FAQ TMS General Questions | Descartes
Transportation Management - FAQ
TMS - General Questions
Transportation Management FAQ
General questions
TMS Buyers Guide Explore the comprehensive guide to select the ideal Transportation Management System for enterprise shippers.
Transportation Management Solutions
Global Transportation Technology to Strengthen Your Supply Chain
Prefer to speak to an expert?
In this FAQ
What is a transportation management system (TMS)?
What types of TMS are available?
**What is the difference between a TMS and a Routing solution?**
What is the difference between a TMS and an FMS (Fleet Management Solution)**?
How much does a TMS cost?
How long does it take to onboard a carrier into a TMS?
Which carriers are already connected to the Descartes TMS?
What is a transportation management system (TMS)?
A transportation management system (TMS) is a software platform that supports businesses to plan, execute and optimize the physical movements of goods, both incoming and outgoing. A transportation management system will also make sure shipments are being compliant and that all the necessary documentation is available.
A TMS manages the day-to-day transportation processes, consolidation, invoicing, documentation and makes sure freight and goods are delivered on time and within budget. A TMS helps organizations to improve their supply chain efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and increase visibility and control over their logistics operations.
What types of TMS are available?
There are several potential TMS categories, but the two main ones are:
Shipper TMS:
Designed for companies that act as shippers or cargo owners. It helps optimize logistics processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Features include order management, carrier selection, load optimization, route planning, freight tracking, and reporting.Forwarder TMS:
Specifically for freight forwarders or logistics service providers (LSPs). Key features include shipment consolidation, documentation management, customs compliance, rate management, and freight tracking.
What is the difference between a TMS and a Routing solution?
A transportation management system (TMS) is a comprehensive software platform providing end-to-end management of transportation operations, while a routing solution is focused on optimizing and planning efficient routes for shipping goods.
What is the difference between a TMS and an FMS (Fleet Management Solution)
A TMS covers the management of transportation operations, including order management and reporting, while an FMS focuses on managing a company's fleet of vehicles, covering aspects like vehicle tracking and fuel management.
How much does a TMS cost?
Costs vary widely based on shipment numbers and functionalities:
- License-based: Upfront cost with potential additional expenses.
- Subscription-based: Recurring fees based on usage.
- Transaction-based: Costs tied to shipment numbers.
How long does it take to onboard a carrier into a TMS?
Onboarding time depends on integration scope and complexity. Descartes employs a standardized process to efficiently onboard carriers while ensuring reliable data exchange.
Which carriers are already connected to the Descartes TMS?
Descartes TMS connects customers to a broad global carrier network, including more than 50 ocean carriers, 90 airlines, and thousands of road and parcel carriers worldwide.