Freight brokers and trucking companies live on timely, accurate delivery. Shippers expect fast answers and real-time updates, and the paperwork behind every load has to be right for anyone to get paid. Whether you're a freight broker, a freight agent or a trucking company, the way you manage transportation work is part of what sets you apart.
There isn't one "best" freight broker software for everyone. The right system is the one that fits how your company works. This guide explains what a transportation management system (TMS) does, which features matter most and how to compare options, using Ascend TMS as one example.
What a TMS does
A transportation management system plans, carries out and tracks the movement of freight. For brokers and carriers, it's where loads, carriers, customers, documents and billing come together. Many companies connect it to accounting software, and larger shippers often connect it to a warehouse management system (WMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Features vary by vendor, but most systems built for brokers and carriers cover:
- Load entry and dispatch
- Carrier and customer records
- Document storage for rate confirmations, BOLs and PODs
- Tracking and status updates
- Invoicing, carrier pay and settlements
- Reporting
- Connections to ELDs, load boards and accounting software
The benefits of a TMS
A TMS won't run a business by itself, but used consistently it can help in several ways.
Better customer service. When load status, documents and contacts are in one place, your team can answer shippers and carriers quickly and accurately. Reporting also shows where delays and complaints come from, so you can fix the cause.
Fewer data entry errors. Entering a load once, instead of retyping it into spreadsheets, emails and invoices, cuts mistakes. That matters for brokers and carriers handling a high volume of data every day.
Clearer view of costs. Seeing revenue and cost by load, lane and customer helps you understand which business is profitable and which isn't.
Better planning. Reporting on lanes, carriers and timing helps with load planning and, for shippers, with consolidation and fewer expedited shipments.
Features to look for in freight broker software
When you compare systems, check how each one handles the following.
Load and dispatch management
You should be able to see every load, its status and its financial summary on one screen, and update it quickly. Look for support for split loads, multiple stops, teams and trailer tracking if your operation needs them.
Carrier, customer and location records
Adding and finding carriers, vendors, customers and locations should be quick. For brokers, look for fields that hold carrier authority, insurance and vetting notes.
Reporting
Good reporting answers everyday questions: Who were our most profitable customers in a given city last month? How is each dispatcher or sales rep performing week to week? Check whether you can build the reports you need without outside help.
ELD and telematics connections
Connecting to the ELDs and telematics systems your carriers already use gives you location, ETAs and hours-of-service information in one place. Check which providers a system connects with before you commit.
Tracking without extra apps
Some systems can track a load through a driver's phone using a text message link, without asking the driver to install an app. That can make tracking easier with carriers you don't work with often.
Accounting
Look for invoicing, carrier settlements, accounts payable and receivable, and profit and loss reporting, plus the option to connect your existing accounting software if you'd rather keep it.
Rate information
Some systems include lane rate data so you can compare a quote against recent market rates. Treat any rate index as one input; your own costs and lane history matter just as much.
Other features
Depending on your business, you may also want load board posting, route review, cargo claims tracking, carrier vetting or fraud checks, and payment portals.
Ease of use
Many brokers and small carriers put off using a TMS because they expect a long setup and weeks of training. A system your team can learn quickly is one they'll actually use, and consistent use is what makes the data useful. Before you commit, try the system with a few real loads.
Ascend TMS as an example
Ascend TMS is a cloud-based TMS used by brokers, carriers and freight agents. It runs in a web browser and on mobile devices and covers load management, documents, accounting, reporting, ELD connections and phone-based tracking. Ascend has offered a free basic version along with paid plans; check the vendor's website for current plans, prices and user limits.
Logistical Forwarding Solutions uses Ascend TMS in its own operation. You can read why LFS uses Ascend TMS. We don't sell software, and we have no stake in which system you choose.
How to choose
- List the jobs you need the system to do every day.
- Shortlist a few systems that cover those jobs.
- Check current pricing, user limits and contract terms with each vendor.
- Test each one with real loads before you commit.
- Make sure you can export your data if you change systems later.
Learn more
Freight University covers broker and dispatch operations, including how to set up a TMS, in its training for freight brokers, agents and dispatchers. If you're building a brokerage under your own authority, our freight brokerage setup service can help you plan systems from the start.
Logistical Forwarding Solutions. A carrier-first company.
