Is the daily chaos of transportation and logistics causing you to question repeatedly, “Is there a better way of doing this?” The answer is a resounding “yes,” especially if paperwork, spreadsheets, and outdated software are involved.

Charting a path to cost-saving automation is imperative during a challenging freight market. No matter where you begin, the best path forward is through a cloud-based ecosystem with a SaaS-based transportation management system (TMS) at the epicenter.

Trucking and logistics companies that use SaaS-based TMS platforms save time and money by connecting their businesses with an ecosystem of robust applications that simplify and streamline their operations. This article covers four reasons to consider implementing a modern, SaaS-based TMS in a down freight market.

1. Become Easier to do Business With

Simplifying the order-to-cash cycle is key to unlocking higher profit margins and cash flow. It also attracts more business from customers looking for your "Easy Button" more often when they need rate quotes, to send orders electronically, and to have seamless, error-free dispatch and delivery with end-to-end shipment visibility. The need to streamline the back office intensifies during economic downturns when motor carriers and freight brokers need to scale back while increasing their value to top customers.

2. Competitive Edge and Minimal Overheads

Upgrading to a modern, SaaS-based TMS is a strategic investment. It can also be considered a competitive necessity to not lose ground to larger transportation companies during a soft freight market. Large companies tend to stick with their plans for technology upgrades, no matter how the market turns. SaaS-based solutions provide an advantage to small and mid-size companies with minimal startup costs and zero overhead for ongoing system support and maintenance, including real-time data backups, maximum uptime, and enhanced protection against cyber threats.

3. The Power of Third-Party Integrations 

A key feature differentiating SaaS-based TMS is the low-cost convenience of having a system that integrates with various internal and external software applications. With better options for connectivity, transportation companies have more flexibility to use applications that accelerate the flow of data to streamline order entry, dispatch, billing, shipment visibility, and other vital functions for users and customers to have the right information, when and where they need it, to do their jobs. The integrations are not costly add-ons but are included in the monthly subscription to ensure a rapid return on investment.

4. Essential Third-Party Integrations 

When implementing a TMS, transportation companies must ensure the new system is connected with vital internal and external applications to achieve optimal efficiency. Here are some integrations that a SaaS-based TMS has available from the start to ensure a smooth transition:

• EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) to facilitate electronic transactions and communications with customers for supply chain visibility.
• ELD and Telematics to ensure users have real-time visibility of drivers’ available hours of service, vehicle speeds, and equipment locations for accurate load planning and shipment visibility for customers.
• Mobile Driver App to communicate load details with drivers inside and outside the cab and capture proof-of-delivery receipts.
• Accounting Software to close the process gap between the order planning and execution functions of a TMS with invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting.
  
  

A Solution Without Surprises 

When times are tight, the last thing you can afford is a strategic technology investment that fails to materialize on time and budget. Magnus Technologies offers a predictable, affordable solution.

The Magnus TMS has a monthly, per-truck fee that eliminates or significantly reduces costs associated with all the known and unknown items from acquisition to end of life. What you see is exactly what you get.

The TMS comes with EDI and is pre-programmed for more than 100 integrated systems (including all the major ELD and accounting platforms). The cloud-based solution also minimizes the need for on-premise data storage and network security management.

Magnus Technologies’ consistent and transparent pricing model gives you one integrated TMS through one monthly fee that generates unlimited savings potential. Contact us today for a tailored demo to see how a modern, SaaS-based TMS can work for you.