Best Freight Management Software in 2023

What Is Freight Management Software?

A Freight Management System (FMS) is a software solution that's part of the whole shipping and logistics process. It helps improve a business's freight shipping operations, covering the whole supply chain, from warehousing and supplier connections to inventory management. The main objective of freight management software is to save businesses significant time and costs by streamlining the freight shipping process.

Why Is Freight Management Software Important?

Freight Management Software holds a significant role in the logistics and shipping industry due to its ability to streamline and optimize various functions of shipments. The entire process is quite complex and involves multiple departments and tasks, such as supply chain management, inventory control, warehouse-to-supplier relationship management, and CRM, among several others.

Freight shipping software is important because it acts as a central hub for coordinating these intricate operations. It ensures that everything from managing inventory efficiently to maintaining strong supplier relationships and handling customer interactions runs smoothly.

Who Uses Freight Management Software?

Freight management software serves as a crucial tool for logistics and supply chain professionals responsible for the efficient delivery of goods to customers. This software can be used as an independent solution or as an integral component within a supply chain suite or trucking dispatch software. Freight dispatch software plays a central role in optimizing and overseeing the movement of goods throughout the supply chain.

Key Features of Freight Management Software

Freight management software brings a bunch of advantages to transportation and logistics companies, helping them boost their overall productivity in the freight business. Some of these software systems come with standard features, while others can be tailored to meet specific needs and market demands. Here are a few key features;

• Automation and Digitization of Documents: Freight management tools allow for the automation and secure storage of important documents on cloud platforms. These systems support various document formats and file types, and they can also be customized to comply with government regulations for goods and transportation.
• Shipment Management: From order placement to loading, unloading, and handling emergencies, shipment management is a crucial part of freight management software. It ensures that the entire shipment process runs smoothly, with immediate notifications for any disruptions or issues.
• Freight-Specific Accounting: Freight and logistics accounting require a specialized approach. You can work with freight management software developers to fine-tune accounting processes. Key components include freight payment, cost estimation, invoice audits, invoice consolidation, and tracking of goods in and out.
• Real-Time Tracking of Freight: To enhance the clarity and accuracy of cargo deliveries, freight management software provides real-time tracking capabilities. It enables users to monitor the movement of goods and materials in real-time, using GPS technology, barcodes, and RFID chips. This tracking extends to vehicles, vessels, and cargo, even when codes are not visible, ensuring secure data storage for future reference.
• Cargo and Carrier Management: The software allows shippers to select carriers and facilitators based on their rates and availability. It can optimize deals according to shipment volume and delivery locations, and it may suggest the most cost-effective transportation routes.
• Reporting and Analysis: Data analysis is crucial for the cargo and transportation industry. Freight management software systems come equipped with robust reporting and analysis tools, which help shippers in various ways. These tools can analyze customer behavior, calculate shipment times and costs, assess route efficiency, evaluate carrier and partner performance, allocate warehouse bays, and provide detailed insights for optimizing business strategies.

Benefits of Freight Management Software

A customized freight management system brings a collaborative approach to help freight business owners run their operations smoothly and efficiently. Here are some of the benefits;

• Technological Advancement: A freight management system takes you forward with technological advancements. It means you're at the forefront of the industry, providing your clients with top-notch value. They can easily find the best freight services, track their shipments in real time, and access everything they need at their fingertips.
• Streamlined Processes Through Automation: These transport management solutions simplify both internal and external freight operations without disrupting the flow. Tasks like listing, selecting, and tracking goods can be effortlessly managed with a freight management tool.
• Tracking Goods: Freight management software makes it simple to track shipments in transit, thanks to the accuracy of GPS. It keeps both service providers and receivers informed about the location of goods and estimated delivery times, even in challenging weather or unforeseen conditions.
• Data and Analysis: Quality logistic services offer deep insights through analytics. Transport management solutions can come with built-in supply chain analytics and other tools that store, retrieve, and analyze crucial historical data. This data helps in creating effective business strategies by identifying operational strengths and weaknesses and suggesting solutions.
• Documentation and Compliance: You can optimize your software to digitize paperwork and insurance management. It can also be configured to comply with local and international regulatory standards, ensuring adherence to freight management regulations.
• Cost Savings: Freight management software suggests the best routes and cost-efficient carrier services based on shipment type, saving considerable money. With minimal human interactions and fewer chances of booking and invoicing errors, it also reduces the time spent on various freight operations, both internally and externally.

Considerations When Buying Freight Software

Here are some tips on how to choose the right freight-forwarding software for your company:

• Assess Your Needs: Before you start your search for freight forwarding software, take a good look at your business requirements. Consider your software requirements and how it aligns with your existing processes. Do you need it to handle shipments across different modes of transport, or is it more about managing your inventory and warehouse operations? Understanding your needs will help you find the software that's the best fit.
• Compatibility Matters: When introducing new software, compatibility with your existing systems is a big deal. Look for software that integrates smoothly with your existing systems, such as accounting software, ERP, or transportation management systems (TMS). This will help you avoid expensive and time-consuming integration projects and ensure seamless compatibility.
• User-Friendly Interface: Freight forwarding can be quite intricate, so it's crucial to pick software that's easy to use. Look for an intuitive interface that provides clear, concise information about shipments, invoices, and other essential data. This will enhance your team's efficiency and minimize the risk of errors and delays.
• Plan for Growth: Your business is expected to expand, and your software should grow with it. Choose a software solution that's scalable and adaptable to your evolving needs. This prevents the need for expensive upgrades or replacements in the future, ensuring your software remains valuable in the long run.
• Prioritize Security and Compliance: Freight forwarding software involves handling sensitive data, from shipping details to customs documents and payment info. It's essential to choose software equipped with strong security features and compliance with relevant regulations. This helps protect your business and customer data, preventing expensive fines and penalties for failing to comply.

Relevant Freight Software Trends

There are several key trends in the logistics sector that are shaping the future of freight software, making operations more efficient, cost-effective, and customer-centric. Here's a breakdown of these trends in an easy-to-understand manner;

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are gaining growing significance in the field of logistics. AI simulates human intelligence processes, and ML uses data to improve predictions. In logistics, these technologies help predict demand, reduce errors, and optimize operations.
• Digital Twins: Think of digital twins as virtual replicas of real-world systems. They use AI and ML to simulate how machines work in real time. They're becoming invaluable for analyzing supply chains, identifying risks, and streamlining operations.
• Blockchain Technology: Originally for finance, blockchain is now a game-changer in logistics. It enhances inventory management, security, and data tracking. To maximize its benefits, companies need to digitize and standardize data.
• Transportation Management System (TMS): TMS software simplifies logistics by optimizing routes, carrier selection, and real-time visibility. It's improved with AI for better planning and tracking. Real-time visibility helps you know where shipments are at all times.
• Big Data Analytics: Big data analytics is crucial for understanding customer behavior and predicting demand. It also enhances operational efficiency by identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Cloud Logistics: Cloud solutions offer scalability and real-time data access, improving coordination and decision-making across teams. They automate processes and minimize errors.
• Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices monitor cargo, vehicles, and inventory. They help optimize routes, predict maintenance needs, and enhance worker safety.
• Self-driving Vehicles and Drones: Autonomous vehicles and drones are transforming last-mile delivery, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. They offer faster, more cost-effective deliveries.
• Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR): AR and VR enhance training, reduce warehouse injuries, and improve logistics planning through simulations.
• Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility: Real-time visibility provides crucial information throughout the supply chain, enabling data-driven decisions, efficient operations, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Robotics and Automation in Warehouses: Robots are automating repetitive tasks in warehouses, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing safety.

Top Freight Management Software

Here is a list of the top 10 freight management software;

Software	Features	Price
Freightify	Customer Portal, Rate Procurement, Quotations, Rate Management	Price On Request
Logi-Sys	eDocket, Cloud Based, Scalable & Extensible, Single Database	Price On Request
LoadPlus TMS Software	Carrier Management, Dynamic Tracking, Dispatch Management, Full Accounting	Price On Request
Avaal Freight Management	Order Management, Automated Orders, Trip Management, Assets Tracking	Price On Request
Freightview	Compare Direct Sales, Schedule Pickups, Print bills of lading, Print Shipping Labels	Price On Request
Tsysinfo FMS	Import/Export Management, Yard Management, Freight Shipping, Tally Integration	Price On Request
Pirate Ship	Shipment Tracking, Import/Export Management, Order Management, Dispatch Management	Price On Request
ITS Dispatch	GPS tracking, Freight brokerage, Dispatch and scheduling, Rates and quote management	$50 per month
Kuebix TMS	Financial Management, Freight Pay and Audit, Negotiated Rates, Claims Management	Price On Request