Transportation logistics solutions are crucial in the transportation business. With the help of transportation management software, you manage your fleet, streamline your dispatching process, calculate mileage and routing, track deliveries and tally fuel taxes.
Transportation technology isn’t only for the big guys. Even small carriers can benefit from transportation software. Finding and employing the right transportation management software early on means a smoother operation overall and — an added benefit — your company will be poised for growth when the time is right.
Transportation software can help you drive up bottom-line profits. Here’s how:
1. Find transportation software that integrates with programs you already have.
2. Ramp up efficiencies with the right scheduling and dispatch software.
3. Schedule transportation logistics like deliveries and service calls 24/7.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find transportation software that works with your current technology
There are plenty of transportation technology software products that are designed to integrate with common office accounting software programs like QuickBooks Pro and Peachtree.
I recommend: Look into
Prophesy Dispatch & Accounting software (they offer a discount on the QuickBooks software too).
Use mileage and routing transportation software
Finding the quickest and most economical path to get your vehicles where they need to go is key to profitability in the transportation business. That's why transportation software that includes routing features is so popular.
I recommend: Dynamic Routing Solutions is a transportation logistics solution that specializes in vehicle routing for companies with anywhere from five to 500 vehicles.
Paragon Software Systems offers a number of routing software solutions. For a list of
mileage and routing software providers, check the Business.com directory.
Find LTL transportation software solutions
LTL (less-than-truckload) carriers have unique needs in the trucking industry. Look for transportation technology providers that offer solutions designed specifically for this market.
I recommend: Tell Systems offers a complete integrated transportation software solutions for LTL carriers. AR Traffic Consultants promises that their
CalcRoute software will save you up to 50 percent of your freight costs on LTL shipments. The LTL software solutions from
Carrier Logistics are customizable to fit your unique transportation needs.
Choose transportation technologies designed for smaller businesses
Although many transportation logistics applications are geared to larger businesses, some providers target smaller operations
I recommend: I recommend: Tailwind Management Systems and
Ayers Rock Software offer transportation management software solutions for small and mid-sized businesses.
Get things rolling with dispatch software
There's no shortage of transportation software options available to help you track your fleet on the road and your staff in the field. Some dispatch software is either free or offers an online demonstration or free trial period.
I recommend: Check out dispatch software, such as
DrDISPATCH or
VehiclePath — easy to use fleet-tracking technology and no contract required. Look into transportation logistics solutions at
Cheetah. For more
dispatch software options, visit Business.com.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Don't rule out the advantages of using 3PL providers who can offer multiple transportation technology benefits.
- The size of your business and complexity of your shipping requirements should determine whether your chosen transportation technology solution is simple or sophisticated.
- Don't lock into a transportation technology contract that restricts your growth options.
- Some companies that specialize in transportation technologies bundle services to meet specific transportation logistics requirements.
- Routinely critique the quality of performance you're getting from your transportation management software. If it's not doing the job, change it.
The official source of Transportation Software is
the Transportation Software page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
Transportation Management SoftwareDispatch management software for freight brokers and trucking companies: LTL & TL. Fuel Tax, Online load tracking, ACE, in-house lease & financing.
www.arcline2000.com
Transportation SoftwareAffordable, powerful dispatch software servicing North America: Mileage, Fuel, A/R, A/P, Tracking, Load posting & more. Financing & Pricing Programs.
www.tailwindsys.com
Transportation SoftwareProvider of transportation, warehouse management, billing, fulfillment, package tracking and supply chain management software solutions.
www.cadretech.com
Fleet Management Software DirectoryCompare fleet management software using Capterra's free, comprehensive directory.
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