TMS Software Features
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In short
The core features of TMS software are quoting and pricing, shipment management, planning, carrier management, tracking, document management, invoicing and reporting. An AI-native TMS adds an AI assistant, document reading, agent-based automation and a predictive control tower.
Core modules
| Module | What it does |
|---|---|
| Quoting and rate management | Stores buy and sell freight rates and produces quotes with a margin. |
| Shipment (file) management | Keeps parties, cargo, route and status for each shipment in one file. |
| Planning | Handles load consolidation, routing, vehicle and capacity planning. |
| Carrier and supplier management | Tracks relationships and performance of shipping lines, airlines, hauliers and agents. |
| Tracking and notifications | Follows shipment milestones and sends automatic status updates to customers. |
| Document management | Produces and archives bills of lading, AWBs, CMRs, delivery orders and invoices. |
| Finance and invoicing | Manages revenue and cost accruals, invoices, accounts and per-file profitability. |
| Reporting and analytics | Reports on volume, profitability, and customer and carrier performance. |
Transport mode support
A comprehensive TMS manages more than one mode in the same system:
- Road: Full (FTL) and part (LTL) loads, CMR, vehicle and driver tracking.
- Ocean: FCL/LCL, container tracking, MBL/HBL, demurrage tracking.
- Air: MAWB/HAWB, chargeable weight calculation, flight tracking.
- Intermodal: Shipments that combine several modes in one file.
For an example of how one mode is handled inside a TMS, see the SmartLogiTMS page on sea freight.
Features specific to an AI-native TMS
- TMS copilot: An assistant that understands commands such as “list this customer's open shipments”.
- Request reading: Turning a rate request received by email into a draft quote.
- Document reading: Extracting fields from HBL/MBL, AWB, CMR and invoices and matching them to the file.
- Rate upload: Importing carrier buy-rate sheets in different formats automatically.
- Control tower: A view that prioritises risks such as delays, missing documents and cost variances.
- Approved flows: Work prepared by AI is completed once a user approves it.
For the thinking behind these, see what is an AI-native TMS; for examples, see AI in transportation management.
Technical features
- Integration: API or EDI connections to ERP, accounting, e-invoicing, customs, carrier and tracking services.
- Permissions: Role- and branch-based access, with an audit log.
- Multi-company, language and currency: For companies working internationally.
- Customer portal: Where customers can request quotes and follow their shipments.
- Security and compliance: Encryption, backups and GDPR compliance. The obligations are set out in the General Data Protection Regulation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important feature in TMS software?
It depends on the business, but for most logistics companies the critical three are fast quoting, tracking every shipment from one screen, and accurate profitability per file.
Can TMS software integrate with accounting and e-invoicing?
Most modern TMS products can integrate with accounting and e-document systems through an API. Before buying, ask whether a ready-made integration exists for the systems you use.