More than 80% of the world’s international trade occurs via ocean freight. With hundreds of thousands of containers spread across various ships and routes, shippers who work with ocean carriers need to know where their shipments are at all times. Without visibility, cost and service can suffer: companies might not know whether shipments will arrive late or early, and may have to pay fines as a consequence.

Visibility isn’t just about peace of mind: when supply chains become volatile, companies must know where their containers are so they can manage exceptions proactively and reduce detention and demurrage. Accurate and timely visibility helps shippers stay ahead of potential disruptions and could save thousands or even millions on unexpected costs.

This is especially relevant at a time when ocean transportation has been defined by global crises. In the Red Sea—home to 12% of annual global trade—ongoing military standoffs have endangered commercial shipments and caused extensive delays in transport journeys as the crisis forces companies to invest in alternative routes and modes. Meanwhile, across the globe, droughts in Panama have precipitated severe limits on canal traffic. 

The Uber Freight team continually works to deliver next-generation visibility for logistics teams and help them better navigate these types of events. Our latest technology expansion is specifically tailored to help companies that utilize ocean and air transportation stay ahead of the tide by gaining accurate, real-time insights. New features within the Uber Freight Transportation Management System (TMS) allow users to connect seamlessly with ocean and air shipment data—meaning logistics teams can access comprehensive, real-time visibility for all shipments across modes in one easy-to-use platform.

Creating accurate, real-time visibility into 99% of ocean shipments 

Last year, our updates to Uber Freight TMS gave shippers unprecedented visibility via the Control Tower module, which provides a 360-degree view of all shipments. While our team offers ocean execution as a managed services partner, this new update brings visibility into the TMS for those who wish to maintain direct relationships with ocean carriers and international third-party logistics providers. Now, within the Control Tower, logistics teams can use the map tool to visualize all shipments, filter by mode, and pinpoint shipments for rerouting.

The module also eliminates the need for logistics teams to manually track their loads on carrier websites or through freight forwarders, and instead offers a more streamlined and efficient experience. According to container tracking API provider Vizion, this global solution covers 99% of ocean shipments by gathering continual shipment updates from more than 40 data sources. Using API-based freight tracking software, the solution can produce updates every 15 minutes for more accurate and timely information.

The updates also leverage automation to make it easier than ever for users to access real-time insights for their ocean and air freight. Often, shippers assume they need to get their list of carriers and perform individual integrations with each. The new update allows the TMS to seamlessly and automatically import real-time data into the Uber Freight platform. Logistics teams unlock unprecedented transparency without the hassle of manual integration, resulting in an instant-on solution. And getting started is simple and straightforward, leveraging just a few pieces of ocean data to gain automatic updates on shipment progress.

Because the Uber Freight TMS updates continually with location breadcrumbs tracked after each update, teams can monitor situations as they develop and determine whether alternative routes or ports need to be considered. We’ve seen users quickly pivot timely shipments from ocean to air freight to reduce delays, and secure cargo insurance coverage and tools needed to move goods in dangerous regions. 

Companies, including global chemical manufacturer Kronos Worldwide, Inc., are already leveraging these tools to help minimize risk and improve shipment safety.

“We operate globally and the technology that supports us needs to as well. Our teams needed better ways of tracking shipments internally and across modes including ocean, rail, and truck,” said Memsud Musabasic, Kronos Director of Global Warehousing and Transportation. “We were among the first to sign up for Uber Freight’s ocean visibility pilot. Being able to see where ocean shipments are at any time will help us stay on-track and deliver better service to our customers.”

Be prepared with a tech-forward TMS

Global supply chains are inherently complex, and logistics teams need a comprehensive TMS that provides visibility into all aspects of the load lifecycle. At Uber Freight, our team has become more thoughtful in offering customers improved visibility into their shipments. This update strengthens our position as a trusted advisor, helping shippers around the globe make the most of the data at their fingertips.

Logistics teams also need a solution that turns data into actionable business insights, and unlocks functionality to allow teams to pivot to different modes and carriers in order to address disruption. Our new solutions join a range of features in Uber Freight’s TMS designed to equip shippers with a proactive toolkit to address any potential challenges. 

From real-time tracking to strategic routing insights, plus an end-to-end view of all shipments, the Uber Freight TMS couples a user-friendly interface with powerful, data-driven tools. To learn more about our TMS software, request a demo today. 

1) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s Review of Maritime Transport

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Entities such as SCM play a pivotal role in TMS, ensuring the holistic optimization of the entire supply chain. ERP systems, on the other hand, contain financial and operational information, aligning business processes with TMS functionalities. A TMS brings these tools together along with real-time freight management to create business value. 

Evolution of TMS: from simple tools to advanced solutions

From its humble beginnings as basic freight management tools to the sophisticated, technologically advanced solutions we see today, TMS has evolved into an essential piece of logistics operations. Technological innovation has been the driving force behind TMS evolution. TMS has embraced the cutting edge—from the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to harnessing the Internet of Things (IoT in logistics, to leveraging machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics. The historical journey underscores the pivotal role these advancements play in shaping the capabilities of TMS.

Core functions of a TMS system

Understanding TMS is incomplete without delving into its core functionalities. So, what are they? 

From the intricacies of load planning and execution to the precision of freight tracking, payment processing, and reporting, a TMS is a multifaceted tool. This section will elaborate on the role of route optimization software, carrier management, global positioning system (GPS) tracking, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for transportation management. A deep dive into these functionalities will elucidate how they contribute to the seamless orchestration of transportation operations.

Load planning:

Load planning is a fundamental aspect of transportation management, involving the strategic organization and arrangement of goods within a shipment. TMS utilizes sophisticated algorithms to determine the most optimal way to load goods onto vehicles, taking into account factors such as weight distribution, vehicle capacity, and route optimization. This function minimizes empty spaces within vehicles, maximizing cargo capacity and reducing transportation costs. Efficient load planning also contributes to the overall reduction of carbon footprints by optimizing vehicle usage.

Execution:

TMS excels in the execution phase by automating and orchestrating the entire transportation process. It facilitates real-time communication between all stakeholders involved, such as shippers, carriers, and consignees. This automation ensures that planned routes are followed, schedules are adhered to, and any deviations or disruptions are promptly addressed. By reducing manual interventions and automating routine tasks, TMS significantly minimizes the risk of errors, leading to smoother and more reliable transportation execution.

Freight tracking:

Real-time visibility is a game-changer in the world of transportation, and TMS provides this through robust freight tracking capabilities. Advanced TMS platforms leverage technologies such as GPS and IoT to monitor the location and status of shipments in real time. This not only enhances transparency for all stakeholders, but also enables proactive decision-making in the face of unexpected events, such as delays or detours. Freight tracking is crucial for maintaining accountability, meeting delivery deadlines, and providing customers with accurate, up-to-date information on their shipments.

Payment processing:

Efficient financial transactions are integral to the smooth functioning of transportation operations. TMS facilitates seamless payment processing by automating invoicing, billing, and settlement processes. It streamlines the reconciliation of freight charges, ensuring accuracy and transparency in financial transactions between shippers and carriers. By automating payment workflows, TMS minimizes the risk of errors, disputes, and delays in the payment cycle. This not only improves cash flow for carriers but also fosters stronger, more reliable partnerships within the transportation ecosystem.

Reporting:

Data-driven insights are invaluable for making informed decisions and optimizing transportation strategies. TMS excels in generating comprehensive reports that offer deep insights into various aspects of transportation performance. KPIs related to on-time delivery, cost per mile, carrier performance, and overall supply chain efficiency are commonly tracked. These reports empower businesses to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of transportation strategies, and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement. Moreover, reporting functionalities aid in meeting compliance requirements, providing documentation for audits, and enhancing overall accountability in the transportation process.

Strategic benefits of implementing a TMS system

The key functionalities of a TMS collectively contribute to the overall efficiency of transportation management by optimizing resource utilization, providing visibility and control, streamlining financial processes, and facilitating informed decision-making. Adopting a TMS not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the overall reliability and competitiveness of a business in the dynamic landscape of modern logistics.

Load planning and execution functionalities minimize empty spaces in vehicles, ensuring optimal use of cargo capacity and reducing transportation costs. Freight tracking provides real-time visibility into the location and status of shipments, allowing for proactive decision-making and response to disruptions. Automated payment processing reduces the risk of errors, disputes, and delays, fostering efficient financial transactions between shippers and carriers. And reporting functionalities provide data-driven insights, enabling businesses to make informed decisions, optimize transportation strategies, and continuously improve performance.

Selecting the right TMS for your business

In the ever-evolving landscape of logistics, selecting the right transportation management system (TMS) is akin to choosing the right navigator for a complex journey. The perfect TMS can be a game-changer, aligning seamlessly with a company’s specific needs and overcoming unique logistical challenges. 

Before delving into the realm of TMS options, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough analysis of your business requirements. Consider the following aspects:

• Company size: Smaller companies may require a TMS that is scalable, easy to implement, and cost-effective, while larger enterprises might need a robust, enterprise-level solution that can handle complex logistics.
• Industry dynamics: Different industries have unique logistical demands. For example, the TMS needs of a manufacturing company might differ significantly from those of a retail business. Understanding the intricacies of your industry will help tailor the TMS to your specific requirements.
• Logistical challenges: Identify the specific challenges your logistics team faces. Whether it’s optimizing routes, managing a diverse fleet, or handling complex order fulfillment processes, a TMS should address these challenges head-on.

Evaluating TMS providers

Once you have a clear understanding of your business needs, it’s time to explore TMS providers with these essential considerations:

• Vendor Reputation: Research and assess the reputation of TMS providers in the industry. Look for customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge the provider’s track record in delivering effective solutions.
• Scalability: Ensure that the chosen TMS is scalable to accommodate your business growth. A flexible system should seamlessly adapt to changes in volume, whether it’s an increase in orders or an expansion of your distribution network.
• Integration Capabilities: Check the integration capabilities of the TMS with other systems, such as your enterprise resource planning (ERP) or order management system (OMS). Smooth integration ensures a cohesive flow of information across all business processes.

Tailoring TMS to your industry

Different industries have unique requirements, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not be suitable. Consider these industry-specific factors:

• Distribution center needs: If your business relies heavily on distribution centers, choose a TMS that optimizes warehouse operations, manages inventory efficiently, and integrates seamlessly with your distribution network.
• Fleet management: For businesses with a diverse fleet, look for a TMS that excels in fleet management. This includes features such as real-time tracking, route optimization, and maintenance scheduling.

Addressing logistical challenges

Seek TMS features that directly address your specific logistical challenges:

• Route optimization: If optimizing delivery routes is a primary concern, prioritize TMS solutions with advanced route planning capabilities. This feature not only reduces transportation costs but also enhances overall efficiency.
• Order management: For businesses with complex order fulfillment processes, ensure that the TMS integrates seamlessly with your order management system (OMS). This integration streamlines the order-to-delivery process, minimizing errors and delays.

To learn more about advanced features that help shippers of all kinds leverage unprecedented insight and create proactive strategies, explore Uber Freight’s TMS.

Integration challenges and solutions

As businesses embark on the transformative journey of implementing a transportation management system (TMS), one of the inevitable hurdles they encounter is the complexity of integration. This section is dedicated to addressing common integration challenges that arise during TMS implementation and providing strategic solutions. Navigating these challenges is crucial to ensuring a seamless fusion of TMS with other essential systems.

Warehouse management systems (WMS):

Integrating TMS with WMS can be intricate, as both systems manage crucial aspects of logistics—transportation and warehouse operations. Employ middleware solutions that act as a bridge between TMS and WMS, facilitating smooth communication and data exchange. Ensure that the chosen TMS has robust compatibility with various WMS platforms.

Electronic data interchange (EDI):

EDI is a standard protocol for electronic data exchange, and ensuring compatibility with TMS can pose challenges. Choose a TMS that supports EDI standards and protocols. Additionally, leverage integration platforms that can seamlessly translate and transfer data between TMS and EDI systems, ensuring a standardized and efficient exchange of information.

Supply chain management tools:

Integrating TMS with broader supply chain management tools may require alignment of diverse data sets and processes. Opt for TMS solutions that offer pre-built connectors or APIs for popular supply chain management tools. This allows for easier integration and ensures that data flows seamlessly across the entire supply chain ecosystem.

Logistics automation:

Implementing automation in logistics, alongside TMS, demands careful synchronization to avoid bottlenecks or information silos. Leverage TMS solutions with built-in automation features or those that easily integrate with automation tools. Ensure that automated processes, such as order processing or shipment tracking, are synchronized with the TMS to maintain a cohesive and efficient workflow.

Solutions for data migration

Differences in data formats between systems can hinder smooth data migration. Implement data mapping and translation tools that can interpret information from one system into a format compatible with the other. This ensures that data retains its integrity and coherence during migration. Prioritize data cleansing activities before migration. Identify and rectify discrepancies, ensuring that the data being transferred is accurate, consistent, and aligns with the requirements of both TMS and the integrated systems.

TMS and the future of logistics

As the landscape of logistics continues to evolve, the integration of emerging technologies into TMS is reshaping the future of the industry. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and real-time visibility tools are becoming integral components of TMS, charting the course for a more sophisticated and efficient logistics ecosystem.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in transportation management

AI is revolutionizing how TMS operates, bringing about intelligent automation and decision-making capabilities. AI algorithms analyze real-time data, considering variables like traffic, weather, and road conditions to optimize delivery routes dynamically. And while AI can’t tell the future, it can help predict it: AI-driven predictive analytics forecast potential disruptions, enabling proactive measures to address issues before they impact transportation operations.

Machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics

Machine learning algorithms empower TMS with the ability to learn from data patterns, optimizing decision-making processes. Machine learning algorithms analyze historical data to optimize load planning, considering factors like delivery times, carrier performance, and cost-efficiency. TMS leveraging machine learning continuously improves accuracy in predicting shipment timelines, optimizing routes, and identifying areas for efficiency enhancement.

Real-time visibility tools

Real-time visibility tools provide instantaneous insights into the status and location of shipments. When shippers can locate shipments in real time, they can immediately identify and resolve any issues, minimizing the impact on delivery timelines. When TMS is integrated with real-time visibility tools,it enables businesses to provide customers with accurate, up-to-date information on their shipments, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Case studies: successful TMS implementations

TMS serves as a linchpin for businesses seeking to optimize their logistics operations. In both 3PL and 4PL, the switch to a tech-forward TMS plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and ultimately transforming logistics strategy. From the minutiae of operations to the big picture, Uber Freight customers know the difference a TMS can make. 

As a leading national home renovation and safety company, Leaf Home needed to move away from manually managing a complex network of logistics information so that they could continue to scale. Switching to Uber Freight’s automated TMS has helped to improve delivery efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction, by offering real-time visibility and system routing. With Control Tower insights into the end-to-end logistics cycle, Leaf Home can now access rich data to analyze service levels, including the speed and accuracy of deliveries. 

One Canadian manufacturer also received a range of tangible benefits from switching to Uber Freight’s TMS, including improved service levels, enhanced data visibility, cost savings, efficient reverse logistics, and strategic adaptability. Enhanced visibility into shipment data now enables proactive identification of delays and route adjustments, resulting in increased on-time deliveries and boosted customer satisfaction. 

Conclusion: The strategic advantage of TMS in modern logistics

In the dynamic landscape of modern logistics, the role of transportation management systems (TMS) extends beyond mere operational efficiency; it becomes a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to achieve supply chain excellence. TMS serves as the linchpin in orchestrating seamless transportation operations within the broader supply chain ecosystem.

• Supply chain management: TMS integrates seamlessly with supply chain processes, optimizing the flow of goods from production to delivery.
• Transportation management logistics: TMS provides the logistical backbone, ensuring efficient planning, execution, and tracking of transportation activities.
• Sustainable transportation practices: TMS contributes to sustainability by optimizing routes, reducing empty miles, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
• Intermodal transportation systems: TMS facilitates the integration of various modes of transportation, creating a flexible and responsive intermodal network.

As the logistics landscape continues to evolve, businesses must recognize the transformative potential of TMS in ensuring supply chain resilience and excellence. TMS is a catalyst for innovation, enabling businesses to adapt to changing market dynamics, embrace sustainability, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. 

Uber Freight’s TMS harnesses industry-leading technology to provide unparalleled visibility, foresight, and control. To learn more about how your logistics operations and strategy can benefit from a tech-forward TMS, request a demo today. 

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We’re excited to announce a piloted rollout of a new scheduling application programming interface (API), the first activation of the Scheduling Standards Consortium’s (SSC) Technical Standard for the industry. Our new API, designed for Uber Freight’s transportation management systems (TMS), offers enhanced scheduling capabilities and fosters seamless communication across our network of shippers and carriers. The active pilot is set to be fully released for general availability in the second half of 2024.

Across the industry, scheduling inefficiency not only contributes to a significant cost in servicing the load, but also causes delays in getting appointments set and increases the lead time required to get the load serviced. To address this challenge, Uber Freight began testing its new scheduling API within the company’s brokerage business. The team saw early success in getting loads made available within the digital marketplace with zero human intervention, and loads are ready for coverage as much as 75% faster compared to manual scheduling. With today’s announcement, Uber Freight will enable automated scheduling within the Uber Freight TMS, which facilitated 6 million appointments across more than 1,500 facilities in 2023.

“Uber Freight’s scheduling API marks a significant leap forward in streamlining operations for all stakeholders in the freight ecosystem, said Lior Ron, Founder and CEO of Uber Freight. “By seamlessly integrating with Uber Freight TMS, this innovation is just the beginning of transformative changes. Our customers and carriers stand to gain immediate advantages, experiencing faster appointment scheduling, increased visibility, and stronger partnerships. This development not only delivers tangible benefits but also reflects our commitment to drive positive change in the broader industry. It is the culmination of the great work carried out by the SSC and reinforces our dedication to providing efficiency, speed, and savings for everyone involved.”

Driving efficiencies across the marketplace

Uber Freight’s scheduling API empowers seamless integration between logistics technology platforms and carrier scheduling systems, eliminating manual processes and enhancing visibility across supply chains. The new feature delivers substantial benefits for both shippers and carriers, including:

For shippers:

• Faster appointment scheduling: Reduce lead times and expedite shipment preparation by streamlining the appointment booking process.
• Increased visibility and control: Gain real-time insights into dock activity and manage appointments with ease, minimizing disruptions and rescheduling.
• Enhanced carrier relationships: Foster stronger partnerships with carriers by providing a standardized, efficient and self-service scheduling experience.

For carriers:

• Simplified integrations: Eliminate the need for multiple logins and manual data entry through standardized API connections.
• Improved appointment accuracy: Reduce errors and miscommunication with a single source of truth and centralizing scheduling data.
• Increased operational efficiency: Helps optimize driver schedules and mitigate facility congestion by leveraging real-time facility data.

“Innovation and collaboration must go hand-in-hand to drive immediate and lasting impact and the partnerships and pilots that are emerging from the SSC are testament to that,” said Raj Subbiah, Head of Product at Uber Freight. “Together, we are helping carriers and shippers gain the speed, efficiency and savings they need to get and stay ahead with technology at the core.”

For more information on the Uber Freight scheduling API, contact the Uber Freight team: https://insights.uberfreight.com/ssc-api-signup.

For more information on Uber Freight TMS, visit: www.uberfreight.com/logistics-applications/tms/.

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Winter weather creates treacherous road conditions like this every year, and the delays can cost all shippers and carriers time and money. But the situation is especially true for parcel shippers, who are shipping a high volume of product to customers on tight timelines (think: two-day or next-day shipping). 

With parcel costs high and still rising, cost savings are top of mind for most parcel shippers. But how can parcel shippers ensure they’re ready to remain efficient and keep costs low when they have to navigate harsh winter weather? 

Logistics teams should prioritize a plan which accounts for all potential outcomes—including the types of weather slated to impact certain corridors, how long these conditions are predicted to last, and how customers will respond to potential delays. A proactive strategy that safeguards against wintery scenarios will help companies avoid high costs, keep goods moving and drivers safe, and ensure end consumers remain satisfied.

Proactive forecasting provides crucial information

Forecasting is the first step toward being prepared for winter weather. It entails tracking of local weather conditions, either automatically or manually, as well as keeping tabs on parcel carrier service. 

For instance, a snowstorm in a region may affect one major parcel carrier, but not another. For large parcel shippers coordinating thousands of deliveries at once, utilizing weather and carrier data into a Parcel TMS helps ensure important information is linked to the correct package.

While forecasting can’t prevent unexpected, fast-changing weather events, it arms logistics teams with the information they need to choose a course of action. For example, when weather is set to impact a certain region, teams can plan ahead by setting up service blocks by zip code. 

Agile operations shift to meet unpredictable conditions

Once armed with forecasting, and even real-time weather information, shippers can change service plans to maintain customer trust and save costs. A comprehensive forecast will inform the need to touch base with carriers about service delays, and help decide whether they’ll need to downgrade carrier services, like shifting certain loads from air to ground. Plus, by downgrading shipments, businesses avoid paying premium costs for delayed deliveries that carriers can’t control or reimburse.

Shippers should aim to communicate to end consumers about delays as soon as possible. Proactively telling people that orders have been impacted by weather helps maintain trust amid uncertainties. In fact, 79% of consumers say they expect to receive a considerate customer experience when there are order delays or disruptions. 

What about weather changes that are especially last-minute? Making rapid adjustment requires flexible logistics technology and, often, the support of a managed transportation services provider. A Parcel TMS can ease the burden with real-time control over shipments. 

Using a Parcel TMS, logistics teams can automatically plug in real-time weather data from authorities like the National Weather Service, in order to choose the best shipping options. A managed services partner can help logistics teams efficiently onboard a new Parcel TMS, and also offers tested expertise in keeping costs low and maintaining consumer satisfaction, even amid the most disastrous weather conditions. 

Lower parcel costs with winter preparedness

Without agile operations, a weather delay can cost companies thousands in expenses to expedite packages—and jeopardize the loyalty of end-consumers who expected their purchase to be delivered at a certain time. 

Just ask one of the nation’s top sportswear brands. Appeasements due to delayed delivery were racking up costs. By leveraging carrier time-in-transit and rates with accessorials, Uber Freight helped the retailer ship at the lowest rate possible—creating a 13% savings rate. Savings were especially high during winter weather incidents: forecasting one snowstorm helped the company save $400,000 on parcel shipping costs in 24 hours. 

By setting up forecasting systems, tracking carrier outages, and communicating promptly with end consumers, companies can set up parcel operations that are prepared to handle winter weather—leading to more savings, improved customer trust, and better preparedness. 

To learn more about how to achieve operational agility this winter with a tech-forward Parcel TMS, connect with an Uber Freight expert. 

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The modern supply chain is embracing innovation at a rapid pace. Just a decade ago, real-time freight tracking was still in its infancy. GPS and RFID tagging systems already existed but few thought to use them for monitoring shipments. Carriers relied on phone calls to verify shipment details and schedule appointments. To compile reports, we had to sift through an endless pile of miscellaneous spreadsheets—a headache-inducing task that ended up taking way too much time and effort. But we’ve come a long way.

Fast forward to 2023, customer expectations are higher than ever. Businesses are competing to provide the best service and fastest delivery times in an effort to keep pace with demand. Automation of vital workflows, like demand forecasting and route optimization, are empowering leaders to execute shipments faster, smarter, and bolder. 

Gaining a competitive edge in this evolving market requires 360-degree visibility. We have to think five, ten, twenty steps ahead in an effort to predict the unpredictable—and integrating a custom transportation management system (TMS) is an essential first step to replacing outdated workflows with cutting-edge technology. 

A TMS empowers businesses by:  

• Expanding carrier capacity 
• Applying data-driven logistics planning 
• Mitigating risks with real-time visibility 
• Streamlining payment processes
• Providing industry-leading intelligence 

What is a transportation management system? 

It seems like every industry now—from food and beverages, to manufacturing, to online retail, to healthcare—is using a transportation management system (TMS) to gain better network visibility. A software solution designed to optimize the planning, execution, and monitoring of shipments in transit, a TMS serves as a central platform for businesses and their logistics providers to make data-driven decisions about how to move their goods. 

The importance of TMS in the modern supply chain

If your supply chain is getting bogged down by cost overruns, missed deadlines, and lack of transparency, TMS integration might be the answer. The TMS serves as the “brain” of logistics operations by optimizing a wide range of tasks related to supply chain management. It brings together data, automation, and decision-making capabilities to ensure that goods move efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with regulations

Armed with a centralized repository of data, reliable communication channels, and access to real-time carrier performance insights, a TMS can help you easily overcome these challenges by pinpointing significant cost-saving opportunities and streamlining operations. 

It even offers unobstructed visibility into shipments, enabling precise tracking and proactive issue resolution, which are crucial to ensuring on-time deliveries—even when unexpected disruptions occur. Depending on their magnitude, these disruptions can start a domino effect of inventory shortages, delayed shipments, customer complaints, and reputational damage. But with a reliable TMS, you’re well prepared to handle the worst. 

One global manufacturer of bottled waters proactively mitigated the impacts of a hurricane on their transportation operations by using Uber Freight TMS. Our Control Tower capabilities enabled their logistics team to pull capacity from other regions to avoid paying high premiums and ensure their shipments were delivered without a hitch.

Uber Freight’s custom management system can protect your bottom line and help you successfully address the demands and challenges of the modern marketplace, all while navigating unforeseen events. Learn more about our offering here. 

Key benefits of TMS adoption

Adopting a TMS is a proven way for shippers to secure favorable rates, achieve unparalleled transparency, and leverage data for proactive decision-making. With a Control Tower view, the all-in-one platform can empower your team to cut costs while improving service levels and delivery speed. 

Optimize capacity procurement 

Relying on a single carrier or a limited pool of carriers can be risky. If a specific carrier happens to go out of business, or faces operational challenges and capacity limitations, you might be left without any options. Market demands can also fluctuate dramatically due to seasonal changes or unforeseen events. Your logistics team needs a diverse range of carriers to handle varying shipment volumes efficiently. 

A TMS can effectively expand your carrier capacity. By building enhanced visibility into your network, a TMS can match shipment requirements with available carriers in real time, ensuring that you can tap into capacity easily, even during peak demand periods. Under one single platform, you can run spot auctions and access instant quotes from multiple carriers at once. 

To remain competitive, continuous improvement is key. A TMS will typically allow you to evaluate carriers and capacity utilization on an ongoing basis. Uber Freight’s TMS, for example, can give you the ability to monitor carrier KPIs with data-driven scorecards. Transparency is key to selecting the right carriers and nurturing fruitful, collaborative partnerships. 

Execute shipments seamlessly

Data is king in the world of logistics—and a TMS is engineered to collect, process, and analyze a wealth of information in real-time. 

Using sophisticated optimization algorithms, fuel efficiency metrics, and dynamic route adjustments, you can easily reduce fuel wastage and save time during transportation. Taking into account factors like distance, traffic patterns, delivery windows, and carrier availability, a management system can help minimize transit times by analyzing every possible transportation route and ensuring effective resource allocation. 

Uber Freight’s TMS empowers businesses to move goods more efficiently with load matching and route planning using Dynamic Continuous Moves. Our Dock Scheduler tool also prevents delays by connecting you with carriers to help coordinate and streamline dock appointments. 

Monitor shipments in real time

Today, customers expect transparency at every stage of the delivery process. They want to know when their orders will arrive and where they are at any given moment. 

A TMS offers real-time tracking capabilities that allow you to monitor the exact location and status of in-transit shipments as they move through the network. Whether it’s truck, rail, or ocean, Uber Freight can help you access the most up-to-date information about your goods with Control Tower, and even enable your customers to keep tabs on their orders through the platform’s Public Tracking Portal. 

In case of potential delays, you can choose to receive automated notifications so you can take proactive steps if alternative capacity is needed. KPIs and reports are also instantly accessible using intuitive dashboards displaying the specific visibility metrics and shipment information you need.

In addition to real-time shipment tracking, managed solutions often include features for predicting Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) based on real-time insights and historical performance. Predictive analytics empowers your team to plan and make appropriate time-sensitive decisions. 

Streamline payments 

The time-consuming process of manual invoicing and payment reconciliation can be a major setback for shippers. 

A TMS can help simplify financial transactions by automating billing, verification, and payment workflows. It consolidates all payment-related data under one unified platform, eliminating paperwork discrepancies. Automation of approvals also means you can process invoices efficiently before payment is initiated, improving financial control and accountability—and, ultimately, preventing costly rate disputes. 

By allowing relevant stakeholders to access payment-related data under one unified platform, your team can establish a single source of financial truth. Uber Freight’s own TMS helps businesses of all sizes reduce missing paperwork, late fees, overcharges, and duplicate invoices by thoroughly auditing their financial records. 

Maximize big data to win big savings

There’s no doubt benchmarking is an essential practice that boosts productivity and optimizes operations. 

By integrating a TMS, you can open a window into your network’s performance by using reporting tools. From customizable report builders and service dashboards to carrier scorecards and route guide compliance assessments, your team can make informed decisions based on a wealth of network and industry data.  

You can even compare your facility’s performance against industry standards using facility insights and benchmarking data derived from direct carrier experiences. This enables your team to flag areas of concern and receive next-step recommendations for enhancing operations, driving greater efficiency and cost savings. 

Making the most of TMS

TMS technology is transforming transportation, propelling us to harness data-driven planning to mitigate disruptions, optimize routes, and reduce transit times. Real-time visibility grants us an omniscient view of our supply chains, enabling proactive responses and elevating customer satisfaction to unprecedented heights. 

With automated financial processes, administrative burdens melt away, freeing resources for innovation and growth. It’s upending how shippers operate, setting a new course towards greater efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and strategic agility. 

Find out how you can maximize your ROI with Uber Freight TMS. In Q4, stay tuned for our comprehensive guide on TMS implementation to unlock even more insights on how to achieve next-level growth and productivity.

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