that not only scan barcodes and RFIDs to know when it’s arrived where, but that tell the receiver exactly where that truck, train or ship is in transit. - **Better risk management:** Between natural disasters, economic disasters, wars and cyber attacks, companies are starting to wake-up to the fact that logistics carries with it a high-level of risk. The most resilient companies are the ones that mitigate risk through diversifying their supply chains, using multiple factories, multiple modes of transportation and plenty of redundancy in communications channels. - **Greater compliance tracking:** Another aspect of managing risk, many companies are starting to crack down on drivers’ Hours of Service (HOS) compliance by attaching electronic onboard recorders that track the time the vehicle is in operation. Since 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been working to make these devices mandatory for all interstate commercial bus and trucking companies. Although FMCSA’s efforts have met opposition from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, many companies are already moving in this direction. - **More Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings:** The entire software industry is moving toward service-based products rather than one-time purchases, and logistics software solutions are no different. Recent trends point toward improving business-to-business connectivity, which is good news for 3PLs and freight forwarders looking to streamline communications with their customers. Many freight management system vendors now offer the option to deploy applications on site or host the systems through the vendors' own servers. ### Related Logistics Software - [Delivery Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/delivery-management-comparison/) - [Freight Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/freight-broker-software-comparison/) - [Moving Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/moving-company-comparison/) - [Route Planning Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/route-planning-comparison/) - [Towing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/towing-comparison/) - [Transportation Dispatch Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/fleet-management/taxi-dispatch-comparison/) - [Transportation Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/transportation-management-software-comparison/)