Tracking LTL Shipments with Transportation Management Software

In the world of logistics, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping plays an important role and represents an estimated 11% - 15% of trucking freight in North America. The ability to consolidate smaller shipments from multiple customers on the same truck with LTL shipping offers a cost-effective solution for businesses that don't require a full truckload capacity.

However, LTL shipping can be complex because it includes multiple handling points and varying transit times that can make tracking shipments a real challenge. This is where Transportation Management Software (TMS) can be a valuable tool, providing improved visibility and control over LTL shipments, optimizing efficiency, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Learn more about tracking LTL shipments with transportation management software and its benefits with this post created by TransPlus.

Benefits of Tracking LTL Shipments and Load Planning with TMS

With LTL shipping, where multiple shipments share the same truck, maintaining real-time visibility and efficient load planning is vital to freight operations. A Transportation Management System (TMS) acts as a compass to help you navigate the challenges presented by LTL shipping. Equipped with comprehensive tracking capabilities and automated processes, a quality TMS platform gives freight carriers and shippers the ability to have a clear view of their shipments, from pick-up to final delivery.

The benefits of employing a TMS as a part of your LTL strategy go beyond simple tracking. Load consolidation is a key feature of TMS platforms that enables carriers to maximize trailer space utilization and minimize empty miles, which leads to reduced costs, a reduced environmental impact, and improved profits. Additionally, a TMS streamlines carrier and customer invoicing, reducing the risk of manual errors and making sure payments are made on time.

Available accounting functions further enhance financial management, providing accurate and up-to-date records of all LTL shipments and many TMS platforms can integrate with popular accounting software like QuickBooks®. In addition to those more basic functions, leading TMS platforms can incorporate Facility Management features that allow carriers to track available trailer space and employ technology that helps them label orders as LTL or TL, enabling better planning and decision-making.

Improved Visibility and Load Tracking

A TMS platform instantly upgrades LTL shipment visibility by providing real-time tracking and updates at multiple stages of the shipping process, from pickup to delivery. This provides freight carriers with the ability to monitor progress, anticipate delays, and proactively communicate with customers, fostering trust and enhancing the overall shipping experience.

Improved Load Consolidation

Transportation Management Systems are valuable tools for load consolidation and have the ability to intelligently combine multiple smaller shipments into full truckloads by using volume measurements to maximize trailer space, and minimize empty miles. The ability to optimize shipments translates to significant cost savings for trucking companies, as they can transport more cargo with fewer trips, reduce fuel consumption, and maximize profitability.

Improved Carrier and Customer Invoicing

TMS platforms have the ability to automate and streamline carrier and customer invoicing for LTL shipments by linking all of the shipment information in an interconnected system. Easy order entry, easy-to-access customer invoicing, and the ability to create trips and contracts within the system helps eliminate manual errors and ensure accurate on-time billing based on negotiated rates and additional charges.

Improved Accounting

A TMS has the ability to simplify LTL accounting by centralizing financial data and automating tasks like invoice generation and cost calculation. This helps prevent errors, speeds up payments, and gives carriers a clear financial picture of their LTL operations. TMS platforms with the ability to integrate with accounting software like QuickBooks® and Sage® can further improve accounting capabilities.

Improved Quotes

A TMS with LTL capabilities makes providing shipping quotes more efficient and accurate for trucking companies by providing real-time data on load planning and shipment tracking. The ability to provide customer quotes based on weight, the amount of cargo, the miles driven, and more facilitates more accurate quotes and with a TMS to help automate and streamline the process, fewer customer quotes are lost during the order entry process.

READ MORE: Benefits of EDI Integration in Trucking

Leveraging a Transportation Management System to track and manage LTL shipments is a game-changer for freight carriers. The increased visibility, streamlined processes, and improved accuracy offered by a TMS directly contribute to cost savings, improved efficiency, and better customer service.

Contact TransPlus today to book a demo discover how our TMS solutions can revolutionize your LTL operations!

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