50+ Carrier Management Software Examples
Wise Systems
Freight carriers are the lifeblood of logistics. Without carriers, businesses couldn’t transport their goods from major ports or even from smaller micro-fulfillment centers. However, tracking carriers, bids, loads, and other aspects of hiring carriers uses a lot of resources.
That’s why more organizations are embracing carrier management software. This technology makes it a cinch to choose carriers, manage rates, store documents, track shipments, and much more.
It puts carrier management on autopilot, taking tasks off your plate so you can focus on higher-level work. We’ve identified examples of carrier management software for various use cases, including:
- Wise Systems: Great for Route Optimization
- Shipeezi: Great for International Shipments
- Oracle NetSuite: Great for Enterprises
- Rose Rocket: Great for The Middle Mile
- Samsara: Great for Compliance
Plenty of carrier management solutions are on the market, but choosing the most intuitive, valuable solution is crucial to keep your business moving. In this guide, we’ll explain how carrier management software works, which features will give you the best bang for your buck, and tips for finding the best carrier management software. We’ll also share examples of carrier management software for various needs, as well as other carrier management solutions to consider.
In this article:
- What Is Carrier Management Software?
- What To Look for in Carrier Management Software
- How To Find the Best Carrier Management Software
- Wise Systems: Great for Route Optimization
- Shipeezi: Great for International Shipments
- Oracle NetSuite: Great for Enterprises
- Rose Rocket: Great for The Middle Mile
- Samsara: Great for Compliance
- Other Carrier Management Software Solutions To Consider
- Streamline the Last Mile with Wise Systems
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Carrier Management Software?
Businesses use carrier management software to manage freight carriers. Sometimes logistics companies use this software, but more often than not, retailers, manufacturers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) rely on these platforms to move goods from point A to point B.
Carrier management software pulls multiple transportation options into one view, allowing retailers to pick the best-priced carriers for the job. This software can also handle tasks like:
- Carrier selection
- Rate management and price comparisons
- Shipment tracking
- Compliance
- Document storage
- Performance tracking
You don’t need carrier management software to work with a carrier. That said, it’s a helpful tool to optimize costs and save time, especially if your business works with multiple carriers.
What To Look for in Carrier Management Software
Effective carrier management software should include features like:
- Carrier selection: Most carrier software pulls listings from various carriers so you can easily choose a provider for your desired route. The more carriers the software works with, the easier it will be to source competitive rates.
- Integrations: Look for carrier management software that integrates seamlessly with your existing software. Native integrations pull your data into one platform and help you avoid the hassle of creating manual connections. The Wise Systems delivery automation platform, for example, has a growing partner ecosystem, allowing for seamless integration with your systems of record such as ERP, OMS, WMS, and more. Book a demo today to learn more about how Wise Systems can transform your delivery operations.
- Rate optimization: Carrier management software pulls quotes from multiple carriers in just a few clicks. Compare rates from different carriers, store contract details, and ensure you always get the best deal.
- Tracking: Good carrier management software offers real-time tracking, allowing you to monitor the location of your goods at any time. Make sure the software delivers real-time updates instead of spotty milestones, which can leave you in the dark.
- Analytics: Assess carrier performance, spot better routes, and cut shipping costs with data from your carrier management software. A good solution will track key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Automation: Who has time for manual work? The best carrier management software includes time-saving automations for carrier selection, booking, and invoicing.
Autonomous routing and dispatching is not only necessary, but is the future for many last-mile operations. Learn where your last-mile operations are today and make your AD&R plan. https://t.co/s5fAP9Ms4M pic.twitter.com/DK5fLF2Juq
— Wise Systems (@goWiseSystems) April 24, 2023
How To Find the Best Carrier Management Software
Choosing the features you need is the best way to find a carrier management solution, but even then, many of these platforms have similar features. Run through this checklist to find the best carrier management software for your business:
- Understand your needs: Which features are most important to your business? Which pain points do you need to solve? Before considering carrier management software, start with a clear list of your needs. This approach will make spotting the right solution for your unique needs much easier. Choose a different provider if a solution doesn’t tick all your must-haves.
- Read reviews: What’s the software provider’s reputation like? Check user reviews on sites like Google or Capterra. Case studies and testimonials will also tell you a lot about the software’s effectiveness.
- Request a demo or free trial: There’s no need to commit to the first carrier management solution you see. Always request demos or free trials from at least two solutions. Ask your team to test drive each platform and get their opinion on the best option. Look elsewhere if the carrier management software doesn’t offer demos or free trials.
- Look at long-term value: You shouldn’t decide based solely on pricing, but pricing does Consider the software’s pricing model and determine if it suits your needs. Some options might look cheap initially, but it won’t make sense long-term if you have to pay hidden fees, surcharges, or exorbitant post-promotional pricing.
These tips will get you closer to finding the best carrier management software for your needs. There’s no need to search for the best options, either. Check out these carrier management software examples for different use cases.
Wise Systems: Best for Route Optimization
Do you need your carriers to take the most efficient routes every time? Look no further than Wise Systems. Our platform specializes in last-mile solutions that bring drivers, customers, dispatchers, and managers together in a single view.
Our AI-powered engine analyzes your data to suggest performance improvements, update delivery territory maps, and optimize routes. We even include automation features for dispatchers and a user-friendly driver app for deliveries on the go.
Key features:
- Compare planned versus actual routes
- Optimize geographical coverage
- Create routes in real time or adjust them with a simple drag-and-drop interface
Book a demo today to learn how the Wise Systems delivery automation platform can streamline your business.
Shipeezi: Best for International Shipments
Shipeezi, a Wise Systems reseller, is a supply chain unification tool that brings all of your tasks and data into a single view. It integrates with 130+ carriers, offering real-time shipment tracking and predictive delivery times for you and your customers.
Key features:
- Automated shipment alerts
- Horizontal data integration
- Predictive ETAs and live tracking
Oracle NetSuite: Best for Enterprises
If you already use Oracle products, NetSuite is a great carrier management software solution. NetSuite, a Wise Systems partner, is technically an enterprise resource planning (ERP) tool, but it comes packed with plenty of modular features for carrier management. Bring finance, the supply chain, and business intelligence into a single view.
Key features:
- Manage vendor and 3PL locations
- Real-time inventory tracking on a global scale
- Customize compliance documentation and reports
Rose Rocket: Best for The Middle Mile
Rose Rocket is a transportation management software (TMS) solution for freight brokers, truckers, and enterprises. It even includes hub-to-hub middle-mile operation features for tracking 3PLs and managing invoices.
Key features:
- Carrier invoice management
- Auto-rate shipments
- Third-party tracking and visibility
Samsara: Best for Compliance
Manage your fleet, drivers, and compliance requirements in one place with Samsara, a Wise Systems partner. This solution specializes in GPS tracking and telematics, including AI-powered dash cams. Samsara also offers a Driver App for simplified routing, messaging, documentation, and much more.
Key features:
- Integrated telematics like GPS and dash cameras
- Turnkey integrations available through the app marketplace
- Driver performance tracking and scoring
Other Carrier Management Software Solutions To Consider
Carrier management software makes managing rates, shipments, and providers much easier. With that said, sometimes the most popular solutions might not be what your business needs. If the solutions above don’t meet your needs, check out the list below of some of the most highly-rated carrier management solutions on the market.
We’ve listed the following carrier management solutions alphabetically for easy reference. Otherwise, they’re not ranked or rated in any way.
3G
Quickly ship goods from point A to point B with 3G’s spot rate market bookings. This carrier management software gives you access to 95% of carriers in North America, plus a logistics marketplace to personalize and optimize your solution.
Key features:
- Pull plug-and-play solutions and integrations for ERP, carriers, and more
- Find modes and rates in a single view
- Streamline quote and rate shopping
Alpega
Procure freight, streamline rate management, and optimize logistics with Alpega. It has a readymade logistics network to connect you with trusted carriers at preferential rates.
Key features:
- Integrates with ERP and TMS systems
- Access 80,000 pre-vetted carriers
- Get real-time visibility into transport costs
Alvys
Alvys is one of the top carrier management software solutions thanks to its specialized features for carriers and brokers. This TMS solution offers end-to-end help with your transportation needs, from paying drivers to automating workflows.
Key features:
- Predictive dispatching alerts for potential at-risk loads
- Drive Mobile App shares location in real time
- Gather and analyze both historical and market data
Ascend TMS
Ascend TMS is consistently rated as one of the best carrier management software solutions for businesses on a budget. Whether you’re a broker, carrier, or shipper, this low-cost TMS is perfect for complete load and dispatch management.
Key features:
- Collect digital signatures and store documents
- Monitor profits and load financials
- Access DAT and Truckstop.com loads and current market rates
Axon
Who says the logistics process has to be a pain? Tap Axon to manage all aspects of logistics, from dispatching to fleet management to fuel tax calculations. It even includes specialized features for intermodal shipping, freight brokers, haulers, and more.
Key features:
- Gather field data automatically for simpler field ticketing
- Calculate IFTA and fuel tax automatically
- Improve inventory control with its warehouse management system
Banyan
Banyan’s patented LIVE Connect® software is a TMS for enterprise companies. It boasts three times more OTR carrier connections than other solutions and uses smart automations to eliminate manual data entry.
Key features:
- View all rates from preferred carriers in one view
- Digitize and standardize shipping documents
- Schedule, manage, and track shipments
Blue Yonder
Blue Yonder offers plenty of solutions for retailers, from logistics to returns management to warehouse solutions. For logistics, Blue Yonder’s TMS manages both intercontinental and domestic logistics.
Key features:
- Procure carriers in a single view
- Data modeling offers real-time data and suggestions
- Manage capacity across multiple regions
Cargobase
Do you ship internationally? Cargobase is some of the best carrier management software for global shippers. Manage spot and contract rates, audit invoices, and unify tracking for better visibility across your business.
Key features:
- Negotiate better rates with historical rate data
- Quickly compare rates from your preferred providers
- Automatically calculate carbon emissions
CartonCloud
CartonCloud builds warehouse management solutions for 3PLs, but it also includes features for carrier management. Its TMS provides route optimization and electronic proof of delivery, while its other modules support accounting, administration, and reporting.
Key features:
- Manage invoices, fuel costs, and more
- Oversee freight across multiple carriers
- Use driver mobile phones for real-time tracking and full location history
DaVinci
DaVinci is a warehouse management system (WMS) with features that work well for carrier management. If you need help managing the flow of goods to and from your warehouses, DaVinci’s robust, all-in-one platform handles it all.
Key features:
- Optimize picking and packing
- Track trucks, containers, and delivery schedules in one view
- Get full visibility into warehouse and supply chain labor
Degama
Degama’s TMS is designed for high-volume trucking and freight. It includes a custom ERP as well as modules for accounting, dispatching, and operations. Since it’s entirely cloud-based, there’s no need to download an app, either.
Key features:
- Web-based tracking and tracing
- Create a customer portal
- Monitor all accessorial charges and custom mileage tables
Dr. Dispatch
Whether you host it on-site or in the cloud, Dr. Dispatch is a solid solution for smaller trucking needs. View all dispatches, loads, and equipment on the same view. Best of all, its unique setup makes Dr. Dispatch easy to understand.
Key features:
- Access intermodal load boards
- Generate custom revenue reports
- Automate dispatch load entry
e2open
E2open isn’t just for retailers or manufacturers; this robust platform optimizes every end of the supply chain. Whether you need help managing supply, creating complex logistical plans, or managing global trade, this solution will make your supply chain more cost-effective and efficient.
Key features:
- Orchestrate international multimodal shipments
- Route and schedule vehicles
- Create personalized transportation forecasts
EliteExtra
EliteExtra’s last-mile carrier management software has over 300,000 users. It’s primarily a routing and dispatch solution, but it also gives you access to 3PLs like Roadie, Uber, and DoorDash to simplify delivery when you’re in a pinch.
Key features:
- Automate optimized routing
- Set up automated third-party dispatching
- Completely automate returns
FleetX
FleetX is an AI-powered carrier management software solution that connects every part of your fleet, from asset management to performance tracking. This data-enabled platform combines lots of data and automates decision-making to help you make smarter decisions in less time.
Key features:
- Integrates with ERP, OEMs, and other helpful solutions
- Get real-time visibility through vehicle telematics
- Generate smart alerts on the vehicle level
FreightPOP
FreightPOP is designed for enterprise businesses that want greater visibility into every stage of their supply chain. This cloud-based TMS generates helpful reports, audits invoices, and helps with operational planning.
Key features:
- Connect to thousands of carriers to shop rates
- Offers real-time order tracking, both domestically and internationally
- Automated invoice audits flag issues for review
Freightview
Need help with quoting and booking? Look no further than Freightview. This carrier management software lets you compare rates from multiple carriers at once, as well as book and track your shipments in a single view.
Key features:
- Manage multi-truck and multi-stop shipments
- Offers special modules for hazardous shipments
- Optimize your business with document storage and analytics
Freightwise
This TMS automates mode, carrier, route, and insurance options based on predetermined rules you set. Freightwise also offers managed transportation services. It’s an additional cost, but this service could be a great option if you need help pinpointing opportunities to recover lost revenue.
Key features:
- Services for supply chain design, SaaS implementation, and freight audit
- Automate carrier selection
- Integrates with ERP, WMS, OMS, and carriers
GoComet
GoComet bills itself as having the most intuitive supply chain visibility platform. If you want more insight into every aspect of the logistics process, this platform will help you streamline planning, shipping, and invoice audits to save time and money.
Key features:
- Automate invoice reconciliation
- Secure the lowest rates through smart carrier integrations
- The shipping tracking module monitors shipment movements in real time
GoRamp
Simplify transportation logistics, your warehouses, and yard management with GoRamp. It even includes features for contract management, order management, user-based permissions, spot bids, and much more.
Key features:
- Delegate tasks with workflow automation
- Source carrier rates and manage contracts
- Manage intermodal orders, schedules, and logistics
IntelliTrans
IntelliTrans is a TMS specializing in multi-modal shipments, delivery tracking, and reporting. Try its carrier management software to ensure on-time deliveries, cut costs, and pinpoint inefficiencies.
Key features:
- Secure the best freight rates with carrier rate management
- Plan every step of the supply chain, including inventory
- Automate tasks to save time
Load-Logix
Load-Logix is a turnkey carrier management solution for load tracking, accounting, and advanced reporting. This platform comes with different pricing options per user, so you only pay for the level of service you need.
Key features:
- Broker loads and streamline data entry
- Import and export data to your accounting system
- Easily track commissions and simplify payroll
Logistically
Whether you’re doing LTL, FTL, drayage, or another mode of transportation, Logistically has solutions tailored to your needs. It also includes integrations with hundreds of carriers, ensuring full supply chain visibility.
Key features:
- Set up real-time driver tracking via smartphone
- Integrated rate quoting
- Use either pre-integrated carriers or add your own
Logitude World
Logitude’s platform streamlines digital freight forwarding. Track containers, monitor KPIs in your dashboard, and keep your data safe with advanced access controls.
Key features:
- Build a customer-facing tracking portal
- Track ocean freight
- Automate email messages, follow-ups, and event updates
Manhattan
Manhattan is consistently ranked as one of the best carrier management software solutions on the market, although small businesses may find its features overwhelming. But if you’re an enterprise business, you’ll love Manhattan’s solution for route planning, multi-modal shipping, and self-tuning intelligence.
Key features:
- Reduce costs with capacity sourcing and procurement help
- Route optimization reduces the number of hours spent on the road
- Track shipments throughout the entire shipping lifecycle
McLeod
Whether you’re a carrier, a 3PL, or a shipper, McLeod is a highly-rated carrier management software for streamlining costs and eliminating hassle. Lean on its analytics, pricing, and freight matching tools to come out ahead of the competition.
Key features:
- Cover loads with digital freight-matching
- Automate the bid process
- Integrates with EDI, accounting tools, and more
MercuryGate
MercuryGate is a robust carrier management software solution that handles everything from transportation to import/export. Features like global sourcing, international logistics, and claims management make it the perfect solution for multinational enterprises.
Key features:
- Manage freight claims
- Centralize product compliance tracking
- Track shipments by container, SKU, or item via ocean, rail, or road
Motive
Motive’s software isn’t just for trucking; it’s for any provider in the physical economy. Its AI-powered solutions primarily simplify telematics and safety tracking, although users also tout its fleet and spend management tools.
Key features:
- Set up AI-powered dashcams and telematics
- Streamline IFTA reporting
- Track shipments, driver performance, and maintenance
PCS
PCS is a single platform for shippers, carriers, and brokers. Its carrier management software maximizes uptime through automated compliance, scheduling, and even maintenance. It also automatically tracks fuel costs and gives you complete visibility into asset locations in real time.
Key features:
- One-click dispatching
- Optimize carrier rate management
- Set up built-in safety and maintenance reminders
Planimatik
Get your shipping costs under control with Planimatik. This solution has many features, including analytics, booking, back-office assistance, and even RFP automation.
Key features:
- View historical bid data
- Assign loads in a single click
- Integrates with preferred carriers with reliable rates
PortPro
PortPro is a reputable carrier management solution that simplifies complex global logistics if you ship internationally. It’s a specialized drayage TMS with loads of features, simplifying everything from container tracking to dispatching to accounting.
Key features:
- Source and manage carrier rates
- Create a white-label customer portal
- Automated flows for repetitive tasks and customer rates
Princeton TMX
Princeton TMX offers a multi-modal TMS that’s focused on automation. Manage orders, optimize rates, save time on procurement, and manage payments in one place.
Key features:
- Generate RFQs with ease
- Offers a readymade exception management system
- Automate rate planning, transportation sourcing, and freight audits
Revenova
Revenova offers a cloud-based TMS solution as well as a readymade marketplace to simplify your workload. It helps shippers cover loads more efficiently by matching you to carriers based on real-time capacity and availability.
Key features:
- Includes planning tools for multi-leg routing
- RFP response management
- Automate spot quote requests
ShipLinx
Use ShipLinx’s TMS to process invoices electronically and monitor all freight and orders in a single view. ShipLinx also offers consulting services for an additional fee. Tap their team of experts for help with back-office support, processes, freight audits, and branding.
Key features:
- Create and manage customer accounts
- Provide customers with real-time shipment tracking updates
- View shipments with a powerful search dashboard
Shipsy
Optimize, track, and automate every stage of the logistics process with Shipsy. This carrier management software uses AI to improve transportation, warehousing, routing, and much more.
Key features:
- Automations available for first-mile, mid-mile, and last-mile
- Offers multi-carrier management
- Improve vehicle capacity with route optimization and load planning
Shipwell
Shipwell is a highly customizable cloud-native TMS. Whether you just want a TMS or need to integrate your trucking data with your ERP, CRM, and more, Shipwell has the chops to handle your business’s needs.
Key features:
- Optimize freight loads to cut costs
- Automate RFPs
- Unify reporting with advanced analytics
Tai TMS
3PLs and freight brokers rate Tai TMS highly because of its all-in-one freight management features. Simplify order entry, find load coverage, rate shopping, and bill auditing with this carrier management software.
Key features:
- Stay compliant with the Tariff Wizard feature
- Compare rates for carriers in a single view
- Automate invoicing
Transport Pro
Transport Pro TMS connects truckers, brokers, and shippers in one platform. This AI-enabled solution automates a lot of demanding tasks to save time, including shipment details, document management, and reporting.
Key features:
- Dispatch freight based on driver availability
- Integrate with fuel card providers, ELD, driver tracking, and much more
- Send automated emails and SMS messages to customers with real-time shipment updates
Trimble
Trimble offers a bevy of features for carrier management. Use this solution as a TMS, maintenance platform, routing tool, or tracking platform. It even includes modules for assessing drive performance, accessing truckload rates, and monitoring dash cam data.
Key features:
- Get current rates via Truckloadrate.com
- Supports GPS fleet-tracking and in-cab monitoring
- Improve compliance with automated documentation
Truckbase
Truckbase’s carrier management software frees up dispatchers and helps drivers spend more time on what matters: ensuring fast, safe deliveries. This TMS comes with modules for invoicing, driver settlements, and even profitability analyses.
Key features:
- Create a user-friendly customer portal
- Set up real-time truck tracking
- Simplify dispatching with zero data entry
TruckingHub
TruckingHub is a trucker-facing solution designed to manage fleets at a granular level. Easily manage loads, automate invoicing, and centralize driver tasks in this carrier management software solution.
Key features:
- Automate driver settlements and invoicing
- Manage ELD and FMCSA compliance
- Driver-facing app offers turn-by-turn directions
TruckingOffice
TruckingOffice’s software is designed for small fleets and owner-operators. This hybrid TMS and ELD solution streamlines compliance, invoicing, dispatching, and driver logs to keep all of your data in a single platform.
Key features:
- Log roadside inspection reports
- Two-click invoice process
- Automatically calculate rates and send information to drivers
Turvo
Need help managing your supply chain? Turvo’s carrier management software helps 3PLs, shippers, carriers, and freight brokers execute more profitable, timely shipments in less time. Lean on this automated solution to get unparalleled visibility into your shipments.
Key features:
- Connect with trading partners’ platforms
- Automate payment processing
- Manage POD, BOL, invoices, and more with document management
Uber Freight
That’s right: the same company that offers rides to the airport also specializes in freight logistics. Improve international freight shipping, plan your shipping capacity, and access a readymade carrier network to ship faster and better than ever before.
Key features:
- Get managed transportation service for optimization, customs, and last-mile help
- Pool loads with LaneHub
- Access ocean, rail, road, and air freight planning features
Vektor TMS
Dispatch, bill, manage payroll, and communicate with drivers using Vektor’s carrier management software. It doesn’t offer additional features for managing warehouses or eCommerce shipments, but it’s perfect for shippers who need a solid solution for optimizing logistics costs and performance.
Key features:
- Use Document AI to improve document management
- Generate real-time insights from shipments
- Maximize truck capacity based on real-time capacity lists
Streamline the Last Mile with Wise Systems
Check out our ever-growing list of tech partners and integrations! We’re adding the list to the list regularly and would love the opportunity to work with you, too. Join us! https://t.co/GqwPbLLGxy pic.twitter.com/xp0yv1AF3y
— Wise Systems (@goWiseSystems) April 26, 2023
Selecting the best carrier management software requires a careful evaluation of your company’s needs and the software provider’s features and capabilities. This list provides an excellent starting point if you’re looking for examples of carrier management software and what these solutions can do for your business.
One of the most critical considerations when selecting any type of software is whether it integrates with your existing technologies. The Wise Systems delivery automation platform integrates seamlessly with your systems of record, such as ERP, WMS, OMS, and more, to improve visibility and efficiency. Request a demo today to discover how Wise Systems can improve your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of carrier management software?
Carrier management software helps retailers, manufacturers, and 3PLs simplify the carrier selection process. It also offers helpful features like real-time tracking, carrier selection, rate comparisons, and compliance documentation.
What are the best features to look for in carrier management software?
Key features to look for include real-time tracking, rate comparison, carrier selection, automation of workflows, documentation management, reporting and analytics, integration capabilities, and compliance tools. The software should also be user-friendly and scalable to meet your business’s future needs.
Can carrier management software reduce shipping costs?
Yes. Carrier management software reduces shipping costs by offering rate comparison tools, contract negotiations, and optimized shipping routes. Many solutions also consolidate shipments based on destination, delivery time, and other factors, reducing costs even more.
