When it comes to managing own fleet logistics, small and mid-sized businesses often face unique challenges.
These range from ensuring timely deliveries to maintaining an eco-friendly fleet. The demands are many and varied, requiring efficient solutions that do not stretch, often, limited resources too thin.
However, with the right Transport Management System (TMS), these challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and efficiency.
Investing in a TMS can lead to streamlined operations, significant cost reductions, and, crucially, improved customer satisfaction.
As our strapline says, with the right TMS, you can plan less, and deliver more.
In this guide, we will look at some of the best transport management systems for small and medium-sized businesses.
These systems help increase delivery success rates. They also reduce carbon emissions. Plus, they improve customer satisfaction. And they do all this without being too expensive.
By choosing the right TMS, businesses can not only meet their immediate logistics needs but also set the stage for long-term success and sustainability.
Understanding Transport Management Systems
Transport Management Systems (TMS) are software solutions that help businesses plan, execute, and optimise the physical movement of goods.
Stream, for instance, has been designed for businesses delivering goods and products in their own vehicles.
They are an integral part of supply chain management, providing visibility and control over transportation operations.
A TMS is the core of logistics operations. It helps ensure goods are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and on time.
It gives real-time data and performance insights. This helps businesses make smart choices and adjust quickly to changes. decisions and adapt to changing circumstances quickly.
For small and mid-sized businesses, the right TMS system can streamline operations and reduce costs. It allows you to manage your fleet more effectively, coordinate shipments, and ensure that deliveries are completed on time.
By automating routine tasks and optimising the planning of delivery routes, a TMS saves valuable resources. These resources can then be used for strategic growth initiatives.
In a competitive market, these efficiencies can give businesses a key advantage. This helps them compete with larger companies that may have more resources.
And, that’s before we’ve considered the benefits for customer service and increasing customer satisfaction.
Benefits of Transport Management Systems
- Increased Efficiency: A TMS automates many parts of logistics management. This cuts down on manual errors and lets your team focus on important tasks. The automation capabilities of a TMS can significantly reduce the administrative burden, allowing staff to concentrate on core business activities. We’ve talked before about ‘managing by exception’. You can check out this article for more details: The Benefits of Managing Furniture Wholesale & Distribution In-House. In addition, automation ensures that all logistics operations are executed with precision and consistency, further enhancing overall efficiency.
- Cost Savings: By optimising delivery and collection routes and enhancing fuel efficiency, a Transport Management System (TMS) can greatly reduce transportation costs. The system’s ability to identify the most efficient routes results in lower fuel consumption and reduced vehicle wear and tear. A TMS can help reduce expensive delays and disruptions to your logistics operation. Stream for example, provides real-time delivery tracking and delivery notifications, making sure shipments are delivered on time.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction: Timely and accurate deliveries enhance the customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction and repeat business. A TMS provides transparency and reliability, giving customers confidence in the delivery process. Enhanced tracking and proactive delivery notifications by email and SMS allow customers to receive real-time updates on their shipments, which can further improve their experience and loyalty.
- Sustainability: Many TMS solutions include features that help reduce carbon emissions, supporting your sustainability goals. By improving logistics processes, these systems help reduce environmental impact. This aligns with the rising demand for eco-friendly business practices. Implementing a TMS not only enhances business operations but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which can be a valuable differentiator in today’s market.
What to Look for in a Budget-Friendly Transport Management Systems
Before diving into specific systems, SMBs should consider key factors when selecting a cost-effective transport management system:
- Pricing Model: Subscription-based, pay-per-use, or freemium options. In Stream’s case, subscriptions depend on how many vehicles you have in your fleet. Other pricing models can also be looked at.
- Scalability: can your TMS software grow with the business? Stream, for example, is cloud-based and can easily scale as your business grows. This could mean adding more vehicles to your fleet. It might also involve using multi-depot operations or advanced barcode tracking and scanning.
- Ease of Use: user-friendly interface with minimal training needed. It’s a good idea to ask if the TMS provider can offer a trial period or a demonstration.
- Integration Capabilities: does the TMS work with your existing ERP, WMS, inventory or accounting software? Stream has an extensive list of integrations and APIs that you or your developers can use to connect with Stream.
- Core Features: Load planning, route planning, route optimisation, electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD), tracking, analytics, delivery notifications. The list goes on…
- Customer Support & Training: availability of onboarding support, troubleshooting assistance, and knowledge base guides is absolutely key to ensuring a successful implementation and ongoing success. Stream’s support team has been praised by many subscribers and our application is backed by SLAs.
Top 5 Budget-Friendly TMS Solutions for SMBs
There are a number of transport management systems that you should consider for optimising your logistics operation.
We’d obviously be remiss not to list Stream at the top of the list, but there are a number of other systems that are worth contacting to see what their solution offers in comparison.
1. Stream
Pricing: Stream offers four pricing plans for its TMS software. If you’re just looking for a system to capture walkaround checks and report defects, Stream Check starts at £40 per month (paid annually) which includes 10 vehicles / assets.
The Starter Plan includes route planning software and electronic proof of delivery (ePOD).
For more complex operations, you can choose the Pro Plan. This plan starts at £300 per month, billed annually, and covers 5 vehicles with unlimited users. Enterprise plans are tailored and priced on the exact requirements of your logistics operation.
Best For: SMBs seeking comprehensive delivery and collection management with features like route planning and proof of delivery.
Key features:
Stream has a comprehensive feature list, providing a complete Transport Management System toolkit, including:
- Automated route planning
- Route optimisation
- Real-time delivery tracking
- Electronic proof of delivery (ePOD)
- Automated delivery notifications
- Barcode tracking
Pros: User-friendly interface, scalable plans, and robust customer support. New features are released on a monthly basis. All users can access knowledge base articles to ensure they get the most out of their subscription.
Cons: Some advanced features may require higher-tier plans.
2. MaxOptra
Pricing: Custom pricing tailored to business needs; free trial available.
Best For: Mid-sized fleet operators aiming for dynamic route optimisation and enhanced customer communication.
Key Features:
- Dynamic route optimisation
- Real-time customer notifications
- Driver mobile app with proof of delivery
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Pros: Scalable solutions, integrates with various platforms, and enhances customer experience.
Cons: Pricing details require direct consultation; some features may be complex for very small businesses.
3. SmartRoutes
Pricing: Plans start at $32 per vehicle per month, with a 7-day free trial available.
Best For: SMBs looking for affordable route optimization and delivery management.
Key Features:
- Route optimization
- Driver mobile app
- Proof of delivery
- Customer notifications
Pros: Affordable entry-level pricing, user-friendly interface, and scalable as business grows.
Cons: Advanced features may require higher-tier plans.
Kuebix Free TMS
Pricing: Free version available with paid upgrades for advanced features.
Best For: Startups and SMBs seeking a no-cost entry-level TMS.
Key Features:
- Freight rate management
- Shipment booking and tracking
- Cloud-based platform
Pros: Completely free basic version, easy to use.
Cons: Advanced features require a paid upgrade.
5. AscendTMS
Pricing: Free version with premium add-ons available.
Best For: Small logistics companies needing dispatching and accounting tools.
Key Features:
- Load management
- Invoice generation and accounting integration
- Mobile-friendly platform
Pros: Free for basic use, suitable for small carriers and brokers.
Cons: Lacks deep integration with larger supply chains.
Conclusion
Investing in a budget-friendly transport management system can transform your logistics operations.
With the right Transport Management System (TMS), small and mid-sized businesses can boost efficiency. They can also cut costs and improve customer satisfaction. Plus, they can support their sustainability goals.
A TMS offers more than just quick logistics fixes. It lays the groundwork for lasting success and a competitive edge.
Choose a TMS that aligns with your business needs and get ready to streamline your logistics processes for better performance and growth. By doing so, you’ll position your business to thrive in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious market.
Why not check out what Stream has to offer and book an online demonstration today?
