The right trucking management software (TMS) makes running your trucking operations easy.
But most TMS solutions don’t have everything you need in one place, meaning you’ll end up connecting with a handful of different systems. This can be expensive, wasteful (some services may overlap), and confusing to manage.
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We recommend using an all-in-one trucking management software. Such tools allow you to manage everything in one place, saving time and money and keeping your business compliant.
Continue reading to find out why you should opt for an all-in-one TMS.
Easy to use for owners, operators, and drivers
The best all-in-one trucking management software is easy to set up and use for all stakeholders.
Many all-in-one TMS have confusing interfaces, so look for an option that’s easy to navigate and configure. Plus, make sure to choose a TMS that offers both training and ongoing helpdesk support and doesn’t leave you hanging after your purchase.
Once everything is set up, you can manage your entire fleet, no matter the size, in one simple space.
Most all-in-one TMS will also have a driver mobile app, which can give drivers directions, scan and fax documents, receive confirmation signatures, and much more.
Saves money
All-in-one truck management software is much more cost-effective overall.
Standalone TMS might seem cheaper for the basic package. However, by the time you add all the additional software, like accounting, compliance, load boards, and safety programs, you’ll end up paying more.
All-in-one TMS will also reduce your annual expenses, as you won’t need as many business tools. You won’t need anyone to manually report, invoice, or run payroll either, as this is all managed within the software.
Saves time
As well as reducing your annual expenses, all-in-one TMS will also save your office employees a lot of time.
The software will give you time to focus on what you really need to do. You won’t need to waste your time manually managing everything anymore.
You can schedule orders to dispatch to a truck automatically, automate dispatch notifications, email any shipment notes to your staff by department or customers, evaluate mileage and expenses, automate payroll, and so much more.
Available on the go
We recommend looking for trucking management software that is cloud-based. This means that you can access your TMS from anywhere, allowing you to stay up-to-date on any device.
Real-time monitoring means you can track your shipments with up-to-date information. This can give you updates on delays and arrival estimations and provide delay notifications to customers.
You can track your trucks and chat with your driver through the mobile app provided. You’ll also be able to view their location and planned trips.
All in one place
“All-in-one” means everything is in one place. You no longer need to switch between several different programs to manage your business.
A good all-in-one TMS will not only manage your dispatches and orders but also allow you to manage your driver’s payroll and your accounting.
Payroll – You can manage pay intervals, holiday pay, or choose whether drivers are paid per hour with a clock-in and out system. Additions and deductions can be added automatically to the pay summaries, making it a cinch to manage your driver’s payroll.
Accounting – Keep all of your accounts receivable in one place. You can track your invoices, automate billing, detect any missing information, and provide detailed reports so you can optimize your business. This can also include features like executing 1099s. No more paying an accountant to handle these (often tedious) tax forms.
Keeps you compliant
Arguably, one of the main benefits of an all-in-one TMS is keeping your business safe and compliant. This can save you untold amounts of time and money.
Look for a TMS that prioritizes safety. This should include a document storage location where you can keep any digital paperwork, insurance information, etc.
You should also be able to easily access your driver’s qualifications, any safety records, fleet maintenance records, and everything else you need to keep compliant.
Set up alerts to ensure you manage breakdowns, inspections, and any expired documents on time.
You can also use the logs to track your driver’s activities and completed orders.
Suitable for businesses of all sizes
Whether you have five trucks or over 150 trucks, an all-in-one TMS is a great choice.
Don’t be afraid of the investment. You can find affordable options that are paid monthly and have no minimum contract length. If it’s not working for you, you can cancel your subscription at any time.
We recommend choosing a trucking management software that is transparent with their pricing and that includes all of the features on all of the plans. This allows you to continue using the software you know even as your fleet increases.
Improves communication
So much precious time can be wasted with office staff members trying to chase down and update drivers and customers. An all-in-one TMS system can keep you in touch all the time with features like automated push notifications.
Whether you’re assigning and offering orders, relaying maps and routing, tracking road status updates, sending dispatch notifications, or communicating arrival times or unexpected delays to customers, an all-in-one system has you covered.
By automating communication, you can cut out hours of work each day–and a whole lot of frustration, too. You can also keep your drivers and customers happier by keeping them in the loop at all times.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the benefits have helped you decide whether all-in-one software TMS is for you.
Choosing or switching to a new trucking management software can be pretty daunting, so make sure to find a provider that offers onboarding and a support team to help employees at all levels.
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Efficient trucking relies on all-in-one TMS, integrating functions for ease, savings, and scalability. User-friendly with driver mobile apps, it automates tasks, saves time, and ensures compliance. Cloud-based for real-time access, it streamlines management and boosts communication. Prioritize user-friendliness and support when choosing a TMS provider.
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