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How TMS Software Improves LTL Shipping

Jordan Lipson, Chief Operating Officer, TransPlus
Jordan Lipson

December 12, 2024

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is the transportation of freight that doesn't require a full truckload and means multiple shipments can be transported on the same truck and this is a vital part of the supply chain for many businesses.

But managing LTL shipments can be complicated, it can involve multiple carriers, different  rates, and complex logistics. That's where a Transportation Management System (TMS) can be a valuable tool. Learn how TMS software improves LTL shipping by simplifying operations, optimizing routes, reducing costs, upgrading efficiency, and enhancing visibility with this quick breakdown.

Top 5 Benefits of TMS Software for LTL Shipping


Implementing a TMS provides the capability to transform your LTL shipping operations, taking them from complex and complicated to simple and efficient. A TMS provides the tools and insights you need to optimize every aspect of your LTL shipments, from consolidating loads and planning routes to tracking deliveries and managing costs. This not only improves efficiency and reduces expenses but improves customer satisfaction by providing greater transparency and control over the shipping process.

Trucking dispatch software built on one trip record

Build the load once. Dispatch, driver pay and the invoice come off that record. Plans from $350 per month for one user, billed quarterly.

Here are five key ways TMS software benefits LTL shipping:

1. Improved Shipment Consolidation

Transportation Management System software can analyze your shipments and identify how and where you can consolidate cargo, combining multiple smaller shipments into larger ones to reduce transportation costs. This strategy maximizes truck space and minimizes the number of trips required, leading to significant cost savings.

2. Automated Load Planning

A high-quality TMS platform has the ability to automate the load planning process, ensuring that shipments are loaded efficiently and safely. This reduces loading time, minimizes the risk of damage, reduces mistakes, and optimizes the use of your resources.

3. Increased Visibility of Shipments

This software is a valuable tool that provides real-time visibility into the location and status of your LTL shipments with additional integrations. This allows you to track shipments at every step of the journey, proactively identify potential delays, and keep customers informed about delivery expectations.

4. More Efficient Shipping

With the ability to optimize routes for time and fuel economy, consolidate LTL shipments, and automate tasks, TMS software can significantly improve the efficiency of your LTL shipping operations. This reduces transit times, minimizes delays, and improves overall productivity.

5. Reduced Costs

TMS software can help reduce LTL shipping costs in a variety of ways. By optimizing routes and consolidating shipments, you can minimize transportation expenses, like fuel costs and driver downtime. In addition, the level of automation provided by a TMS, reduces manual effort and simplifies processes, leading to lower administrative costs.

Related: How To Use TMS Data to Make Better Decisions in Trucking

TMS software is a valuable tool for improving LTL shipping operations when you know how to use it. By optimizing routes, consolidating shipments, and automating many manual tasks, a TMS can help you reduce costs, be more efficient, and improve customer satisfaction.

Contact TransPlus today for additional information on TransPlus TMS and its powerful LTL capabilities.

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