With technology advancing and regulations tightening, trucking is entering a new phase. This shift demands that your operations adapt quickly to stay in business. Trucking management software (TMS) is key to making this adaptation smooth and efficient. Keen for details? Let’s break down how this tool can help your business adapt and succeed as the industry evolves.
Data Analytics
Data analytics is revolutionizing every sector, and the trucking industry is no exception. Ignoring the power of data means missing out on critical insights that can drive efficiency and cost savings.
Through TMS, trucking companies tap into analytics to transform logistics. Key features of leading TMS solutions include:
- Truck and Trailer Monitoring: Keep an eye on where trucks are, how fast they’re going, and how drivers are doing. This helps keep trucks in top shape and alerts you to any issues early.
- Order Management: Easily assign orders to drivers, get shipments ready, and set up automatic dispatching. This makes sure trucks are always loaded and ready to go, reducing wait times.
- Maps and Routing: See where your trucks are on a map, figure out the fastest routes, and get updates on when they’ll arrive. This helps avoid delays and keeps customers happy.
- Driver App: Gives drivers all the info they need right on their phone (like where to go next, when they should be there, etc.) and lets them easily get in touch with home base.
Enhanced Driver Safety
As companies continue to find ways to keep their drivers safe on the road, we are seeing a surge in safety-oriented initiatives and measures.
TMS is playing a critical role in this movement. The software enables companies to set up everything from driver files to safety schedules digitally. It also brings hardware that turns trucks into smart vehicles, equipped with vehicle tracking, communication, and diagnostics. These TMS features are paving the way for a safer and more efficient operating environment for drivers.
Better IFTA Fuel Reporting
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) brings together 48 U.S. states and Canadian provinces to tax the fuel that trucks use while driving through different areas. IFTA tries to figure out how fuel-efficient a truck is by comparing the miles it drives to how much fuel it buys.
But there’s a problem: this method counts fuel based on how much is purchased, not how much the truck actually uses. So, if a driver fills up the tank at the end of the month, their truck might seem like it’s using fuel more efficiently than it really is. This happens because they’re getting credit for miles driven on fuel that hasn’t been counted yet.
Truck management software steps in to fix this. It uses data from fuel cards and the truck’s own tracking systems to give a clearer picture of how much fuel is really used and when. In other words, TMS acts as IFTA fuel reporting software for companies looking to report their fuel use with greater accuracy.
Streamlined Compliance and Documentation
Digital transformation is changing how trucking companies handle their paperwork. Now, everything from delivery slips to driver schedules gets automatically sorted and tracked. This means less hassle with paper files and a big drop in errors and delays.
TMS software is at the heart of this shift, catching when paperwork is missing and flagging it. It tracks invoices too, pointing out which ones need following up. So, besides keeping things organized, TMS ensures trucking companies are always on the ball with their finances and regulations
Optimized Dispatch and Order Management
As consumers increasingly demand quicker shipping times, trucking companies are preparing for a future where rapid delivery is the norm. This push for speed is reshaping the industry, leading to a significant investment in technology that can streamline dispatch and order management.
And TMS—with its automated dispatch and route optimization capabilities—is spearheading this evolution. Trucking management software simplifies the process of matching orders with the best available drivers and vehicles, plus ensures these assets are used efficiently. The outcome is a logistics operation that’s both faster and more efficient.
Conclusion
These are some of the areas where TMS is doing the heavy lifting for trucking companies. From streamlining data analysis to improving fuel reporting and ensuring driver safety, TMS provides the tools needed for trucking businesses to stay competitive and responsive.
