--- 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 November 11, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 420 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 420 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. ### [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) --- ### [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) --- ### [NetSuite](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 2,086 - 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 - Aging Tracking: 5/5 - "What If" Scenarios: 5/5 - Knowledge Base Management: 5/5 - Vendor Master Data Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/#key-features) --- ### [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) --- ### [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) --- ### [MyCarrierTMS](/scm/mycarrier-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 108 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Value for money - 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) --- ### [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) --- ### [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) --- ### [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) --- ### [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/) --- ### [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. One platform replaces your stack, [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) --- ### [Elite EXTRA](/fleet-management/elite-extra-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 388 - Starting price: $35.00/month - Best for: Delivery Tracking - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Elite EXTRA: The Complete Last-Mile Logistics Platform Elite EXTRA is designed for businesses that rely on fast, accurate, and reliable deliveries. By combining route [Read more](/fleet-management/elite-extra-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Route Management: 5/5 - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - Shipping Labels: 5/5 - Status Tracking: 5/5 [See all features](/fleet-management/elite-extra-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Base Pricing *All quotes are customized to meet specific terms* - Price: $35.00/month - All pricing is customized to meet specific company needs. While pricing shown may be base pricing, [See full pricing details](/fleet-management/elite-extra-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Appian](/product/2220-Appian2/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 13 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview 17 of the top 25 dedicated carriers utilize this solution. Appian is a transportation and route optimization solution from TMW Systems. A good system for a wide variety of [Read more](/product/2220-Appian2/) --- ### [Tracx](/fleet-management/tracxtms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 12 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview The TMS Built for Your Freight, Not Adapted to It. Most TMS platforms are designed for standard dry van and patched for everything else. Tracx was built specifically for the [Read more](/fleet-management/tracxtms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Route Optimization: 5/5 - Dispatch Management: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Routing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Real-Time Notifications: 1/5 [See all features](/fleet-management/tracxtms-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Tracx Essential - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - We offer flexible plans to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes – from small fleets to large ##### Tracx Premium Plan - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - The preferred package for medium to large carriers, full of automation intelligence, workflows, and [See full pricing details](/fleet-management/tracxtms-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [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) --- ### [Shippo](/scm/shippo-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 827 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Order Fulfillment - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Ship smarter with Shippo, trusted by 300k+ brands to streamline shipping and access the best rates. Shippo seamlessly integrates with top carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx, [Read more](/scm/shippo-profile/) ##### What users love - Streamlined multi-carrier shipping management - Efficient and flexible label creation - Intuitive and user-friendly interface ##### To take in mind - Limited and unreliable email communication #### Features ##### Best rated features - Labeling: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Order Fulfillment: 4.9/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/shippo-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Free - Price: $0.00 - 1 user login ##### Professional - Price: $19.00/month - Up to 5 user logins ##### Premier - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - More than 15 user logins [See full pricing details](/scm/shippo-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [AscendTMS](/scm/ascendtms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 369 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AscendTMS is a cloud-based supply chain management (SCM) solution designed for businesses of all sizes. Key features include load management, accounting, finance management, branch [Read more](/scm/ascendtms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Import/Export Management: 5/5 - Customer Portal: 5/5 - Communication Management: 5/5 - Customer Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Fuel Management: 3/5 - Demand Forecasting: 3.8/5 - Procurement Management: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/ascendtms-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $0.00/month - The plan has 2 user limit. The setup, support & training is $0 ##### Premium - Price: $99.00/month - The plan has no user limit. The setup, support & training is $0 FOREVER [See full pricing details](/scm/ascendtms-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Headlight Solutions](/product/420499-Headlight-Solutions/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 91 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Headlight Solutions offers a cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) that automates and optimize load planning and routing. We have tailored our solution for industries [Read more](/product/420499-Headlight-Solutions/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Electronic Signature: 5/5 - Route Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Driver Management: 5/5 [See all features](/product/420499-Headlight-Solutions/#key-features) --- ### [AssetPool Nova](/fleet-management/assetpool-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 38 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AssetPool Nova is an asset management and compliance platform for organisations that inspect physical assets and sites, across mining, fire protection, food safety, facilities [Read more](/fleet-management/assetpool-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multi-Location: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Status Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Equipment Management: 4/5 - Search/Filter: 4/5 - Work Order Management: 4/5 [See all features](/fleet-management/assetpool-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Freemium - Price: $0.00/month - 10 Users - 1 location - 20 assets - 20 checklist inspections/month - mobile inspections - basic ##### Lite - Price: $28.00/month - 5 locations - 500 assets - 40 checklist inspections/month ##### Essential - Price: $125.00/month - 25 locations · 5,000 assets · 200 checklist inspections/mo Unlimited Users. [See full pricing details](/fleet-management/assetpool-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Radaro](/fleet-management/radaro-profile/) - Overall rating: 5.0/5 - Reviews: 28 - Starting price: $495.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Radaro is a route planning software designed to help businesses connect with drivers to optimize last-mile deliveries and services. Key features include real-time in-field email [Read more](/fleet-management/radaro-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Analytics: 5/5 - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Shipment Tracking: 5/5 - Mobile Signature Capture: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Cash on Delivery: 4/5 [See all features](/fleet-management/radaro-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Transvirtual](/retail/transvirtual-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 72 - Starting price: A$0.40/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Transvirtual is cloud-based logistics software for transport operators, carriers, couriers, 3PLs and businesses shipping freight across Australia, New Zealand, and North America. [Read more](/retail/transvirtual-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Label Printing: 5/5 - Rate Management: 5/5 - Customer Portal: 5/5 - Fleet Management: 5/5 [See all features](/retail/transvirtual-profile/#key-features) --- ### [GoComet](/scm/gocomet-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 51 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview GoComet is a cloud-based enterprise solution that helps businesses of all sizes with freight quote comparisons. The solution provides a unified platform for freight forwarders and [Read more](/scm/gocomet-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - EDI: 5/5 - For Freight Operations: 5/5 - Customer Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Access Controls/Permissions: 4/5 - Automated Quoting: 4/5 - 3PL Management: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/gocomet-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Track-POD](/retail/track-pod-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 140 - Starting price: $49.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Track-POD is a single-dashboard solution to all of your last-mile logistics challenges. 1. Optimize thousands of deliveries and collections at once. 2. Print shipping labels and [Read more](/retail/track-pod-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Emergency Dispatch: 5/5 - Employee Management: 5/5 - Route History: 5/5 - Status Tracking: 5/5 [See all features](/retail/track-pod-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Advanced - Price: $49.00/month - Billed annually ##### Advanced Plus - Price: $69.00/month - Billed annually ##### Ultimate - Price: $89.00/month - Billed annually [See full pricing details](/retail/track-pod-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Logistically TMS](/scm/logistically-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 16 - Starting price: $330.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Logistically is a cloud-based transportation management solution (TMS) designed for 3PLs, brokers and shippers of all sizes. Features include billing and invoicing, load [Read more](/scm/logistically-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Label Printing: 5/5 - Order Tracking: 5/5 - Shipment Price Calculation: 5/5 - Parcel Shipping: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Order Management: 2/5 - Ground Shipping: 3/5 - Status Tracking: 4/5 - Shipping Labels: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/logistically-profile/#key-features) --- ### [LOCAD](/inventory-management/locad-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 15 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview LOCAD is a cloud-based order fulfillment and shipping software solution that caters to ecommerce retailers and third-party logistics providers. LOCAD offers key features like the [Read more](/inventory-management/locad-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Synchronization: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - eCommerce Management: 5/5 - Returns Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customer Database: 4/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/locad-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) ... [17](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/logistics-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=17) ## Popular Comparisons [ Stamps.com vs ShipStation ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shipstation-profile/vs/stamps-com/)[ Driv.in vs Elite EXTRA ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/driv-in-profile/vs/elite-extra/)[ MyCarrierTMS vs AscendTMS ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/ascendtms-profile/vs/mycarrier/)[ NetSuite vs ShipMonk ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/vs/shipmonk/) ## 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/)